branding - Influencing Identity

Why You Should KISS Your Name Tags

From conference to convention and every event in between, when it comes to your name tags, you should always KISS them. In other words, keep it short and simple. Simplicity is necessary to make your name tags work for you. And, avoid unnecessary complexity.

Professional tools such as name tags are essential in marketing and communication. They provide not only personal identity but corporate branding as well. Employees who wear name tags offer a sense of customer service and responsibility for that business. And, name tags are often the hardest working element to a person’s uniform in meetings, at conventions or during any event.

Here’s how you can and should KISS your name tags.

The KISS Principle

KISS, an acronym for “keep it simple, stupid” or “keep it stupid simple,” is a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson. The term “KISS principle” was in popular use by 1970. Variations on the phrase include: “Keep it simple, silly,” “keep it short and simple,” “keep it simple and straightforward,” “keep it small and simple” or “keep it stupid simple.”

Whether you’re adding names and titles or logos and names, you should always remember the KISS Principle. Make sure your text is concise and to the point. Avoid longer titles unless necessary, and use an appropriate logo for your brand.

Remember that you should use the KISS Principle on your name tags as it is the most important thing you can do for them.

Yes, you should remember your branding by adding a logo to all of the name tags in your office. Or when creating name tags for a conference, add different company logos to each company’s name tags. Everyone will appreciate their branded name tags, and it also helps with continued recognition for each 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.

So, for branding to work on your name tags, you need only to include what is necessary. Whether you are gathering information for a convention or making new name tags for your office, only include the bare minimum.

According to Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy:

“How many times has someone rudely squinted at your chest desperately trying to make out those tiny letters? This is self defeating, embarrassing and actually works to decrease your approachability. Not to mention it makes the other person feel ridiculous! So, much like a retail price tag, your name tag must be readable from ten feet away — both the font and the name tag itself.
“According to a name tag survey done by David Alder of Biz Bash, 50% of a group of meeting planners claimed that ‘illegible font size of name tags was a major problem.’ And, consider the 75 million baby boomers that have reached, or will reach their bifocal days, this is a top priority. The recommended font size is 24 point – hopefully bigger if possible. Also, be certain to avoid cursive, script or other fancy letters.”

So, always remember to KISS (keep it short and simple) your name tags, and they will do the work for you. No matter what situation you are in, these KISSed tags are sure to get the job done.

How Unique Name Tags Provide Fun for the Holidays

A name is what makes you unique. Well, that and your personality, quirks and other traits. But, without your name, you wouldn’t be who you are. Having a name is important. It makes you feel wanted and that you are a part of something. Well, the same goes for having unique name tags.

And what better way to show off your individuality than by wearing a tag with your name on it. There are many types of name tags to choose from: metal, plastic or paper; all sorts of different colors; different printing processes or engraving. The custom choices that you can make for your name tag will make them just as unique as you are.

From custom shapes to blank plastic, name tags have all sorts of uses. Especially around the holidays. Some of our customers use their name tags exclusively for identification. And others use them for creative and fun projects. There is no wrong way to use a name tag. And we have proof that everyone (and everything) needs a name tag! Check out this recent news article.

Here’s What Makes this Christmas Tree Farm Different

Nathan Wilcox started selling Christmas trees when he was 11 years old, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.
“I would have a hard time quitting this because I’d feel I’d let a lot of people down,” Wilcox, 51, said.
The trees come from Wilcox’s farm in Floyd County, about 20 minutes from Radford University, and other parts of Virginia and North Carolina.
And get this: His trees all have names.
His older sister, Becky Belote, came up with the idea of naming the trees and when she stopped selling Christmas trees about 30 years ago, Wilcox decided to carry on the tradition.
Each year, his wife, Karen and their three daughters, Candice, Summer and Julia, would spend Thanksgiving filling out tags with names from family members, friends and classmates. (Karen) said she averages a box of 50 to 100 names a night while watching TV. In the past couple years, she has used popular celebrity names like Justin Bieber.
Both Karen and Nathan try their best to match the names to the right trees, i.e., putting “Charlie Brown” on a small, dinky tree rather than a big one. Once purchased, the trees are given a fresh cut and the employees remove the tree’s price from the name tag. Nathan said customers have told him they keep the name tags and use them as tree ornaments.
“A lot of people actually keep the name tag, for 10, 12, 15 years and use them as ornaments,” he said.

We love that someone is being so unique with their name tag usage.

Even here at Coller Industries, we have been known to get creative with name tag uses. Gift tags, shelf labels for organizing ribbons and so much more! We have even used them for prizes for picking a creative elf or reindeer name for our company Christmas parties. This creativity should know very few limitations. And adding names isn’t the only thing you should be able to do with name tags.

From brand recognition to conversation starters, name tags are just like names: useful in getting to know someone. And the holidays are no exception. Name tags are often seen as props for party games during company and family get-togethers. They are also great for family reunions and just hanging around with a group of friends.

