I was recently at a networking lunch, and I (once again!) found myself wondering what someone’s name was mere minutes after we introduced ourselves to one another.
The simple fix? After a person introduces themselves, say, “Nice to meet you, Person’s Name.” According to this animated video review of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, this technique of repeating the person’s name does wonders to retain a new name in your brain.
The video goes on to summarize the big ideas in Carnegie’s 1936 book (which I’ve never read, by the way):
- A person’s name is the sweetest sound to them in any language.
- Admit when you are wrong and apologize—without delay.
- Make others feel important—genuinely.
The second two? Totally get ’em. The first one? It’s a revelation. I rarely use others’ names (unless I’m stringing together the whole extended family’s worth when I’m yelling at one of the kids), but I’ve certainly noticed that I appreciate others using mine. Not in that smarmy salesperson way, but in a sincere one.
Not using others’ names is probably symptomatic of my introversion. But, Blog Reader, I’m committed to putting “name calling” into practice for the sake of better relationships.
And better networking.
I’ll let you know, Blog Reader, how it goes. (Too smarmy? Sorry.)