It's Wednesday. Do You Remember My Name?

Welcome back!

It was brought to my attention yesterday that some people might not get the "hump day" reference and I don't want anyone to be confused. Looking at the work week (or school week), which is traditionally five days, Wednesday is in the middle and considered the "hump". Once you make it over the hump the rest of the week is a glorious downhill ride. I'm here to hopefully make your hump day a little more pleasant and easier to climb over. Got it? Good.

Moving on.

As I mentioned last week, I'll be giving you some networking tips to do when out socializing that will help you add names and faces to your mental rolodex.

1. The handshake

a. When you meet someone look them in the eye, shake their hand and repeat their name out loud after they say it. This will help you remember their name and hopefully be able to retrieve it from your memory when you see them next.

b. Give them a good one. I’d prefer to get a hand shake that temporarily cuts off my circulation than a soft one that leaves me feeling unfulfilled.

2. Business cards:

a. When someone gives you their business card LOOK AT IT! You must look at it while they are standing there right in front of you for a few reasons. It is yet another method of helping remember their name and where you met them. Also, it can be perceived as rude for the simple fact that it takes three seconds to get a good look at one of those and if you’re not going to take the time to just glance down, then why even take the card?

b. Do not be afraid to write down keywords on their business card. I initially learned not to do it in front of the person, but I find that people are appreciative because you are making a point to guarantee that they stay in your memory.

c. Upon purchasing business cards, opt out of the tempting glossy finish on both sides. You want to give people, such as myself, the opportunity to write on them.

d. Keep them. One of my desk drawers is dedicated solely to my business card collection. Rummage through them occasionally to remember some people that may be lost in your memory.

3. Names:

a. If you’re not sure how to pronounce their name, have them spell it and then repeat it to make sure that you are saying it correctly.

b. I forget names all the time. It’s incredibly difficult remembering every name and face after only meeting them once (sometimes even twice... or three times) unless the meeting managed to make quite the impression on you. If you forget someone’s name, don’t be afraid to ask them again. I’ve had great conversations with people and had to ask them to tell me their names at the end of our conversations. Don’t be afraid to say that you don’t remember because odds are they don’t remember your name either.

Now go out there and introduce yourself to people, chat them up, get their card, give them yours and don't forget to smile.

Cheers!