Networking events present both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges for professionals seeking to build meaningful business relationships. While these gatherings offer the chance to meet potential clients, partners, and collaborators, the sheer volume of introductions can overwhelm even the most socially adept individuals. The ability to remember names and important details isn't just a nice-to-have skill—it's a critical component of professional success that can set you apart from the competition and create lasting impressions that translate into valuable business relationships.

The Neuroscience Behind Why We Forget Names

Understanding why our brains struggle with name retention can help us develop more effective strategies for improvement. When we learn something as simple as someone's name, we form connections between neurons in the brain, but with less exposure, the connection becomes weaker, which is why it's so hard to remember things like people's names after the first introduction. This neurological reality explains why that person you met five minutes ago seems to have vanished from your memory entirely.

Your brain can only form strong memories when three conditions are met: focused attention, emotional connection, and immediate reinforcement, but events sabotage all three with information overload, context switching, similarity bias, and stress responses that release cortisol and impair memory formation. The cocktail of environmental factors at networking events—background noise, visual distractions, anxiety about making good impressions—creates a perfect storm for memory failure.

The forgetting curve, a concept discovered by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, reveals an even more sobering reality. According to his theory, we tend to forget 50% of new information within the first hour and a staggering 70% within 24 hours. This rapid decline in retention means that without active intervention, most of the connections you make at networking events will fade into obscurity before you even have a chance to follow up.

Why Remembering Names and Details Matters in Professional Settings

The impact of remembering someone's name extends far beyond simple courtesy. When you recall a person's name and relevant details from your previous conversation, you send a powerful message about their importance to you. This seemingly small act creates a foundation of trust and respect that can differentiate you from countless other professionals vying for the same opportunities.

In business contexts, the ability to remember names translates directly into tangible benefits. People are more likely to do business with those who make them feel valued and remembered. When you greet a potential client by name weeks after your initial meeting and reference specific details from your conversation, you demonstrate genuine interest and attention to detail—qualities that inspire confidence in your professional capabilities.

The psychological impact of being remembered cannot be overstated. In a world where many interactions feel transactional and superficial, taking the time to remember someone's name and personal details creates an emotional connection that stands out. This connection often becomes the deciding factor when someone chooses between you and a competitor with similar qualifications or offerings.

Research on networking effectiveness reveals stark differences in outcomes based on memory capabilities. Without any system, most people remember 3-5 names from a 30-person event after one week, but with proper techniques, this can increase to 15-20 names with full context. This dramatic improvement in retention can multiply your networking ROI by a factor of four or more.

Core Memory Techniques for Networking Success

The Power of Active Listening and Focused Attention

The foundation of all memory techniques begins with the quality of your initial encoding. Make a conscious effort to focus exclusively on the person's full name as they introduce themselves by minimizing distractions—refrain from your ongoing conversations, put away your phone or notepad, and immediately repeat their name aloud while maintaining eye contact to reinforce memory.

This focused attention serves multiple purposes. First, it ensures that the information actually enters your brain in a clear, undistorted form. Second, it signals to the other person that you value them enough to give them your complete attention. Third, it creates the neural conditions necessary for effective memory formation by activating the attention mechanisms in your prefrontal cortex.

Many people make the mistake of thinking about what they're going to say next while the other person is introducing themselves. This divided attention virtually guarantees that the name won't stick. Instead, commit to a brief moment of complete presence during introductions. The few seconds of focused listening will pay dividends throughout your professional relationship.

Immediate Repetition and Verbal Reinforcement

One of the simplest yet most effective techniques for name retention involves immediate verbal repetition. Using someone's name three times in your first conversation increases recall by 85%, according to memory research, because it forces your brain to actively process the name rather than passively hearing it.

The key is to incorporate the name naturally into your conversation without sounding robotic or forced. Start with the initial greeting: "It's great to meet you, Jennifer." Continue with a question or comment that includes their name: "Jennifer, what brings you to this event?" And conclude your conversation with another mention: "I really enjoyed our conversation, Jennifer. Let's stay in touch."

Don't go overboard and repeat their name too much, but by adding it into the conversation several times, it creates a distinctive memory, as speaking a name out loud a few times makes it easier to remember than if you just silently say someone's name to yourself. The auditory reinforcement of hearing yourself say the name creates an additional memory trace that strengthens retention.

