Dear Rachel,
This sounds like a stupid problem, but I assure you it is not. I remember faces very well but often forget names, to the point where the other day my husband and I ran into our agency's CEO, and I could not remember his name to make an introduction! This has also been a problem with clients in the past. I'm so embarrassed I want to crawl into a hole, and worse, I worry it could hurt my career. How can I overcome this problem to be a true media professional?-- Forgetful in the Midwest 
 
Dear Forgetful,
It is not unusual to have problems remembering names. Most people do, and those who seem good with names often have to work at it.

Franklin Roosevelt had trouble remembering names in his early years, but he could later awe his staff by his ability to instantly remember the name of anyone he'd ever met.

Roosevelt's technique was to imagine seeing the person's name written on his or her forehead.

There are many memory-jolting techniques you can use, but the surest way to remember a name is simply to pay attention. Part of the problem is that when we first meet people we often are self-conscious. We are thinking of ourselves. So when we hear their names we don’t focus.

“I always use association,” says one media friend known for her way with clients. “I think of something physical about the person to remember.

“If I meet a Rose, it is easy, I think of the flower, and say something like 'Rose is as pretty as a flower.' If I meet a Tom, I think of a tom-tom. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it works. Sometimes I associate them with a movie star. A Jennifer becomes Jennifer Lopez. James is James Dean. And I have found that even if you can’t think of an association, just brainstorming about it sets the name into your mind.”

She also advises repeating the person’s name, both aloud and to yourself.

“Say the person’s name back to them when you shake their hand, like ‘It’s good to meet you, Bob,” she advises. “Say it more than once. This will solidify their name in your mind. Try to use the name several times in your conversation and then repeat it silently in your own mind.”

Another trick is to write the person's name down as soon as you can, even if it's on a slip of paper in your pocket. You'll know it's there in case you need it, and that will ease a lot of the stress.

If you are in a meeting, draw a diagram and write each name in the spot where they are sitting at the conference table. Peek at it every now and then put it in your stack of papers to remind yourself.

Put all names into a contacts file. Strong salespeople keep a record of new contact names and information, along with the time and place of the first meeting. Take a cue from them. Look over these files before going to a meeting or conference where you might bump into these people.

If you try these techniques, and your memory still fails you, simply look pleased to see the person whose name you have forgotten. Make eye contact, pat them on the back or shake their hand, and say "Great to see you again."

Then go ask a friend for their name or look it up later.

Not remembering someone’s name isn’t a fatal error. Greet them with a warm smile and say, “I remember you so well, but I can’t remember your name. Can you tell me what it is again?” Most people will sympathize, and laugh with you. It can be a great icebreaker.