I recently got a LinkedIn invitation from someone I went to college with.  She started out the invitation by saying, “Is is you?  Do you remember me?”  I did, somewhat.  It was her second email that made me laugh.

She asked if I remembered our Canada Choir tour and a silly kids song I taught the group nearly 30 years ago.  I remember the song (of course), but had forgotten that I had taught it to the choir while on tour.  She told me that she remembered the song, and me, and that she sings the song in the car with her nieces and nephews.  OMG!  Is THAT how she remembers me?  To her, that is my “brand” — “the guy who taught us the funny songs in Canada.”

Of course, it could be worse.  College was a wild time and she could have an entire different set of memories. . . some not so great. At least I made a lasting impression. I have a feeling that if I were looking for a job I could call this old college friend and find out if her company is hiring.  I also think she would give a good recommendation about me to the hiring manager.  I made a lasting impression, and it was a basically positive one.

How do people remember you? Have you left a lasting impression with the people you meet?  Will they remember you years from now?

Since more than 50% of jobs are found through networking and referral, leaving a positive impression is important.  How do they remember you?