Visual Association and Mental Imagery

Creating visual associations represents one of the most powerful memory techniques available. Attach a visual cue to a unique facial or body feature using a memory strategy from the EON-Mem (Ecologically Oriented Neurorehabilitation of Memory) program, which is used to help patients with neurological conditions quickly improve memory and daily functioning.

The process involves identifying a distinctive physical characteristic of the person—their hairstyle, glasses, smile, or any other memorable feature—and linking it to their name through creative visualization. For example, if you meet someone named Rose who has rosy cheeks, you might imagine roses blooming on her cheeks. If you meet someone named Bill who has a prominent nose, you might visualize a dollar bill hanging from their nose.

The more vivid, unusual, or even absurd your mental image, the more memorable it becomes. Our brain has a remarkable knack for retaining information when it's linked to other knowledge, so when you meet someone, try to create mental links between their name and significant details they share—for instance, if you meet Michelle, a hospital employee, visualize her in a nurse's uniform, or if you meet Jim, an avid cyclist, picture him on a bike, as the more exaggerated or humorous your mental image, the more likely you are to remember it.

Sound-Alike Word Association

Phonetic associations provide another powerful tool for name retention. How to remember names gets easier when you tie them to a noise—sound it out to make it stick by matching a sound-alike word fast. This technique works particularly well for names that naturally suggest other words or sounds.

For common names, develop a standard set of associations. "Jake" might become "snake," "Clara" becomes "clear," "Mark" becomes "bark," and "Tina" becomes "tune." The key is to create these associations quickly and then reinforce them through mental repetition. Run it back quick—meet "Sam"? Pair it with "slam," then repeat "slam-Sam" twice silently, or for "Lily," use "chilly" and echo "chilly-Lily," as repetition cements it.

For less common or unusual names, ask the person about the origin or spelling of their name. This serves multiple purposes: it gives you additional time to process the name, it shows genuine interest, and it often provides additional memory hooks. Someone named "Siobhan" might explain the Irish origin and pronunciation, giving you a cultural context that makes the name more memorable.

Connecting Details to Personal Stories and Context

Beyond names, remembering key details about people requires creating narrative connections. When someone shares information about their work, hobbies, or interests, actively construct a mental story that links these details together. If someone mentions they're a software engineer who enjoys rock climbing and has two young children, create a vivid mental scene of them debugging code while hanging from a cliff face with their kids cheering them on.

The absurdity of such images actually enhances their memorability. Your brain is wired to remember unusual, emotionally charged, or surprising information more readily than mundane facts. By transforming dry biographical details into colorful mental movies, you leverage this natural tendency to your advantage.

As you talk with the new person, listen to the information they're sharing for something that can be used as a memory trigger—it could be that Amal likes soccer, Tryon sells toys and Patti is shy, so you can then refer to them in your head as "Soccer Amal," "Tyron Toys," and "Shy Patti". These compound associations create multiple retrieval pathways, making it easier to recall the information later.

Advanced Strategies for High-Volume Networking Events

The A-List Prioritization System

At large networking events where you might meet dozens of people, attempting to remember everyone with equal intensity is a recipe for failure. Focus on your "A-list"—it's better to remember 5 names perfectly than 50 names poorly. This strategic approach acknowledges the limitations of human memory while maximizing the quality of your most important connections.

Identify your A-list prospects in real-time based on strategic value, personal connection, or potential for collaboration. For these individuals, deploy all your memory techniques with full intensity. Create detailed mental images, repeat their names multiple times, and take comprehensive mental notes about your conversation. For B-list and C-list contacts, use simpler techniques and rely more heavily on written notes and digital tools.

This tiered approach prevents cognitive overload while ensuring that your most valuable connections receive the attention they deserve. It also reduces the anxiety that comes from trying to remember everyone, allowing you to be more present and engaged in each conversation.

The Introduction Chain Technique

One powerful but underutilized technique involves introducing people to each other. This will help you remember both names while making you look like a master networker—you can still do this exercise even if you don't know anyone at the event by introducing yourself to one person and then introducing them to someone new.

