Blond Moments

There are some times when I feel more like a dumb blond than others. My Church doesn't do name tags so there have been many occasions where I have forgotten someones name that I have already been introduced to, sometimes even a few times. That's probably embarrassing enough but there have also been times when I have mistakenly called someone by the wrong name only to find out later! Yikes! I'm pretty bad at remembering names for some reason. Here is a good article if this ever happens to you:

What to do when you forget a name?

Here are seven steps to take when you forget some one's name.

1. Confess"What's your name again?" would not be appropriate. Try something like, "I am so sorry, I have completely blanked on your name." This said, with sincerity, is appropriate and speaks volumes about you while also demonstrating your genuine interest in knowing who she is and remembering her. As always, it is not what you say, but how you say it.
2. Ask 'What is your full name?'The person will respond saying his first and last name. At which point you might say, "Yes, I knew it was 'Bill,' but 'Bill Flynn'"; now you have both.
3. Go to a respected third party Ask, "What is the name of the woman in the blue dress?" You may then approach her, greet her by name and be a hero, suggesting you remembered her name.
4. Ask for a business card or calling card. Take this opportunity to make yet another visual association.
5. Ask him to spell his name. Be careful here. He could say, "J-O-N-E-S. In other words, exactly the way it sounds." This can happen from time to time. It's OK. Others understand and appreciate your effort in trying to know their name.
6. Introduce yourself. Approach the other person and say your name, first and last. In business, we should all be conditioned so that when we hear another person say her name, we respond by saying our name, slowly and clearly, so it can be understood and remembered.
7. The 'setup'Sending over a trusted friend, colleague or spouse to introduce himself so the individual in question will respond by saying his name is frequently done and is effective. The person who designed this "setup" is then free to confidently approach the person, calling him by name.
Finally, knowing that most of us are challenged remembering names, it is every one's responsibility to be aware of this situation. Recognize the opportunity to help others when it comes to remembering names and using them for introductions and in conversation, which makes others feel valued and special. Every one's help and participation in making the name game seamless is not only appropriate, but required in order to be an active participant at any event. It will go a long way in terms of being noticed and appreciated.

Faux pas

Be sure to avoid these common faux pas when remembering some one's name.

1. Assuming the familiar:Calling someone by her first name without being invited can be detrimental. Err on the side of being more conservative and ask, "How do you prefer to be addressed?" It is an expression and a gesture -- always acceptable and appreciated and never wrong.
2. Assuming that 'Suzanne Smith' prefers to be called 'Suzie' or that 'Cristiana Jones' prefers to be called 'Christy.'Once again, "How do you prefer to be addressed?" helps you to earn the right to advance and learn that Elizabeth Jones prefers to be called "Lizzy" or Dr. Jones.

Another embarrassing, or dumb blond thing that I do is saying "yeah" and "uh huh" when I really don't understand or didn't hear what the person was saying and then later having to admit that I did it. Does anybody have any "dumb blond" moments to share? Don't be shy, I just gave up two that I now won't be able to get away with :)

Q: Did you hear about the blonde who attempted to drive to EuroDisney?

A: She saw a sign saying: "EuroDisney Left" so she went home.