Alisha Copfer, Author at Influencing Identity

Giving Back: Name Tag Edition

Giving back is what it’s all about!

From giving time and money to those in need, each year Coller Industries strives to give back to our local community. And, each year, we like to show the appreciation we receive for these generous gifts. It’s like a thank you for a thank you!

Annual Donation: Granite Education Foundation (from Name Tag Experience 12/15/15)

Every year Coller Industries makes an effort to recognize its employees during the holiday season. Part of this recognition tends to extend into the surrounding community. And, in turn, this translates to donations to various parts of our community. For the past six years, Clyde and Gary Coller, the CEO and President, respectively, of Coller Industries Incorporated have generously donated monetary benefits to The Granite Education Foundation.

“It makes us more responsible in the community,” said Gary Coller. “Hopefully our customers appreciate when they see that we give back to our own community.”

Coller Industries Incorporated started donating to the GEF in 2009 and to day has donated over $37,000. We are happy to continue our annual support of this wonderful foundation. And as employees here at Coller Industries, it is a pleasure knowing that our employer is so generous with their time and money.

The Granite Education Foundation provides educational opportunities for Granite School District students. They educate students, teachers and members of our community on positive ways to impact the community.

The Granite Education Foundation has kindly supported our business by giving us these wonderful notes and thank yous. And now here they are for you, as our reader, to enjoy!

valentines from the granite education foundation giving back to our community

Included with thank yous from students and parents was a wonderful letter from the Foundation:

“This year, Granite Education Foundation and students from throughout Granite School District wanted to express our heart-felt thanks for your continued generosity and support. Enclosed you will find hand-made Valentine’s Day cards that our students created with YOU in mind.

In our opinion, YOU’RE AWESOME SAUCE, Valentine! Thanks for believing in our mission and for the extra boost you give students. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without YOU. You are O-‘FISH’-ally our favorite!”

Where are Custom Lanyards Frequently Used?

Custom lanyards are everywhere, and they have so many uses.

From the simple and traditional of displaying a name badge to the more creative portable shower caddie, lanyards are definitely universal. So, where are custom lanyards most traditionally used?

Businesses and Organizations

Commonly used for displaying badge holders, name tags and other personal identification, lanyards are utilized in everyday situations around the workplace. Custom lanyards can be printed with a slogan, motto or company logo to promote brand recognition and identify not only the wearer, but the company as well. Often, these lanyards are a requirement for access into a building or meeting and can be used this way as advertising.

Conventions and Conferences

Trade shows and conventions are a great marketing terrain for customized lanyards and trade show organizers. They can be helpful in using and displaying schedules, passes and other event credentials. Lanyards can be used to secure items that are important and that the user does not want to lose. Handing out lanyards to newly arriving guests is also a great way to show them your appreciation. Custom lanyards with logos for conferences make the event unforgettable.

Schools

Students and teachers all use lanyards on a daily basis and for a variety of purposes. Custom lanyards are perfect for showing school spirit; just add a name and logo and match the imprinting and lanyard colors to the school. Teachers often wear lanyards with photo identification badges for security reasons. And, students wear lanyards to keep keys and other items close at hand.

Parties, Receptions and Reunions

Custom lanyards are perfect during these family and friend events for keepsakes and to bring people together. Lanyards come in many color choices and will meet any need. Make them especially memorable by having the event or family name, year or location imprinted in a bright color. These keepsakes are sure to create their own memories.

Name Tags: The Simple Truth

Remember to keep your name tag simple! They are for personal identification and not meant to be used as a resume.

Amazingly enough, some name tags read like a business card, or as otherwise suggested, a resume. However, personal identification should be kept as simple as possible. Name tags and name badges should only include minimal information that identifies the person wearing it. Here is a short, concise and simple list of what should be included in designing a name tag.

If a logo is being provided for a company, remember to keep it to a size that will fit and look good on a name tag. Depending on the type of name tag, such as a plastic laser engraved name tag, logos may only be done in a specific color or format. Full color name tags do offer a bit more versatility, but keep in mind that the logo shouldn’t be the only thing on the name tag. Full color tags offer the user the option of brighter colors and the option of bleeds. This is useful for logos that are large or need to have specific colors used.

Another thing to keep in mind when looking at name tags is possibly using name badges. Name badges are ordered with only a logo either printed or engraved and names and/or titles are added at a later point. These badges are a great idea when you need to be able to reuse them, such as for a seasonal or temporary position at a company or organization.