The act of making introductions forces you to retrieve and verbalize both names, creating additional memory reinforcement. It also positions you as a connector and relationship builder, enhancing your professional reputation. When you introduce "Sarah from marketing" to "David from sales," you're not only strengthening your memory of both names but also creating a mental link between them that provides additional context for future recall.

This technique also solves the common problem of forgetting a name mid-conversation. If you've forgotten someone's name, you can gracefully recover by saying, "I'd love to introduce you to someone, but I want to make sure I get your name right—could you remind me?" Most people appreciate the honesty and the intention to make a proper introduction.

Strategic Note-Taking Systems

While memory techniques are powerful, they work best when combined with systematic note-taking. The key is knowing when and how to take notes without disrupting the flow of conversation. Taking notes during conversation breaks eye contact and rapport, so the timing of your documentation matters significantly.

The most effective approach involves taking brief mental notes during conversations and then immediately documenting them when you step away. Excuse yourself to the restroom or find a quiet corner, then quickly capture the essential details: name, company, key discussion points, follow-up actions, and any personal details that will help you remember the person.

Taking a picture of the person comes in handy as you will have a visual cue to help jog your memory, and it's recommended to put a note in your phone to help you remember things such as their job title, where you met them, and any personal facts that would be important to follow up with during your next interaction. Modern smartphones make this process seamless, allowing you to create comprehensive contact records in seconds.

Develop a consistent template for your notes to ensure you capture the same categories of information for each person. This might include: full name and pronunciation, company and role, how you met, key topics discussed, mutual connections, follow-up commitments, and personal details (hobbies, interests, family). The consistency of your template makes it easier to review and recall information later.

The Post-Event Review Process

The hours immediately following a networking event represent a critical window for memory consolidation. The post-event review is what cements the name into your long-term memory—the on-the-spot system is great, but the post-event review is what cements the name into your long-term memory.

Schedule 30-60 minutes within 24 hours of the event to review all your notes and contacts. During this review session, mentally reconstruct each conversation, visualizing the person's face and recalling the details you discussed. This active recall process significantly strengthens memory traces and moves information from short-term to long-term storage.

At the end of each day or event, dedicate some time to review the names and faces of the people you met by testing yourself—hide their names in your notes or contacts list and try recalling their names by visualizing their faces, as repetition of names shortly after introduction and then rehearsing it several times later helps transfer the information from short-term to long-term memory.

Create flashcards (physical or digital) for your most important contacts, with their photo on one side and key details on the other. Review these flashcards using spaced repetition—initially daily, then every few days, then weekly. This scientifically proven technique dramatically improves long-term retention.

Leveraging Technology and Digital Tools

Digital Business Cards and Contact Management

Modern technology offers powerful solutions for augmenting human memory. Wave Connect combines digital business cards with built-in contact management and CRM integration, while other options include HiHello, CamCard for scanning paper cards, or general CRM tools like Folk or Dex. These platforms eliminate the friction of manual data entry and ensure that contact information is captured accurately and completely.

Digital business card platforms typically allow you to exchange contact information with a simple tap or QR code scan, automatically creating a contact record with all relevant details. Many also include features for adding notes, photos, and tags immediately after meeting someone, creating a comprehensive record while the conversation is still fresh in your mind.

The key advantage of these systems is their integration with your broader contact management ecosystem. When your networking contacts automatically sync to your CRM, email system, and calendar, you create multiple touchpoints that reinforce memory and facilitate follow-up.

CRM Systems for Relationship Management

For professionals who attend networking events regularly, a dedicated CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system becomes essential. These platforms allow you to track not just contact information but the entire history of your relationship with each person—when you met, what you discussed, follow-up actions, and future opportunities.

Modern CRMs offer features specifically designed for networking professionals, including reminders to follow up, templates for personalized outreach, and analytics to track the ROI of your networking efforts. Some systems even use AI to suggest optimal times to reach out or recommend connections based on mutual interests and goals.

The investment in a good CRM system pays dividends by ensuring that no valuable connection falls through the cracks. When you can quickly pull up a complete history of your interactions with someone before a meeting or call, you demonstrate a level of preparation and professionalism that sets you apart.

Memory Training Apps and Tools

Apps are designed to help you remember people's names using memory techniques like repetition, mnemonics, and name associations by prompting you to enter a name immediately after meeting someone, then helping lock it in with visual cues, rhymes, and spaced repetition reminders to reinforce your memory over time.