Name tags are the glue that holds conferences and other events together. From decorations to meeting new clients, creativity is the key to making your name and name tags stand out. Add bright logos, graphics, names, titles and nearly any creative thing you want. Just remember to keep them as unique as you are.

5 Problems with Lanyards (and Their Solutions)

While these tools are typically useful for conferences and other events, people have been reporting some problems with lanyards. We want to raise awareness that not all lanyards are bad. So, we are offering you solutions to five common problems that have recently been reported.

solve your problems with lanyards with the large lanyard selection from Name Tag, Inc.

One of the most commonly reported problems with lanyards is safety.

Some businesses, such as hospitals or schools, worry about making staff and students wear lanyards with their identification. The reason for their problems with lanyards is the safety of having something loose around someone’s neck. In schools, this is a concern for getting a lanyard caught on a chair or desk. Or worse, having students who misuse them. The same can be said of hospitals or even courthouses.

The Solution: A Convenience Release

solve your problems with lanyards concerning safety with a convenience release

Many of our lanyards come with a break-away option called a convenience release. This feature is designed to separate if the lanyard is pulled too tightly around something, such as someone’s neck or wrist. A convenience release does add a slight cost to your lanyard, but if safety is your main concern, we highly recommend getting lanyards with a convenience release.

Another of the common problems with lanyards is matching a brand.

Colors are tricky. And, making sure that all of your marketing materials match your company brand, whether that be a logo or a specific PMS color, is essential to every business. Many times when someone orders extra marketing items, such as lanyards, they are concerned with getting exact color matches to their branding.

The Solution: Dye Sublimation

Depending on the style you select for your lanyards, we have multiple printing options. Our variety of lanyards come with either dye sublimation or silk screening. While an exact color match isn’t guaranteed, if you choose a lanyard with dye sublimation, you can provide a PMS value (Pantone Solid Coated Colors preferred) with your order. We can then get as close as possible to your requested color.

Problem number three is selecting the correct lanyard for your needs.

With so many available options, styles and fabrics, choosing the right lanyard can be complicated. And, you want to make sure that not only does the fabric work for your needs but that it is comfortable for your guests and employees. But don’t forget to match the material colors as well, so you don’t have problems with lanyards you choose for your needs.

The Solution: Shop with Us!

shop with Coller Industries to solve all of your problems with lanyards

Yes, it is that easy. Our easy-to-use online ordering system is here to help you. We show every option we offer upfront, making it easy to choose from our large assortment of lanyard choices. From Blank Badge Lanyards to Ribbon Lanyards, we know you’ll find just what you’re looking for. We even have Trade Show Organizers with Lanyards to make finding the perfect badge holder just as easy!

What about meeting those deadlines?

Another one of the problems with lanyards is making sure you get them on time. The product’s delivery date is always of high importance. And many factors play into this timing, such as quantity and type. Another factor is the different production times.

The Solution: Zip-It Expedited Service

While you can order a standard lanyard with five to seven business days for production time, we also offer an expedited service called Zip-It. Some stipulations must be met when placing an order for a Zip-It product. You won’t receive a proof for approval as the order will go immediately into production once we receive it. This, of course, also depends on you sending in all the required information with the order. As long as you are comfortable with trusting our high standards for our products, Zip-It Expedited Service is the perfect option. Or, order your lanyards well in advance of your event to guarantee you will have them in time.

One of the last problems with lanyards is that they are constantly turning and twisting.

Many lanyards, when used with badge holders, have the problem of flipping these identification tools around so that they can not be seen. Photo identification or other name tags can also cause this issue. And, when you can’t see a name tag, what good was it to purchase a lanyard in the first place.

The Solution: Double Sided Printing

From the printing on the lanyard to the information in a badge holder, double sided printing is your friend. We offer several lanyard solutions that come with double sided printing. So, if a lanyard decides to twist while someone is wearing it, your branding will show no matter what! Are you having problems with the badge holder flipping? Try printing the same information on both the front and back of those inserts. This way, no matter which direction that badge decides to be, you will still be able to read it.

So, no matter your problems with lanyards, we guarantee we have a solution to your troubles. Come on over and find your answers today!

Customer Service and Name Tags

From customer service to hospitality services, are name tags a necessity?

There are two arguments, and they are simple: yes and no. When it comes right down to the nitty-gritty, most businesses use name tags. And, primarily customer service oriented ones, will tell you that they feel it is necessary to wear identification. Whether that’s an embroidered logo on a shirt or an actual name tag, branding is somehow incorporated onto their employees.

Now, the question needs to be asked about those employees. Who, and be honest here, really likes to wear a name tag? Not everyone enjoys having that immediate first name status with everyone they meet. So, the underlying question remains: should you use name tags for the best customer service possible?

using name tags in customer service and hospitality services

An Expert’s Answer: It Depends

While there are many reasons to wear name tags (see below*), there are also many that would fight against the “need.” Some of the finest in the hospitality business suggest that by using name tags, you are alienating your employees. They argue that name tags separate the employee from the consumer and presents a barrier between the two.

