Branding - The Learning Center

Essential Business Tools: The Name Tag

Picture this: you walk into a business and immediately need assistance finding what you need. You went to this business precisely because you needed something they offer. But if you cannot immediately find it, are you willing to stay and figure it out, or are you leaving and going elsewhere?

Now, add this to your picture: you walk into a business and are greeted by an employee wearing a name tag that gives you all the information you need. Then you notice that all of the employees are wearing name tags. Now, are you staying? The point: name tags are essential business tools for creating success.

Essential Business Tools: The Name Tag is for every occupation and professional.

So, who needs name tags? Everyone! Studies have shown that communication is enhanced when people know each other’s names. That is why name tags are so important. Whether you are a professional, a business, an educator, a meeting planner or anyone else, name tags are for you.

Finding your name tag

Whether it is a reusable tag like a Mighty Badge or something more permanent like a name tag with a UV Color Logo enhanced with all the upgrades, each profession deserves a suitable name tag. We want to make it easy for you to find your name tag. Follow this table to find a name tag that is best suited to your business.

How to use these essential business tools

While you may understand that you need name tags for your company, do you understand what a name tag is? These business tools help every company provide quick employee identification and help with organization. Name tags also give customers instant knowledge of who is working and who can help them answer their questions. Here are some easy definitions to help you find that perfect name tag for your business.

Professional Name Tags

As a professional, you understand the importance of connecting with your clients. When you wear a name tag, you encourage communication. As part of your profession, you also know the importance of quality and how every detail matters. Let your name tags help you show your clientele just how much you appreciate them and that you are an expert in your field.

Classic name tag with name, title and business for a realtor.

A mighty badge printed with a first name and title for a law student.

Things to add to your professional name tag:

Names (first and last), Titles and credentials, Logos and other branding

What your name tags should express:

“I can be trusted because of the level of expertise I have in my field. I am a professional.”

Examples of occupations that would use professional name tag styles:

Law/Judicial
Libraries
Advertising/Marketing
Medical/Dental Office
Hospital/Medical Institution
Veterinary/Pets
Clubs/Fraternities
Nonprofit/Association

Educational
Personal/Family
Finance/Insurance
Real Estate/Housing
Government/Military
Sports (Professional)
Journalism/Public Relations

Employee Name Tags

As a business owner, you know that your employees are part of the key to success. So, when you use the proper name tags to identify them, you enable your customers to have the best experience possible. Employees are held accountable for their actions when their name is easily seen on a name tag. From logos to names, choosing the right name tag for your employees will help ensure business success.

Essential Business Tools: Classic template name tag with a first name only for a food service worker.

Things to add to your employee name tags:

Names (first and last – when appropriate), titles, Logos that match your branding

What your name tags should express:

“Please talk to me. I can assist you in finding answers to your questions.”

Examples of occupations that would use employee name tag styles:

Arts (Theaters, Museums, etc.)
Automotive
Business/Technology
Staffing/Temp
Nonprofit/Association
Religious
Manufacturing/Construction
E-commerce
Print/Engraving
Parks and Rec

Events/Event Planning
Fairs/Festivals
Retail
Food Service
Wholesale/Distribution
Personal Care (Gyms, Salons, etc.)
Sports/Camps/Youth Programs
Hospitality/Tourism
Transportation

Temporary Name Badges

Most employers understand that wearing name tags goes hand in hand with credibility. That also pertains to temporary or seasonal employees. When you provide these staff members with reusable name badges, you accomplish two things. One, identification for everyone. And two, the ability to reuse these badges for different people as needed. Temporary badges enable all employees to receive the benefits associated with name tags, including improved communication and networking.

A template name tag with a title for a retail worker.

Essential Business Tools: A clear reusable name badge with a printed insert for a seasonal shop worker.

Things to add to your temporary name badges:

Names or titles where appropriate, Logos when needed

What your name tags should express:

“We believe that everyone is important and that everyone who is helping should be recognized for their efforts.”

Most occupation types have a form of a temporary worker. From interns to seasonal help, temporary name badges are appropriate for nearly every business type with employees who are only there for a short time.

Name tags are essential business tools

Now that you have a complete picture of what your customers need to see as they walk into your business, we are here to help you find the perfect identification. From high quality logos to reusable badges, we guarantee to have your most essential business tool: a name tag.

CLASSIC

LOGO

REUSABLE

Building Relationships, One Name Tag at a Time

A name tag is so much more than a piece of plastic or metal with your name on it. It is the beginning of a relationship with those around you. You encourage others to interact with you when you wear a name tag. In some ways, your name tag becomes a symbol of your availability and helps you when building relationships with customers and others in business.

By making yourself available, you set yourself apart from those around you. This is why employers often encourage staff to wear badges to identify them to customers quickly. A name tag identifies those who can answer questions and serve clients’ needs. Most employers understand the need for building relationships and see that one of the best ways to do this is by wearing a name tag.

Most people know what a name tag is, but do you know how it can help in building relationships?

Name tags are an excellent way for customers to start conversations with employees and other retail staff. They tell the customer who they are working with from the moment they meet your employee. Identification provides an easy way for customers to distinguish your employees and other staff in your store from other customers. Then, when a customer has a question or requires assistance, they will know who to ask for help.

At some point, everyone experiences a moment when they cannot remember a person’s name. While it can be embarrassing, name tags are there to help. Your name tag makes it easier for people to approach you and start a conversation, especially in large and unfamiliar group settings. They provide a sense of professionalism and belonging in nearly every situation.

Communication is key to all business interactions; name tags help establish these connections.

Sometimes, especially in larger retail locations, it can be challenging to remember everyone’s name. By wearing name tags or other identification, newer employees and other team members in the company are more apt to recognize each other. Name badges also provide accountability for all of your employees. When wearing name tags, it requires that your employees accept responsibility, one, for their actions and, two, for the way they treat your customers.

