Connecting with Customers

The H2H experience should be available to all customers. What we mean by this is human to human connections. Connecting with customers should be the focus of every business. Over the past while we have become disconnected.

As humans, we crave experiences that connect us with others. Throughout this year, those connections have turned online and have become a little less human. So, how do we revert to that constant human interaction we naturally crave while still existing in our ever-changing world?

Part of the solution to this issue is becoming more approachable. While you and your company may have already been in a position of trust, people need to feel that they can still trust you and your services. Now the question is, how do you gain that trust and become more approachable.

How a Name Tag Boosts Your Approachability

Name tags 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. Some people wear them at conferences, business luncheons or sporting events. In short, many people wear name tags for different reasons.

Name Tags for Connecting with Customers

From using custom shapes to including photos on identification for your employees, we have just the solution for your needs of connecting with customers. Check out these products and tips for making them work for you.

Approachability is a trait that most people believe they have, but few actually do. It’s important to be approachable because when you put people at ease, you enable them to think and do their best in your presence. It’s an essential professional skill that only gets more important as you ascend the ladder into leadership positions and is expected of managers by their employees.

Full Color Name Tags

If you need something that will sport your brand (business logo) and an employee’s name, search no further than these fun, colorful tags. With full color printing, the sky is the limit to what these can do for you. They are our only name tag that provides vibrant, colorful printing so you can fill them with everything you need for your business to stand out.

Reusable Name Badges

For a temporary option, these badges can be reused with easy to use printable inserts or added labels. You can design your badges to meet any need and then change them with ease when the time comes for a new look or new employees. They are also ideal for seasonal and temporary workers.

Photo ID Badges

Adding photos to name tags increases security and provides trust among employees and clientele. Each photo ID can support up to five lines of text along with an employee’s photo. So, now you can conquer the rest of your customers’ needs.

Custom Shape Name Tags

Do you need something that will truly make you stand out in a sea of competitors? Try a custom shape for your name tags! Whether you try a circle, a house or a fully-customized shape to match your business, these name tags say it all.

connecting with customers is easier with custom shaped name tags

PRO TIP: Add badge ribbons to name tags when you need to distinguish employees, visitors and other VIPs in your business.

By providing name tags for your employees, you are making them more approachable. And, once they are approachable, you re-humanize them. Isn’t that what we all need right now? More human interaction translates into more sales and service requests for your business. This, in turn, will translate into that trust you need to keep your business going.

So, get your name tags (approachability included) to keep up your connecting with customers and providing them with that needed human touch. Now you can get back to doing what you do best: your business.

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!

The Truth About Name Tags

The more you know of the truth about name tags, the more you will want to wear them all the time!

the truth about name tags is that even professional and collegiate coaches wear them

From a mural in Texas to the neck of a football coach in Utah, name tags continue to make a mark in the news! And, the truth about name tags is that actors, athletes and plenty of other people wear them daily. And we’re sure you have heard about people (Scott Ginsberg) that choose to make name tags a daily part of their wardrobe. So, we’re here to prove the truth about name tags and why everyone should be wearing them.

Recently, Shannon Palus, a writer at Slate magazine, found herself wishing for name tags in her office. Palus said, “I started at Slate not too long ago, and in my first weeks in the magazine’s New York office, I was faced with a problem that is familiar to anyone who’s ever started a new office job. I was surrounded by dozens of new faces and struggled to connect them to names. Which man with a scruffy beard was the one in charge of podcasts again? Who was the friendly woman at my desk pod offering me some of her snacks? I found myself wishing, as I often do, that everyone was wearing a name tag. In fact, I realized all adults should wear name tags.”

And, here at Coller Industries, we love Palus’ anecdote, “Think of the accessorizing possibilities: Everyone could have a little name tag drawer, right next to underwear and socks. Flowery script for days when you feel fancy, basic Helvetica for no-nonsense impressions… Entire new traditions could spring up around name tags; dare I say it would be a cute move to leave one of your tags at a date’s house?”