Names and titles can both be extremely effective on a badge. But keep in mind that size is extremely important here. Keep it simple and to the point! Many times a person’s name is the only thing that is needed for identification. A first name is typically sufficient for name tags, however last names can be used in some cases. First names are great on name badges at conferences. They are also perfect to use in a commercial or retail setting as most customers don’t need to know the person’s last name. However, in the case of having multiple people with the name first name, adding a last name will help with the identification.

Of course, titles may be added to these name tags. However, make sure to order the name tag in an appropriate size so as to accommodate the text properly. One of the most important things about a name tag is visibility. Text size is extremely important! The text should always 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.

The final thing to cover is the fastener choice. Most name tags come with multiple options, but be careful with these. Don’t order a lanyard to go with an adhesive name badge! It just wouldn’t work. Be smart about the choice. While magnetic fasteners are popular, pins or clips might be more appropriate for your situation. Always think of how and where the name tag will be worn before making the final selection on a fastener.

And, as always… remember: K.I.S.S. (keep it short and simple)!

Things To Consider: Name Tags

Does anyone ever really consider what it takes to produce that name tag they are wearing?

When considering a name tag the first thing that usually comes to mind is typically the name that appears on it. However, there is so much more to consider when looking at name tags.

An excerpt from a Coller Industries employee:

Name Tag, Inc. opened my eyes to what really goes into producing a name tag. When wearing a name tag one never really thinks about all the work, the people involved or machines used to make it. When first looking at a name tag the color, the person’s name and title, and the logo are what really stand out. Not much else is really considered.

As part of customer service, my view has definitely changed on what goes into making a name tag and the process behind the scenes. A lot goes into setting up orders, sending out proofs and working with design worksheets. There are so many colors and materials and different ways to put a name tag together. This may sound weird, but I feel like I help make name tag dreams come true.

Orders start with an internet order or a phone call. Once the specifics are laid out by the customer, the design team goes to work. Sometimes a customer has an image from the online design tool which provides a more visual picture of the “dream,” and sometimes only simple instructions like size, color and logo placement are included as instructions. Whatever the case, all customers end up with a PDF proof showing them what the name tags will look like.

consider using classy name tag frames - small, medium and large

consider adding an epoxy dome to name tags both plastic and metal

Once a proof is seen, all the extras and smaller details begin to take shape. Many customers have questions at this point, such as the tag size, the option of an epoxy dome, or adding a name tag frame. All these options come highly recommended, and while they do add a minor cost to the name tag purchase, the end results are worth it.

Once the proof has been approved by the customer, the order is sent to a quality checker to make sure that all the order information is correct and consistent. Then, when the order passes this check, the production team takes over. There are various machines that make different name tags. Laser engravers are used on both plastic and metal materials to cut and engrave names, titles and logos. There is also a full color print machine that prints in vibrant colors. Each name tag is carefully completed according to the specifications that were check and rechecked in customer service.

Part of production is assembly of the product. Fasteners, such as magnets, are affixed to the name tag. Before any name tag is shipped, two more quality control people review the order again. Once this is complete, the package is sealed and given to a trusty UPS driver who then gets them delivered directly to the customer.

Now that’s a lot to think about and consider when looking at a name tag! So, the next time you see a name tag, I hope that you can take a moment to reflect about all the hands and time (and care) that went into its production.

Personal Branding vs. Corporate Branding

First things first, what is BRANDING?

Definition: BRAND – 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. This is done mostly 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.

Now that we’ve established what branding is let’s discuss the different aspects of what it is.

Personal branding is the process of an 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.

Examples of personal branding:
Rachel Ray, Michael Jordan, Oprah, Scott Ginsberg, Tony Robbins

In the name tag world, a personal brand comes when you wear a name tag with your name (first and last) to identify yourself as an individual and to stand out in a crowd. By wearing personal identification products, e.g., name tag, name badge, etc., one makes themselves more visible to others and opens the door to better experiences at large events. Most often one can see this type of brand at large corporate meetings or conventions where the individual needs to be distinguished from others.

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 often used as a way to express the company’s ideals and goals.

Examples of corporate branding:
Apple; The Hershey Company; NIKE, Inc.;
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; M&M (Mars, Incorporated)

Corporate branding utilizes the same items as personal branding, such as lanyards and name tags, but they are used differently. Many companies choose to add their logo, or brand, to the name tags so that their employees are easily identifiable to the consumer. These items are then turned into a way of advertising their company rather than the individual. Many times this type of branding is seen at conferences where many companies that manufacture or sell the same ideas or items might mingle. Lanyards, name tags and often signs are used to distinguish each business attending the conference.

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