conferences - Influencing Identity

People Who Wear Name Tags

From politicians to office managers, all people wear name tags!

While traditionally people wear name tags in the work place or at a convention, some wear them to other events such as conferences and horse races. From babies and pets to famous people, name tags can be seen everywhere!

From Scott Ginsberg, “People wear name tags more often than you think. The majority of retail establishments, stores and other social gatherings require name tags for several purposes. Sometimes it’s for security. Other name tags are solely for identification. But simply stated, people wear name tags for one reason: so other people can use their names for friendlier, more personable service and conversation.”

Recently even Prince William and his wife Catherine were even spotted wearing name tags! They were sporting the bright purple name tags at the recent, and annual, Royal Ascot (a five-day social horse racing event). Rather than keeping with traditional first and last names, they were labeled with “HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) The Duke/Duchess of Cambridge.”

Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge along with James Meade people who wear name tags at Royal Ascot Photo Chris Jackson - Getty Images

Titles are often used in office settings or in retail environments, thus making managers and head staff stand out a bit more from other employees. Titles are also handy during a conference or convention to separate attendees from staff. Staff can range from the workers and servers to speakers and presenters. While typically titles are kept brief, remember to not sell anyone short when using their title on a name tag or name badge.

So, what other people wear name tags? Even politicians have been known to wear a name tag. Typically it has a support message along with their name and title encouraging the viewer to remember their cause as well as their name.

Another person who might wear a name tag is: YOU!
Have you ever worn a name tag for a job or other purpose? If so, where and when?

Something to always remember about name tags:

“A person’s name is the sweetest sound they will hear in any language. When you use their names, you will make them feel appreciated, welcome and important. Maybe it’s printed on a plastic clip. Maybe it’s written on a paper name tag. Even if it hangs from a lanyard, stares you in the face, look at it, and SAY IT!” exclaims Scott Ginsberg.

Basic Lanyard Uses

While a lanyard is often required for identification, many don’t realize its effectiveness. The best thing about a lanyard is that it can have social and practical uses in everyday occasions and special events. From identification to advertising, use lanyards in multiple ways.

Lanyards are ideal for identification and safety.

Several versions of lanyards all customized for business use.

Typically, lanyards are worn in offices and conferences to provide identification. And, traditionally these work well as most lanyards are designed to compliment a name badge or name tag. If a company requires security cards or photo IDs, lanyards are a great and useful way to keep these items handy. So, as you come to a security checkpoint or somewhere else where you might need to show your ID, you won’t have to search for your card. Lanyards are a low cost option for identifying who belongs and who doesn’t. When employees are provided with custom lanyards with either a company logo or slogan, they are easily identified to provide better security.

Lanyards are also effective advertising.

Lanyards provide simplistic and efficient advertising. Usually worn around the neck, lanyards remain easily accessible. As such, they are a perfect advertising opportunity. In addition, providing employees with a custom lanyard with a business logo or slogan allows them to keep their name badge handy. Still, most of those who wear lanyards as part of their uniforms do not remove them after leaving work. This provides your company with extra and free walking advertising.

If you provide a lanyard during a convention or event, people may continually use them in their homes and life. Many people find it convenient to attach keys to lanyards for easy access and the lessened likelihood of losing them. Again, free advertising. So, the next time you think about advertising strategies, consider how effective custom lanyards are.

Business Ethics and Name Tags

The point of this article is to show how important it is to wear proper personal identification (i.e., name tags and name badges) when building business ethics. Without name tags, people can be left in the dark in situations at a bank or a grocery store.

Business Ethics

And without a name badge, Scott Ginsberg wouldn’t be who he is today. To quote Scott, “Everything I needed to know about business, I learned from that name tag!”

Anecdote 1: (from every day life)

Adhesive name badges in four colors: red, yellow, blue and green with a handwritten name.

Have you ever walked into a store and wanted something specific but there was no one in sight to help you find it? We’ve all experienced this. We’ve all wandered a store looking only to, desperately and at the last minute, find someone who can help. And, typically, this person isn’t wearing any identifiers, especially a name tag or name badge, that would have suggested he/she could help in the first place.

Anecdote 2: (from Scott Ginsberg)

Scott Ginsberg the name tag guy with a my name is name badge and who is about using name tags to define business ethics.

