by Carmela Mulroe

Created on: January 11, 2009

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. William Shakespeare wrote this line in his legendary play, Romeo and Juliet.

But let's face it, nobody likes to be called by 'any other name'. We all want to be called by our own name and recognized for the person and accolades associated with our name. In Dale Carnegie's Golden Book which highlights the tenets from his infamous book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People", point number 6 under the heading of 'Become a friendlier person', is : "Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."

As we go through our career, one of the challenges we deal with is remembering the names of people we have networked with in the community and oher professional organizations. We've all had those moments when you are at a function with a business associate and a person from within your industry stops by your table to say 'hello'. You know you know this person, but their name has completely escaped your memory. Your brain is frozen. How will you address this person and introduce your colleague?

In order to prevent this situation, some groundwork should be done as you are meeting and networking with others. First, always repeat the person's name to assure that you have the correct pronounciation. Second, use his or her name within the conversation at least once. You might want to ask a question such as, "Laura, could you tell me a little bit more about this merger?" Also use the individual's name as you end your conversation. "Nice meeting you Bob. I hope to see you at the awards ceremony next month." When the event is over, your work is not yet complete. As your memory will still be fresh, it is the time to write down any notes that are applicable to the back of your new acquaintances business cards.

Though these tips will help your memory, they are not infallible. Should you enter into the embarassing situation mentioned above, it would be best to introduce the person you are most familiar with and hopefully, the other person will offer his hand and state who he is.

A good memory is important not only in terms of names but also in the facts and interests pertaining to those individual names. Everyone loves the medical director of our local hospital. Not only does he know the names of people he has met, he makes note of something he learned previously while talking to them. Tenets number 7 and 8 in Carnegie's Golden Book focus on being a good listener and talking in terms of the other person's interests. And though it may seem impersonal, there are many salesmen who ascribe to the practice of keeping file cards on customers interests, families and birthdates. A little information can go along way in winning friends and influencing people. Let's face it. Would you rather do a favor for someone who can't recall your name, or for someone who not only remembers your name but asks about how your mother's battle with cancer is going?

Sorry, Bill, but calling me Sally, just won't smell as sweet to me.

Learn more about this author, Carmela Mulroe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.