High-Volume People and Memory: How to Make a Lasting Impression

In the fast-paced world of startups and business development, high-volume people, such as VCs, angel investors, and CEOs, are constantly juggling meetings, pitches, and interactions. This high volume of engagement can make it challenging for these individuals to remember everyone they meet. It's easy to feel like you're just another face in the crowd.

High-volume people attend numerous conferences, meetings, and dinners.

These individuals often see 10–15 new company pitches per week.

They engage in frequent conversations and interactions, sometimes meeting 75–100 people at conferences.

The Impact of Memory on High-Volume People

While high-volume people may have excellent memories, they are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information they encounter. This can lead to difficulty remembering specific details or even recognizing individuals they have met before.

High-volume people often find themselves thinking, "How do I know them?" even when they have met someone several times before.

This challenge arises because they are constantly bombarded with new faces, names, and information.

The Power of Context in Making a Lasting Impression

The key to being memorable is providing context. When you encounter a high-volume person, provide them with a simple reminder of your previous interaction. This can be as simple as saying, "Hi Mark, we met last year at the NYU event. I spoke to you about my startup in the XYZ space. I was formerly at the AP as an international journalist before coming to Stanford to get my masters." This small piece of information can trigger their memory and help them recall who you are and what you discussed.

Even if a high-volume person doesn't immediately remember you, providing context can help them connect the dots.

This simple technique can make a significant difference in being memorable to someone who is constantly bombarded with information.

The Importance of Being Patient

Understand that high-volume people are often dealing with cognitive overload. They are trying to process a vast amount of information, and it is perfectly normal for them to need a moment to recall who you are. If you're meeting someone for the first time, be patient and provide them with a gentle reminder.

Don't be offended if they don't immediately remember you. Provide context and allow them to process the information.

High-volume people are not necessarily forgetting you on purpose. They simply have a lot on their minds.

The Importance of Context for All High-Volume People

This approach of using context applies to anyone who works in high-volume environments. Whether you're trying to make an impression on VCs, angel investors, business development teams, or CEOs, remember to provide context. It can significantly improve your chances of being remembered.

High-volume people often work in industries that involve frequent interactions and networking.

Providing context can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

It's important to remember that high-volume people are not trying to forget you. They are simply dealing with a large amount of information and sometimes need a little help remembering. By providing context and being patient, you can help them recall your previous interaction and make a lasting impression.

Providing context is a simple but effective way to improve your chances of being remembered by high-volume people.

Don't be afraid to provide a gentle reminder of your previous meeting or interaction.