[loso]

I work at place that deals with leads and the sales people almost sit right next to us. And they definitely get into the names big time like the post said. Talking about sports, from what I hear, they don't usually direct the conversation that way but if the client does bring it up then they will go with it. But remembering the names are a really big deal and they utilize that heavily.

[klenwell]

I make it a point to try to remember the names of everyone around the office and instead of just saying, "Hi" or "How's it going?" as we pass in the hall say, "Hey, Mary" and "How are you doing, Mark?"

It hasn't changed anyone's life but it seems to make a difference. I've noticed they'll perk up a little when I include their name, start to address by my name when I wasn't even sure if they knew it before, and maybe even start a conversation at the coffee machine or water cooler.

Like the old Woody Allen line, "90% of success is just showing up," I suspect 90% of success in engaging people is just remembering their name.