A reinvention of anything requires a substantial analysis of what it is.
This reinvention is even true when it comes to name tags and other personal identification. Branding and using identification is something businesses have done for many years. And, it doesn’t matter what the brand is, or what they are selling to the masses.
Let’s take a look at Prada:
Identify Yourself: How Prada Reinvented the Corporate Name Tag
Identity is something every fashion label is obsessed with right now – what it should be, how to get it, how to bank on it. Prada is one of the houses whose distinct, powerful identity is fodder for many lesser talents, which is perhaps why the label’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collections – for him and for her – featured a sly wink and nudge to that idea in the form of ID cards clipped onto models’ collars and chests. They were the kind of name tag a faceless factory worker, office drone or out-of-office visitor might be instructed to wear and keep visible at all times – Prada’s even came stamped with faux corporate identities, logotypes and symbols ironically invented by the fashion house for purely decorative purposes.
Prada has failed to peg the real issue with name tags: discovering brand and personal identity.
After all, this is what a name tag is all about. We will always encourage people to wear name tags with their name and a business or corporate logo. And while it seems that Prada has attempted this with their, albeit ironic, version of a corporate name tag, there appears to be a lack of something fundamental.
Professional tools such as name tags are essential in marketing and communication. They are necessary in providing not only personal identity but corporate branding as well. And, the primary reason for wearing a name tag is to provide an identifying feature for each person.
With so many choices of name tags available, businesses only have to decide which product best fits their needs. From Hot-Stamped Logo Name Tags to Reusable Speedy Badges, the name tag world is best suited to those who know how to use it. Understanding this leads to the fact that a reinvention of this simple tool is not necessary.
Name Tags and Branding
By adding a business or organization logo to a name tag, every employee or volunteer will be identified quickly and easily. Office and retails settings are often the place to see name tags. But, inevitably employees wear these tags when going to lunch or even on the way home. And, while they continually wear these name tags in public, a company’s name and brand becomes available to everyone they pass by. This type of branding can also be beneficial to announce special promotions, sales or events.
Name tags are often the most effective element of a person’s uniform in meetings, at conventions or during any event. Trying to offer a reinvention of this simple feature is redundant and unnecessary.
Employees who wear name tags offer a sense of responsibility that remains unmatched by those who don’t wear identification. These identifiers have become an essential and vital part of many companies. And, they allow each employee to wear any required daily business style or uniform while remaining unique in their aspect and personality.
So, why offer a reinvention of something so tried and true? Let’s leave name tags where they need to be as a part of everyday business life.