These specialized apps function like personal memory coaches, guiding you through proven techniques and providing structured practice. Some apps use gamification to make memory training engaging, while others integrate with your calendar to prompt reviews before upcoming meetings with specific contacts.

The most effective approach combines these digital tools with the cognitive techniques discussed earlier. Technology handles the storage and organization of information, while your brain focuses on creating meaningful associations and emotional connections. This division of labor plays to the strengths of both human cognition and digital systems.

The Critical Importance of Timely Follow-Up

The 24-48 Hour Window

The timing of your follow-up communication significantly impacts both memory retention and relationship development. Follow up within 24-48 hours for strongest memory reinforcement and professional impact, as after 72 hours, both of you start forgetting conversation details.

This narrow window serves multiple purposes. First, it capitalizes on the recency effect—both you and your contact are more likely to remember the details of your conversation. Second, it demonstrates responsiveness and genuine interest, qualities that build trust and credibility. Third, it provides an opportunity to reinforce your memory through active recall as you compose your message.

Your follow-up message should reference specific details from your conversation to demonstrate that you were truly listening and that the interaction was meaningful to you. Instead of a generic "Nice to meet you" email, craft something like: "It was great meeting you at the conference yesterday. I've been thinking about your comments on sustainable supply chain management, and I'd love to continue that conversation."

Personalization at Scale

While personalized follow-up is ideal, the reality of high-volume networking requires some systematization. Develop templates for common follow-up scenarios, but always customize them with specific details from your conversation. The template provides structure and ensures you don't forget key elements, while the customization demonstrates genuine attention.

Your follow-up might include: a personalized greeting using their name, a specific reference to your conversation, a value-add (article, introduction, or resource relevant to their interests), a clear next step or call to action, and your contact information. This formula ensures comprehensive communication while allowing for personalization.

Consider varying your follow-up medium based on the person and context. While email remains the professional standard, a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized note, a handwritten card for particularly important contacts, or even a brief video message can help you stand out and be remembered.

Overcoming Common Challenges and Obstacles

Handling Difficult or Unusual Names

Names from unfamiliar cultures or with unusual spellings present special challenges, but they also offer opportunities to create stronger connections. To help you remember their name, try asking new people you meet how to spell their name, as not only will people appreciate it, but it's also a great way to break the ice and get the conversation going.

When someone has a name you're unfamiliar with, ask them to pronounce it slowly and repeat it back to them to confirm you've got it right. Ask about the origin or meaning of the name if appropriate—most people are happy to share this information, and it provides additional memory hooks. The cultural or historical context of a name often makes it more memorable than a common name with no distinctive features.

If you're concerned about mispronouncing a name, it's far better to ask for clarification than to avoid using the name altogether or to mispronounce it repeatedly. A simple "I want to make sure I'm pronouncing your name correctly—could you say it one more time?" shows respect and attention to detail.

Managing Information Overload

The cognitive demands of networking events can quickly become overwhelming, especially for introverts or those who find social situations draining. Networking events can feel stressful to some people, especially if they're introverts, but one way to put yourself at ease and remember names is by playing a little game with yourself where every time you meet a new person, you associate their name with a visual image.

Reframing the memory challenge as a game or puzzle can reduce anxiety and make the process more enjoyable. Set specific, achievable goals for each event—perhaps committing to remember five names perfectly rather than attempting to remember everyone you meet. This focused approach reduces stress while improving outcomes.

Build in breaks during networking events to process and consolidate information. Step outside for fresh air, visit the restroom, or find a quiet corner to review your mental notes and jot down key details. These brief pauses prevent cognitive overload and improve overall retention.

Recovering from Memory Failures

Despite your best efforts, you will occasionally forget someone's name. How you handle these situations can actually strengthen rather than damage the relationship. Handle it with grace by just saying, "I'm so sorry, your name has completely slipped my mind. Could you remind me again?"

Most people understand that memory failures happen and appreciate honesty over awkward avoidance. The key is to acknowledge the lapse quickly and directly rather than trying to hide it or work around it. After they remind you of their name, use it several times in the remainder of your conversation to reinforce it.

