Essential Business Tools: The Name Tag

Picture this: you walk into a business and immediately need assistance finding what you need. You went to this business precisely because you needed something they offer. But if you cannot immediately find it, are you willing to stay and figure it out, or are you leaving and going elsewhere?

Now, add this to your picture: you walk into a business and are greeted by an employee wearing a name tag that gives you all the information you need. Then you notice that all of the employees are wearing name tags. Now, are you staying? The point: name tags are essential business tools for creating success.

So, who needs name tags? Everyone! Studies have shown that communication is enhanced when people know each other’s names. That is why name tags are so important. Whether you are a professional, a business, an educator, a meeting planner or anyone else, name tags are for you.

Finding your name tag

Whether it is a reusable tag like a Mighty Badge or something more permanent like a name tag with a UV Color Logo enhanced with all the upgrades, each profession deserves a suitable name tag. We want to make it easy for you to find your name tag. Follow this table to find a name tag that is best suited to your business.

How to use these essential business tools

While you may understand that you need name tags for your company, do you understand what a name tag is? These business tools help every company provide quick employee identification and help with organization. Name tags also give customers instant knowledge of who is working and who can help them answer their questions. Here are some easy definitions to help you find that perfect name tag for your business.

Professional Name Tags

As a professional, you understand the importance of connecting with your clients. When you wear a name tag, you encourage communication. As part of your profession, you also know the importance of quality and how every detail matters. Let your name tags help you show your clientele just how much you appreciate them and that you are an expert in your field.

Things to add to your professional name tag:

Names (first and last), Titles and credentials, Logos and other branding

What your name tags should express:

“I can be trusted because of the level of expertise I have in my field. I am a professional.”

Examples of occupations that would use professional name tag styles:

Law/Judicial
Libraries
Advertising/Marketing
Medical/Dental Office
Hospital/Medical Institution
Veterinary/Pets
Clubs/Fraternities
Nonprofit/Association

Educational
Personal/Family
Finance/Insurance
Real Estate/Housing
Government/Military
Sports (Professional)
Journalism/Public Relations

Employee Name Tags

As a business owner, you know that your employees are part of the key to success. So, when you use the proper name tags to identify them, you enable your customers to have the best experience possible. Employees are held accountable for their actions when their name is easily seen on a name tag. From logos to names, choosing the right name tag for your employees will help ensure business success.

Things to add to your employee name tags:

Names (first and last – when appropriate), titles, Logos that match your branding

What your name tags should express:

“Please talk to me. I can assist you in finding answers to your questions.”

Examples of occupations that would use employee name tag styles:

Arts (Theaters, Museums, etc.)
Automotive
Business/Technology
Staffing/Temp
Nonprofit/Association
Religious
Manufacturing/Construction
E-commerce
Print/Engraving
Parks and Rec

Events/Event Planning
Fairs/Festivals
Retail
Food Service
Wholesale/Distribution
Personal Care (Gyms, Salons, etc.)
Sports/Camps/Youth Programs
Hospitality/Tourism
Transportation

Temporary Name Badges

Most employers understand that wearing name tags goes hand in hand with credibility. That also pertains to temporary or seasonal employees. When you provide these staff members with reusable name badges, you accomplish two things. One, identification for everyone. And two, the ability to reuse these badges for different people as needed. Temporary badges enable all employees to receive the benefits associated with name tags, including improved communication and networking.

Things to add to your temporary name badges:

Names or titles where appropriate, Logos when needed

What your name tags should express:

“We believe that everyone is important and that everyone who is helping should be recognized for their efforts.”

Most occupation types have a form of a temporary worker. From interns to seasonal help, temporary name badges are appropriate for nearly every business type with employees who are only there for a short time.

Name tags are essential business tools

Now that you have a complete picture of what your customers need to see as they walk into your business, we are here to help you find the perfect identification. From high quality logos to reusable badges, we guarantee to have your most essential business tool: a name tag.

CLASSIC

LOGO

REUSABLE

How a Name Tag Boosts Your Approachability

…And Other Wisdom from Your Name Tag Experts

People wear a name tag at social events to help remember each others’ names. In the business world, these tags serve a bigger purpose. They have a subconscious effect on the viewer that enhances a company’s networking, branding and promotional efforts. At trade shows and conventions, people wear name tags to promote their brand and establish professional relationships. In retail, they improve customer and employee relations. People respond to them wherever they show up.

lanyards and badges holders being worn as a name tag at a social event

Retail employees and convention attendees frequently wear name tags. Some people wear them at conferences, trade shows, business luncheons or sporting events. Politicians sometimes wear them, usually with a support message along with their name and title so that viewers will remember their cause as well as their name. In short, many people wear name tags for different reasons.

