Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats' in a name?"

What is giving the gift of your name? Giving the gift of your name is when you see someone you haven't seen in a while and you are kind enough to give (remind) him or her your name (the gift) again without any hesitation.

It's not nice to keep someone guessing about your name. Don't assume they will remember your name and don't make it a guessing game. It's a challenge that most people would rather not experience.

Okay, I'll confess my experience, reluctantly I might add. There is a lady by the name of Barbara Fouch and I simply adore her. I know that she knows that I adore her and I thought I was extending a compliment when I asked Barbara, "Do you remember who I am?" My thinking was, Barbara, I am the young lady who simply adores you would ring in her mind as the answer to my question.

Barbara quickly pulled me to side at a museum reception and said, "don't ever say that, it gives your power away." Of course, I never said it again. It was important for me to remind Barbara just how special she was to me; however, I went about it the wrong way.

A simple, "Hi Barbara, I am Janice Smallwood-McKenzie, it's so nice to see you again would have worker perfectly!" That way I would be giving Barbara the gift of my name, and she has an opportunity to let me know if she remembers my name, and I am not putting her on the spot.

Perhaps, it takes 3-5 times for some people to remember your name with little effort, but just know that "Delmonte" was not built in a day, and actually as you continue to give your name over and over to the same person... it's simply great advertising!

I don't know why I prefer Delmonte over a cheaper generic brand... I guess after hearing it so much, I just pick it up by default! Smile... select your brand of choice, but you get the point!

The personal touch makes the difference.

By the way, "Everyone is important" is the Networking Factor!

http://www.101NetworkingCommandments.com

Ms. Smallwood-McKenzie is a Networking Coach in Los Angeles and she helps small businesses and professionals to expand their political, business, and social bases. She is the Author of "The 101 Commandments of Networking: Common Sense But Not Common Practice." Enjoy Free Preview compliments of http://www.101NetworkingCommandments.com or visit Amazon.com to read Customer Reviews of this guide. This networking guide is available wherever fine books are sold. Janice's e-mail address is ConfirmedCoach@netscape.net