My top 3 tips for remembering a person’s name

One of the most important things you can do in business (and in life!) is to remember people’s names. Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.”?

I’ve developed a system to help me remember names. Yesterday was a perfect example. I used my top three “always” tips when I was at my doctor’s office for a routine physical:

A nurse, whom I never met before, began by asking some standard questions and taking my blood pressure. But she didn’t mention her name.?So I asked her.

“What’s your name?” (#1)?

She replied: “Adrian.”?

“Like in Rocky?” I asked. (#2) She said yes! It was one of her favorite movies growing up.?

When I got home, I wrote her name down in my daily journal: Adrian - like in Rocky. (#3)

#1. ALWAYS find out a person’s name! If they don’t tell you up front, ask them.

#2. ALWAYS think of a connection. Extra credit if you mention it back to them.?

#3. ALWAYS write it down after meeting. The sooner the better. Next time, look at your notes from a previous visit to refresh your memory.

All three steps are essential. Don’t skip!