Influencing Identity - Page 11 of 54 - by Coller Industries Incorporated

Name Day: What It Is & How to Celebrate

The moniker we received from our parents the day we are born may be our most valuable possession. It distinguishes us from others, and it shapes our personalities and individuality. Many cultures and countries celebrate a person yearly on a special ‘Name Day.’

The best thing about name days is that you don’t need to know your friend’s birth date to send them a greeting; you only need their name. And, while birthdays are the most popular reason to celebrate and party, why limit our celebration of each person’s uniqueness to a single day?

Is this day the same as my birthday?

In short, the answer is no. However, there is much more to the answer than a simple “yes or no.” Birthdays are just that, the day you were born. However, your name day extends beyond and into more meaning than a birth date. In many traditions, cultures and religions, your name day is more important than your birthday.

What are name days, and where do people celebrate them?

Variety of name tags showing variations of the name John.

Many European and Latin American countries celebrate name days each year. The tradition of celebrating this day goes back to the Middle Ages, especially in Catholic and Orthodox countries and continues today. Celebrations of each name day may commemorate saints and martyrs of the Catholic church. For example, Sweden celebrates the name Karl on January 28, the anniversary of Charlemagne’s (whose given moniker is Karolus or Karl) death.

A saint’s day celebration will include all the possible variations of that moniker. For example, St. Johns Day (January 7) is the name day of anyone named John, Giovanni, Ivan, Jeanine, Joann, Juan, and any of the 119 variations used worldwide.

Name days may be associated with a season or time of the year. One example is Palm Sunday, the name day for people with names related to flowers, herbs and plants to celebrate.

Many different traditions are associated with name days. However, no matter the customs, this is a time to celebrate the individual with congratulations and even small gifts.

How can I find my name day?

We know how important names are for building and maintaining relationships. And we believe in celebrating individual names every chance we can. So, search for official lists to find out when your moniker is celebrated. Many counties worldwide maintain lists of name days. For example, Sweden and Finland have kept lists that date to the 18th century and earlier. Today, It is simple to find a name day for yourself, your family and your friends by using the power of the internet. We recommend visiting www.mynameday.com to find yours!

Why are these days suddenly so popular?

In the book and television series, Game of Thrones, author George R.R. Martin refers to namedays. While he does not clearly define their significance, he mentions that they coincide with birthdays.

The nameday is a custom in the society of the Seven Kingdoms. It is an annual celebration commemorating the naming of a person and serves to calculate his or her age. Babies are named the same day they are born. People receive presents from friends and family on their nameday. It is essentially what we now call a birthday.

— Game of Thrones Wiki

So the tradition of namedays in Game of Thrones differs from the European tradition of celebrating one’s name day.

In conclusion

While each culture, fictional or not, may have different traditions surrounding name days, they all have one thing in common: the purpose.

Names are more than a label; our names help define us, they assist in building and maintaining relationships, and they are part of the continuity of society and a culture’s history. They are a part of our uniqueness and individuality and are always worth celebrating.

So, whether you respond to Michelle or Karl, Rebekah or Yuri or any other moniker, you have two days a year that are special to only you: your birthday and your name day.

We are all about celebrating names!

Check out these products that share you with the world—showing your pride at work, in the community and at home.

5 Problems with Lanyards (and Their Solutions)

While these tools are typically useful for conferences and other events, people have been reporting some problems with lanyards. We want to raise awareness that not all lanyards are bad. So, we are offering you solutions to five common problems that have recently been reported.

solve your problems with lanyards with the large lanyard selection from Name Tag, Inc.

One of the most commonly reported problems with lanyards is safety.

Some businesses, such as hospitals or schools, worry about making staff and students wear lanyards with their identification. The reason for their problems with lanyards is the safety of having something loose around someone’s neck. In schools, this is a concern for getting a lanyard caught on a chair or desk. Or worse, having students who misuse them. The same can be said of hospitals or even courthouses.

