Yesterday on my lunch hour, I went to the local deli. When I got to the register to order the man behind the counter said, “Hi Tina, I hope you have been having an awesome day so far. What can I get you for lunch?”
At first, I was trying to decide if I knew this man and where from, since he used my name. I gave him my order and he replied “Okay Tina it will be about five minutes for your order, are you heading back to work or are you done?”
We talked for a minute about my workday and I paid him and stepped aside so others could order. I just could not figure out where I might have met this fellow before since he knew who I was. Had he been into our medical office?
When my order came up and he called my name, I went up to the counter and asked the man, “Do I know you? You know who I am and I feel badly that I cannot remember where we have met before.”
He chuckled and said that he noticed my name badge and that he likes being able to use customer’s names anytime he can as it makes the transaction more personable. I had to laugh right along with him; because I forgot that I was wearing a name badge and that when I go out I always look at name badges and call people by their name.
I had been caught in one of my own “people connection opportunities.” Something special happens when you use someone’s name, it is an instant connection. A person’s name is the single most important words to them.
In our office, we make sure that we use people’s names as much as possible as it helps to build trust and our relationship with them. This not only is very important in the healthcare industry, but really in any industry or business.
Make it a habit to remember the name of those you meet with and address them by it. Just think of how you feel when someone uses your name. Don’t you feel somehow more connected to them?
Not only is remembering people’s names a good personal practice, but it is a very good business practice. The link below will take you to two articles about using people’s names and how it can effect you personally and professionally.
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