Sales Tip of the Week from Mike Leeds – Pro Sales Coaching
First Impression - What's in a Name?
How do you feel when someone contacts you, and butchers your name? What’s your first impression of them, and how does this impact a potential business relationship?
Let’s talk about "Katelin." Since I'm excited to have a Katelin joining my family in May, we'll use her spelling for this Blog only. According to Google, Katelin has over 100 different spelling options. http://www.namenerds.com/irish/Katelyn.html
Just as an example, below are the top 12 Katelin's that I know (in no particular order):
- Katelin
- Katelyn
- Katelynn
- Kaytlin
- Kaitlyn
- Kaitlin
- Katlin
- Katlyn
- Kaitlan
- Caitlin
- Caitlyn
- Caitlan
To assist you with your initial contact, I suggest the following tips for communicating with Katelin (or any other name out there with multiple spelling options):
- If you speak with them on the phone, ask them for the spelling of their name (don't assume).
- Don't question the spelling of their name, for them it's the correct spelling.
- Don't shorten their name (for your convenience) without asking them how they preferred to be addressed.
- If you are responding to an email from Katelin with a signature line clearly showing her name, don't misspell it. This seems like a real "duh" tip, but this happens way too often and reflects on the sender's attention to detail.
- For more unfamiliar names, consider Google for a pronunciation before you call. (Or, ask the attendant before you are transferred for pronunciation and spelling.)
It's hard to repair a first impression. So, don't shoot yourself in the foot with something that's so easy to avoid.
Have a great sales week!
Comments