I read a piece in the Houston Business Journal last week about a certain local resort and conference center that planned a large meeting for 600 Indians. They arranged a Southwestern decor with cowhides and skulls and so on, to fit the gathering. When the party started to arrive, they realized their mistake, as the guests were 600 Hindu gentlemen from India, who consider the cow sacred. This is an example of the kind of disaster that can result from getting ahead of your data.
I once heard a country music star say that she wore these words, "Never Assume" on a little medallion around her neck. How many times could those words have kept us out of trouble? How many times have you heard a man's name that sounded like a woman's? Never assume! How many times each day do people go to Intercontinental Airport to meet someone who's flying in to Hobby? Never assume!
Sure, you want to look like you know it all - but you have to remember that people like answering questions, if asked the right way. Asking questions shows that you're interested and want to know more. One of those best-selling books on "How to Pick Up Girls" advises young men to keep asking questions until they know all about the young lady. A book on "How to Pick Up Customers" could say the same.
I say, if you don't know how to pronounce or spell someone's name, just ask! If you're not sure where they come from or what line of business they're in, ask! People are usually proud and happy to tell you about themselves and their interests. Ask those questions and pay attention to the answers, and you'll stay ahead of the game.