Being remembered is tough, particularly given the complexity and onslaught of today’s many channels of media.
How can you make yourself remembered in an important conversation?
Yes, the usual things of first impressions: dress, smile, attitude, courtesy, ease of conversation. But what will help you be remembered when the time comes for your conversation partner to remember you for subsequent interaction?
Don’t forget the device of a memorable line and the use of follow up–how about if you used them together?
Recently, a friend had a first, informal interview for a new position. It was the ubiquitous “coffee meeting” at the corner meeting place. She was on time and ready to talk. In the warm-up conversation, she took note of her interviewers age and that he was a native of the area. He actually brought up how much the local mall had changed and how the food court had replaced what was only one store from many years ago–Orange Julius. My friend knew of the place and reminisced with her conversation partner about the stand, where it was located and remembering things about it. This warm exchange started a long conversation that ended with the promise of a second meeting.
Then the follow up–when she wrote her thank-you email, she included a link to the Orange Julius recipe. This sincere reference to their initial conversation put her top of mind with her conversant. It showed a clarity and attention to detail while at the same time cementing her memory with him.
While this is a strategy, as with all things relationship-oriented, please do these things with sincerity and courtesy. If you feel your conversation partner will be offended, then don’t do it.
Being memorable is a process not a single act. As with all things networking, practice patience and persistence.
Relentless
