How To Make Sure You Never Forget A Name Again

Writen by Clare Evans

Get Ready

The first step is to prepare yourself mentally. Make a conscious decision to remember all the names of the people you are about to meet.

Listen

When you're about to be introduced to someone, listen carefully and CONCENTRATE! How often does it go in one ear and out the other because we're not really listening or our thoughts are elsewhere?

Repeat

If you miss it, ask them to repeat it. When you first hear someone's name, repeat it straight away, "Good to meet you John" and try to use it three times during your conversation, "So, tell me John …" and when you leave, "Thank-you, John, it was good to meet you ... If you realise you've forgotten their name by the time you come to end the conversation – politely ask them again? This will help reinforce their name in your mind. If it's an unusual name ask how it's spelled.

Association

The easiest way to remember someone's name is by association.

Do they remind you of anyone? A friend, relative, work colleague, actor or well-known person, living or dead?

Do they have the same first name as someone you know? Does their first name or surname create an image in your mind?

What type of person do they look like – a lawyer, an accountant, a typical …salesman, teacher … (what's typical to you will be different from someone else, use your association)?

Does their name link directly to an occupation in which case the image is easier to form – Baker, Gardner, Porter etc.

Create a picture

Now create an image with as many of the elements as possible – the person who they remind you of, a location, the image of their surname and the person you know with the same first name. Make it as visual, colourful, bizarre and as detailed as possible.

For example Michael White – reminds you of an accountant, visualise him with a massive 'white' calculator, pouring over a pile of papers and account books, surrounded by large, colourful numbers.

David Brooks reminds you of Woody Allen and has the same name as your Uncle David – visualise your Uncle David in 'Manhattan' dancing around in a 'brook' that meanders between the buildings.

Another obvious association is between someone's name and a physical feature or trait. The shape of their face, a distinguishing part such as eyes, ears, chin, nose, hair colour etc. Alan Blackburn has big black sideburns (does that translate?). So emphasis the image – see your friend Alan (also called Alan) with big black sideburns or a large 'allen' key with great big Black sideburns.

The first thing you think of is the strongest association – use this, it will make it easier to recall later.

Practice

This might sound like a very long-winded and lengthy approach but the brain is amazingly fast, efficient and brilliant at recognising images. The more you practice, the faster you will get at making associations and the easier it will become. The brain works more effectively with images and the more bizarre they are the more likely you are to recall the information.

Try not to link the image to their clothing or something they are wearing such as jewellery, especially if you are likely to meet them again. They are highly unlikely to be wearing the same thing when/if you next meet them.

If you're with a group of people for a whole day, linking to clothing can work while you get to know them better. It helps to keep recalling their names throughout the day and using their name when in conversation with them.

OK, my examples may not do it for you but hopefully you get the idea.

If you get introduced to more than one person at a time, for instance in a group, take your time, scan each face and find the association. The more you do it the faster you'll become and the easier the associations will be to find.

Review

Another important key to remembering names and faces is to review them regularly. When you're at a meeting or social event, you can briefly scan the faces in the room and recall the names. The more often you do this, the more likely you are to remember them. When you get home, recall their face. If you have their business card, recall their face linked to their card and if possible do the same the following day and a week later to get it into longer-term memory.

The more often you associate the face with the name, the more likely you are to remember them the next time you meet them. You know how good it feels when someone actually remembers your name and people are always flattered when you do.

Use these ideas and with a little practice you need never forget a name again.

Clare works with individuals and small business owners to help them plan and organise their time more effectively. Learn how to prioritise, plan and delegate, organise your perfect life, organise it effectively and enjoy the process. Spend your time doing what matters and stop worrying about the things that don't.

Sign-up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.clareevans.co.uk or send an email to claresnews@aweber.com and receive free tips on managing your time.

Copyright 2006: Clare Evans

Effortless Networking Getting Other People To Show Up And Network

Writen by Sri Dasgupta

A reader emailed me this question recently: "How do I get other people to show up and network?"

That's an interesting question.

My immediate response was, what do you mean by "show up and network"? Show up where? And "do" what?

In other words, what exactly do you mean by "networking"? What action do you want and expect these other people to take?

These questions are important, because let's be clear: you can't get anyone to do anything they don't want to (or aren't able to).

However, if you can explain to someone what you want from them, they can tell you whether or not they're willing and able to do what you're asking for.

