We all love to be remembered and to have our name used. Technology in the form of autoresponders have made it easy for us to send things out by email quickly and with a person's first name. The receiver can have their name used and this gives the sender more time for themselves. But even though most of us know this comes automatically (with our name), this isn't exactly what we want or need.

We don't reply to people either on the phone or by email personally because we either think it takes too long or costs too much. We have our assistant do this for us. This is a good thing for some of us especially since it can show that our business is growing. And time is money – or is it? It doesn't take any money to make a moment memorable and therefore to be remembered and this is something we all want!

Here are some simple and no cost ways to do it.

Use their name.

Whether you call, speak in person or send email, use the person's name. It always makes them “feel” better according to research and experience.

Email within 2 days – especially if they don't expect it.

It's always a surprise – a pleasant one – to receive an email back even though I sent one first. It makes me smile that the writer had time and took it to reply to my message. It took them so little and meant SO much to me.

Email back yourself … and quickly (whatever you say you'll do).

It's up to you to set your “reply time”. Don't say immediate when you mean when you have time. You may say one thing and mean something different from what the writer or caller expects. For example, if you say you'll email back between 9 and 5 the next day, do it. Use the same rules for email that work well for phone. Even though people expect you to reply faster (they think you sit at a computer all day!), it's you who says when you'll answer their email. But be consistent.

Call back.

Whenever I leave a message, I expect a callback. If their message says that I'll get a call within 24 hours or the next day from 9 to 5 or in two days, then I may wait especially if I want to talk to them. I know what they're going to do. That's the crucial part – that you say when you'll call back and then do. Again, be consistent. Mean what you say and do what you mean.

Use their name.

If you speak, use their first name. A long time ago I learned from Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup series that he always arrives at a talk a little early and talks to participants and listens to what they have to say. He then uses their name and their business in his talk. People know he cares and the talk is better received.

Recently, I heard a speaker who I'd heard before but only once. I had gone up to him and introduced myself but I didn't expect to be remembered. Several months later, he not only remembered my first name but used it and me in his presentation. I was happily surprised and at the time I smiled. His name was Mark Bowden ( info@markbowden.co.uk )and he's not only a fantastic speaker but he helps people have effective communication in business.

Have eye contact.

Whether you're in front a group or speaking to someone one on one, eye contact tells us all that you are listening to the speaker and to what they're saying. You never want to appear as if you are deciding what to say next or who you would rather talk to (not with).

None of these cost any money but all make the receiver feel better. They remember us and they trust us even more. Remember to do what you say you will.

How do you want to be remembered? Are you formal or informal, friendly or serious, make people laugh, or are you positive or negative?