Things happen: Maybe you missed a big meeting or performed horrendous karaoke at the company Christmas party, or perhaps your cellphone went off at the worst possible moment. Relax, you don’t have to find a new job. To err is human; to salvage your reputation, read on.
Hello, Mr. …
The internet is filled with tips and tricks to remember business associates’ names, and for good reason. Unless you have a photographic memory, chances are you’re going to forget someone’s name at some point—and, of course, it will be someone very important.
Simply own up to it: “I am so sorry; I don’t recall your name.” Don’t elaborate or rationalize. If you want to make it clear that you remember them, just not their name, say something like, “Forgive me, I know we met at last year’s expo. I remember the great conversation we had about the summer sales season [or some other key detail], but I’m going blank on your name.”…