If you can't remember someone's name but don't want to ask directly, you can use indirect strategies. Ask them to spell it for your contact info, or introduce them to someone else so they say their name again, as most people won't notice these natural conversation flows. These techniques allow you to recover the information gracefully without explicitly admitting you've forgotten.

Building Long-Term Memory Skills Through Practice

Developing Your Personal System

Develop a unique routine that involves actively listening, processing names, creating associations, taking notes, and regular review, as consistency is key—the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature to you. The most effective memory system is one that aligns with your natural cognitive style and preferences.

Experiment with different techniques to discover which ones work best for you. Some people respond better to visual associations, while others prefer phonetic or narrative approaches. Some find technology indispensable, while others prefer analog methods like handwritten notes. The goal is to develop a personalized system that feels natural and sustainable.

Document your system and refine it over time. After each networking event, reflect on what worked well and what didn't. Which techniques helped you remember names most effectively? Where did you struggle? What could you do differently next time? This continuous improvement approach ensures your skills keep developing.

Low-Stakes Practice Opportunities

Practice in low-stakes environments by using the L.I.N.C. method on TV characters, people in the grocery store, or even strangers on the street. Regular practice in everyday situations builds the neural pathways and habits that will serve you in high-pressure networking contexts.

Challenge yourself to remember the names of baristas, servers, receptionists, and other service professionals you encounter regularly. Practice your association techniques on characters in movies and TV shows. Create mental images linking actors' names to their physical features. These low-pressure practice sessions allow you to refine your techniques without the anxiety of professional consequences.

Consider joining groups or activities that involve meeting new people regularly—community organizations, hobby groups, or volunteer activities. These contexts provide ongoing opportunities to practice your memory skills while building genuine relationships and contributing to your community.

The Role of Overall Brain Health

Your ability to remember names and details doesn't exist in isolation from your overall cognitive health. Sleep, stress management, physical exercise, and nutrition all significantly impact memory performance. Research shows that sleep is particularly critical for memory consolidation, as the brain processes and stores information during sleep cycles.

Chronic stress impairs memory formation by triggering the release of cortisol, which interferes with the hippocampus's ability to encode new information. Regular exercise, on the other hand, promotes neurogenesis and improves cognitive function. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other brain-healthy nutrients supports optimal memory performance.

If you have an important networking event coming up, prioritize sleep in the days leading up to it. Manage your stress through meditation, exercise, or other relaxation techniques. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption at the event itself, as alcohol significantly impairs memory formation.

Advanced Applications and Professional Integration

Preparing for Specific Events

When you know you'll be attending a specific networking event, invest time in preparation. If attendee lists are available in advance, study the names and backgrounds of people you want to meet. Create mental associations before you even arrive, giving you a head start on memory formation.

Research key attendees on LinkedIn and company websites. Familiarize yourself with their faces, roles, and professional backgrounds. This preparation not only aids memory but also enables more substantive conversations. When you can reference someone's recent article or company achievement, you demonstrate genuine interest and preparation.

Set specific goals for the event based on your research. Identify your top five or ten people you want to meet and develop conversation starters for each. This strategic approach ensures you make the most of limited time and cognitive resources.

Integrating Memory Skills into Your Professional Brand

As your memory skills improve, they become part of your professional reputation. People will begin to notice and comment on your ability to remember names and details. This reputation becomes a valuable differentiator in competitive professional environments.

Consider how you can leverage this skill in client relationships, team management, and leadership contexts. Leaders who remember the names and personal details of team members create stronger organizational cultures and higher engagement. Sales professionals who remember client preferences and family details build deeper relationships that translate into loyalty and referrals.

Share your techniques with colleagues and team members. Teaching others reinforces your own skills while positioning you as a resource and mentor. Some organizations even incorporate memory training into their professional development programs, recognizing the competitive advantage it provides.

Scaling Your Network Effectively

As your network grows, maintaining meaningful relationships with hundreds or thousands of contacts requires systematic approaches. Categorize your contacts based on relationship strength, strategic importance, and interaction frequency. Develop different maintenance strategies for each category.

For your most important relationships, schedule regular check-ins and maintain detailed notes about each interaction. For broader network contacts, use automated systems to stay top-of-mind through newsletters, social media engagement, or periodic outreach campaigns. The key is ensuring that when you do interact with someone, you can quickly recall relevant context and history.