A name tag is a personal identification tool that helps you become more relatable and approachable. Many people use them, including politicians, business managers and conference attendees. The effectiveness of wearing one depends on following guidelines such as keeping your name tag simple and using the right fastener. It is also important for them to have a large font so that people can read them easily. Not only are they used for identification, but they are also used as corporate gifts to strengthen your work relationships.

Be Approachable by Using a Name Tag

Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy, said, “The first idea to remember is that approachability is a two-way street. It’s both you stepping onto someone’s front porch, and you inviting someone to step onto your front porch. It connects people to you. It allows them to feel more comfortable talking to you.”

When someone is relatable, it means people can draw similarities between that person and themselves. Customers want to feel they have a connection with a company and its employees. It makes them think they can trust the company to do what is in a customer’s best interest. Therefore, when a company and its employees are relatable, people feel comfortable doing business with them. Relatability is, therefore, a valuable asset that helps a company become successful.

Name tags play a significant role in increasing relatability. When a person wears a name tag, it humanizes them. It makes them relatable and more approachable. People are more willing to interact with a stranger in a retail store, conference room or trade show if that stranger is wearing a name tag.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective Name Tags

Scott Ginsberg, an international expert on name tags and approachability, wrote a list of “Seven Deadly Sins” to avoid when ordering them. The purpose of this list of “sins” is to educate people on what makes them ineffective and how to avoid them. Ginsberg stresses the link between name tags and approachability.

“Your name tag is your best friend. It is a lifesaver in meetings, trade shows and events to start conversations when you meet groups of new people. It also identifies you as well as your company in the minds of others.”

SIZE

Nobody wants others staring awkwardly at their chest, trying to read their name tag. “This is self-defeating, embarrassing and works to decrease your approachability.” It should be readable from at least 10 feet away, thus making the recommended font size a minimum of 24 point. Avoid cursive, script or other fancy writing styles.

COLOR

For name tags, complementary colors create maximum visibility. Whether it is dark writing on a light background or vice versa, what matters is that the name, title and business logo are easy to see. “Fashion must be outweighed by your name tag’s approachability and visibility.” Many color combinations allow viewers to read tags without any awkward squinting or leaning. Find the best match for your brand that gives you both readability and recognition.

TURNAROUND

Another problem to avoid is what Ginsberg calls “the name tag turnaround.” It refers to when a name badge turns so that the information on the front is hidden, and there is no information on the back. Typically, this happens when the tag is worn around the neck on a lanyard or worn with a clip. To avoid having “name tag turnaround,” write the same information on both sides.

CLUTTER

“Avoid name tags with overly thick borders, unnecessary clutter or too much text. All of the information contained must be readable and memorable in less than five seconds. Remember, they call them name tags because the name is the focal point. Whether it’s the name of the person or the name of the company, those are the two most important pieces of information.”

PLACEMENT

Placement refers to where someone wears their name tag, such as on the right or left side of their shirt. Which side the tag should be on depends on where the person is or what type of function they are attending. For example, when at a conference or convention, the name tag should be worn on the left side because that way it is more visible to people walking from the opposite direction. At corporate meetings or other office events, they should be on the right side because when the wearer greets people by shaking their right hand, the tag is parallel with the viewer’s line of sight. Do not decrease a name tag’s effectiveness by wearing it on the wrong side.

PRESENCE

Similar to placement, presence has to do with putting the name badge in a place where it is the most visible to any viewer, regardless of wearing it on the right or left side. The name tag should be where people can see it but also be able to see the person’s face. According to Ginsberg, “the most effective location is two to three inches below your collarbone on whichever side most appropriate for your function.”

MAXIMIZATION

To make the most of wearing a name tag, utilize all the space it provides. Have your name in a larger font so that a lot of white space does not surround the text. If the tag includes a logo, the logo and text should fill up as much of it as possible. Like the front porch of a house, a name tag is meant to be inviting and make others feel comfortable. When used to the fullest capacity, they become more visible and welcoming. It initiates conversations that can turn into valuable business connections.