So if you're having trouble getting people to "network" with you, here's what you do:

1. Be clear in your own mind about what you want these other people to do. What specific action do you want them to take?
2. Approach people who you think may be willing and able to do whatever it is that you want. And ask them.
3. If they agree, you're on a roll. If they aren't able to do what you want, ask if they can suggest or introduce you to someone else who can. Then repeat step 2.

If you think this is too simplistic or generic, I dare you to try it out!

Often, the simplest things are the most powerful and effective.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta Sri Dasgupta helps business professionals get better results from their business networking efforts through focused and relevant conversations. She is the author of the Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life, and writes regular articles offering business networking tips and related resources.

Finding Networking Opportunities Is Easy

Writen by Leni Chauvin

Business networking is all about forming strong relationships built on mutual respect and trust. Those relationships are the , The basis for the single most important tool that we all need if we want to survive in the competitive 21st century.

I'm talking about referrals and today's savvy business professionals know that,just as night 
follows day,networking leads to referral business.

Opportunities to network--to meet people for mutual support (and 
eventually referrals)--are everywhere. Here are just a few places to 
consider starting your networking efforts:

Professional Associations
Join your professional association. It's a powerful source of 
richly rewarding contacts that can result in a tremendous number of referrals from people with a different specialty than yours. If possible, join the professional association of your target market. 
Form networking relationships there. See and be seen among the members and before you 
know it, you will be considered the "go-to" person in your industry.

Special Interest Groups
Whether you're interested in sports, the Internet, politics, crafts, 
poetry, theater, travel, or underwater basket weaving, there are other people who share your interests. Ask around, look at your local newspaper listings or search the Internet for groups you can join.

Newcomers Clubs
If you're new to a city and haven't had the chance to meet many 
people yet, you'll be delighted to learn that a lot of communities all 
over the world have clubs for people just like you.

Type your town or city and the term "newcomers club" into your 
favorite search engine and you'll be able to tap into people who can help you start networking in your area.

Networking Events
Again, go to your favorite search engine. Type in your locale and 
the term "networking events."

Your Local Newspaper
Review the business section of your local newspaper. Often they list upcoming events for the week in Monday's edition. If you can't find any networking opportunities listed there, call a business reporter 
and ask him or her to point you in the right direction. The call 
itself can be a very powerful networking moment.

Leads Groups
These are structured networking organizations usually limited to one person per occupation. The purpose is primarily to exchange business referrals, and the amount of business that comes from a well-run group can be staggering. I started and ran my own leads groups for over a decade and I know how powerful they can be in accelerating business growth.

Again, ask around for a good group in your area or search the search engines under "business networks," "leads groups," or "referral groups" plus your town or city's name.

Workshops and Seminars
These can be wonderful networking opportunities, especially the ones 
that run over several days. Take advantage of the interactive exercises and the breaks to get to know other participants. Staying 
in touch after the event is over is key in deepening those 
relationships

Volunteering
Do something good for others while creating lasting relationships with your volunteer colleagues. Knock people's socks off with what 
you do as a volunteer and it will give people an indication of how you 
conduct your business. This will make you incredibly attractive to 
potential referral partners in the group.

Chambers of Commerce
Check out the networking opportunities that your local Chamber of 
Commerce offers. Also use them as a resource for finding other networking events in your community.

Parental Networking
Opportunities abound to meet people through your children. Whether you're leading a Scout troop, chaperoning a dance, attending a soccer game, setting up carpools, or manning a booth at a bake sale, doesn't 
matter. What matters is that it's pretty well impossible not to create relationships with other parents when you are surrounded by them.

The Best Place to Network
The best place to network is always where members of your target market hang out.

Bottom Line:If you want more business, you need referrals, and if you want referrals, you need to network.

(c) Copyright Leni Chauvin

Leni Chauvin, The Client Attraction Coach™, has helped thousands of self-employed and commissioned professionals attract more clients, make more money, and have more fun while they're doing it. For tons of f.r.e.e. client attraction, networking, and marketing resources including the mini course "7 Key Client Attraction Tools For Solo Professionals" visit http://www.AttractClientsGalore.com

What Is A Mastermind Group

Writen by Keith MacLean

A mastermind group is a collection of people from the same or different educational, financial, and cultural backgrounds who meet periodically to discuss issues that they face in the world. These issues can be anything the group would like to discuss. Many mastermind groups have been founded for specific reasons that the members have agreed are issues that interest them and need to be addressed. Mastermind groups have been started in many different fields including business, retail, real estate, education, and others. A group is usually eight to ten people who meet regularly at a specified meeting place.

