Greeting someone by using their name establishes a personal connection. Remembering someone’s name is the best way to get their attention. Using a name shows courtesy and respect toward them. It’s a way of making a positive impression on someone. And, to some, it’s the most important sound of their day.
Why is it so important to hear your name? Your name is what connects you to your family and friends. It’s what makes you so unique. Without your name, you are just another face in a crowd. And when someone uses your name, any situation becomes personal.
Dale Carnegie, an expert in relationship building, tells us, “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”
Name tags are the perfect way to make sure that someone knows your name. And they are increasingly important in the world today. How can someone, whether a fellow employee or a customer, connect with you without knowing your name?
There are so many reasons to be wearing a name tag.
When working, name tags help provide security and a sense of belonging. They also help those around you to know who you are and if you can help with something they might need.
Another reason to wear a name tag is demonstrated by this poignant, albeit brief, interaction.
“This morning, I was at the local coffee shop. The young lady who prepared my coffee was wearing a name tag, and I was able to thank her by using her name. I could tell this made her feel good and appreciated.”
Using a person’s name shows that you have gone out of your way and taken the time to make a personal connection to them. Remember, business is not only about selling or making money. It’s about connecting with those around you. Without a personal connection, no goods or service are shared. Nothing will happen. Once that connection has been made, you can form a trusted relationship.
Name tags make every connection emotional and personal. It causes people to remember with whom they are doing business. It sets an individual apart and makes them feel special. And it’s the best way to get someone’s attention.
“A name tag can show more than a name. It can be an opportunity to market your business and its purpose.”
While we have no affiliation with Ms. Mansfield, we agree with her perspective on name tags!
Here are some excerpts from her recent article “Your Name Here.”
(It) was a fantastic conference. Everyone who attended, presented and exhibited had to wear a name tag. It was large with heavy-duty plastic and a stable, double-attachment lanyard. It was the crème de la crème of name tags.
Every person had a name tag. It displayed their first name only and the tagline, “Here to Serve” under the name. From a marketing perspective, Botlierskop won the name tag game, hands down.
A name tag is a marketing and communication tool that provides critical information. The information is — or should be — dependent on the purpose of the event and the name tag viewer… We also interacted with other staff, all of whom were wearing name tags with their first name only and “Here to Serve.”
That was everything we needed to know. First name only, since we did not need to know their last names, and “Here to Serve” should tell you everything you need to know about Botlierskop’s commitment to customer service. Everything you needed and anything you could think of — all you had to do was ask.
Our name tags consisted of a peel-and-stick tag with our ISPO country and flag. Not having a name was disappointing, especially because we were there to meet and network with fellow representatives.
Mansfield suggests, and we concur, that when wearing a name tag, it’s all about content.
As such, here are a few pointers to make a difference in your name tag. And to help it stand out from the rest and be the “crème de la crème of name tags.”
Remember the primary purpose of a name tag is to show someone’s name! The real difference this makes is to identify the wearer.
Include only necessary items such as a small company logo or a short title. This information makes someone easier to identify quickly.
Make your tags say something memorable. Ms. Mansfield gave the example of “Here to Serve” for this important aspect.
Remember that your name tags are your branding. Whether it is a personal name tag or one for business, it will stand out in someone’s mind, so make sure you are representing what you want to.
Name badges are meant to be a networking tool. Make sure you create a name tag that keeps the person wearing it approachable.
While these tips are not a complete list, they are a starting point to make a difference and are sure to get you on your way to having the “crème de la crème of name tags!”
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.
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!
No matter the size of a business, the benefits of photos and personal identification are enumerable. From name tags to lanyards, most companies take advantage of these benefits. And, one of the easiest ways to identify an employee is through the use of photo ID badges. So, why use a photo ID badge?
First off, what is a Photo ID Badge?
A photo ID badge with an employee’s name, photo, title and other relevant information is a great way to identify company employees. Fully customize each badge by selecting the orientation and fastener (deluxe magnet, pin, clips or a variety of other fasteners including punched slots with lanyards).
Second, what are the benefits?
One of the most important features of a photo ID badge is the security it offers. By providing employees with a picture as well as a name and title, it ensures that the proper people are entering and exiting your building. Quickly and easily identify someone with photos and provide safety and security while in the workplace.
Safety is a primary concern for businesses.
These ID badges can help keep restricted areas of your building safe and properly maintained. They can also keep guests from wandering, even accidentally, into areas that they shouldn’t be. And, keep your photo ID close at hand with the convenience of a lanyard or most any other fastener.
They can also help with productivity! Employees can focus on what they need to do instead of worrying about being secure or if they are in the correct area on a job site. Add photos of an individual to each tag, along with their name, to make recognition easier. With a quick glance, anyone can see who that person is and make sure they belong on a project or in a restricted area.
Public relations is also a concern for many businesses.
Name tags and other personal identification products make establishing a relationship of trust not only easier, but simpler as well. Being able to quickly identify someone because they can match a face directly to a company is a refreshing and comforting necessity in our world.
Photo ID badges are sure to fit the bill no matter your endgame with personal identification! Leave your employees, guests and clients with the benefits of these badges and a sense of security that you know what you’re doing!
