How To: Networking in 3 Easy Steps

First things first, what is networking?

Networking is a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.

And, whether you are wearing a name tag for an event or work every day, chances are you don’t realize the impact which you are making. In social settings, name tags can level the playing field. They are also free advertising for your company. And, they inspire people to be more approachable.

Step One: Always wear your name tag! It’s the key to great networking!

A name tag reminds you to be open and honest. You can’t hide behind it. And, it gets you to network, to put yourself out there, and to make new friends. It gives you the opportunity to brand yourself, your image, and your company, with honesty and trustworthiness.

Your name tag is your best friend for several reasons. A person’s name is the first thing that most people forget upon the first meeting. Without the aid of a name tag, people are less likely to approach if they don’t know or have forgotten your name.

Consider all of the commitment you have access to when wearing a name tag. Networking isn’t easy, but when you are willing to put yourself out there, others around you are apt to feel more at ease and will connect better and more frequently.

Step Two: The most important thing is to get your brand noticed.

Your name tag reflects who you are and humanizes you to others. Most people have a tendency to judge on first impressions, especially when everyone in the room is a stranger. But, if you have a way to make yourself stand out, your brand will become recognizable. And, it helps to make others more at ease around you.

If name tags are provided at an event, use them. Don’t be a name tag snob. They are there to make greeting others easier. They reduce possible awkward moments and help you remember names gracefully.

Step Three: Talk to others and, as always, wear your name tag!

It will help you be fearless. Wearing a name tag in a room full of strangers is an invite for people to talk to you, and for you to talk to people. You don’t need someone to introduce you, so be fearless and take networking into your hands.

Top 10 Uses and Places for Name Plates

Create desk and wall name plates for yourself, your boss or your entire company.

Add a personal touch to any workspace by displaying a name and a title. At home, use a name plate to decorate with loving expressions or quotes.

OFFICES

Display someone’s name and title on a desk, door or wall mounted nameplate. It’s just that simple!

DIRECTIONS or instructions

Providing instructions or directions to visitors in any store of office is a must! Customize nameplates with most any instructions to meet most any need. Whether it is just to point out a meeting room or a restroom, these directions are required in most settings.

CORPORATE GIFTING

Corporate gifting is one of the best ways to grow and maintain your business. Most companies agree that the fundamental reason for gifting is to acknowledge relationships and improve personal connections. Customize each nameplate with a person’s name, title or favorite saying.

PRODUCT LABELS

Whether it’s a restaurant or retail store, these nameplates are perfect to let your customers know what exactly they are getting. Just provide a clear label for your next buffet or end-cap, consumers are guaranteed to come back for more!

DECORATIONS

Create a unique decorating style by displaying acrylic block with your favorite quotes and sayings. These blocks command attention, and due to how thick they are, they stand by themselves with no holder needed. Front engraving gives these blocks a solid look while engraving the back brings out the engraving by providing reflections and depth.

AWARDS

Executive name plates 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 nameplates are sure to show how much you care.

BRANDING

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

SCHOOLS or LIBRARIES

What an easy way to display a room number or title for all to see. With custom plates designed for your specific needs, these tools are very useful in a school setting. Other public spaces such as libraries, gyms or other recreational outlets often benefit from this remarkable tool.

SHELF LABELS

Coller Industries even uses these plates to help us stay organized! Customize with colors and names or numbers to help your book shelves or storage shelves keep and stay organized.

BANKS

Banks often use name plates as well! With messages such as Next Teller Please, Lane Closed, and other instructions, these engraved tools are perfect for a bank setting.

But no matter how you use them, name plates are a great tool for everyone!

4 Perfect Products for Any Event

Standing out at your event is a must for any company! Let us help you to create that one of a kind look made just for you. Here is a small selection of options for your next event.

Conference Name Tags for Your Event

choose from our large line of personal identification products for your next event

These name tags are a perfect solution for any event! Networking is easy when everyone has a professional name tag, and the low cost won’t destroy your event budget. Instead of spending your time printing inserts and stuffing vinyl name badge holders, let us print your attendees’ names on custom laminated badges.

Event Lanyards

Lanyards are popular for their ability to keep essential items like a name badge or pen close at hand. Most often they have a name badge holder attached, and sometimes the badge holder displays the entire agenda for a meeting or conference.

Lanyards are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, materials and colors. Customize them with your logo, text or slogans. Lanyards can serve as an efficient and inexpensive source of advertising when worn or given away at events.

Badge Holders

Badge holders are an event staple as they are frequently used for conferences, conventions, trade shows, meetings, schools and visitor passes. Not only are they a good choice for these events, but they are also a fantastic option for reusable needs.

Use these reusable tools for an agenda holder. Print out the schedule of classes or a map of your event for attendees to keep near them for easy access and reference. You might also include a dry erase marker for each person as a way of keeping notes that can be easily wiped off when not needed anymore.

Badge Ribbons are perfect for your event!

Attach these simple ribbons using the adhesive strip to name badges and name tags to show who is who at a corporate event. Use titles such as president, secretary, staff and so much more. Also use these as achievement ribbons by using titles like sponsor, alumni, delegate or pretty much anything else. Badge ribbons are a great tool to use at events like corporate meetings or conventions.