The Solution: A Convenience Release

solve your problems with lanyards concerning safety with a convenience release

Many of our lanyards come with a break-away option called a convenience release. This feature is designed to separate if the lanyard is pulled too tightly around something, such as someone’s neck or wrist. A convenience release does add a slight cost to your lanyard, but if safety is your main concern, we highly recommend getting lanyards with a convenience release.

Another of the common problems with lanyards is matching a brand.

Colors are tricky. And, making sure that all of your marketing materials match your company brand, whether that be a logo or a specific PMS color, is essential to every business. Many times when someone orders extra marketing items, such as lanyards, they are concerned with getting exact color matches to their branding.

The Solution: Dye Sublimation

Depending on the style you select for your lanyards, we have multiple printing options. Our variety of lanyards come with either dye sublimation or silk screening. While an exact color match isn’t guaranteed, if you choose a lanyard with dye sublimation, you can provide a PMS value (Pantone Solid Coated Colors preferred) with your order. We can then get as close as possible to your requested color.

Problem number three is selecting the correct lanyard for your needs.

With so many available options, styles and fabrics, choosing the right lanyard can be complicated. And, you want to make sure that not only does the fabric work for your needs but that it is comfortable for your guests and employees. But don’t forget to match the material colors as well, so you don’t have problems with lanyards you choose for your needs.

The Solution: Shop with Us!

shop with Coller Industries to solve all of your problems with lanyards

Yes, it is that easy. Our easy-to-use online ordering system is here to help you. We show every option we offer upfront, making it easy to choose from our large assortment of lanyard choices. From Blank Badge Lanyards to Ribbon Lanyards, we know you’ll find just what you’re looking for. We even have Trade Show Organizers with Lanyards to make finding the perfect badge holder just as easy!

What about meeting those deadlines?

Another one of the problems with lanyards is making sure you get them on time. The product’s delivery date is always of high importance. And many factors play into this timing, such as quantity and type. Another factor is the different production times.

The Solution: Zip-It Expedited Service

While you can order a standard lanyard with five to seven business days for production time, we also offer an expedited service called Zip-It. Some stipulations must be met when placing an order for a Zip-It product. You won’t receive a proof for approval as the order will go immediately into production once we receive it. This, of course, also depends on you sending in all the required information with the order. As long as you are comfortable with trusting our high standards for our products, Zip-It Expedited Service is the perfect option. Or, order your lanyards well in advance of your event to guarantee you will have them in time.

One of the last problems with lanyards is that they are constantly turning and twisting.

Many lanyards, when used with badge holders, have the problem of flipping these identification tools around so that they can not be seen. Photo identification or other name tags can also cause this issue. And, when you can’t see a name tag, what good was it to purchase a lanyard in the first place.

The Solution: Double Sided Printing

From the printing on the lanyard to the information in a badge holder, double sided printing is your friend. We offer several lanyard solutions that come with double sided printing. So, if a lanyard decides to twist while someone is wearing it, your branding will show no matter what! Are you having problems with the badge holder flipping? Try printing the same information on both the front and back of those inserts. This way, no matter which direction that badge decides to be, you will still be able to read it.

So, no matter your problems with lanyards, we guarantee we have a solution to your troubles. Come on over and find your answers today!

Custom Signs for Every School and Classroom

From directions to artwork, custom signs are the perfect fit for all of your classroom needs.

People don’t often think about all of the places they see custom signs. Yet every day, they pass at least a dozen. And, this doesn’t change when you are in school. In many cases, this visibility increases. Signs are everywhere. They provide instructions and directions, and they give warnings and security notices. Most importantly, they are there to help.

And, we’re here to help you understand how necessary custom signs are around a school. Teachers should take advantage of these fantastic tools for every corner of their classroom. From fun and bright colors to the ability to add simple artwork and graphics, creating your sign has never been easier. Here are some great examples of how every classroom can utilize these tools.

custom signs made for any school or classroom need

Where would you put a sign in your classroom or school?

You don’t have to look hard to find a place that needs either some extra color or more instructions. Signs can be used throughout an entire school. Think about the lunchroom, the principal’s office, the library and even the bathrooms! So, don’t limit yourself when creating your custom signs.