By avoiding these seven “deadly sins,” name tags become more efficient and improve a person’s approachability.

How to Make Your Name Tag Effective

name tags with logos, both engraved and printed

A name tag helps to make you look professional. When someone wears one appropriately, it indicates that they take their job seriously. In turn, this helps create an excellent first impression when meeting with potential clients and investors.

In addition to looking professional, people tend to act more qualified when they wear a name tag. And, they are more aware of how much they are accountable for their actions. For example, if a customer needs help, employees are quickly identified if they are wearing their name tag.

Include Relevant Text

Add titles on your name tags in office settings or retail environments. Titles help make managers and head staff stand out a bit more from other employees. Titles are also helpful during a conference or convention to separate attendees from venue staff and event volunteers. While typically titles are kept brief, it is important not to sell anyone short when using their title. So, make sure to order your tags in an appropriate size to adequately accommodate all of the text.

Don’t forget about visibility. All text should be readable from a distance, typically about 10 feet. Don’t add too much text to one line as it could become too small to read even from close up. And, make sure that all included text is relevant to your event or business.

For a name tag to be the most effective, there are guidelines to consider. The first rule is to keep yours simple. Some people treat them like business cards or resumes, but personal identification should be straightforward and concise. Name tags should only include the bare minimum information necessary to identify the person wearing it. In commercial and retail settings, that means the person’s first name, unless there is more than one employee with the same first name. With such cases, adding a last name helps with identification.

Brand with a Logo

Another recommendation to consider is where and how to include a company logo. The logo should be an appropriate size so that it doesn’t crowd the name or title. And, the layout needs to be tidy. If the text is laser engraved, the logo will have limitations to a specific color or printing format. Full-color tags provide the user with brighter colors and the option of bleeds. These are useful for logos that are large or require particular colors.

Use of a logo depends on the style of the name tag. Metals will show logos far differently than plastic will. It is important to choose whichever type of name tag works best for the person wearing it. Plastic name tags tend to be less expensive than metal ones, are heat resistant and come in many different shapes. Metal name tags are more durable than plastic ones but also heavier. Some people prefer a lighter name tag, especially if they wear loose clothing. Make sure to choose the right material before ordering the name tags.

You can increase your brand recognition by including logos. People associate the company logo and employees with the organization when employees wear logo name tags at conventions and trade shows. Another benefit to having a logo is that employees tend to keep their name tags on when they go on their lunch break or commute to and from work. By doing so, they advertise the company to the public and make the brand more memorable.

12 Ways to Say Yes to Your Conference

Atendees at a conference, 12 steps to planning your event

Attending a professional conference provides an unmatched opportunity for attendees to build networks, strengthen their work ethic and get new ideas for the workplace. They also give employees a way to get out of the office and increase employee morale. As a result, these face-to-face events continue to make lasting and sizable contributions to any work environment.

From choosing the perfect venue and catering the menu to finding the best speakers, no matter your needs for hosting the best conference, look no further than right in the mirror. Yes, you can plan and carry out a successful event. And here are some easy-to-follow steps to get you started.

1. Objectives and Goals

When you decide to hold a conference, the first thing to do is to figure out the conference objective and set your intended goals. Why would you make the time and effort to plan this type of event without a purpose? You would just be wasting your time and resources.

So, define that objective. It can be anything from informing attendees about the latest tech gadget to helping colleagues learn the best way to write an interoffice email. Not only should your conference have goals but remember that your attendees will also have their goals and expectations for the event. Most people say they attend an event to gain knowledge or increase skills.

One of the best ways to find a conference objective is to ask those around you what they need. Find something that only you can offer and take it from there. And remember that it can start small. A small idea can find a greater purpose.

2. Conference Location and Venue

Three words: remember your audience. Now is the time to consider who will attend your conference. Plan everything with the needs of your attendees at the forefront, and you will be sure they will get a lot of new information and actionable ideas from the conference.

Find a location that supports the number of people invited and has a comfortable environment for your attendees. Be sure that any necessary technology is available. Think through the entire process, will there be space to greet your guests? Are you providing refreshments or meals? If this is a multi-day event, consider the availability of housing. Remember, it’s about a whole event, and you want to be prepared.

3. Conference Speakers and Subjects

Your event lineup should be enticing to those attending. Find speakers who will be engaging and exciting for those in attendance. Of course, not all subjects will be exciting, but find someone to make them enjoyable.

