Holidays and Celebrating Nametag Day

Nametag Day is all about spontaneity and silliness!

As we walk around our cities, we often forget to notice the people around us and miss out on chances to connect. A name tag says “I am open. I want to talk to you.” It adds an element of humanity to our day, breaking down an invisible barrier between us.

This holiday was started by a group of friends with organizing experience who decided it would be a great way to spend their time. They are the ones jump-starting this particular endeavor, but anyone who puts on a name tag is part of Team Nametag Day.

This special day is typically celebrated on the first Saturday in June. However, we are with these organizers and agree that every day should be Nametag Day.

And they believe that this holiday belongs to everyone!

nametag day is celebrated currently in san francisco and new york city

Nametag Day is entirely non-commercial, staffed by volunteers, and no people or organizations will profit financially from the event. All funds raised go to name tags, markers and other logistics costs. And we all profit from the day! We want people to make new friends, learn new things, and share a few extra smiles.

Who is helping make this holiday happen?

You! Every person who volunteers, donates money, wears a name tag, or spreads the word contributes to making Nametag Day a reality.

We are especially grateful to The Awesome Foundation, nametag.com and NYC Social Sports Club for their generous contributions.

How can you start your Nametag Day?

Anyone can celebrate this holiday, wherever you are – just wear a name tag! If you’d like to conduct a larger event, we request that you follow these core principles of Nametag Day:

The spirit of this holiday is to encourage openness, connection, and spontaneous fun. That’s it, nothing more.

Participants are expected to go to extra lengths to appear non-commercial. This means not wearing the same hats or shirts, etc.

Nametag Day doesn’t stop at 5pm. We hope that you will continue to acknowledge the people who make up your world. Smile and reply, “It’s okay” next time someone bumps you on the Muni. Say hello to that shy coworker.

Thank you to these organizers for making a holiday so special and dear to our hearts. We love being a part of this day and celebration!

6 Ways To Personalize Name Tags

From logos to engraved text, name tags can be made to match a brand.

NAMES
While this may seem like a trivial thing to bring up, names are an important feature on name tags. Putting someone’s name on a tag or badge does raise a couple of quick questions. Should you put on the person’s full name (first and last) or simply the first name? What about placement? Whatever you decide, make sure it fits properly and is large enough to be seen.

TITLES AND COMPANY NAMES
Not all name tags have a title or company name on them. Sometimes, people settle for just a logo instead of a company’s name. And those titles can be a bit pesky if they don’t fit right on the size of name tag chosen. Whichever you decide to use, make sure it fits properly in the space provided.

LOGOS AND GRAPHICS
From bright colors to a simple engraved one, all logos look great on name tags. Just like logos, graphics can be perfection on the right name tag. When opting to use graphics, make sure you choose the appropriate name tag for the job such as the full color logo option.

As name tags are meant to identify an individual, we would like to add that when creating a name tag, take into consideration if it will be worn with or without a uniform. No sense in the overkill of the use of a logo.

PICTURES
Not many people have their picture on a name tag. However, our photo identification cards are great for that special security measure. Had names, titles, pictures and more to these great personal identification products. Photos are a great way to get all relevant information and identifiers onto a badge for all employees.

DURABILITY
This actually may need to be the first thing to tackle when choosing a name tag. Do you need something for a one time use, such as adhesive name badges? Or do you need something that is going to last a long time, such as metal or plastic laser engraved name tags? Making sure to select the correct material is key to getting the right name tag.

COLOR
Why, yes, this is an issue for a lot of companies. Don’t sell yourself short on this angle of making your name tag truly unique. You might think the person’s name and a company logo are it for branding, but what about a complimenting color? Or does your company actually have a branding color? Make sure to pick a color that matches your needs.

Introducing: Partition Pins

Last week we announced a new name plate product. This week, we have another one: partition pins!

Not only are name plates common in office settings, but they are often seen in retail and other settings. The conundrum, however, comes when trying to find the right type of name plate and fastener or holder to use.

There are many different options for name plates. We offer a basic laser engraved name plate, which is great for a quick name and title. This type of name plate is the most versatile and can be moved around with a person from office to office, or cubicle to cubicle. But what happens when they need to be hung on a cubical or movable wall? We’ve all seen those wonderful fabric walls! So, we’re introducing our new Partition Pins!

Partition Pins are designed for attaching name plates and small office signage to fabric, cloth or carpet on walls, doors, cubicles and partitions. These pins are perfect for a do-it-yourself alternative to other fastener options such as Velcro, adhesive or screws. Simply attach these pins, which come in pairs, to the back of a name plate and slide the pins into the cloth on a cubicle wall. These pins securely hold the name plate up until it’s time to move it. They are also easily used on a wall mount instead of directly on the back of a name plate. These pins are also made so they don’t damage partition or cubicle walls.

These partition pins can be attached to all of our name plates and most of the wall mounts. Simply peel the backing off the adhesive on the back of the pin and press firmly down onto the desired surface. They prevent slipping and falling!

So, the next time you need to hand something on a cubicle wall, think of the wonderful new addition of Partition Pins to the Name Tag, Inc. line!

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 Tag Deadly Sins – Part 2

The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective Name Tags

*This list is adapted from Scott Ginsberg, The Name Tag Guy.

“Your name tag is your best friend for several reasons. First of all, a person’s name is the single piece of personal information most often forgotten, and people are less likely to approach you if they don’t know (or have forgotten) your name. Second, it’s free advertising for you and your company. Third, name tags encourage people to be friendly and more approachable.” ~ Ivan Misner, the “Father of Modern Networking”

Last week we covered four of the seven “deadly sins” of ineffective name tags presented by Scott Ginsberg. This week, the remaining three “deadly sins” that make name tags ineffective; and what to do to make them more effective in your branding practices.

Fifth, placement: Name tag placement serves a different purpose depending on the event or function it is being used for. For example, if the name tag is placed on the right side, it is visible when meeting new people or greeting others with a handshake as it becomes parallel with the viewers line of sight. Another example is if the name tag is placed on the left side, it is more visible to those who are approaching you from an opposite direction. The first example is great for corporate meetings and other office events. The second example is best for large conferences or conventions.

Sixth, presence: While this typically refers to placement as well, this is more than just wear on your clothing you should wear your name tag. When choosing the placement, you want to make sure that the viewer will have maximum eye contact as well. So, don’t wear your name tag on your right pants pocket, but rather on your collar bone where it will be visible to whomever you are speaking with. “The most effective location is two to three inches below your collar bone on whichever side most appropriate for your function,” says Scott.

Seventh, maximization: To make the greatest or fullest use of a name tag, make sure to utilize all blank space. Use a large font to that the name is visible from a distance. Make sure that any blank space that is left is necessary. “Think of your name tag as your ‘front porch.’ It invites people. It makes them feel comfortable. And, it initiates conversations that transform strangers into valuable connections,” says Scott. And indeed, a name tag is a piece of real estate that will help in any personal or business branding.

By avoiding these final three “deadly sins” your name tag will become more efficient and, as Scott always says, you’ll improve your approachability!