Every person in your school will know exactly where they need to be and what they should be doing when you utilize these fantastic signs. Help students figure out just where they need to be with directional signage that even comes as a stock option. All you need to do is pick the color that best suits where you need it hung, and you’re all set. Choices range from “Entrance” to “Lost & Found” and everything in between.

Upgrade your Classroom with Custom Signs

Sometimes a teacher may struggle to decorate their classroom. From bulletin boards to homework stations, signs are a convenient way to get decorating started. Use them to help students know where to hang their coats and backpacks. Place a sign on a desk for an easy sign-in for volunteers in your classroom. They are also the perfect tool to help create order in the chaos of a supply closet.

And don’t forget about those graphics! Add a simple image that represents your school or logo. Or, choose something that can represent your classroom. Students enjoy having a mascot to look up to or draw inspiration from.

Update your classroom’s look with new decorations using signs. Customize them with nearly any message you can think up. Add your favorite quote with a suitable graphic to hang on your wall. Or, create a custom sign to hang on the outside of your room door so others can enjoy it as well. But, no matter your wording or literary choice, remember that this personalized product is just as unique as you.

Get Creative With Personalized Signs

Sometimes all you need is a creative mind, and you’ll have an instant piece of art. Adding a door sign to a room is the perfect touch to help you be yourself. Custom signs are perfect for a classroom and any room in any school. (Careful, we have limitations that your imagination might not!)

From desk placement to student homework, there is a place for everything. So, make sure you know where that place is by creating an organized space. Once you have an organization plan, write it down. By doing this, you will help the students in your classroom know where things go and you will stay organized.
And, don’t forget to decorate. Use posters, banners, ribbons and custom signs to make your classroom a pleasant place for learning. Don’t go overboard, but make sure that your classroom is inviting and stimulating.

From simple instructions about how to complete a task to holidays and birthdays, these custom signs are here to make your day.

Customer Service and Name Tags

From customer service to hospitality services, are name tags a necessity?

There are two arguments, and they are simple: yes and no. When it comes right down to the nitty-gritty, most businesses use name tags. And, primarily customer service oriented ones, will tell you that they feel it is necessary to wear identification. Whether that’s an embroidered logo on a shirt or an actual name tag, branding is somehow incorporated onto their employees.

Now, the question needs to be asked about those employees. Who, and be honest here, really likes to wear a name tag? Not everyone enjoys having that immediate first name status with everyone they meet. So, the underlying question remains: should you use name tags for the best customer service possible?

using name tags in customer service and hospitality services

An Expert’s Answer: It Depends

While there are many reasons to wear name tags (see below*), there are also many that would fight against the “need.” Some of the finest in the hospitality business suggest that by using name tags, you are alienating your employees. They argue that name tags separate the employee from the consumer and presents a barrier between the two.

Tim Miller, a hotelier who was intimately involved in the creation of the new Marriott—Ian Schrager Edition brand, echoes this sentiment.
“[Edition employees] don’t wear name tags because we want it to be similar to when you’re at home and a friend stops by and stays with you for a couple of nights. We want to provide service in a less artificial way than would be implied by the dividing line of name badged employees and civilian-dressed guests.”
And there’s no question that an environment adorned with name badge employees looks more stilted, artificial, less genuine than without it. Hotelier Tim Miller again: “We didn’t want the stilted awkwardness of ‘look, I work here, I’m taking care of you because that’s what it says on my badge I do.’”

By removing name tags from uniforms, some companies feel as though they are providing a more peer-to-peer relationship to form. That name tag, and the removal of, provides a barrier that is not a necessity for all businesses.

Consider This: Name Badges Improve Customer Service

Mark Harmon, CEO of Auberge Resorts and truly a “hotelier’s hotelier” told me, “We want to develop a relationship between our staff and guests. It’s awkward for the guest to have to ask for your name or the staff member to introduce himself. I find that guests love it when they can easily remember the name of our people.”