There are opportunities everywhere to find speakers for any event. Look inside your company, or ask friends and family if they know someone willing to present on a topic that they might find intriguing. But, no matter where you find your speakers, remember to get them on board with your conference objective. For example, there is no point in having someone talk about fish if your conference is about digital literacy.

4. Setting Your Conference Agenda

Begin to set up the schedule for each presenter. Most conferences post their agenda ahead of time. In addition, many planners now have interactive mobile applications to help you schedule speaker times and other activities during your event. But that is just the beginning.

Take it a step further, and ensure that all attendees have access to a schedule to plan their best experience. Everyone should know beforehand what they can expect from your event.

5. Open Every Door

Make sure everyone has the opportunity to take full advantage of your event. Carefully plan the agenda to create an immersive and interactive experience for all attendees.

If you need to, take a poll on what people expect from your objective and work from there. But, no matter what you do, keep the door open for everyone. Sometimes this is as easy as finding a venue with an open floor plan. Other times, it could be activities to get people moving around and communicating with each other.

6. Providing the Whole Experience

Your conference needs to be about the whole experience, not just speakers or significant events. To keep everyone engaged and interacting, remember your audience and objective. A conference is more than just someone standing on a stage talking about their topic. It’s creating a collective mind intent on learning everything they can about this subject.

So, even if you are holding a conference about those previously mentioned fish, remember that the ocean is full of different types of fish. Yes, weird analogy, but here’s the point: keep the conversations going. There more people are engaged, the better your conference will be for everyone involved and have the opportunity to grow and learn.

7. Interactive Conference Events

When you don’t have someone speaking or presenting, provide other learning opportunities such as mentor programs or expert panels. These small group activities offer incredible chances for people to meet, mingle and often find answers they won’t find anywhere else.

And, What is a conference without networking? Please encourage the participants to build relationships with newfound friends and colleagues. While these interactive events can be simple or creative, make time for them, they are significant.

8. Professional Identification

Helping your attendees make lasting connections is a large part of the purpose of any event. So, yes, you need name tags! Make this an easy process by providing event credentials. From badge holders for schedules to speaker name tags, using identification will help everyone involved.

Personal identification is key to any event, including conferences, seminars or trade shows. As an event host or planner, you want your attendees to enjoy networking at your event. And, when they do, they are more likely to return next year. So use quality name badges to put people at ease and make your conference or seminar successful.

Take every opportunity to network at a conference

9. Networking and Socializing

One of the most important things that can happen during events is the opportunity to develop a supportive system of sharing information and services. With each attendee sporting a name badge, people are more comfortable socializing and more likely to have a positive networking experience.

Provide opportunities throughout the conference for attendees to share their information with others. For example, if you offer printed schedules for use with badge holders, include a QR code for easy sharing. But no matter how information is shared, provide as many opportunities as possible for everyone to mingle.

10. Set the Standards

On the event day, you want to ensure that everyone is comfortable and feels safe. When considering a dress code, consider your venue, attendees, objective, and speakers/presenters. Make sure that everyone will be comfortable and still able to maintain your desired level of professionalism.

If your event has activities requiring special equipment, be sure to communicate that to your attendees and, while you are at it, let them know what facilities and equipment will be available for their use.

11. Keep Your Audience in Mind

Whether providing time for breaks or making healthier choices for catered meals, make your conference flow better by keeping your audience in mind. Help your attendees be comfortable while shifting from their daily work life to attending your conference. Plan events with travel time and meals in mind. Ensure multiple options are available when providing food and catering, so no one goes hungry.

It is, after all, about those coming to your event. Make the experience memorable so the participants want to attend another fabulous conference put on by their favorite event planner: YOU!

12. Be Present During the Event

A conference is a grand event, and once it begins, all of the planning is behind you, and hopefully, everything is going well. So don’t disappear into the background now, be sure to participate in all the activities. It is a good idea to ask for feedback throughout the day so that you can take your event planning to the next level in the future.

Examples of products used at a variety of events

Identification Products for Your Event:

Event Planning Made Perfect

Event planning is a marketing tool used by organizations of all sizes to communicate with current and potential clients and employees. It is the process of planning a festival, ceremony, competition, party, concert or convention. For many industries, nothing beats a hands-on experience created by personal interactions. Whether your event is big or small, the overall attendee experience needs to be good enough for them to want to come back next time.

event planning the tools you need to do your job

Many large companies, organizations and individuals are now hiring event planners to take over planning and socializing for their events. These events can range anywhere from a wedding to a small office meeting and anywhere in between. If not properly planned, any event no could contain hitches and bumps along the way.

