I'll never forget walking by the self-help section in Barnes & Noble 10+ years ago and seeing a book titled How to Win Friends & Influence People
Not too long afterward, I had a good friend of mine recommend the book to me and after several weeks of his prodding I agreed to read it. I have to admit the book COMPLETELY CHANGED MY LIFE!! If you haven't read it, it will change your life as well. I've since called it the "People Skills Bible" and now read it every 2 years or so as a refresher. I'll cover other concepts from this important book in future posts, but now it's time for "The MOST Important Word..."
It's not A or I or the or any other word you might think. In fact, it's different for everyone, but I could also tell each and every person out there what it is for them.
It's YOUR Name!!
Seems silly, but think about it. What word do you love to hear over and over again? If you like to hear it over and over, how do you think others feel about it? How do you think they feel when you say their name and remember it?
Since reading Carnegie's book, I've made a point of applying this principle in my personal, professional, and business life and it's produced tremendous results. I've also had alot of fun calling people by name along the way. One of my favorites is to call people with name tags by their first name from the moment I begin speaking with them. While some don't seem to be phased, others wonder how I know their names!
SOME USEFUL TIPS
- Have trouble remembering names, say someone's name 2 or 3 times in a conversation and you'll remember it!
- Make an immediate impression one someone by making a point of remembering their name (even if you have to write it down and refer to it later to remember it!)
- Want to be a star in the eyes of kids around you? Call them by their names as well!
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