Remembering and using a person’s name during conversation shows them that you value and respect the relationship you are building. Using others’ names helps create a more personalized and memorable interaction. After all, you are working on establishing rapport and building relationships that should last a lifetime. Name tags allow you to build a sense of trust and friendliness, and they help the people you do business with feel more comfortable and open to communication.

Name tags are about building relationships with your customers and business partners.

Building trust between a company and a consumer is essential to business. All companies, whether they are organizations or individuals, should continually work on creating a culture of mutual trust. A trusting culture helps make challenging conversations easier, teams more integrated and employees more engaged. It also helps keep consumers loyal to a company’s brand.

Making an effort to remember and use people’s names is a powerful tool for building relationships. By wearing name tags, you are encouraging connections as you do business. Name tags make networking easier when participating in social events, conferences and professional settings. When your business is actively building relationships with customers, it shows that you understand the importance of personal connections. Remembering and using names builds trust, something every business should turn into a habit.

How and why name tags make you successful in building relationships.

No matter your view on name tags, certain informational aspects answer these questions. We’ve all been influenced by the idea of a uniform; it keeps us connected with the employees of a business. Part of this uniform can sometimes be a name tag. Name tags help keep both the customer and the employee respectful toward each other.

Name tags are commonly worn at conferences, seminars, trade shows and workplace meetings to help people identify each other and facilitate networking. Name tags are also worn at social gatherings such as parties, weddings and other events. They are the perfect way to introduce people and create a friendlier atmosphere. Service organizations use name tags for volunteers and staff to help identify their roles and make it easier for members to approach them.

Engraved Name Tags

Engraved name tag using a classic or template design on Name Tag, Inc.

Several studies have shown that communication is easier when people know each other’s names. Building relationships with customers all starts with the simple process of letting them quickly understand who the employees are. Quickly connect with customers by having your staff wear name tags.

Name tags are the perfect solution for having quick identification. Even simple engraved name tags that show a person’s name and title have an impact. This helps build trust and respect in your business relations.

Logo Name Tags

Enhance your relationship with customers when you add your logo to name tags. Choose from several styles of engraved or printed logos. The crisp, vivid colors created by UV printing will highlight your logo and leave a lasting impression on your customers. They will truly showcase your business’ branding and company colors.

Your communication with employees and customers will improve when your staff wears name tags. And by adding your logo to name tags, you help with building relationships both internally and externally. So, grow your business by upgrading nearly any name tag by adding a high quality logo.

Premium Name Tags

Take your professionalism up a notch with these upgraded name tag choices. Make your badge as fancy as you want while maintaining professional appeal. Both colored and engraved logos will look amazing with these simple and elegant additions. Make your name tags really stand out by upgrading with frames and domes.

Celebrate your professionalism with a classy step up from the average name tag. Fancy only begins to describe our premium frames. Add a sparkle of gold, silver or black around a new name tag to let your team know how much they are appreciated. These frames guarantee to make your name tags look as professional as you feel.

Another way to upgrade and add even more flair to your name tags is by adding an epoxy dome. Seal in elegance and professionalism with a gorgeous raised 3D epoxy dome. Doming is the process of applying a thick layer of durable epoxy to the tag’s surface in order to protect it from dents and scratches. Not only does the epoxy help protect your name tags from scratches and dings, but it also provides the right attention to detail. The raised bubble look gives your employee name tags sophistication while making them last a long time.

Grow your brand, connect with new customers and work on building relationships with your new name tags.

SHOP CLASSIC TAGS

SHOP LOGO TAGS

Brand Identity: What It Is and Why You Should Care

Brand identity is a core part of your organization’s marketing. This includes what you do, how you market yourself and how consumers perceive you and your brand. Brand identity works to build awareness, loyalty and desire. It helps shape your target audience’s perception. Does this sound like marketing buzzwords that are just hype? They’re not. Brand identity has been proven to make a difference in sales and customer retention.

Retail Worker Wearing Name Tag

Your Target Audience

When you think about your favorite brands, you probably don’t think about their customers. But that’s who the target audience is: those who buy from you and use your product.

And if there’s one thing that’s true about branding, it matters more than ever. In this age of social media and mobile devices, your customers are easily distracted—they can switch games or apps in seconds. They’ll go somewhere else if they’re not getting what they want from you. So businesses must develop a strong brand identity so customers know what to expect when they come to your product or service.

One way of doing this is by defining your target audience. Who are your customers? Why do they buy from you? What do they like about the product or service? Then, how can you ensure everything stays well presented so those customers keep returning?

By answering these questions and working with an expert on how best to craft a compelling brand identity strategy, businesses will be able to create a clear picture of who their customers are, what they want out of their experience with your business (and vice versa) and how best to deliver on those expectations to keep them coming back again.

Your Purpose and Values

A brand’s purpose is the reason it exists. It motivates the company and its employees to do what they do. For example, suppose a brand has a clear, compelling purpose that inspires its customers and those who work for it. In that case, the company will be able to build a reliable reputation for quality and integrity.

The best way to ensure that your brand remains consistent in its messaging is to establish what exactly you’re trying to accomplish with your business. What does your company stand for? What kind of value do you want your products and services to offer? And, what do you want people who buy from you or work for you to feel when they use your product or service?

Once you have a clear idea of what your brand stands for, it’s time to define its purpose and the specific ways you will accomplish it. This includes determining what value your company wants to offer and how you plan to deliver it. You should also think about how your brand can become more than just a business but an integral part of the lives of those who use it. If you’re selling something that people will use daily, ask yourself: How can I make my product or service improve the quality of their lives? What do I want them to feel like when they use this item? What kind of emotions do we want people to associate with our brand?

Visual Elements

The visual elements of your brand identity are a vital part of what makes your company unique.

Visual elements include:

• Your logo is an essential part of your company’s identity and should be something that customers and other stakeholders can easily remember.