Tim Miller, a hotelier who was intimately involved in the creation of the new Marriott—Ian Schrager Edition brand, echoes this sentiment.
“[Edition employees] don’t wear name tags because we want it to be similar to when you’re at home and a friend stops by and stays with you for a couple of nights. We want to provide service in a less artificial way than would be implied by the dividing line of name badged employees and civilian-dressed guests.”
And there’s no question that an environment adorned with name badge employees looks more stilted, artificial, less genuine than without it. Hotelier Tim Miller again: “We didn’t want the stilted awkwardness of ‘look, I work here, I’m taking care of you because that’s what it says on my badge I do.’”

By removing name tags from uniforms, some companies feel as though they are providing a more peer-to-peer relationship to form. That name tag, and the removal of, provides a barrier that is not a necessity for all businesses.

Consider This: Name Badges Improve Customer Service

Mark Harmon, CEO of Auberge Resorts and truly a “hotelier’s hotelier” told me, “We want to develop a relationship between our staff and guests. It’s awkward for the guest to have to ask for your name or the staff member to introduce himself. I find that guests love it when they can easily remember the name of our people.”

*This is where it gets good!

name tags are the perfect accessory for someone in customer service

For the majority of businesses, name badges are a must. Especially those whose focus is the customer service and face-to-face time with their consumers. And the reasons are pretty obvious.

Starting conversations is much easier when two people (or more) feel at ease in the communication. And, this can all start with a simple introduction. By wearing a name tag, your employee automatically starts this conversation without even knowing it!

This brings us to our next point: balancing your employees and customers needs. With technology as it is, you can know your customers before they need to initiate any conversation. Do this by using loyalty or membership cards, credit cards and even event passes. So, level your playing field with name tags so that your customer knows your employee just as the employee knows them.

And don’t forget about security and accountability. Name tags help your employees stay on task by providing them with a sense of responsibility and accountability. Those respectful actions are then reflected on their treatment of your customers and provides a positive environment for everyone. From making sure everyone is where they belong for security reasons to providing the best customer experience possible, name tags are here to stay!

So, give credit where it is due and don your name tag in support of knowing your customers!

3 Sets of Products That Work Better Together

From the simplest of pairs to the most personalized sets, here’s a list of all of our products that work better when paired together.

Badge Holders & Lanyards

Let’s get started with the most basic and well-known personalized product: badge holders. They are so underrated, and we think that’s a shame. Badge holders are great for so many things. From identification needs at conventions to at-home DIY projects, these unique products are downright perfect.

And, with printable inserts, badge holders are products that are only limited by your imagination, and maybe your printer. Add graphics, logos and any text you need for any event or craft. They come in several sizes and either a horizontal or vertical orientation. From lightweight to heavy duty, these vinyl badges are perfect for any need.

Don’t limit a badge holder to an event staple at your next conference, convention or trade show. They are so versatile that they will last through any meeting. And, they are an excellent benefit for schools to use as visitor passes. Retail environments also get significant reuse from these identification products when using them for seasonal employees.

Now, let’s pair these badge holders with the power of a lanyard!

Whether it’s a chain or full-color printed ribbon, lanyards have a power all to themselves. They are perfect for branding for any company or event. Keep essential items close at hand with a lanyard. And, you can find these tools anywhere you find badge holders. After all, badge holders come with a slot at the top specifically designed to go hand-in-hand with a lanyard.

And, with the variety of available lanyard styles, materials and colors, they provide an excellent source of advertising. Design your lanyards with logos, graphics and text to make them stand out. Even more important, make sure that your design flows with your badge holders. When used together, these two identification products provide multiple functions for a variety of events and situations.

Badge Holders & Badge Ribbons

badge holders and badge ribbons are two identification products that pair well together

We’re beginning to sense a theme here. Badge holders are making another appearance.

Badge holders and badge ribbons, it’s all in the name! They really do go hand-in-hand with each other. But, this time they are being paired with badge ribbons. These ribbon products are a fantastic tool at any conference. They help identify different participants and vendors. Badge ribbons are available with stock or custom titles so no one will be left out.

Badge ribbons are often used to promote brand recognition, events, sales and to market services or products. Add a ribbon to the bottom of a badge holder to make someone stand out in a crowd. Or use them for DIYs and home crafts. But, no matter what you use them for, remember to grab a badge holder to go with them.

Name Tags & Name Plates

Yes, you may not think that these two identification products work better together, but we beg to differ.

pair a name tag and a name plate together and make all of your identification products work well together with matching colors and logos

No matter how big your company is, using your brand is what makes you stand out. Your logo represents not only you and your company but also your brand and overall commitment to your clients and customers. And, in the name tag world, using your logo consistently on all personal identification products helps to define and identify you and your company.
From colors to logos, consistency matters. So, 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. Find a way to keep your logo and text the same on all name tags and name plates. A company who ensures that their brand is well developed will retain and obtain connections with their clients and customers.

So, lesson learned. Never underestimate the power of combined identification products. Let them work for you, and your job will be even easier.