Remember Their Names for Career Success

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The Wall Street Journal.com’s (wsj.com) career tip of the week…

One of the most valuable business skills is the ability to remember people’s names…Name recall will boost your image, earn you respect and differentiate you.

You’re not good with remembering names? All is not lost!
Try these tips:

Be sure to repeat the person’s name. “Nice to meet you, Sarah.” Try to say the name several times during your first introduction.
Write the name down or secure a business card as a reminder.
Did you meet two people together? Perhaps a couple? Link their names to try to remember them. I know a couple named Debra and Brett. Once I learned Debra’s name, I used the “B” sound to remind me of Brett’s.
Use a mnemonic device. BuildYourMemory.com suggests: In order to remember that the name of a tall, thin man, that you have just been introduced to is Mr Adamson, you might try the mnemonic of visualising the biblical first man ‘Adam’ (complete with fig leaf), holding a little boy in his arms. Adams son – ‘Adamson.’

Think about how the person looks. For example, Short Shelly, Muscular Mike or Dapper Dave.

Witt Communications suggests that you create an exaggerated image, rhyme or connect a feeling based on the name to help you remember:

Imagine a ham that weighs a ton spinning on the end of Mrs. Hamilton’s nose.
Picture an old-fashioned car jack under Jack’s prominent jaw.
See margarine melting through Margaret’s curly, blond hair.
Dave needs a shave.
Latrice is Patty’s niece.
Michelle, ma belle. (The Beatle’s tune)
Martin Peck is a pain in the neck.
Suzanne Patterson has sweaty palms.
Paula is pushy.

If you make an effort to commit a name to memory, you are much more likely to succeed! It may be worth the effort!

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