Badge Ribbons

The colors you use in your marketing materials. These should help reinforce the brand’s tone and message but also help it stand out from other brands in its industry.
The fonts used in marketing materials should be easy to read and reinforce the text’s tone.
Graphics that accompany text or images on your website, social media channels, etc., including icons or illustrations that convey a particular meaning or message related to your business.

A strong brand identity is an essential element of success for any small business. It defines a company’s personality and customer perception, leading to greater odds of customer loyalty, brand recognition and a sense of trust between the company and its customer base. This can lead to better customer retention and increased revenues. Moreover, having a strong brand identity will help any small business achieve more significant growth and long term viability, offering the best chance to succeed in a highly competitive market environment.

Bring your organization’s logo to life with name tags, name plates and lanyards.

Name Tags

Name Plates

Lanyards

How Name Tags Step Up Your Branding

You see them everywhere: restaurants, grocery stores, retail establishments. Employees wearing name tags can be found nearly every place you need to go. And it doesn’t stop there! You can find name tags at conventions, conferences, meetings and more.

Someone putting on a name tag makes them immediately more approachable. A name tag connects your name with your face, so customers feel more comfortable where you work. A business’s best asset is its employees. Customers who interact with employees wearing name tags are more likely to have a positive experience. With these experiences comes customer loyalty.

As Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy says, “Your name tag is your best friend for several reasons. First of all, a person’s name is the single context of human memory most forgotten. And people are less likely to approach you if they don’t know (or forgot) your name. Secondly, it’s free advertising for you and your company. Third, name tags encourage people to be friendly and more approachable.”

Employees wearing name tags while traveling to and from work.

Logo Name Tags and Branding

Your employees can help with branding and customer retention by wearing their name tags outside work. Think about this: as your employees travel to and from work, if they still have their name tags on, you get free advertising! And, if they leave them on during off-campus lunch breaks, free advertising!

When employees continually wear name tags, your brand becomes more visible. The more people see your logo, the more they will know your business and what you do. So, when purchasing name tags, make sure to add your logo to make the most out of them.

Typically the power within name tags is acknowledged as a professional and friendly way to identify a company or personal identity. Many companies use name tags for branding and employee recognition. And this employee communication helps to improve customer care.
Name tags also provide confidence to those at a conference or meeting. Even if everyone doesn’t know each other, their names are visible, making introductions less intimidating. In addition, people can confidently call each other by their names.

Providing balance and uniformity is what name tags do best. When your business succeeds, your employees feel they are a part of that. So, having them help with your branding (by wearing logo name tags) is an essential part of your marketing.

Wearing name tags can help create an inviting atmosphere, making the employee feel more approachable. In addition, when your customers come into your business and see a face and can immediately associate with a name, it makes them more apt to stay and do business with you.

Custom Lanyards and Networking

Everyone can use lanyards; seriously, you can find them everywhere. Schools, office buildings and even sporting venues use them daily. In addition, lanyards are commonly used during conferences, conventions and other events. Remember, every detail counts for any event, including branded lanyards for every attendee and presenter.

Not only do custom lanyards help in branding on the job, but they also help with networking at events. And, when you design your lanyards to have a business logo and name, it makes your marketing efforts more effective.

Keep your employees branded at all times. Add your logo and company color to a lanyard, and you won’t be able to give them out fast enough. Or, use a slogan or motto on branded lanyards to promote your business. These tools add recognition and identify not only the wearer but also the company. Often, lanyards are a requirement for access to a building or meeting and can be used this way as advertising.

While lanyards are commonly used for displaying badge holders or name tags, they can also be useful for other daily activities. And, they make for great marketing tools as well as providing security for events. Use branded lanyards for keeping track of keys and other personal items.

Lanyards are incredibly versatile due to their custom nature. Add text, logos, graphics and more to promote any brand. The text can be a phrase, a date or the name of an event or business. In addition, wearing a lanyard makes ID or credentials more accessible to show to others or for security proof that you can be in a building or any other typically private place.

The Power of Names (and how to help others remember yours)!

Whenever you put on a name tag, you become the face of your purpose, whatever that is. Your name tag represents this purpose to everyone around you, which benefits you and others. It can quickly help the people around you put your face with your name. We have all heard that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” So, tell that story simply and quickly with your smile and a name tag.

Customer Retention for Small Businesses

Customers; without them, your business is nothing. But don’t let that deter you from working on your customer retention. Whether you’re just starting a business or have been running a company for several years, you should understand that it is your customers who keep you in business.

Getting your service or product into the hands of the right customer can (and will) make all the difference. When running your business, you should always keep in mind that your most vital asset is your customer. And getting to know each customer will help your business grow.

Customer Retention for Small Businesses means always making your customers happy

Why is Customer Retention Important?

Retention: When someone becomes a customer, your company turns its focus to satisfy them so they want to return and also refer your company to their family and friends.

We’re not saying that finding new customers isn’t important. What we are saying is this: how do you plan on keeping those new customers around? So, in this regard, customer retention should be your primary focus.

Customer retention is the unsung hero of the successful business. Its flashier sister, customer acquisition, usually steals the spotlight, but retention is what ultimately builds the foundation of a company that is positioned for growth. After all, it’s much easier to fill a bucket than a sieve.

Keeping your customers happy should be your primary goal. And, by doing this, your customers will keep coming back. Not only do they keep coming back, but they will also start recommending your products and services to their family and friends. If you remember to always take care of your customers, they will be your most powerful resource. So, don’t just focus on getting new customers but also focus on retaining the customers you already have.

Building Customer Relationships

The key to any good relationship is communication. Keeping open lines between yourself, your employees and your customers is crucial to your success. Without this communication, those customer relationships that keep you in business will fall short of where you need them. And remember that without your customers, you will go nowhere.
You must meet the standards that the customer expects from you. This could mean products or services rendered. Make sure that everything your business does is for the customer. Not only will this help with the retention of current customers, but this can also bring in others that your clientele tells about your wonderful company.