“So there I was, sitting in the audience at a seminar. Surrounding me sat hundreds of us wearing one of those little, handwritten, adhesive name badges. When the event was over, we all filed toward the exit. I approached the door and noticed a small trashcan filled to the brim with used name badges. And that gave me an idea. A crazy idea. Maybe I should keep my name tag on all night! About 10 minutes later I met up with a friend of mine at a local ice cream shop. And that’s when it all started. That’s when the silence was broken. People began to say hello. Random students walked up to me and started conversations. Even complete strangers yelled “Hey Scott!” from across the room!”

Business Ethics Anecdote 3: (from someone required daily to wear a name tag)

“The only purpose of the name tag is for a customer to be able to refer to the name tag wearer in the context of a compliment or complaint. I wear a name tag every day and find that it isn’t a huge thing for me. However, I will say that name tags are generally considered appropriate in this particular field (banking). I do give credit to the executives here as everybody wears one, not just the peons.”

A name tag is merely a symbol that represents several core values that Scott holds close to his heart. “The truth is; my name tag and my values are one in the same. You see, my name tag represents friendliness, approachability, fun, creativity, uniqueness and casualness. Let’s face it, if you wear a name tag all day, every day, wherever you go, you will stand out, and people will notice.”

Attending a Networking Event with Name Tags

Badge holder with a printed insert and matching lanyard and imprinted badge ribbon to help make connections at a networking event.

Lanyards, name tags, reusable badges and even signs are useful tools for any conference or convention. And the corporate event name badge is one detail that has been overlooked too much. For years people have been dealing with this awkward situation over and over again at event after event. As such, setting the stage is just as important as attending a conference or networking event. However, there are many roadblocks along the way.

Here’s the scenario:

“You’ve just arrived at your weekly, cookie-cutter networking event, and after walking up to the registration table, you proceed to search across a sea of identical plastic name badges with tiny print for the one with your name and company printed on it. You’ll affix this name tag to your shirt at the least awkward angle you can finagle, and proceed into a crowded room of people all arching their necks to scope out the people worth chatting to while trying not to stare at someone’s chest for too long. (And most likely many have chosen to position the name) tags to be hidden in the folds of jackets or flipped around entirely making them impossible to read. Good luck with that one.”

Let us help you with finding the perfect solution to this problem. We offer products that facilitate networking and promote making those important connections. Our name tags and reusable badges are perfect for use with our lanyards and other fasteners.

For many people, the idea of wearing a name tag evokes the stale idea of the epic “Hello, my name is…” variety you might find at an awkward mixer or high school reunion. But a name tag is a valuable tool and, when used in fresh and creative ways, it can be an effective tool in helping people at a networking event and when interacting with each other.

Still not convinced on wearing name tags at a networking event?

Here are some creative ways to use any name tag or reusable badge to help eliminate any awkwardness while at a networking event.

Try omitting titles and company names. Use this as an effort to associate people more with what they love to do, or excel at, than what they do for a living. Focus on the individual.

Move beyond the work domain. Try using reusable badges with a catch phrase or other conversation starter to get people to mingle.

Incorporate a theme. It doesn’t matter what the theme is, just as long as it’s geared toward getting people flowing through the masses. After all, it’s about making those important connections.

Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS)

Is there really a condition called Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome?

From Scott Ginsberg, The Name Tag Guy:

“Over a half of a million people suffer every year from Emblema Nomenpenia, more commonly known as Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS). This debilitating condition has run rampant through the American business community for many decades, experts say, although only recently has it been classified.”

Symptoms: You may experience localized font shrinkage, inflammation of the company logo, noticeable eye irritation due to cluttered texts, absence of upper chest name tag placement and mild conversational uncertainty and frustration.

Possible Side Effects: Beware of sudden, severe attacks of name forgetting, possible networking anxiety, unapproachable behavior, missed opportunities to make new friends or business contacts, and feelings of annoyance due to the inability to say hello to a new member or employee whose name you can’t read because their name tag is turned backwards.

While NTDS is completely “made up,” the side effects are serious! However, this disease is easily treatable and completely curable!

Kris Hay, Communications Coordinator at the University of Puget Sound, offers her advice:

“When it comes to networking, a name tag is a necessity. Anonymity is not to your advantage in these situations. Worn properly, a legible name tag helps people remember your name and then quickly move on to exchanging information with you.

“A poorly located, illegible, or absent name tag can cause consternation, and even embarrassment. A name tag should make it easy for people to meet and greet you without having to gaze at body parts other than your face. Wearing your name tag correctly demonstrates your etiquette and networking savvy.”

Come find your solution to Emblema Nomenpenia (NTDS) at www.nametag.com! We have all possible solutions. From blank name tags to name badges to customized name tags with a logo, we truly are your one-stop shop for all things related to personal identification!