When you hear a name, try to associate it with a visual image in your mind. For example, with someone named "Misty, " picture a misty mountain or stream or the mist in the early morning. These types of associations can go a long way to helping your memorization. If you don't have time to write a name down, imagining the spelling can be helpful. You need to say and sound out the letters of the name, if possible. Of course, you don't want to just start spelling, as that will make you look a little weird. Rather, ask about the spelling, and repeat the spelling back to the person. As you say each letter, see it in your mind as well. Try to make each letter dance or move a little as you visualize it, which can also help with recall. Another tactic is to visualize it written out somewhere familiar, like a dry erase board. If you know someone with the same name as the person you're being introduced to, take a moment to connect those two people in your mind, so you are better able to remember the new person's name. Say you're meeting someone named "Mary," and you already a know a Mary. Picture the Mary you know in your head (just her face), maybe even dancing around a bit. Add the new person's head next to the one you know. You can even have the new person's head bounce in time with the person you know. As you begin talking to a new person, try to pick out something unusual about the person's appearance. You could love the person's abundantly curly hair or associate the person with their dimples. Maybe you notice the person's brilliantly blue eyes. Try to help the person's name stick by focusing on an unusual feature. Another visual technique to help your memory is to create a picture of the person in your mind with something they're associated with. For instance, if you meet Mike who enjoys mountain climbing, picture him standing on top of a mountain (in his suit, to make it more ridiculous), speaking into a microphone (mic) like it's an open-mic night at the coffee shop. The sillier the image you create, the better. Out-of-the-ordinary situations will help it stick better. It's also helpful to combine techniques, such as making a visual association and using an unusual feature. Once you latch onto an unusual feature and figure out a visual associate with the name, try to connect the two through an action. For example, if you meet a Vicky, that you associate with Vick's Vapor Rub, visualize someone smearing it over the unusual feature, such as her curly hair. Once again, the wackier the association is, the more likely you are to remember it. Don't forget to go over it more than once to really solidify it. Some people use what's sometimes known as a "memory palace" to remember things, including names. To create a memory palace, use somewhere you are familiar with in the real world that has multiple rooms or defined spaces, such as your house. Start by visualizing just 5 of those rooms or spaces. In each space, pick 5 pieces of furniture or items, and number them off in a logical way. When you want to remember something, place it in the memory palace. For example, maybe you want to remember Jon who enjoys trampolines. Visualize him jumping up and down on your bed in your memory palace.

Summary: Turn the name into a picture. Visualize the spelling. Connect the person with another person. Focus on an odd feature. Create a crazy visualization. Combine techniques. Put them in your memory palace.

Most job ads will include direct instructions on how to apply. For example, near the bottom of some job postings, it will say "Apply to the attention of..." and then give a name. If the hiring manager's name is not available in the ad, check the company's website. Tracking down a name will make your letter more personal, which stands out in the applicant pile. It also shows your willingness to do research, a good sign for a future employer. While the advertisement may not have a direct name, it will have some contact information, perhaps an email address or phone number. Use those when searching the company directory to see whose name comes up, and address your letter to that person. Many companies will list hiring managers and department heads on their website. If you have a specific name to search for, but no contact information, examine the way the company lays out its email addresses. Most businesses will use a set convention, such as firstname.lastname@business.com. Searching for a specific address written in the company's preferred style will likely turn up additional information you need. Finding addresses like this can also be a method for cold-contacting managers higher in the company. This can be a good way to build connections, but will be less helpful if you try asking directly for a job. If searching for an email or phone number doesn't turn up a specific name, look for the person you would be reporting to, a manager or department head. Chances are you won't be approaching this company blindly. You will be able to get some information about the business and its employees through a variety of additional means beyond the business itself. If you are applying on the recommendation of someone else, ask that person who will be handling your letter. Track down people in the business through a social site like LinkedIn. You can search the site for people with particular titles or positions within the company used its advanced search functions. A site like LinkedIn also allows you to ask your connections to introduce you to their connections. This is helpful if they know people in the company you are applying to, especially if it is the hiring manager. Send the person a note asking for the introduction, making sure to include why you want the introduction. If the name is not available in the advertisement, and you cannot get anything from a company directory, call the company directly. When you talk to someone there, be sure to ask directly for the name of the person to whom you should be addressing your letter. Make sure you know the title of the position you are applying for, and any other information like a search number, to help the person on the other end get the right name. However you find the hiring manager's name, make sure you also find out any titles he or she uses. You need this to address your letter properly, and you don't want to refer to a "he" as a "she." Take note of special titles like "Dr." or "Your Honor" (for a judge), or political titles like "Senator" or "Assemblymen."

Summary: Read the job advertisement. Search the company's website. Use your network connections. Call the company. Look for titles.

After your last practice competition, try to subsist on fluids and semi-solid foods in order to create as much space as possible in your stomach. Make sure to check with your doctor before fasting or changing your diet in any drastic way and don't forget to stay hydrated even if you refrain from eating solid food. Many leading competitors fast a few days before their competition, relying only on water. Most hot dog eating contests are held outdoors during the summer, often on July 4th. Heat has been proven to decrease appetite, so if you let yourself get too hot before the competition starts, you'll be at a disadvantage. Stay in an air-conditioned car or sit in the shade until it's time to compete. Some competitors even douse themselves in ice water right before the competition starts. By the time you arrive at the competition, you will have timed, evaluated, and practiced your strategy. Don't let nerves cause you to forget what you've done and try something new on the spot. Stick to what you know works! Find out what motivates you and try to recreate it at the competition. If you like listening to a particular kind of music and the competition allows headphones, then play that music. Alternatively, have friends and family cheer for you. Not only will it boost your spirit, but it'll be good to have them there to celebrate when you're victorious.
Summary: Eat as little as possible they day before your competition. Stay out of the heat as much as possible before the competition starts. Stick to your established strategies. Create a motivating environment.