Four Ways to Make Customer Retention Work

Because customers are the key to keeping your business running, you need to understand how to find and keep them around. Here are six proven ways to find and retain your customers.

Know Your Business

Sometimes the simplest thing is the answer. And this starts with knowing what your business is and why it is essential to your customers. Examples of this are clothing stores (people need clothes) or restaurants (people need to eat). While these may seem simple and not close to your business, they can start you on the right path.

No matter the product or service you offer, you started your company knowing that it would fill consumer needs. Don’t forget what these needs are. They will also help define who your clientele is. Once you know these things about your company, you can grow your customer base and focus on customer retention.

Now is also the time to reflect on your pricing and quality. Make sure that what you are offering, whether it is product or services, is of good value for the cost. Don’t overcharge or undersell your business. High-quality products mean a higher price, so make sure you value your business as it should be.

Visibility Is Key

From using social media platforms to creating an inviting storefront, you need to make sure that customers can find you. Social media is a great word-of-mouth system to get the ball rolling. Once you have customers purchasing or requesting your services, you can make bigger plans for getting seen.

custom signs for any business from name tag, inc.

PRO TIP: Use custom business signs around your office or store to display hours of operation. You can also customize these signs to help customers understand and know your policies and procedures. Choose colors that are complementary to your business so that everyone will see them.

Stay Happy

You can make your customers happy by focusing on their experience with your company. Don’t put all of your focus on only the product or service they are buying. Connecting with your customers on an emotional and personal level is essential.

Building your customer relationships is what customer retention is all about. Help them to understand you so that you can understand them. If you do, they will be more likely to recommend your products or services to their family and friends.

But don’t forget about your employees. If the workers in your company are happy, your customers will start to reflect that. And happy people spend more money.

It’s All About the Buzz

custom top ribbons for business cards may help with customer retention

Think custom ribbons for fancy business cards that will attract new customers. Use professional desk wedges on office desks that show the retained customer how much you care. Even the little details like matching name tags for staff will show your customers how put-together and organized your business is. These details will help create a little buzz about your dependability that will grow over time.

At the end of the day, what really matters isn’t how much a customer pays you today, but what their entire lifetime value is.

Never use a one-size-fits-all approach in your marketing plans. Remember that customers want to buy from a business that treats them well. To do this, you need to listen to every customer. Treat them as the individual they are; don’t lump your customers into a bundle just because they are all interested in your product or service. By doing this, you guarantee that they will keep doing business with your company.

The Importance of Name Tags

What is the importance of name tags to businesses? That’s a great question! As your name tag experts, we want to provide our customers with answers for their organization.

From retail stores to secure data centers, name tags are a part of everyday life. Studies have shown that communication is enhanced when people know each other’s names. Whether you are a professional, a business, an educator, a meeting planner, or anyone else, name tags are essential in reaching out to customers and clients. By giving your employees name tags to wear, you are increasing their visibility and accessibility.

Name tags are an essential tool for the growth and success of your business. They make customers feel welcome in your office or store because they immediately know who they are talking to. And they make your employees more accountable for their actions because their name is visible to everyone. As a result, nearly every business uses them! You can find name tags in many industries, including food service, hospitality, retail, event planning, etc. Each name tag tells your brand’s story to help customers and employees remember their experience.

Scott Ginsberg (The Name Tag Guy)
has developed a philosophy about wearing name tags.
“Everyone should wear name tags, all the time, everywhere, forever.”
——————
We agree that name tags are essential!

We know that wearing name tags helps build a corporate identity. These professional tools also help customers interact better with their employees. Imagine what would happen if not only your employees wore name tags but so did your customers! There would be fewer questions about who people were or what they needed.

Name Tags are essential in marketing and communication. They provide personal identity and with a logo, they expand corporate branding as well. Employees who wear name tags offer additional customer service and personal responsibility for that business. Name tags are the hardest working element to a person’s uniform in meetings, conventions or any event.

4 Important Reasons to Wear Name Tags

Name tags and other personal identification products can significantly benefit your company. And while these products might seem trivial to have around the workplace, using them has many advantages. They become part of your marketing and a means to offer your customers exceptional service. The conversations that come from wearing a name tag lead to better interactions and opportunities for sales. And they make your employees directly approachable at any time.

IDENTIFICATION

Sometimes, it can be challenging to remember everyone’s name. However, by wearing name tags, newer employees and other team members in the company are more apt to recognize each other.
These identifiers have become essential for many companies while allowing employees to follow required dress codes and maintain their individuality. After all, the primary reason for wearing a name tag is to provide an identifying feature for each person.

From churches to state office buildings, having identification also helps when dealing with people. Whether it’s a group of 12 or a crowd of 1,000, when everyone is wearing a name tag, it’s easier to ensure people are where they need to be. It is also easier to remember who each person is. Whether for employees, volunteers or visitors, using an identifier like a name tag provides a professional atmosphere for everyone. It keeps employees accountable for their actions and gives customers the necessary information to complete their business with you.

BRAND RECOGNITION

Branding is an essential part of any business, whether large or small. Support a strong branding and marketing strategy using name tags with your logo.

Add your business logo to name tags and quickly identify every employee, volunteer and other staff as a part of your organization. Every time employees wear their name tags at work or within the community, they provide free advertising. Use these professional tools to your organization’s advantage, and remember that the more visible your brand is, the stronger it becomes.

With so many options for logo name tags, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.

COMMUNICATION

Name tags are an excellent way for customers to start conversations with employees and retail staff. They inform the customer who they are working with from the first interaction. This communication goes both ways. And, if a customer needs to report an employee’s behavior, whether exemplary or otherwise, name tags provide an instant identifier for those circumstances. In turn, this dialogue aids managers and other supervisors in handing out praise and dealing with disciplinary actions.