Use your CRM to set reminders for follow-up at strategic intervals. A contact you met at a conference might warrant follow-up at one week, one month, three months, and six months. Each touchpoint provides an opportunity to reinforce the relationship and refresh your memory of the person and your shared history.

Practical Implementation: Your Action Plan

Before Your Next Networking Event

  • Review attendee lists and research key contacts you want to meet
  • Ensure your digital tools are set up and functioning (business card app, CRM, note-taking system)
  • Get adequate sleep and manage stress in the days leading up to the event
  • Set specific, achievable goals for the number of meaningful connections you want to make
  • Prepare conversation starters and questions that will help you learn memorable details about people
  • Review your memory techniques and commit to using them consistently

During the Event

  • Give complete attention during introductions, eliminating distractions
  • Repeat names immediately and use them at least three times in conversation
  • Create visual or phonetic associations for each person you meet
  • Listen actively for personal details that provide memory hooks
  • Take brief breaks to process information and make quick notes
  • Introduce people to each other to reinforce name memory
  • Capture contact information and initial notes using your digital tools
  • Focus on quality over quantity—better to remember five people well than twenty people poorly

Immediately After the Event

  • Within one hour, expand your notes with additional details while memory is fresh
  • Add photos to contact records if you took them
  • Create mental flashcards for your most important new contacts
  • Categorize contacts based on priority and relationship potential
  • Schedule follow-up actions in your calendar or CRM
  • Review all names and faces before going to sleep to aid memory consolidation

Within 24-48 Hours

  • Send personalized follow-up messages to all priority contacts
  • Connect on LinkedIn with customized connection requests
  • Deliver on any commitments you made (sending articles, making introductions, etc.)
  • Review your contact notes and test yourself on names and details
  • Update your CRM with complete information and next steps
  • Reflect on what memory techniques worked well and what needs improvement

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Review your contact database regularly using spaced repetition principles
  • Practice memory techniques in everyday situations
  • Maintain your CRM with notes from every interaction
  • Set reminders for periodic check-ins with important contacts
  • Continue refining your personal memory system based on results
  • Invest in your overall brain health through sleep, exercise, and stress management

Measuring Your Progress and ROI

Track your improvement over time to stay motivated and identify areas for continued development. After each networking event, record metrics such as: total number of people met, number of names remembered after one week, number of meaningful follow-up conversations initiated, and number of relationships that developed into business opportunities.

Compare these metrics across events to see your progress. You should see steady improvement in retention rates as your techniques become more refined and automatic. More importantly, track the business outcomes that result from your improved memory skills—new clients, partnerships, referrals, or career opportunities.

The return on investment for developing strong memory skills extends far beyond immediate business results. The confidence that comes from knowing you can remember names and details reduces networking anxiety and makes you more willing to put yourself in situations where you can meet new people. This increased networking activity creates a virtuous cycle of expanding opportunities and relationships.

Conclusion: Making Memory Your Competitive Advantage

In an increasingly digital world where much of our communication happens through screens, the ability to remember names and personal details in face-to-face interactions has become more valuable than ever. This skill demonstrates genuine human connection and attention in a way that automated systems and digital tools cannot replicate.

The techniques and strategies outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive framework for dramatically improving your memory performance at networking events. From understanding the neuroscience of memory formation to implementing practical systems for capturing and retaining information, you now have the tools to transform your networking effectiveness.

Remember that developing strong memory skills is a journey, not a destination. Start with the techniques that resonate most with you and gradually incorporate additional strategies as you build confidence and competence. Practice consistently in low-stakes situations before deploying your skills in high-pressure professional contexts.

The investment you make in developing these skills will pay dividends throughout your career. Every name you remember, every detail you recall, every person who feels valued and recognized because of your attention—these moments accumulate into a professional reputation for genuine connection and relationship building that sets you apart in any field.

Your next networking event is an opportunity to put these principles into practice. Approach it with confidence, armed with proven techniques and a systematic approach. The connections you make and the relationships you build will extend far beyond the event itself, creating a network of professional relationships that support your goals and aspirations for years to come.

For additional resources on professional networking and relationship building, explore guides on effective networking strategies and building authentic professional relationships. The combination of strong memory skills with strategic networking approaches creates a powerful foundation for professional success.