The way we introduce ourselves and others can leave us branded. Branded either for the good and highlighting what is uniquely our strengths. Or, branded negatively by shining a spotlight on our weak areas.
Does your brand belong to the brand of a consummate professional or an inexperienced novice?
There is so much that is normally going on during the course of introductions to others. Sometimes we’re at a “grip, grin and graze” and we don’t even have a free hand to shake with. Sometimes we’re trying so hard to formulate our “elevator pitch” that we never hear what the other person even said. Or, we spend more time distracted by digging to find a business card that the person we met is wondering if we’re desperately searching out a snack or money item. And often, we forget the person’s name in a matter of seconds and engage in conversation that is frankly meaningless.
It’s those little things that do make a great difference in not only being visible but being memorable to someone. A great introduction also gives you the opportunity to begin establishing rapport and credibility.
It is so true! We light up and engage when someone calls us by name. We feel remembered, special and important. Imagine if you can do that for someone that you meet? You truly will stand head and shoulders above everyone they meet in such a positive way! Yet so many have convinced themselves and rationalized (rational lies) that they cannot remember names. I believe that whatever you focus on you create. So, focusing on the fact that you cannot remember names creates the mindset and environment to forget names easily. Jack Canfield, author and speaker, shared that “if I told you to not think of a cat chasing a dog – you just visualized, in your mind, a cat chasing a dog.” Your mind couldn’t help creating the scenario. So, the same scenario of not being able to remember names is created.
First, believe that you can remember names. Ask yourself, what am I doing right now to remember names? It could be that you’re focusing more and being distracted less. Maybe you’ve crafted a few “elevator pitches” to use so you free up your mind to really listen when meeting people.
Next, when you meet someone, make sure you repeat their name to ensure that you heard it correctly. In first time meetings, sometimes there so much activity or it’s so fast paced that we really didn’t hear what someone said. Slow down and make sure you heard someone’s name clearly and that you really did get it. Of all the things to spend time on when you’re meeting someone, this is an investment that will yield great returns.
Then, ask something about the spelling of their name of ask for a visual. A business card is usually great for this as is a name tag. When those tools aren’t available, then you can ask them to spell it out verbally or have them write it on the back of one of your business cards. The visual and sound will help you remember.
Now, introduce them to someone so that their name really sticks with you and you are seen as someone helpful all in one action. You will remember their name.
What do you do to remember names and brand yourself as a professional?
Cross-posted on TheBuzz101
Author: Maria Elena Duron | chief buzz officer, speaker and coach focused on helping you move, touch and inspire others to action and speak positively on your behalf at buzz2bucks | word of mouth firm
I launched this Blog with one objective - to provide unique insights and practical advice for using the power of personal branding to achieve your goals. It’s dedicated to those who want to be wildly successful by maximizing what makes them unique, relevant and compelling.
Maria, some great suggestions. I have also found that when someone hands you their business card, take a moment to really read it and see if you csan find something to comment on and mention their name. For example – “Oh Maria I see that you have a company called Buzz2Bucks – what does it do? “.
Also just be mindful if writing on the back of someones business card not to do it in front of them, wait for an opportune moment (unless they have created a space on there marked NOTES) – some cultures find this practice highly offensive. Just my toonies worth.
Really enjoyed this Maria. In particular I like the tip of introducing them to someone to help remember their name. I will be certainly posting a link to this on my company fan page on Facebook.
I find if I ask a couple of quick follow-up questions and use their name at least once at the start ” wow maria that sounds exciting” or “Maria I would love to catch up sometime and talk further about this” it helps me recall their name.