“A name tag isn’t just a sticker; it’s a statement. It’s about friendliness, identity, culture and human nature,”
Scott Ginsberg

A sense of unity is one of the most positive things to come from wearing a name tag. Belonging to a team provides a sense of togetherness and helps businesses to function to their highest capacity. Name tags help build this bond, and with that bond comes unity and happiness. Now is the time to recognize that having a happy team means having a successful business. When everyone wears a name tag, the positive experiences they share with your customers are boundless.

Many studies show that communication improves when people know each other’s names. They may need to interact with others regularly who they have yet to meet; wearing a name tag breaks down social barriers so that everyone is approachable. Remember that better communication always turns into better performance.

SECURITY

When you require employees and staff to wear name tags, you can quickly identify if they belong where they are.
There are many times when visitors may be present. Visitor ID badges keep everyone safe. Security teams understand the importance of name tags in keeping track of where people are and where they need to be. Identify everyone, from visitors to the president of your company. With this identification, everyone is sure to know where they belong and who might not belong.

Sometimes, wearing a name tag will help identify people prepared to provide aid or emergency services in hazardous situations. Name tags can also help emergency and security professionals identify people who can give them access to certain areas of a facility that will allow them to respond adequately to the situation.

For companies that deal with sensitive information or products, someone who is out of place would be easier to spot when employees are accustomed to seeing their fellow employees with name tags.

The True Importance of Name Tags:

Name tags will always have a fundamental place in interpersonal communication. They increase the ease of identification, the quality of communication, security and recognition for your organization. In addition, name tags eliminate barriers between your customers and employees, so add them to your business today!

Brand Identity and Building Your Business

From Nike to Coke and every company in between, what makes them tick is their brand identity. Marty Neumeier, Director of CEO Branding for Liquid Agency, defines brand identity as “the outward expression of a brand, including its trademark, name, communications and visual appearance.” So, what is your company’s brand identity? Simply put, it’s your reputation!

A brand is essential to anyone who wants to stand out from those around them. Remember that your brand identity is defined by your customer’s overall perception of your business (reputation). Make your branding unique enough that your competition doesn’t stand a chance. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, said, “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”

Branding is the most important part of your business, whether it be large or small. Building a strong brand helps your company not only be financially stable but memorable. And, by being memorable, your brand will draw in more customers just by word of mouth. Your brand becomes your promise of service or high-quality goods to your customers. It is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.

So, now that we established your brand, how do you get the brand identity that you want? And, how do you maintain that identity? Follow these simple rules to get the most out of your branding and keep customers interested in what you are offering.

Consistency is Key

When designing your logo and text, keep it consistent so that your brand stands out from your competition. And, when reusing this logo, the colors should always remain uniform. Choose colors and fonts that represent your company’s goals and make sure to keep them emotionally available to your customers. Don’t choose red (signifying power or confidence) when you need a calming, inviting color (blue) to represent your company. Your logo and standards are what give your brand its uniqueness.

The same goes for any font used in your branding. Some fonts may be too busy for your branding message, while other fonts are too bland for making you stand out. Take Coca-Cola, for example. Their ribbon-like font lets their customer know that their product is intended for fun and whimsy. Maybe your service or product is a bit more serious, so make sure to use a font that accurately represents your brand identity.

Once you establish your brand identity, don’t change it. Let your customers soak in this identity so that they become used to it and learn to embrace it. This identity will keep your business going, so you don’t want to risk inconsistencies. Remain consistent so that your brand will stand the test of time.

Think about this: everyone knows the Nike tagline, “Just Do It.” And their mission statement is just as important, “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” With these two objectives always at hand, and their logo ready to go in their pocket, Nike literally rules the world in their business endeavors. And, by using the ideas Nike has used, you can figure out how to accomplish success for your brand.

Branding is more than a well-designed logo or a perfectly placed ad; you need to do more.

Your brand identity is more than your logo. While your logo helps your clientele know who you are, your identity goes so much farther than color or font. A brand identity is a visual, emotional and intellectual representation of your business goals and standards. Coca-Cola knew what they were doing when they started marketing its product. From their highly recognizable red to the swoop of their font, they are a company that understands brand identity. Likewise, your logo and identity should convey everything your business stands for.

Ultimately, your brand identity should be an accurate representation of what your company is about, and what you hope to achieve with it. Business branding is something that takes time but should be considered a crucial first step in launching your company. After your branding materials are in place, you can look back on these resources for years to come to ensure you’re always staying true to your mission.

Every detail matters, no matter how small it is. The branding process takes time and can be delicate. But, it is crucial to take it in stride. After all, you want a business that will thrive in your chosen market. You need to communicate to consumers what your brand wants and needs and, most importantly, how it can benefit them. Don’t get discouraged because developing your brand identity is taking a long time. It can take years of tweaking and adapting. And remember that not even multi-billion dollar companies get it right every time.

Know Your Competition’s Brand Identity

Research competitor brands within your industry. You should never imitate exactly what the big brands are doing in your industry. But, you should be aware of what they do well (or where they fail). The goal is to differentiate from the competition. Convince a customer to purchase from you over them!
We’re always thinking about how to make a brand stand out from what’s out there already. Don’t skip this step in the brand building process. Research your main competitors or benchmark brands. For instance, study how well they have gone about building a brand name. For a brand name to be effective, it needs to be easy for consumers to recognize and remember.

Your company’s identity is what makes you instantly known to consumers. This branding is what will help them to associate your business with your product or service. And when it comes to the time that they need what you offer or sell, they will remember your company because of your brand identity. It will help build your customer loyalty as well as your brand awareness.

So, make your brand identity your most effective marketing tool. But keep in mind that this branding process will never stop. It continues only as long as you make it keep working for your company. Check in on your branding practices continually to ensure that they are working appropriately. And don’t forget to integrate branding into everything you do for your company.