Generally speaking, there are two markets for event planning services: corporate and social.

Corporations host trade shows, conventions, company picnics, meetings and holiday parties for employees, members or stockholders. Social events may include weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, parties, reunions and other events.

The Ever Important Event Planner

One of the first steps in succeeding as an event planner is finding a purpose or specialty. There are many different types of planners (wedding, large event, party, etc.), so finding a niche may be the easiest task at hand.

There are many reasons to hire an event planner when planning an event or a party. Event planners coordinate all the necessary details of these events. And face it, event planning takes, well, planning. So, why not hire a professional? An experienced event planner should be able to bring anyone’s vision of an event out successfully.

To fully succeed, a good event planner must have a passion for detail.

They also need drive and perseverance to stay in this competitive environment. Event planners play many roles during an event. Starting with the need to be a designer, they also need to be a leader, a problem solver, an innovator and a strategist. It is also important to have an appreciation for different cultures, religions and traditions.

Those seeking this line of work are encouraged to obtain a degree or certificate before starting in this vocation. Most experienced planners agree that jumping in head first is a bad idea as there is no foundation to stand on. Many encourage shadowing or volunteering with an experienced planner to develop the necessary rapport and tools.

Event planning is a highly competitive profession, and anyone considering this line of work needs to show up with a loaded tool belt. This belt needs to come equipped with the ability and skill to determine not only a great and inviting theme but also the ability to find vendors and suppliers to make any event come off without a hitch.

Finding Your Tool Belt

Event planning is about managing events that are intended to achieve unique and individual objectives. Many event planners just starting in the industry find themselves spending most of their time marketing themselves and finding clients. Take this time should to also get to know local vendors.

Vendors that are useful for any event planner are people or places such as florists, caterers, photographers and different venues. It’s always possible that a good vendor can play multiple parts in any event. As successful events are accomplished, this list will grow and can be used to maintain that necessary tool belt.

Effective communication is an essential key to successfully researching, designing, planning, and coordinating any special event. Event planning can be an overwhelming task if the correct tools are not readily available. It pays to know all available resources and will help when delegating responsibilities in advance.

Any time people gather together for a purpose, whether it’s for a conference, a formal dinner or a grand opening, someone needs to manage all the event details to guarantee that it is a success. These details should also include any vendors such as caterers, photographers or speakers depending on the particular specialty.

Hosting an event takes time, talent and perseverance.

To be a successful event planner requires a focus on these talents. It also requires getting to know the correct tools and how to use them. Merely having an eye for detail helps, but doesn’t complete the task of having the proper tools.

By utilizing the proper tools, creativity can flow more naturally and create the perfect atmosphere for any event. Let the juices flow and soar above the rest by having these tools readily available for any need. Take steps to make your event a success, and they’ll come back time and time again.

All themes for significant events can develop from great ideas, but making them come together, work well and having great attendance can be a grueling and daunting task. When an event is well organized, it essentially guarantees a good impression. This first impression is sure to leave a lasting impact. It can also help to set the current trends in event planning.

Expanding Your Tools

An important vendor is for custom credentials, name badges and lanyards. As many events require some sort of admission or identification, it is worth investing in these items. A good event planner knows that name tags and other supplies help guests understand where they need to be and who else is in attendance.

Identifying Each of the Visitors:

badge holders are only one tool you need for your perfect event planning tool belt

Many corporate events require that attendees wear name tags to be easily identified. These name tags can include names, titles and companies. When everyone is identified clearly at events, it can help ease introductions to others so that attendees can move on to more important activities during the event.

While most name tags are worn at corporate events, social events still get use from them as well. Remember, identifying is critical. Use a name tag for a table number or a descriptive sign for food items. Make sure your attendees know and understand your purpose and who they are and why they are attending your event and not the one down the hall.

Associating Each Visitor Appropriately:

adding ribbons to your event planning tool belt is essential in making any name badge stand out

Identify sponsors, presenters or speakers with different colored ribbons. Add a promotion or an advertisement to make someone stand out. Or, use these ribbons to differentiate guests and organizations from staff or volunteers. Customize each ribbon to express any desired effect. Choose from an abundance of stock titles or create a new one.

