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As previously discussed, the sweetest sound to someone’s ear is the sound of their own name. It stands to reason then that using someone’s name when communicating with them can only enhance the quality and effectiveness of both the communication and the relationship.

The challenge them becomes, how do you remember the names of all the people you come in contact with?

Like most things in life, the more you use something, the better you become at using it. Using people’s names is no different; the more you use them, the better you become at remembering them.

When meeting someone for the first time, endeavour to use their name in conversation as quickly and as often as possible. Rather than just saying ‘nice to meet you’, add their name to the end. ‘Nice to meet you Graham’, and when asking them a question, say ‘tell me Graham, how…’. Use it or lose it.

Of course, the number of people whose names you would like to remember may run into many hundreds, maybe even thousands, making it almost impossible to remember everyone’s name. However, as with most achievements, ‘intention’ is fundamental to determining a successful outcome.

I have always been fascinated with people’s self talk. "I can never remember jokes" or "I can never remember people’s names". And guess what, they can’t. James Allen’s ‘As a Man Thinketh’ sums it up best when he refers to life ultimately being a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even Henry Ford said ‘if you think you can, or think you can’t, either way you’re right.’

Remembering people’s names is no different. It starts with a personal determination to be good at it.

But whilst intention is important, employing some simple strategies can also assist.

Based on Confucius’ wisdom of ‘short pencil better than long memory’, ensure that you have some method of keeping accurate details of the names of people you wish to remember. In addition to my electronic database of clients, prospects, suppliers and friends, I also maintain a customised ‘Rolodex’ type tickler file. This sits on my desk for easy reference. It may not be super sophisticated, but it works for me.

Another simple strategy that works is to ensure that you get business cards from the people you meet. And when you get back to your office or home that night, write on the back of each card where you met them, the date, and any other piece of information that may help you remember their name.

Another option you may wish to consider is to enroll into a ‘memory course’. These courses, of which several abound, can provide specific strategies to improve your memory. They also help dispel the myth that your memory fades as you get older. In fact quite the reverse is true.

Remembering people’s names is a zero cost investment that guarantees to give you very high returns.

Until next week, many happy customer returns!

Graham Harvey APS

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