Start with the Correct Tools

Laser engraved name tags and name plates

Name tags and name badges provide necessary company branding. This branding is vital for all of your marketing needs. It distinguishes you from your competition and helps others to recognize your quality more readily. By using logos on name tags, you create a focus to help drive your business. But, don’t limit yourself to just your name tags. Don’t forget that signage and other identification products are there to help advertise your brand. From custom lanyards to award plaques and everything in between, get it personalized with your logo! And then start spreading the word.

The key is to remember that your logo represents your brand’s commitment to providing the best service or product to your consumers. Communicating your brand can be as easy as wearing a name tag. And using your logo on every name tag you use for your company will help to convey your brand identity. But it also takes effort to remember putting on that name tag. So, the next time you consider not wearing your name tag to work or any other work related event, reevaluate that decision.

After all, your name tag is basically a walking billboard for your company logo. No matter where your customer is, they should be able to see your branding. Your branding needs to be visible and reflected in everything that your consumers can see and hear. If a customer walks into your store or office, your logo and brand identity should be on display for them to see. Integrate your brand into every aspect of your business. Branding should not only be in your physical environment, but it should also reflect in your business and personal interactions.

Tangible Items

Business Cards
Advertisements
Packaging and Product Needs (custom ribbons are a great resource)
All Printed Materials

Digital Platforms

Social Media
Online Videos and Images
Websites
Google Ads

Business Associations

Greetings and Dealings with Clients
Customer Thank Yous
Welcome Signs
Corporate Gifting

Creating a Brand Image that Sets You Apart

Your brand image reflects your business vision, which, in many ways, embodies your mindset as a business owner. Jay Abraham’s Strategy of Preeminence lays the foundation for mastering your mindset to distinguish your company from the rest. This strategy entails creating a culture of respect for your team, customers and partners. To create a culture of preeminence, make allies everywhere you go so that the message is clear: “I’m here to serve you and meet your needs.”
You’re here to add real value to your customers’ lives. To create this type of relationship dynamic, show empathy to everyone you interact with, and strive to understand what they really need. With this understanding, you’re able to create meaningful relationships based on trust and respect, which weaves you into the fabric of your target market.

From networking to marketing strategies, your brand identity should come first. You should always add a personal touch to everything your business does. Make sure that every consumer feels as if they are your only VIP customer. And don’t forget to say thank you for their business. A little gratitude goes a long way, especially in business dealings.

Why is brand identity so important?

Having a brand identity doesn’t just make your product more memorable; it makes your brand more authoritative in the marketplace. A brand that establishes a face, and maintains that face consistently over time, develops credibility among its competitors and trust among its customers. When you create an identity for your brand, you’re giving it something to stand for. That, in turn, gives your company a purpose.

Your brand represents everything your business does. No matter the situation, your logo is out there for the world to see. So, make sure that your presentation of your values, standards and goals is in line with your branding strategies. Because, if it isn’t, your brand identity may become something you don’t want. After all, this identity is how the world will see your business.

Social Networking Success for Any Business

It’s so much more than having a Facebook account. It isn’t even about how active your social media accounts are. It’s all about how you connect with your customers. So, what is “it?” It, referring to social media networking, has increasing benefits that all businesses can take advantage of. If you’re not taking advantage of social networking, you’re missing out on a quick, cheap and extremely effective way to connect with nearly half of the world’s population.

Now, more than ever, people are using social networking to connect with brands.

Are you taking advantage of social media for your business? While it isn’t one size fits all, or every network is suitable for every business, you should be asking the fundamental questions: who, what, where, when and why. And, maybe not in that specific order. Sometimes the why should come first. The who is also extremely important. But, most of all, you need to answer where.

social networking is a growing trend for any business

So, where do you start?

Social networking should be a strategic part of your business marketing plan. With that being said, now you need to decide on where you will feature your business. Most businesses stick with Facebook as a foundation to get their brand off the ground. However, it is essential to remember that what works for one does not work for all. Make sure that you do some research on all of the available networks before making your decision.

Facebook may be a good place to start; after all, nearly everyone is on this network; and it is the most recognizable. Check out Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and others to see what is right for your company. While you are looking for the best fit, here are some questions you should be asking yourself.

How do I want to be active on social?
What will I be posting?
How often will I be posting?
Which network will offer the best visibility for my business?

While you may not immediately know all of these answers, keep them in mind while looking at the different social networking sites. Instagram and Pinterest are image based, so if your company can host a lot of engaging images and product pictures, these may be the right sites for you.

Also, keep in mind the type of business you own. For example, do you own a company that works mainly as B2B? When trying to network with other companies to sell your product or service, LinkedIn might be the best place to connect with your consumers. Twitter is another great B2B site as it deals in real time and offers a great place to chat and connect with customers and other businesses quickly.

Setting Social Networking Goals

Once you make these social connections, you need to use them for making your business better. Set goals to help you achieve these connections. After all, marketing on social media can bring significant success to your company, create brand advocates and even drive leads and sales.

The key ingredient for doing social media marketing well is having a strategy. Without a strategy, you might be posting on social media platforms for the sake of posting. Without understanding what your goals are, who your target audience is, and what they want, it’ll be hard to achieve results on social media. Whether you want to grow your brand through social media or to level up as a social media marketer, developing a social media marketing strategy is essential.

From ads to regular posting, social media is different for every business.

And, it doesn’t matter if your business is large or small, what works for one may, or may not, work for another. However, there are some key elements and directions your social networks can, and should, have. Here is a quick list of things to make sure you are doing on your chosen social networks.

The problem most businesses face with social media isn’t whether or not to participate, but how to take advantage of it. Social media should be used to tell your business story and set yourself apart from all of your competition. Brand storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to differentiate yourself, connect with your customers, increase brand loyalty and sell your vision.

Without a social networking strategy, you might be posting on social just for the sake of posting. And, without understanding what your goals are, who is your target audience and what they want, it is hard to achieve positive results.

