Networking Etiquette 4 Ways To Remember Names At A Networking Event Without Missing A Beat

Writen by Leesa Barnes

You've been there. You enter a room and someone walks up to you, yelling out your name at the top of their lungs. You rack your brains, trying to remember who this lady is, but your mind draws a blank. Instead of yelling her name back, you shout out "Hey!" instead. Nice.

Remembering people's names will help you to open doors and close deals. When you can recall someone's name, not only do you make him or her feel special, but you also give the impression that you pay attention to the finer details. Knowing someone's name can spell the difference between getting a warm referral or being brushed off.

Here are some clever techniques you can use so you never forget another name again.

• Repeat it over and over. Saying the person's name a few times after meeting him or her can help you tuck their name into your memory for good. Because some of us learn best when we hear things, you should repeat the name over and over throughout your conversation. Just remember not to make every other word the person's name; otherwise, you'll come across as weird. Instead, begin every third or fourth sentence with the person's name.
  

• Remember a unique detail about the person. Ann could have striking blue eyes, Rod could have really broad shoulders or Yolanda could be wearing a pink dress. Because some of us are visual learners, associating a unique physical trait to the person you just met may help you in recalling their name at a later date.
  

• Give them a moniker. Use a nickname or an alliteration to jog your memory. For example, if you meet me, Leesa, at a networking event, you can tell yourself that I'm "Lovable Leesa," simply because you felt I had a likeable personality. Diane could be "Delirious Diane," because of her boisterous laugh or Milton could be known as "Miserable Milton" if he tended to frown all evening. Whatever moniker you choose, keep it to yourself so you don't offend the person.
  

• Use technology. Using a personal data assistant (PDA) is an excellent way to remember someone's name. Before you go to a meeting or head into a networking event, you can consult your PDA quickly to catch up on some of the names of people who you met at the event or company the last time you were there.

Just because you have difficulty remembering people's names, doesn't mean that you should stop networking altogether. Instead, follow the simple tips above and your memory will never fail you the next someone bellows your name from the highest terrace.

Leesa Barnes, The Schmooze Coach, helps consultants, virtual assistants, professional organizers, coaches and solopreneurs avoid cold calling by developing a fearless networking plan. Leesa is author of "Schmooze Your Way to Success: 9 Fearless Networking Tips for the Shy, Timid, Introverted & Just Plain Clueless." Go to http://www.schmoozeyourwaytosuccess.com/ecourse.html and sign up for her free 8-lesson ecourse called "From Clueless to Fearless: Secrets from the Schmooze Coach."