Creating Unity Through Education

Granite Education Foundation (GEF) and Coller Industries Incorporated are working together, again!

Due to our donations and continual support, Granite Education Foundation invited Coller Industries to attend this year’s Excel Evening of Honors. The “EXCEL Evening of Honors” was held on April 21st.

Every year, Granite Education Foundation supporters gather to recognize outstanding teachers, administrators and community members whose personal commitment and contribution impacts 67,000 students in the Granite School District.

The annual EXCEL Award publicly honors and recognizes educators who raise the bar of their profession. The award recognizes teaching that incites intellectual curiosity in students, engages them thoroughly in the enterprise of learning, and has a lifelong impact.

Winners are nominated by school administrators, parents, colleagues and students through an intensive application process. A selection committee then reviews each application. Members of this Excel Selection Committee then surprise each winner at their school with the announcement. This interaction was recorded and shared at the presentation event.

The committee received over a thousand nominations and had to select only ten winners.

Gary Coller, President of Coller Industries, said, “I look forward to this every year, it’s an honor to be around great educators and dedicated professionals who support them. (With ten great teachers honored), and I was able to present an award to a teacher whose mother has also been recognized as a teacher of the year.”

Emily Lehnardt believes that children are perfect candidates for her to “awaken” the human spirit to love life-long learning. She feels children exude great curiosity and seemingly limitless creativity.

Emily applies Dr. Einstein’s teaching philosophy in her classroom. She believes Dr. Einstein lived in creative expression and knowledge. His creativity through experiments gave the world cutting-edge information.

“Ms. Lehnardt is exactly what my son needed in first grade. Her passion for teaching and learning shines through and really inspired him to love going to school.” -Parent

Ramona Braunberger, Marketing Manager for Coller Industries, said, “Emily is the educator you want (for your child). It is very apparent that she cares about the kids and is excited about teaching.”

During the gala, each winner received a special “Excel Award,” a gift basket, a monetary award, and other generous gifts to recognize their achievements.

“Every year we have the phenomenal opportunity to recognize educators who exemplify the values and mission of Granite School District,” said Dr. Martin W. Bates, Granite School District Superintendent.

“These individuals have demonstrated exceptional teaching skills and a commitment to student success. In addition, they provide meaningful contributions to their school community, and are constantly seeking ways to improve the educational experience of their students,” said Dr. Bates.

Congratulations to the 2017 GEF Excel Winners!

Emily Lehnardt – Cottonwood Elementary
Sheri Coats – Armstrong Academy
Sarah Wilson – South Kearns Elementary
Zachary Layton – Eisenhower Jr High
Wendee Johnston – Whittier Elementary
Yvonne Miller – Fremont Elementary
Rhonda Small-Oakes – Hartvigsen
Anita Ardi – Churchill Jr High
Callah Morrey – West Kearns Elementary
Craig Stauffer – Hunter High

Why Honor Teachers?

Research shows that students with high-performing teachers can progress three times as fast as students with low-performing teachers. Effective educators can influence the climate of the entire school. Their commitment, passion, expertise, and creativity are infectious. Students love them because they make learning fun and engaging. Administrators love them because they get results. Parents love them because they affirm their student’s potential.

In the face of increasing class sizes and insufficient funding and resources, the majority of Granite District teachers are dipping into their own pockets and their own time to bridge the gap for their students. Educators are finding progressive and engaging solutions to institutional problems and changing the world, one child at a time.

Coller Industries is proud to be a part of this process. While our role is small in comparison to these educators, we are still happy that we get to take part. Our children’s education has a direct impact on our business as we like to focus on working in our community. Helping out our local community is a large part of what defines the generosity of Coller Industries Incorporated.

Ordering A Predefined Stock Template

Our website has changed! We have now made it easier to order a predefined stock template name tag.

Select a template and material type from one of our available options. Each option has been set up with predefined text lines and a name tag size. No proof is required for these name tags, and there is no required set-up fee. Provide your name and title list when placing your order for possible next day shipping. Keep in mind that quantity, material and other options selected on the order page will affect the pricing and production time.

Stock templates are available as both metal and plastic name tags. All name tags ordered on these pages will only have text. (If you want to add a logo, they are still available on the other order pages.)

Plastic

All text is laser engraved into the top layer or core of the plastic to reveal the second color to create a two color plastic name tag. Solid colors have a matte finish, metallic colors have either a brushed or smooth finish, and wood grains have a slight gloss finish.

Metal

Laser engraving creates a two color name tag. Each colored metal has a lacquer finish or a reflective mirror-like finish. The engraved color will be the silver or bronze of the underlying metal. On gold and silver tags the laser oxidizes to a dark gray or black.

All of these predefined templates have the option of adding at least a first name. As you browse these templates, notice that each option has different features. Such as Styles A and B only have one line for a first name, while styles J and M both have three lines for names, titles and company name.

Each template option comes in plastic or metal and has the same color choices! Choose from 29 plastic color combinations and 18 metal colors. Plastic options come in a combination as the engraving process requires that one color will show through the other. Metal is a bit different as it just reveals the underlying color of the metal instead of a two layer plastic.

Whatever your choice, these new stock template pages are easy-to-use and will give you a professional looking name tag. And, they’re sure to meet any need!