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Oh, If only I could remember his name...

Do you struggle with names? This has personally plagued me for years and is a constant struggle in a people business where we meet new potential clients on a daily basis. However, I also know that there is no quicker way to impress someone than to remember their name, especially after a long time has gone by.

Here's a tip from a memory master (and yes, I paid dearly for a seminar that I am boiling down to a 30 second email because I am all about, say it with me, helping you make more money, make it faster, and with less cost). Here you go with the tip -

Use the SAVE method:

S - Say name 3 times when first talking to them

A - Ask a question about the name

V - Visualize a memory hook. If their name is Lake, visualize them swimming in a lake

E - End the conversation with their name

You won't believe how well this little tip works when we put it into play.

Carpe diem,

Chris

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Posted by Chris Pollinger on 02/24/2009 10:26 AM

Comments (69)

Memory Tips in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

memory tips

Originally posted at: Chris' Blog: Oh, If only I could remember his name...

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69 Comments on Oh, If only I could remember his name...

FEB

Chris...

I do struggle with that. I actually make up a rhyme or associate it with something. I find myself wondering if as we age our brain just goes on over load. I used to be able to remember everyones name and phone number. Now I can't even remember my own name most of the time. I wonder if there's a way to purge some of what I store in my head :)

TLW...ROAR!

I really needed these tips I am so bad with names.

I went to a seminar many many years ago and the speaker went around the room of about 200 people (no one knew he was the speaker) and introduced himeself as someone else and got our names and had a short conversation with everyone. Then everyone took their seats and he went up in stage and had everyone stand. He said when he points to you and says your name sit down. When he was done there wasn't anyone standing. His simple strategy was to say their name in your head 5 times and then use it in the conversation with them. (Of course, I still have a problem with names since I haven't followed the method)

I too have issues remembering names. I do like your list, especially the association of their name with a memory hook.

I have always been bad with names, on the flip side I will remember your face ten years later... I try to enhance my name recollection by the same methods. I always say the name 3-4 times during our first meeting and a few times upon following meetings. It really helps!

Thanks for a great post. This has also been a big problem for me. Now if I could just remember what save means (kidding)

Tony

Thanks for a great post. This has also been a big problem for me. Now if I could just remember what save means (kidding)

Tony

Chris: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I strugle with this, but I don't think its worse than most people, but my 11 year old has something in his brain where he truly can't remember names and faces. He remembers in detail books that he read 4 months ago, but can't remember the name of someone he has had a relationship for a while. It makes his life very difficult.

I will teach him this technique.

Tere

Good points I certainly need the help. We work with someone for two weeks then we don't see them for two years and oh how embarrassing when you can recall their names. Thanks for sharing.

I also had a time remembering people's name. I always repeat their names as you mentioned in the "save" tipes. My husband, on the other hand, has a memory like an elephant and remembers names so easily..

Chris I just tried to subscribe to your blog by email, and it gave me a message error.

Good tips to help our memory, I know I need it. I also hear eating a lot of fish helps =)

I too can forget a name. Thanks for the SAVE tips, I will apply them

Chris,

Thanks so much for thsi tip. I am going to practice this. I will also reblog, so my clients will receive the benefit of your knowledge.

Have a great day
Make Thsi YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander

I am going to use this tip of yours, as I have SUCH A HARD TIME REMEMBERING NAMES AS WELL!!! I NEVER forget a face, but the name is another problem. I will DEFINITELY use this tip! Thanks!

Hi Chris! I have tried every system known and sometimes it work - sometimes it doesn't! I find that if I repeat the name during the conversation and then say it after the conversation is over - I usually have it! Thanks for the SAVE method. I'll try that, too!

I had trouble remembering names. It was very frustrating. I make it a point to remember names now. I use this sort of thing to help me remember. I also remember the names of my clients kids. When I talk to them, I ask how the kids (by name of course) are doing. This really means so much to people. If you are not one who remembers, make it a point to remember the name in any way possible. It means so much. I really liked this post! Thanks!

Chris, you are so right! I have these tips saved SOMEWHERE, but who knows where, so thank you for the reminder. (Pun intended!)

FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for your help with this. I plan to put this to work immediately!

I also have a tough time with names. I usually apologize up front, and try to write it down as soon as possible. Writing it seems to help alot.

I don't have a problem with this, but thanks for sharing. I've been struggling to come up with something to help some of the agents in my office who run and get me when someone familiar is walking across the parking lot so I can tell them what their name is before they reach the door. I'm going to implement this immediately.

I am with Brian. I am also terrible with names, most of the time. It doesn't matter is a client or just a casual friend, I always write their name down as soon as I finished the conversation with them. I also apologize up front to prospects that I am not good with names, they usually tell me they are the same way. Thanks for your tip.

Dear Chris,

Thanks for the tips! I especially have a problem with this at an open house when several people come in at once. I spen so much time trying to remember one name, that I forget the others.

I always hope that they will sign the guest list!

Barbara

Good morning, Chris. Thanks for sharing the great tips. I'm horrible at remembering names. I'm going to give your tips a try.

Thank you for the great advice. It is very embarrassing when you can't recall a name and I'm going to put this to use immediately!

Good morning, Chris. Thanks for sharing the great tips. I'm horrible at remembering names. I'm going to give your tips a try.

That's right. Use their name as much as you can in the intial meeting.

OMG, you may have just changed my life!!! Thank you for that tip!

Interesting memorization techniques...thank you.

Hi-first off, I love your photo. Touching. Do you have a hard time putting the 3 names in the conversation?? Just curious. It sounds like a great technique. I'm just wondering if it sounds canned?

I'm SO bad at names. It's basically in one ear out the other. By the time I realize I didn't listen the first time, I feel awkward asking again. Hopefully these tips will help me.

Some great ideas. I think we all forget names at times.

Thanks for the tips. I have such a bad memory-especially when it comes to names and it is very embarrasing. Now, if I can just remember the acronmyn SAVE!!

I like some other realtors can remember properties that I have shown, but have a hard time remembering who I showed it to. I do apply the repeat three times rule.

I have a terrible time with names. Thank you for the tips to remember. Sounds like I will be trying them.

Happy Tuesday!!
Lori

Chris - I don't know if you're a fan of the show "The Office", but last week there was a funny episode about how the branch manager (Steve Carrell) remembers names. Very funny. Your post made me think of it!

I worked in procurement for years before I became a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, and I would have vendors coming in and out of my office daily trying to establish a relationship with me. I remembered very few by name, most by company. Today I am even worse. I am really going to try your trick, because everytime I meet someone at a party and then encounter them at a futre event...rarely do I remember their name...and how RUDE is that?!? I need to be more considerate, so thank you for sharing!

Excellent advice. I've found that focusing on really hearing the name (so often we're already thinking of what we're going to say) and using it 3 times makes a huge difference in remembering a name.

~ Mark

http://Condolaw.net

Wow comment #3 is sickly amazing...200 people! I continue to struggle with this, but if I can remember that I struggle and follow a similar process to this post I find that it does help. The problem I have is remembering to do it. :-)

I am soooooo bad with names. I have always thought how impressive it would be if I could not only remember my customers/clients names but also their children. I recently showed a house to a woman and she had her little boy with her. I remember even saying to him - well, that sure is a neat name - do I remember it now? Did I remember it even when we were leaving the house that I showed her? Heck no. How horrible of me. When I went to email her - I would have loved to say - it was nice meeting you and ________ but heck I couldn't remember her sons name for nothing!!

So, thanks for your tip. I will try that! I'm sure it will help a great deal! That is one of my goals - to remember names much better than I do now!! Or don't! LOL.

Thanks so much! As an ex-politician, it was so important to remember names. The "save" method is one that works. People really do love it when you remember their name. Great 30 second advice and also for passing along the knowledge.

A trick I learned a long time ago was to associate the name with someone you know with the same name & visualize that person. The name will pop right back into your head when you need it!

