Not long ago I was at a mansion networking event and a young lady approached me and said hey how are you doing? My response was I'm doing great and yourself? She said JaWar, you don't know who I am do you, what's my name? I said I know who you are. She replied again what's my name? Hmmm, are you sure you want me to answer that question I asked? She said yes, because I don't think you remember me.
I responded by telling her she was the young lady that stop returning my phone calls and emails after we spoke about bringing a music conference to her collegiate Alma mater. She was the young lady who I hadn't heard from in almost a year although we were working on situation that could yielded a nice return for our time, energy and expertise in the music business and music conference event planning.
Excuse me for being rude, but do I know you?
After informing the young lady that I knew who she was, she made it a point to tell me what happened in her life and why she stop responding to my correspondences. While it was sad the tragedy she and her family had gone through, I reminded her that it only took one email for her to say I'm going through a family crisis and will not be able to co-host the music conference at this time. When I resurface I will contact you.
Excuse me for being rude, but do I know you?
It's wiser to strike up a conversation and come forth with genuine information versus attempting to find out if someone remembers your name. It's unprofessional and impolite. Additionally, it demonstrates that you hadn't done enough to properly brand your name and image in and/or build a solid footing with the person your speaking with.
Below are some of steps you may take to increase the likelihood that people will remember your name and face.
- Have a pleasing personality, warm and inviting spirit
- Say your name slow and clear when introducing yourself
- Always repeat your name when speaking to people
- Engage in a conversation when at networking events, ask questions of the other person
- Include a professional head shot on your business cards
- Include a professional head shot on your website, blogs and social networking profiles
- Attend as many networking events and conferences as possible and speak to everyone
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