Okay, I can’t leave you hanging. Here are a few tips on remembering someone’s name.

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In your mind write the person’s name in big black bold letters across the person’s forehead. This may be difficult if you don’t know how to spell the person’s name. Since I am a very visual person, I ask for the spelling of their name, especially if the name is unfamiliar. I see it in my mind’s eye and it helps me remember. But the real key to remembering anything is to use the information! Try to say the person’s name at least three times in your initial conversation. Make sure to get a business card, if appropriate and out of their presence write on the back where you met the person and something interesting about the person.

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If you find yourself searching for a person’s name 30 seconds after an introduction, go ahead and ask for it again. Odds are great they are mentally searching for your name as well and will be relieved at the chance to start over. If the person is of high authority this technique will not work, be sure and get their name and title the first time. Concentrate and repeat in your head often. To remember someone’s name is a conscious decision. Remember to remember.

Tess & Dave Coffill, Holly & Catherine Rauser

A deadly mistake too many people make in business is not remembering someone’s name. Dave E. Coffill, one of America’s leading memory instructors spoke at my recent seminar “Fast Track Back to Work: Tools you need to get hired.” Until I met Dave Coffill I can safely say I have never met anyone who could say, “I am good at remembering names.”

Dale Carnegie said, “If you remember my name, you pay me a subtle compliment; you indicate that I have made an impression on you. Remember my name and you add to my feeling of importance.” According to Dr. Ellen Weber researchers have used PET scans to view the brain and when someone’s name is spoken in their presence a part of the brain that processes “self” lights up. Dr. Ellen Weber states, “research confirms you also spark thier brain’s sense of worth, and add value to their day.” Again I am astounded and amazed by Dale Carnegie’s intuitive intelligence.

Be sure to add value to someone’s day by saying their name when you greet them. Have trouble remembering? You are not alone. I will be attending Dave Coffill’s Memory Workshop at the Santa Clara Convention Center April 21st-22nd. That’s if I remember…