“Social media provides targeting capability, as well as reach and scale, at a lower cost than almost all other marketing channels,” said Abdul Muhammad, chief digital officer and partner at rbb Communications, said in a previous Business News Daily interview. “People are on social media all day, every day – brands must go where the people are.”

Implementing a Social Networking Strategy

Now that you have decided where you want to be, and why, you need the how. A strategy is where you’re headed; a plan is how you’ll get there. You have decided where to head to; now you need a plan. How should you fill out your social media profiles? What should your tone and voice be like? What posts type (i.e., image, link, video, etc.) should you use? Here are some things to consider.

Brand Awareness

Your brand should be recognizable. So, think about your profile image. While a logo may be where your thinking immediately takes you, try and make something a bit more catchy. Take, for instance, our unique use of our logo. Not only does it let our customers know what our business brand is, but it also tells more of a story about our products and what we can offer to our customers.

Other elements of a business page include a cover photo or video, shared images, about us sections and other storytelling tools. These are necessary for every business while socially networking. Make sure to fill out each network’s page information sections entirely so that your customers can get the whole picture.

Remember to tell the truth. Don’t fudge or exaggerate any of your business details. If a potential client thinks that you offer a service because of your social profile, then make sure they can get that service. The same thing goes for your product. You will end up with upset customers and declining sales if you are not truthful while setting up your new social profile.

Customer Engagement

As a business, you need to figure out how you want your customers to start engaging on your social network. This will vary depending on which network you choose. So, make sure to learn all of the features your chosen social network offers. This way, you won’t be shocked when your customers start trying to communicate with you.

For example, Facebook has Messenger, which features an easy way to chat with customers and other clients who message you. LinkedIn also has a similar feature. But, when it comes to Snapchat, that changes due to the way they work with stories and other posting methods.

But, most importantly, you need to be responding to your customers. Make sure they know and understand that you are on a social site for them, not for you. Sure, it helps meet sales goals and gets your brand out into the world. But, without proper communication, you won’t retain customers or make any new connections.

Building a Business Community

From Facebook Groups to Twitter chats, tracking your social engagement is a must. There are so many tools to help you navigate using any social media network. Before choosing one, make sure to do your research. They are all similar but remember that each one has different features. While we don’t recommend one above another, we do recommend that you check them out to see what will work best for you and your business.

You can’t determine the success of your social media marketing strategies without tracking data. Finding out what works for you may be trial and error at first, but there are so many tools to help you figure it all out. Use hashtags to keep engagement up. Try different styles of images on Instagram to increase your user participation.

But, no matter what, don’t give up. Follow the analytics of each social network you use so that you can retain information on your business community. You need to know who your customers are in order to give them what they want. Make sure they understand that you know them. Set up a way to give your customers the best customer service they will ever have on any social network. Once you do this, you’re guaranteed success in social networking.

But, no matter what you do, remember that social networking is unique to your business. So, get networking on what works for you.

Retail Stores, Boutiques and More

In any retail establishment (grocery store, boutique, department store, etc.), wearing name tags helps to build a corporate identity and encourages employees and customers to interact with one another.

There are significant benefits to wearing name tags. Some of these benefits include the use of identification in marketing, providing security, identifying employees and other staff, as well as many other positive benefits. Here are some of our favorite reasons you need to utilize name badges in your retail business.

Unfortunately, we have all seen when a customer walks into a retail store and doesn’t get the attention they were looking for, so they leave. They were expecting something that the store offers but didn’t feel that they got the right help while looking for the product. So, now comes the hard part: how to make it so that your customers stay and make their purchase.

If we may be so bold, one way to guarantee a positive customer experience is name tags. These tools put customers and employees on a first name basis and ease the conversion of the sale. For example, when a customer is relaxed and comfortable, they are more likely to spend their money. And, when a customer feels like they know your employees (enter name tags), they are more relaxed.

The Benefits of Name Tags for Retail

From security to branding, retail establishments have almost become synonymous with name tag use. No matter your location or business, name tags are here to help. When a retail employee wears a name tag with a logo on it, the tag becomes a form of advertising. It can then reinforce the company’s brand in the minds of their customers.

Name tags have so much power, but you must first give it to them. Add logos, names and anything you feel that your retail establishment needs. From photo identification to reusable name badges for seasonal employees, everyone in your store should be wearing a name tag. And, here’s why!

Accountability

When working, it is vital that you hold your employees accountable for their actions. By providing them a name tag, not only will you help to maintain their accountability, but you also increase the professional status of your business. When someone wears identification, they tend to be more aware of their actions and how they affect others.

So, whether it’s handling customers or representing your company during an event, name tags will help keep your employees accountable for their actions. Name tags also increase productivity and keep your employees on task by providing them with a sense of responsibility.

Security

From using adhesive name badges to a badge holder on a lanyard, security is a must for all retail establishments. No matter your business knowing who is around you at all times provides better security. Name tags help with identifying people you come into contact with during a work day.

So, identify your employees better by using name tags to prove they belong where they are in your store. If your employees are accustomed to seeing their fellow colleagues with name tags, abnormalities are easily spotted. And, anyone that may be out of place would be immediately detected to help maintain the company’s security.

Openness and Conversations in Retail

For the majority of retailers, name tags are a necessity for business. And, because name tags are permission slips, they encourage engagement. This is due to their primary function being to personalize and humanize each person. Especially for a business whose focus is customer service and face-to-face interaction.

Starting conversations is much easier when people feel relaxed during their communication with your business. And, name tags invite encounters. By wearing a name tag, your employee automatically starts any necessary conversation without even knowing it.

What are some other benefits of wearing name tags that retailers can take advantage of?

Why Every Work Environment Needs Name Plates

Name plates are commonly seen around nearly every work environment, and here’s why.

From wall hangers to desk wedges, name plates have become an almost essential piece to any work environment. And, with so many types available, it’s easy to add a professional and personal touch to any working space.