Best, Dan

I hope that works. It is soooo embarassing when you run across a past, or current, customer and they know your name but for the life of you there name is nowhere to be found in your empty head. I am really going to try to use your method...I hope it works. Thanks :)

I used to have the memory of an elephant and people were amazed by it. No special techniques or no effort really - just a natural gift. Unfortunately, I struggle to recall names these days and I think it's because I spend som much time online and trying to absorb too much that my I run out of "RAM" - Ha! I think I need a CTRL+ALT+DEL button on my forehead.

I'll have to experiment with the SAVE method - thanks for sharing!

Thank you very much. I can't wait to try it. I struggle with names so much and this sounds so easy.

I use the tip - Say name 3 times when first talking to them - all the time, it really works great!

Great post!

Chris- Wow way to boil that down!! I do struggle with names too. I am going to add this into my tips and tricks toolbox.

Best,

Scott

I have an awful time with names, I can look at someone that I have known forever and draw a blank, it is so embarrasing. Thanks for the tip

Yep, I'm another one who just blanks out when trying to remember names. Thanks for this secret...I am going to give it a try...Chris, Chris, Chris....Is that short for Christopher? Kind of makes me think of Christmas...Thanks Chris!!!

The association thing works great, but I'm not sure what you meant by "ask a question about the name". Something like "Why on earth did your parents name you Chris?" Not trying to be a smart aleck, I just need all the help I can get in the memory department. Too much input, not enough space in the hard drive!

Thanks Chris -- I will "try" to remember and implement this! What a great photo you use! How engaging and memorable is that!

Chris -- You can delete my prior comment, I wasn't logged in.

Thanks Chris -- I will "try" to remember and implement this! What a great photo you use! How engaging and memorable is that!

Chris,

Thanks for the tip. I am horrible with names. I call my assistant constantly and ask here people's names while driving to appointments. Hopefully this will help me:)

Chris, Chris, Chris, How did you get that names? (I am currently picturing Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh!) I have a horrible time with names, thanks for the tips Chris!

All kisdding aside, I'll try to use these tips. I have been embarrased by mymemory more than once!

Thank you, thank you. I tend to skip it too fast and then am floundering with how to get their name back. This is a great idea.

Chris - This is definitely a post to SAVE. Perhaps, Chris, our paths will criss-cross in the future. In any case, Thanks, Chris.

I think when I repeat the name that helps the most. If not, then I don't even really "hear" it in the first place. Yes, people love to hear their own name!

Great trick...I will pass it to my husband who can remember the face but never a name.

Great tips ! I forget sometimes these little tricks !!! LOL... a nice reinforcement to remember not only names but this recommendation as well : )

Love it! I do have a hard time with names. I'll have to practice it at ReBar Camp in VA! Unless people walk around with their little avatars to their foreheads, it's like placing actual faces and names together all over again!

Thanks for the tips. Now I just gotta remember the tips while not forgetting the name the moment he/she tells me what it is. Sometimes I am just hoping the spouse will call the other by his/her name so I will remember it and not feel stupid by saying "hey - you!"

Thanks Chris, I am going to try it and see if this works for me. My only other way that I have come up with is my Palm. I try to put everyone in there so when they call me their name comes up and I also have notes in my phone. Sometimes if I am lucky I also get a picture of them in there; so again when the phone rings I can see them. ~ Kim

I'm with TLW. I think it's harder to memorize and remember things with more details in the brain over time, so memory tips are great.

FEB

What's in a name??

HA HA HA

I am so impressed that I'm not the only one that has problems with names. But -- MY GOSH -- my current deal, the wife has a 6-letter first name. Not too bad. But her last name . . . all 14 letters, is difficult. She does not have her husband's last name (for professional reason) and his contains 11 letters. Even escrow keeps getting the names wrong -- even though they're SPELLED OUT for them. Oh, and the sellers . . . their last name has 12 letters! I can't remember them . . . let along spell them OR pronounce them! Our transaction is set to close March 6th, and I'll be glad.

Hi Chris!
I wrote a post about this very thing...but no one came back with your method! I will definitely give it a try!

MAR

Thanks Chris. What happens if I forget what SAVE means??? JK. What can I say, it's Friday!

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