The mastermind group was founded on the theory that two or more minds working toward a solution to an issue is better than one mind working alone. The group members feel that as individuals their judgment is not always accurate when trying to work through an issue at work or in business because they are bringing in too many other issues into the mix. A mastermind group can help a person stay focused on one issue. Everyone will work to solving the issue or at least offer advice on what to do next.

It is up to the group to decide how often they want to meet and where. They will also decide who will bring an issue to the table and who will start the discussion. It is a good idea to designate a moderator each time the group meets so that the group stays focused. As in any group setting, individuals will find a few people that they are closer to than others. This may pose a problem for some. Being able to trust everyone in the group is important and should be established early on so that people do not branch off into smaller groups within the group and begin to take sides when tough issues come up.

This is the unfortunate outcome of many groups. But by discussing these pitfalls early on, hopefully they will not become problems for the group later on. A mastermind group can be a powerful force in a person's life. Having others to talk candidly with about important matters is a great relief to many people.

Keith MacLean, check out the MasterMind group that is literally going to change the world. http://www.20minds.com

How To Generate A Huge Income From Your Business Free

Writen by Cynthia Minnaar

It is possible for you to generate a huge income with your business using only word of mouth advertising, especially if the program you are advertising has a detailed step-by-step training program, which makes it so simple for the newcomers to duplicate exactly what you are doing.

Here is an example to consider: Say you tell 10 people who trust your recommendations about your business. Out of those 10 people, say just 3 decide to join your business.

Watch how quickly this can grow without any more effort from you.

Now, those 3 people are reading and acting on the same steps outlined in the training program provided and they tell 10 people about the business so 9 more people sign up right away. Next, those 9 people each tell 10 people about the business and 27 of those 90 visitors sign up right away and so it goes on and on building a solid foundation for a huge, free advertising campaign.

The key to realize is that you can reach your income goals, and surpass them, as long as you have the faith to continue moving forward.

It is a simple fact that a large and growing percentage of people in countries where Internet access is available are looking for ways to earn extra income from home online.

The market for your business is massive. Your ability to reach that market is what you need to develop! A great place to start is by telling everyone you know about your business: You can do it in person; with a personal letter; with a phone call; with email. The important thing is to just do it!

Make a list of all the people you know. Write or type down the person's name and how to contact them. Do not judge the list at first. Just take the next few hours of your day and think of everyone you know. Make one column with the person's name and make another column with the method you prefer to communicate with this person (example: face-to-face, personal letter, telephone, email, etc.).

Whatever you do, do not underestimate the power of this list. The list that you develop now could be the goldmine you have been searching for that will lead you to a lifetime of financial success and personal freedom.

Remember, the only one you cheat is yourself if you did not complete this exercise to the best of your ability. That, and you could also be cheating others out of finding your business because if they do not find it through you, they may never find it and that could cause them to remain stuck in financial struggle, or worse, they could get taken advantage of by some other business opportunity they try that has no chance of working for them.

Once you have your master list, you need to take action and contact everyone you can (or feel reasonably comfortable contacting about your business) through your preferred method of communication:

Face to face: Telling people about your business face-to-face can be very effective.

Letter: Some people you know would appreciate receiving a personal letter in the mail. Here is your opportunity to contact your family and friends who have not heard from you in a long time and who would appreciate a letter from you and you can promote your business at the same time!

Just be yourself and make what you do known to others. There is no need to be pushy and do not try to sell them anything. Your website will take care of all the selling for you. More and more people are naturally looking for ways to earn extra money from home and if it is not you who introduces them to your business, it could be someone else.

Telephone: Some people are very comfortable talking and sharing information over the phone. As always, just be yourself. People are attracted to confidence and confidence is a by-product of being you. Therefore, when you relax and be yourself, people will be attracted to you and interested in what you are doing. When people are interested in what you are doing, they will naturally find out about your business. If it is the right thing for them, they will join without any arm twisting or any other high pressure sales tactics.

Email: Here is another super easy way to tell people you know about your business.

Remember, the more people you contact, the faster your profits will grow! Keep in mind nothing is ever perfect. Do not sit around waiting until you have got the perfect message to send. Just communicate. Do not hold back. Above all, be yourself. Get busy and start emailing your friends and family now.

This is a very powerful method of advertising that many people either overlook or shy away from, but you can literally make all your financial dreams come true using this free method of advertising.

Cynthia Minnaar works from home online and invites you to visit http://www.cyns-home-biz.com for web income generating ideas and opportunities, articles and marketing tools.