Every event can use some flair. Show style and preparation through packaging and presentation. Use ribbon rolls to illustrate the product’s benefit. Tell people more about the event at first glance with a highly personalized ribbon. Use it to wrap business or calling cards for a unique touch. Create a wall of ribbons that hold the name tags for the event.

Promoting Those in Attendance at Any Event:

lanyards are a great event planning tool

Use custom lanyards to add a sense of identity to work functions, conferences, trade shows and other events. When people are flowing through an event venue, it becomes necessary to keep track of them using credentials. Lanyards can add value to the event when customized with the convention name, sponsors or logo on them. Event planners often order the same design on different colored lanyards for different attendees or officials.

Best Branding Practices for All Businesses

First things first, what is BRANDING?

Definition: BRANDING – a particular product or a characteristic that serves to identify a specific product, a trade name or trademark, or a particular kind or variety.

Let’s break it down a bit farther to make it a little easier. The act of branding is the process involved in creating a unique name or image for a product, person or idea. Most people and companies accomplish branding through advertising and other similar means. It is also the action of building a convincing individual or unique presence in a consumer market that attracts and retains loyal customers.

There are two types of branding: personal and corporate.

make the most out of your branding by using your logo and name on all identification

Personal branding is the process of individual marketing, or advertising, themselves or their career as a unique image, or brand. It is in effect the ongoing practice of building up an image or uniqueness about themselves to others around them. A personal brand often involves the use of someone’s name on various marketing products.

Thomas Peters, an American writer on business management practices, said, “Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding.”

Corporate branding is the process of promoting the logo and brand name of a company or corporation for marketing and advertising purposes. Typically the range of a corporate brand is extensive and is a way to express the company’s ideals and goals.

Whether personal or corporate, a brand is essential to anyone who wants to stand out from those around them. Corporations typically have a logo designed while individuals must promote their names as a logo.

Your brand is how people perceive you wherever they interact with your business, both the impressions you can control and the ones you can’t.

When you think about it, people have brands too. We each have a name, a face, a style, a way of communicating, different impressions we make on different people, and what they say about us when we’re not in the room.

Likewise, businesses have names, products, logos, colors, fonts, a language, and reputations to manage that make up who they are and affect how they’re perceived.

You can’t build a brand without being consistent and maintaining that consistency as you extend your brand to every part of your business. But it all starts with establishing what that consistency is going to look like and the feeling you want it to evoke.

Branding Your Business

Your company’s brand is what you are, what you want to be and what you aim to become. This brand can be a promise of product quality or trust in a service. Remember, a brand is what makes your company unique. Your branding should make your company stand out from all of your competition. It should let your consumers know what they should expect from your products or services.

So, in layman’s terms, corporate branding is the process of promoting the logo and name of a company for marketing and advertising purposes. Branding helps to expand a business and get the word out about the company’s goal.

Branding is the most important part of your business, whether it be large or small. Building a strong brand helps your company not only be financially stable, but memorable. And, by being memorable, your brand will draw in more and more customers just by word of mouth.

Starting With the Right Tools

Name tags and name badges provide necessary company branding. This branding is vital for all of your marketing needs. It distinguishes you from your competition and helps others to recognize your quality more readily. By using logos on name tags, you create a focus to help drive your business.

But, don’t limit yourself to just your name tags. Don’t forget that signage and other identification products are there to help advertise your brand. From custom lanyards to award plaques and everything in between, get it personalized with your logo! And then start spreading the word.

Creating Consistency With Your Brand

Your logo represents not only you and your company but also your brand and overall commitment to your clients and customers. And creating consistency by adding your logo to everything you personalize (from name tags to corporate gifts), lets people know you’re proud of what you stand for.

Consistency in logo use will make your brand an industry leader.

From colors to logos, consistency matters. So, using name tags, name badges and other personal identification items will establish your brand. And finding the right consistency with logos, colors and fonts helps to solidify your message. By defining what your brand is up front, you help establish your company as an industry leader. And making sure that your logo balances your brand at the top can be quite the process.

Oh, and make sure to use the same colors for all of your logo work. Find a way to keep your logo and text the same on all name tags and name plates. If your office uses signage, make sure to include the proper colors and consistency. A company who ensures that their brand is well developed will retain and obtain connections with their clients and customers.

