6 Big Blunder
Forgetting Names

Who steals my purse steals trash. … But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.

—William Shakespeare, Othello

Remembering someone’s name is one of the most powerful tools for networking and building relationships. There is nothing greater than the sound of one’s own name. Normally, people are so focused on what they are going to say when they meet someone, they either don’t hear that person’s name or they just don’t remember it. Many people are offended and take it very personally when their name is not remembered. The first or second time you forget someone’s name, you should apologize and ask for his or her name again. If it is still a problem for you, make sure you get the person’s name from someone else.

Remembering names does matter!

Ask Yourself These Crucial Questions

How do I feel when someone remembers my name?

Am I uncomfortable when I forget another person’s name?

When people remember my name at a meeting, event, or workshop, am I more inclined to think about doing business with them?

Tips

If at an event with someone you know, ask that person to remind you of names you have forgotten.

If you cannot recall someone’s name, own up to it and ask for his or her name again. If you have asked multiple times, do not ask again; it is insulting if the person has told you more than two times.

When you are being introduced, focus on the other person’s name, not on what you want to say after the introduction.

Repeat the person’s name immediately (for example, “John, it is so nice to meet you.”).

Visualize the name (for example, try to see it written across the person’s forehead).

Use the person’s name throughout the conversation. Be careful you don’t repeat it so often that it becomes awkward.

Try to associate this person’s name with an object or another person with the same name (for example, you might associate Justin Allen with Justin Bieber, Ronald Smith with Ronald Regan, Mr. Campbell with Campbell’s Soup, and so on).

When people express interest in talking to you again, add them to your phone on the spot.

Write down something you learned about people you met so that you can recall it when you speak to them again. This also helps you remember them for the next time you see them.

Many of the previous strategies for remembering are not easy to learn. However, with time, practice, and awareness, you will be able to use them effectively. The ability to remember names is a powerful tool. It will help you in your quest to increase your competitive advantage.