*This is where it gets good!

name tags are the perfect accessory for someone in customer service

For the majority of businesses, name badges are a must. Especially those whose focus is the customer service and face-to-face time with their consumers. And the reasons are pretty obvious.

Starting conversations is much easier when two people (or more) feel at ease in the communication. And, this can all start with a simple introduction. By wearing a name tag, your employee automatically starts this conversation without even knowing it!

This brings us to our next point: balancing your employees and customers needs. With technology as it is, you can know your customers before they need to initiate any conversation. Do this by using loyalty or membership cards, credit cards and even event passes. So, level your playing field with name tags so that your customer knows your employee just as the employee knows them.

And don’t forget about security and accountability. Name tags help your employees stay on task by providing them with a sense of responsibility and accountability. Those respectful actions are then reflected on their treatment of your customers and provides a positive environment for everyone. From making sure everyone is where they belong for security reasons to providing the best customer experience possible, name tags are here to stay!

So, give credit where it is due and don your name tag in support of knowing your customers!

Designing Your Perfect Name Tag

What information should I include when designing my name tag? From font choice to details you think you should include, name tags are, surprisingly, an intricate thing when it comes to designing. And, making sure they read well is something you must consider before ordering one. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure you are getting identification that helps your business.

Material & Color

blank name tags that feature both plastic and metal materials

Durability is a must! We carry both high quality plastic and metal materials. So, no matter your new name tag use, we have a material that will fit your designing needs. And with 30 plastic colors and 18 metal color combinations, we have a color that will suit your business needs as well. But, remember what Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy, said:

“The most effective background color for name tags is white. This allows maximum visibility for your logo, name and position. Dark blue, green or red backgrounds are used occasionally, but they have a tendency to ‘steal the show’ from the rest of your name tag.

“Write the font in black or dark blue. Never use yellow, orange or any other light color. Even if a dark color choice means an aesthetic digression, fashion must be outweighed by your name tag’s approachability and visibility! Finally, unless you work in an academic capacity, avoid gold name tags.”

Font Size & Style

two printed font choices that send different messages even though when designing a name tag they used the same text

From size to the color, the font is one of the most important aspects of your new name tag. Yes, font matters when designing your new name tags! You should always choose a readable font and size. If others cannot read your name tag from at least 10 feet away, your font size is too small. However, don’t stray the other direction. Too large of a font will distract and limit, if not remove, space for additional information. Even if you are attending a horror convention, the name tag font should always be legible. If someone can’t read it, that negates the use of your name tag, so why even wear one?

Always consider the following: What does my font choice really say? Melanie Bunch, Coller Industries’ graphic artist, says, “Make sure you are using a font that suits your business or event needs. Even the tone of the font choice is essential. A bookstore or cafe might opt for a more casual font, while fine clothing or five star restaurants might want a fancier or more formal font. Large businesses and corporations may want to choose a font that is consistent with their company branding, which tends to be something more utilitarian.”

On the other hand, some fonts are always a bit more professional than others. We offer many font choices that are fun, yet maintain professionalism for nearly any business. And, remember that some fonts are great for employee names, but not suitable for a business name or title.

Engraving & Printing

Before requesting any engraved (or printed) text for your new name tags, first, consider your size. Once you choose a name tag size, any names, titles or other information will then need to be tested to make sure they will appropriately fit. Shorter and smaller name tags may look better with your uniforms, but then you will most likely have to settle with first names only when designing. But, don’t think the larger your name tags, the more information you can have.

Once you have names, titles and your business name planned out, you can consider your logo. Always ask yourself, “Does this new name tag actually need my logo on it?” If the answer is yes, make sure to choose a name tag that best suits that logo. From engraving to full color printing we have a logo solution we are sure you will love.

The final guideline here is never to think your name tag is a business card.

There is a thin line between just enough information and too much when designing new name tags. Keep it simple, and keep it flowing. Yes, you need to represent the person wearing the name tag and in some cases, your business. But, remember that less is always more when it comes to name tags.