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But today, you’re enabled!

Do 82: Recalling Offerors’ Names Instantly

Instant recall!

Here’s how to avoid saying something like, “Thanks, ‘offeror.’” Tell me your name and I’ll consider your offer with the others I got today.

Assume you’re busy on your rounds using the basic genie technique (Do 1).

This is what you do.

Rivet and Rhyme at the First Mention of the Offeror’s Name

The name is usually mentioned when you greet the receptionist. She might say, “I’m sorry, the supervisor is busy right now.”

You say, “What’s his name?”

She says, “Nat Langer.”

She might introduce you to Nat or he might introduce himself. You’ll still rhyme. Think instantly, “Nat, bat, cat, flat!” More words aren’t necessary.

Now we move on to the face-to-face.

Parrot the Offeror’s Name in the Magic Four Hello

Follow the Magic Four Hello (Do 1) but don’t say “Pollywannajob.”

Use “Hi! Bruce. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

Not only have you helped your busy brain recall, but Bruce feels like you’re his very own African gray.

Think of Someone You Know with the Same Name

If you can, do it eo instante.

The first name of anyone in your brain will do.

“Mary” might be from the Virgin Mary to Mary Poppins.

Think of the Offeror Doing Some Activity that Rhymes with his Name

There’s usually a moment to do this while waiting, walking, or hugging.

If it’s “Herbert,” think of him eating a bowl of sherbet.

“Herb,” think of him executing a burp.

“Herbie,” think of him slurping a Slurpee.

“Bert,” think “You Bert, me Ernie.”

Unless you’re interviewing for a poet gig, don’t worry about precision. Just instantaneous speed.

Say the Offeror’s Name During the Interview

Don’t overuse it. Just something like, “Merv, you sure have organized the territories well!”

Do the first four exercises before you try this. Otherwise Maxine becomes Justine.

Getting corrected instantly is not our thing. We prefer getting an offer.

You probably still will, but you won’t know who it’s from.

Use the Offeror’s Name in the Magic Four Goodbye

Conclude the Magic Four Goodbye (Do 1) with “I look forward to speaking with you soon, Natalie!”

Think of an Association Using the First Letter of the Offeror’s Name

When you’re out of sight grading, picture “Donna the dancer,” “Sam the sander,” or “Joe the hobo.” No need to write it on the card unless they really look like that.

Instantly Remembering Names at Events

When you’re at a job fair (Do 51), chamber mixer (Do 56), or other event, here’s a way to recall names instantly.

Rather than lose your laser focus, just think initials, names, or words. Most lawyers would literally still be practicing if it weren’t for mnemonics— initials, words, or names that use the first letter of a series you’re trying to remember (Do 59 and Do 67). “I-R-A-C” is the law student’s writing guide: “Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion.” Definitions, theories, answers. There are even preprinted legal study aids using mnemonics! Making up your own is like fighting your way through your own resume—it’s far more effective.

So if it’s “Shirley, Oscar, Nancy, and Yul”—in the order you met them, they work at “SONY.” If it’s “Sol, Oscar, Shirley,” they’re sending you an “SOS.” You don’t have to be Daniel Webster, either. “Nancy and Sol” are driving in a “Nissan.”

We’re just firing neurons in the noggin neighborhood.

Now tell me—are we stallin’ or recallin’?

Do 83: Swap Meets for Top Greets

“Go to the swap meet and shop.” Reasonable enough, if you’re not looking for instant interviews.

But if your focus is, “Go to the swap meet to greet,” you’re at a place that couldn’t be better if you designed it yourself.

Excitement is in the air!

The open atmosphere, the open people with open minds, and their open businesses. Probably the optimum optimism venue.

Review and do with your front pockets full (Do 1).

I’m writing this Do as we arrive at a swap meet that’s been around for 50 years.