Give the gift of your name upon encounter

We all know that giving gifts in business is an effective way to enhance relationships with clients and customers, but it can be a costly, complicated process.

Here is an idea for a very simple gift that will cost you nothing and give a valuable return.

When you encounter customers, clients, or even colleagues, whom you haven't seen in a while, give them the gift of your name.

I am highly suspicious of people who say they have never forgotten a name. Most of us do it more often that we care to admit.

And we do bizarre things when confronted with someone whose name has escaped us.

We may try to avoid the person and start looking for a place to hide. If there is nowhere to run, then we become so distracted by the situation we can hardly utter a word in conversation.

On the other hand, we may start chatting like a magpie, so the other person won't pick up on our memory lapse.

The next thing we know, a third person walks up.

Now, we can't introduce these two people because we don't remember their names.

That is why giving your name to people you haven't seen in some time is such a gift. You save other people from these awkward situations when they have forgotten your name.

When you walk up, put out your hand and introduce yourself again, others are forever grateful to you. (Have you ever noticed there is a tendency for people to respond by saying something such as "Of course, I remember you, Sam" when in fact, they didn't have a clue?)

This gift of your name will come back to you because once you have re-introduced yourself, the other person should respond by saying his name. If he doesn't, this is the moment to quickly add, "Will you tell me your name again?"

Don't assume other people have better memories than you do. Re-introducing yourself in doubtful situations can only make you look good and make others want to do business with you.

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Lydia Ramsey, speaker and author of MANNERS THAT SELL, is a leading authority on business etiquette. To receive her FREE business etiquette tips, click here: http://lydiaramsey.com/signup/index.html or http://www.mannersthatsell.com/.