My wife and I share the same name- well she's Patricia and I'm Patrick, but for all of our lives, we've both gone by just Pat. When ever we meet another couple, we always make it easy for them by just telling them we're both Pat Gruber. That usually gets a few chuckles, but the real oohs and ahs come when we tell them that we also have the same birthday, and we were born in the same hospital. We're actually just a few hours apart. We grew up in the same small town, but didn't meet until we were in junior high school. It was love at first sight for me- not so sure about Pat, but I eventually won her over! This week we celebrate 36 years of marriage- seems like only yesterday we were passing notes in music class in 9th grade......
Well, all of this has me thinking about the importance of our names. Many of us go to networking events or other places where we meeting many new people, and getting their names logged into our memories can be a challenge. I don't know how many times I've seen someone who I know I should recall their name, but am just drawing a blank. Sometimes it's almost comical when I'm doing everything possible to remember a name but to no avail. I think my wife and I have found the solution- from now on, everyone we meet should be named Pat. Problem solved!
Seriously, here are a few things to try when trying to remember someone's name...
1. When they tell you their name, immediately say it out loud back to them. It not only helps you remember, but it lets the person know you're sincerely trying to remember them.
2. Try to associate their name with something funny or unique about them, or something in history that you already know. For example, I have friends with a couple of sons who I could not keep straight who was who. Their names were Josh and Matt. Josh was the oldest. Now, both of these names are Biblical- Joshua is from the Old Testament, and Mathew is from the New Testament. So, when I saw the older brother, I thought Old Testament, and knew his name was Josh- and so on.
3. As soon as possible, write the person's name down, and some fact that you learned about them. Then go back to your office and review your notes or cards so the next time you see that person, you can greet them by name as soon as you see them. Then watch them fidget as they try to remember who you are!
These are just a few ideas that work for me (sometimes). How about you? Got any secrets to share?
Remember, everyone likes to hear their name called, and everyone likes to be remembered. If you want to really make a positive impression on someone, learn their name and say it often.
Pat, I took your content and posted it on my blog with a link to yours...this is really a well done piece, and I appreciate your thoughts. We had next door neighbors at our old house that were Pat and Pat...great stuff.
Happy Anniversary! Have a great week!
Posted by: Chip Scholz | June 29, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Pat, I always thought your story about your names and birthplace was so cool. The only way you could have topped that would have been if you had both had the same last names - now THAT would have been something. Happy Anniversary to you and Pat!
Posted by: Donna Arnlund | June 30, 2009 at 04:30 PM