If you are seeking a more prosperous life, you should acknowledge the merit of a person’s name and presence. One of the most powerful social exchanges we encounter is a personal introduction and being recognized by our name. Being skilled in a variety of situations, to meet and greet new people, is becoming a lost art. If you want a more abundant life, start with the law of reciprocity when you meet someone new.
Let me begin by sharing why I’m writing this today. I encounter many people during my daily activities, as a consultant, a caregiver, and when I travel, just as you probably do. Again and again, I will approach someone to speak with them and begin with a personal introduction. I may stretch out my hand in greeting if it is appropriate, but most times I commence with a “Hello, my name is Lisa Dempsey.” Typically, what I receive in return is, “Hi.” and a slightly blank stare that attempts to discern what I could want from them.
For clarification; I’m not talking about the adeptness of someone attending a networking event to exchange business cards, although that does take a certain finesse of its own. I’m speaking about the interactions with the restaurant manager, the doctor’s office attendant, the bookstore clerk, the child caregiver, the salesperson, the person you strike up a conversation with at the coffee shop, on the train, or anyone that you have the chance to enlist in a tete-a-tete. What is most surprising to me, is that in the majority of these interactions, I’m trying to engage in some kind commerce or to seek out some assistance.
I am not alone in experiencing this phenomenon. My husband, Robert, frequently returns home with his own stories of working with today’s highly educated professionals. As a result, Robert has worked within his organization to create etiquette and social skills training for the company’s new employees. The goal is to help them become more successful building relationships and engaging in business.
I find this perplexing because we are living in a time when expressing our opinions and striving to voice our most authentic selves is becoming recurrent. Stating our name to the world should come naturally, but apparently, it is must be learned, and somewhere along the line we stopped teaching it.
My goal is to help you lead a braver and more prosperous life. So let’s begin with the Law of Reciprocity and how it can help you when you are meeting someone. This adage means that “when you give something to someone, they intern will give something back to you.” The Law of Reciprocity may be used in many ways to increase your abundance, but today I’m going to instruct you on how to use it during a face to face meeting.
To begin with, if someone is introducing themselves to you and you aren’t sure how to respond, start with reciprocating the information they provided. In other words, “mirror back” what you have heard. This tactic can be helpful if you are uncomfortable with what feels like “small talk.” Begin by responding in kind when someone approaches you, and then answer with “Hello, my name is_____.” If the greeter included their title or company, then do the same, “Hello, my name is ______. I’m with ________. How are you today?”
If someone approaches you and fails to make a personal introduction, then get the ball rolling and start one. Politely interject with a “Hello, my name is _______. I’m happy to meet you today. May I ask your name?”
What I desire for you, is to affirm your presence through the adoption of practiced introductions. When you go through this simple exchange, you are experiencing emotional reciprocity. You are validating your worth and that of the person with whom you are interacting. You show even higher deference when we use their name.
Think of an introduction as a simple affirmation of worth. It allows for serendipitous happenings and creates pathways for the Universe to connect you with your aspirations.
Do you want to practice introducing yourself? Visit me on Facebook or leave a brief introduction in the comment below. I’d love to get to know you better.
