What’s in a Name?

Have you heard the saying, “the most beautiful word an individual can ever hear is his or her own name being called by another person? We feel special if someone we have met earlier remembers our name. Many people however, have trouble remembering faces and names. It can beembarrassing and awkward for us if the other person realizes that you do not remember their name and it can potentially spoil relationships with people.

So you canunderstand the importance of paying attention to people’s names…especially business peoplewhen meeting clients or prospective customers. You can either win the loyalty of your clients or lose them due to a faulty memory

When you attend networking functions, instead of relying on those disposable sticky tags, you can get your own engraved or imprinted name badge at your local office supply store. Some even allow you to add art, such as a full-color logo or even a color photo.

In addition to your name, your tag might include your company name, your logo, the URL of your website, your tag line. A catchy URL or slogan can be a conversation starter, inviting the people you meet to ask about your business.

Make your nametag large enough that the people who meet you can recognize the images and read the text. Opt for the magnetic back instead of the pin-on type to eliminate holes in your clothes.

Thinking outside the box, you might consider a name tag with a provocative question or statement on it. It will inspire those you meet to ask questions, and give you an opportunity to tell them about what you do.

Definitely have more than one nametag. It’s wise to have a spare so it is always handy…another idea is to have different nametags designed to appeal to a different audience or emphasize a different benefit.

Wear your nametag proudly at the next networking event you attend. Wear it to professional meetings and conferences, when you make a speech or teach a class, or when you are just out and about running errands. You never know when the person in line with you at the post office will become your next customer

Ask questions that end with a person’s name. For example: “What is the primary reason you’d like your home redesigned, Mary?”

Knowing and remembering names is one of the first steps in building individual or group rapport. Suggested memory tricks:

• As the person introduces himself, visualize his or her name or the first capital letter printed on their forehead.
• Associate a personal feature and say to yourself, for example, “Christina-long, blond hair” or “Robert-southern accent.”
• Connectthe person with an individual, place or thing, sound, physical action, taste or smell.
• Rhyme the name.
• Repeat the name out loud when first being introduced.

What’s in a name? A goldmine! Learning, using, and properly pronouncing customers names is a great first step to building solid relationships built on trust. Win the name game!

“Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”— John Fitzgerald Kennedy

For more information on savvy networking tactics, contact Client Relationship Expert, Sandy Dixon at 877-674-8667 or . info@InteriorArrangements.com