Simply put, your brand is your promise to your customer. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.

Badge Holders in the Professional World

When used appropriately, plastic badge holders enhance branding, security and other business relations.

What are Badge Holders?

use badge holders in any professional setting

A badge holder is a rectangular, plastic identification product with an opening to insert a card or paper. People often use badge holders for trade shows, conventions, meetings and conferences. Badge holders come in different sizes and have a horizontal or vertical orientation. A fastener is usually attached to the plastic holder, such as a pin, clip or magnet. Badge holders also have punched slots for attaching a lanyard or metal chain. Customers can write on the paper or print any text or graphics using a printer.

Why Use Badge Holders?

The purpose of a badge holder is for someone to wear some form of identification so that it is visible and accessible. People also use badge holders to carry essential items like security cards, so they are easy to find.

Employees are less likely to lose their security cards or credentials when they keep them in a badge holder. The holders make it so that companies do not have to pay to replace any lost items. A badge holder also holds the card or ID in view so that security personnel and coworkers can quickly identify the person wearing it.

Some people prefer badge holders because they can wear them with a lanyard. The wearer does not have to poke holes in their clothing with a pin and damage their shirt or blouse. And the plastic material keeps the cards from breaking or getting scratched.

How Badge Holders Help Businesses

1) Save Money and Keep To A Budget

Badge holders are a less expensive alternative when custom name tags are not within a company’s budget. Name tags are also inconvenient when companies have high turn-over rates. With badge holders, all a company has to do is replace the former employee’s identification with the new ones. Conferences and conventions use badge holders for the same reason since different people may attend each year.

2) Keep Security Levels High

Increase security with photos, names and titles printed on the badge inserts.

It is crucial to know who is entering a building or facility to maintain a high level of security. If employees wear their photo identification in a badge holder, security personnel can see who has authorized access to the building and who does not, which can decrease theft, impersonation and unauthorized visits. Employees can also use badge holders to carry proximity cards to tap in and out when they enter or leave the building. By giving people this access, it allows security to keep track of who is in the building.

3) Interpersonal Relationships

Identification items like badge holders help foster work relationships. People are more trusting and open with others when they know each other’s names. When employees wear something with their name on it, it improves work relationships. Additionally, this helps customers feel comfortable around employees. New employees get to know their colleagues and adapt to their work environment faster. So, when employees use badge holders like name tags, it enhances the company internal and external relations.

4) Promote A Company Brand

Adding a company logo to badge holder inserts increases brand recognition. People associate the logo with the company when employees wear their badge holders at conventions and trade shows. Employees should wear their badges in the office, during their lunch break and when they travel to and from work. Companies can also require employees to show their work ID to access benefits like restaurant discounts and gym memberships. Using an ID in this way becomes free advertising for the company and makes the logo more memorable to the public. Even within the office, having employees wear the logo creates a sense of teamwork and loyalty to the company.

Guidelines for Badge Holder Usage

For badge holders to benefit businesses, the text on the badge inserts must be readable and straightforward. Print only the person’s name and their job title and department. In retail establishments, the only requirement is the first name. When two employees have the same first name, have them include their last name or initial as well.

use the correct size font on a printed insert for the best visibility

The text on the insert should be at least a 24 point font or larger. Make sure the ink and the font style are legible. Print the same information on both sides of the card if the badge holder is attached to a lanyard. Lanyards tend to twist and turn so that the badge holder is facing the other way. If the information is on one side of the insert, it will not be visible when the lanyard turns the badge around, which defeats the purpose of the badge holder.

Logos & Titles

The layout of the name and logo needs to look tidy and professional. A business logo should not be so large that it makes the insert look crowded. On the other hand, the logo should not be too small and hide in one corner. At trade shows, if there is enough room on the insert, it may include the company’s Twitter handle and other social media or a QR barcode that leads to the company’s website. Social media and barcodes should all be neatly laid out on the insert.

Treat titles the same as logos. If included on inserts, they must never crowd the person’s name or be in a small, unreadable font. Job titles distinguish head of staff from other employees. Titles also help customers and employees know who to talk to about specific issues. Putting titles on badges let customers or conference attendees know who is in charge of management, security or registration.