When appropriately displayed, name plates are practically a compass in any work environment. Used on a desk, they provide names for colleagues and guests. Place them on a receptionist table, and they can be used for giving instructions or directions to clients and visitors. Or, use them throughout your office or store to create a flow from each department into another.

The flow they create into every department helps so that when newcomers or guests enter the office, they will know where they need to be. Finding directions to rooms and people is no longer an issue when name plates are used properly.

Name plates are an integral part of any work environment no matter where you use them. Here are some ways to make sure that you are, one, purchasing the correct name plate for your needs and two, displaying them in the best way possible.

First, remember to create consistency in your work environment.

No matter how big your company is, using your brand is what makes you stand out. Your logo represents not only your company but also the overall commitment to your clients and customers. And, in the name tag world, using your logo consistently on all identification products helps to define and identify you.

From colors to logos, consistency matters. So, finding the right consistency with logos, colors and fonts helps to solidify your message. By defining what your brand is upfront, you help establish your company as an industry leader. We make it easy to keep your logo and text the same on all name tags and name plates. Using our available materials and colors will help achieve this task. After all, a company who ensures that their brand is well developed will retain and make future connections with their clients and consumers.

Adding a logo onto any name plate is an excellent way to maximize branding for your company. And, finding that perfect name plate just got easier! Choose from both metal and plastic to customize any name plate to match your work environment and brand. Logos can be engraved or printed depending on the style you choose.

Our Name Plate Styles

Classic

Engraved names and titles are what these plates are all about. Start with your size choice and provide a list of names to get the ball rolling on these simple, yet effective tools.

Logo

With two types of full-color printing or simple engraving, any logo will stand out for everyone to see. And, any needed text is engraved or printed alongside the logo.

Contemporary

Reusable and printable, how does it get any better than this? Each plate comes with an attachment choice for easy display.

Reusable

Blank or printed, the back plates to this reusable system look great with your printed inserts. Just slide the whole thing together, and get to personalizing your work environment.

Acrylic Desk Blocks

Modern and sleek, these desk blocks are perfect for a classy look on any desk or other flat surfaces. Don’t just stick with names and titles, play around with nearly any text to customize the look.

Executive Desk Wedges

Go all sorts of professional with these gorgeous wooden wedges. These look great on any CEO’s desk or even in a lobby.

Next, think about who needs a name plate.

While name plates are often seen on desks and counters, don’t underestimate their power of persuasion. From a corporate gift during the holiday season to expressing appreciation to a colleague for their help on a project, each name plate is unique. And, here’s how: the name!

Everyone loves to hear and see their name. And, by displaying it on their desk or office door, they can see it every day. Make them feel special by using their name in meetings, during conferences or simply in daily greetings. Your personalization of your employees will translate into your business goals and deals and thus reflects into your work environment.

What is the significance of a name plate in a work environment?

As a name plate is the easiest place to display someone’s name and title, it becomes essential to any work environment. Most people find that having their title visible is necessary during their busy days. These name plates continuously remind someone of their status and help others see it as well. So, it’s a perfect gift for anyone to help them understand what they mean to you. Name plates, in this sense, are the gift that keeps on giving. And, even if someone doesn’t have a desk to stick that plate on, they are sure to find somewhere else to display it proudly.

There are many different professions that can use name plates. Teachers, receptionists, elected officials, lawyers, accountants and so many more professionals benefit from having a name plate. No matter where you put it, the door, a desk or even a bookshelf, every work environment will benefit from having visible name plates. So, don’t underestimate the power of these identification tools.

Name plates are also a useful tool to improve many experiences within your company. From signage to room identification, help your customers easily navigate your business. Use them for employees who have an office. Or use them to identify different sections of a store. No matter how you need to use them in your office or store, they are sure to help you stand out from your competitors.

Some of the Top Uses for Name Plates

Display someone’s name and title on a desk, door or wall mounted name plate. It’s just that simple! Create desk and wall name plates for yourself, your managers, the CEO or your entire company. Add a personal touch to any work environment by displaying not only a logo but also a person’s name and title.

DIRECTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

Providing instructions or directions to visitors in any store or office is a must. Customize name plates with important instructions to meet any office need. Whether it is to point out a meeting room or a restroom, these directions are required in most work environments.

PRODUCT LABELS

Whether it’s a restaurant or retail store, these name plates are perfect for letting your customers know what exactly they are getting. Provide a clear label for your next buffet or end-cap, and consumers are guaranteed to come back for more.

AWARDS

Executive desk blocks are perfect for showing just how much you appreciate someone. They also make an excellent award for any achievement. With a class of excellence above any other, these beautiful name plates are sure to show how much you care.

BRANDING

Adding a logo to a name plate is an inexpensive way to maximize branding for both employee and company benefits. And they are a great way to create consistent branding throughout any office, building or store.

Corporate Gifts Worth a Wow

It’s easy to give perfect corporate gifts that everyone will enjoy.

corporate gifting with an executive desk wedge is perfect for any work environment

Showing appreciation with corporate gifts for your customers, clients and employees doesn’t have to be complicated. And, most importantly, it doesn’t have to be a mundane gift. We all have several promotional mugs, t-shirts and other items that we receive as thank you gifts. So, what makes you stand out from your competitors?

Deciding on a product to give can be a difficult choice. And at this time of year, it’s important to start thinking about those corporate gifts. Not only is gift-giving one of the best ways to improve office morale and grow and maintain your business, but it has become expected as a way to acknowledge a working relationship.

These make excellent corporate gifts. And this is one of the best ways to grow and maintain your business. Most companies agree that the fundamental reason for corporate gifting is to acknowledge relationships and improve personal connections.

Name Plates for Your Work Environment

Whether it’s hanging a name plate from a cubicle wall or using an acrylic desk block for office signage, name plates prove over and over to be of significant use in any work environment. They provide a professional, yet affordable solution for every business for identification uses. And, no matter where they are displayed, they are sure to help your company stand out.