I have to admit something to you, and its not easy to do.

Remembering names is tough for me.  So tough, that I really, really have to work hard at remembering the name that goes with the face of someone new that I meet.  It's always been hard for me.  I don't know why.  I'm genuinely interested in the other person, and want to remember their name.  But it's a 50/50 shot.  Sometimes I'll remember the name, sometimes it will slip my mind.

The solution?  I needed to learn some easy to remember techniques that would help me master "the name game".  These six principles helped me.  If you're also someone who has a tough time remembering names in recruiting or coaching situations, they might help you as well, coach.

• When you hear someone's name repeat it out loud as soon as possible in conversation.  You've heard that one before, right?  There's a reason for it.  IT WORKS.  It's the most basic, most proven technique around.  Are you practicing it?  If remembering names is a challenge for you, this is the first thing you'll want to make sure you do whenever you meet a new prospect, their parents, or a fellow coach.
• Append it to the beginning or ending of your greeting to that person: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Amber" or "Tyrone, how nice to meet you."  This is another simple technique, but it works.  It's also helpful (for me, anyway) to make sure I mention a person's name throughout the conversation.  Not only is it a good technique for remembering a name, its a great way to connect with your prospect and make them feel understand that you're interested in them as an individual.
• Try to associate a stranger's name with what they tell you about themselves. Repeat it out loud if need be: Ken the new assistant coach at State University; Ariana, the mom who goes to all of the away games. Hearing yourself say their names, and associate it with what it is that they do, makes it more real and memorable.  Associating their name with what it is that they are "known" for makes remembering their name all the more easier.
• European names employing W may sound like V's: Tony Bacezwski pronounces his name Tony Ba-SHEV-ski.  Details like this are important, because some people will be greatly offended if you mis-pronounce their last name.  If you're facing pronouncing a difficult name, make sure you do a little research before you try pronouncing it.  At the very least, remember this one rule with some European names.  Chinese names, on the other hand, may take the form of last name (surname), first name (given name).
• Employ mnemonic devices or alliteration to help you remember prospect or coaches names: Lane from Lexington, Helen who's Gellin', Sandy…like my sister-in-law (of the same name).  This is a great way to immediately associate their name with an easy to remember mnemocic word or phrase.

These techniques work.  I can personally speak to that fact.  And remembering names is crucial when it comes to effectively connecting with your prospect, a new coaching associate, or anyone else that is important to your coaching career advancement.

Want another five tips when it comes to remembering names?  If you're a SFC Premium Member, you'll be getting that list on Friday.  If you want the list - and want a free 30 day trial run of our Premium Membership - just click here.