Badge Holders: Size & Orientation

Photo IDs and security cards should fit inside the badge holders. So, make sure you are ordering the correct size. Each badge should also be the proper orientation. If the IDs have a horizontal direction, then the company will need a horizontal badge holder. It is the same for vertical IDs. If you are using paper inserts, be sure to use badge holders that will present your information appropriately. Standard text should be about 24 point font, and all text must be large enough to read from a slight distance, usually about 10 feet away.

Using Fasteners

Available fasteners for badges include magnets and swivel bull dog clips.

The best choice of fastener depends on how people wish to attach the badge holder to their person. Professional badge holders come with many different fastener options. Some like it on their clothes while others want it hanging from a lanyard. Fasteners, like pins and magnets, are often used for formal settings while lanyards are used more during conferences and conventions. Magnets and pins attach badge holders to people’s shirts, blouses, suit jackets or some other articles of clothing. The slots on the top of a badge holder are made to wear with a lanyard or a clip. And, clips can be attached to almost anything, whether it is a shirt, jacket or any other piece of clothing.

Finding the Right Badge Holder Material

Finding the right kind of material for your badge holder depends on how excessively you intend to use them. You can order badge holders made of different types of plastic. For example, holders with 8 to 10 mil vinyl are durable and suitable for repeated use. Vinyl is a plastic consisting of polyvinyl chloride. Badges with less than eight mil vinyl are semi-rigid and ideal for light use. And, holders made of acetate, a material made by cutting and polishing sheets of plastic, are flexible and lightweight. So, they are thin and recommended for single use.

Making the Color Work For You

Inserts are available in seven colors. Ordering different colored badge holder inserts so that badges can be color coded. And, color coding allows companies can divide employees into several groups. Color coding can visibly show who has permission to access specific areas of a facility.

Different colors can also designate who works in which department. At schools, these colors can differentiate between students, faculty and staff. For trade shows or conventions, color coding can separate attendees from volunteers and vendors. Whatever the color of the insert, the text should be easy to read. So, do not use light printing on a light colored insert.

Professions That Should Have Badge Holders

Specific job fields should use badge holders for identification to earn people’s trust and improve credibility. If people are going to trust someone with their well being, they want to know they are experts in their field. People also want proof that a journalist who is asking to interview them works for a news organization. Those who work these types of jobs are more likely to receive the public’s trust when they show their credentials or identification.

Medical IDs

Using a photo ID badge as An Emergency Contact Card for medical professions

People receiving medical care want to know they are in the right hands. For that reason, doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians should include their name, photo and job title on their work ID. With this information visible, people know they are legitimate.

People with a chronic medical condition can make their emergency medical ID with a badge holder and paper insert. Medical IDs should include information about a person’s medical condition, allergies, prescribed drugs, emergency contacts and blood type. Often people with a mental state have trouble remembering which medication they take and how much. If a person becomes unconscious due to a health condition, a medical ID can give people the correct medication and dosage that person needs. The wrong medication or dosage can have fatal consequences, which is why medical IDs are essential.

Anyone with a chronic medical condition should have a medical ID card. These cards are also perfect for participants in clinical trials and people with special needs. EMTs are trained to look for medical ID cards and use the information provided to save a person’s life.

Make sure to order a high-quality badge holder and insert card for your medical ID. The text printed on the medical ID must be readable and well organized. Use good quality ink that does not fade quickly. A badge and lanyard are much more readable than a bracelet and more accessible. Also, be sure to have the information printed on both sides of the insert.

The insert card must include all necessary information. If there is not enough room on one side, print the rest of the details on the other. It is better to use both sides of the card and have the text in a larger font than to have everything on one side.

School Badge Holders

Badge holders can help schools that wish to increase their level of security. Administration can require students, faculty and staff to wear badges while on school property. School badges indicate that the people wearing them are allowed on campus. And, this makes it easier for faculty and security to spot anyone who might be trespassing.

For badges to efficiently work in schools, everyone should wear them the whole time they are on school property. Each student, teacher and staff member should return their badge to administration when they no longer work at or attend the school. Administration can also require authorized visitors to obtain a visitor pass and wear it while they are on school property. Once done visiting the school, visitors should return the pass right before they leave.

Badge holders with lanyards are one of the best options for school use. Students can slip them on and off without damaging the badge. Schools can customize the lanyard and badge inserts to include the school’s name and logo. This customization helps security personnel distinguish between a legitimate school badge and a fake one.

School badges can also help administration keep track of which students borrow books from the school library or borrow equipment for educational purposes. They can also indicate which students have paid for a meal plan.