What is the Sweetest Sound?

What's the one thing that every customer has?

Their name ... USE IT!

“A person's name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language’ – Dale Carnegie? How to Win Friends and Influence People

There are multiple benefits and advantages associated with using a person’s name in any form of communication, yet never more so than in person, especially face-to-face.

Names are an important part of a person’s identity, often carrying deep personal, cultural, familial, and even historical connection. Names provide a sense of who we are, the communities we belong to, and our place in the world.

When asked ... “Who are you?” ... most people will reply by simply giving their name.

Using someone’s name in conversation is first and foremost a sign of respect. It also makes the person feel important ... it certainly makes them feel valued and seen. It creates connection, builds stronger bonds, and strengthens relationships.

Remember: Business today is all about relationships!

However, a word of caution ... repeating a person’s name too often can be perceived as manipulative and a sign of insincerity.

The greatest gift that we can give another is time and attention. Using their name is a demonstration of exactly that, it also indicates that you are listening.

It’s also important to use a person’s name the same way in which they were introduced to you. If the person is introduced to you as Elizabeth, Victoria, Richard, or Edward, it is NOT okay to refer to them as Betty, Vicky, Dick, or Ted ... unless they give you specific permission to do so.

If in doubt ... ASK?

And another no-no ... avoid using hail-names ...? or colloquial vocatives to give them their more formal name.

More about hail-names in next week’s Service Mastery.

#servicemastery #serviceleadership #designdeliverdelight #whoserveswins