The Best Features of Name Tags

From security to identification, the truth about name tags is that people use them for a variety of reasons. And, because of their distinguishing features, name tags are perfect for everyone! By providing everyone at a conference or other event with identification, it reinforces their identities. They will also help with networking activities where attendees may not know everyone yet.

By using name tags at conferences and other events, you become more approachable. And, in turn, this approachability increases your chance of making lasting relationships that will help in life and business. The truth about name tags is that wearing one stretches your personality. It makes you come out of your shell and your comfort zone. And, in turn, it helps others to do the same. Sure, it might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but think about the impact you have on others by immediately disclosing your name.

When you wear a name tag, you become the face of your purpose, and you are representing that to everyone around you. In many ways, this benefits both you and your goal so that the people around you can put a face with a name. We have all heard that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” So, tell that story simply and quickly with your smile and a name tag.

Name Tags get the Last Word

And, finally, we again agree with Palus when she said, “The thing is, in the 21st century, we already use name tags for lots of our interactions. Entire meetings’ worth of discussions take place on (work chat systems), where you can always clearly identify the name of whoever is ‘talking.’ Facebook is an endless high school reunion, with name tags. LinkedIn is a networking happy hour, with name tags. Twitter is, at times, like being stuck on a 20-hour flight where everyone is yelling, but at least there are name tags. If we made wearing name tags in the real world a social norm, we might even reduce the friction of in-person interactions—and make it a tad easier to log off.”

Because name tags are permission slips, they encourage engagement. Their primary function is to personalize and humanize each person. Inviting encounters is what they do. And you permit this change to happen every time you put on your name tag. So, grab your name tag and start sharing the truth about name tags at your next office party or friend’s night out!

No Introduction Needed for Name Tags

From titles to names and pictures, name tags need no introduction.

classic name tags provide an introduction to those around you

The primary advantage of wearing a name tag is that it is an automatic introduction. No matter where they are worn, name tags instantly provide your credentials to those around you. They put you on a first name basis with everyone.

And, this advantage is perfectly demonstrated when it comes to business ethics. Name tags help your customers remember who you are. From a sales position to a waitress at the local diner, wearing a name tag gives that immediate recognition to anyone.

Here are other ways that name tags are your first introduction.

Uniforms and Branding

name tags provide not only an introduction but also security for any business

By incorporating a name tag, from a simple Speedy Badge to a custom engraved logo, any uniform will stand out. And, each name tag will help with company branding. Sometimes just a specific color uniform shirt and pants don’t quite accomplish the job. So, top off your company uniform with a name tag branded with your logo and company colors.

Then, each name tag will do the talking rather than keep customers guessing who works at your business. And, when using name tags, employees quickly identify those who work for the company. This leads to our next point: security.

Security and Accountability

There it is again. We’re always mentioning security. Name tags are a simple way to control who comes in and out of your business. Make them mandatory. Both employees and visitors should wear them.

By giving employees name tags, you are providing security for your office or store. And, who doesn’t want a secure business? With a simple branding logo, employees are easily identified by customers and other employees. No one will ever have to guess at who their co-workers are again.

Providing name tags for all employees and visitors proves over and over that accountability is a necessity. Identifying those around your company will help with determining where problems are. They also help with making people take better responsibility for their surroundings.

Finally, remember that name tags are the best way to identify and give a first introduction to your company. From branding to security, name tags sure are helpful.

12 Points on Name Tag Etiquette

By Syndi Seid – a world’s leading etiquette trainer, celebrity speaker and founder of San Francisco-based Advanced Etiquette.

Multiple styles of name tags with logos and first and last names that help show name tag etiquette.

Why Name Tags

Point One: When preparing name tags, think through the purpose of the name tags. Always show the names in spoken order, your first name followed by your surname and affiliation. To maintain proper etiquette, think twice about the need to provide any information beyond these basics.

Writing a Name Tag

Point Two: Use only big, bold block letters in all caps or upper and lower case letters. Avoid script or cursive handwriting, and do not add personalized touches that could be confusing. No matter how well lit a room may be, it is always challenging to decipher cursive handwriting, particularly by those from other countries or ethnic origins.

3. Etiquette and Using Honorifics

Except for specialized events, do not use honorifics and titles on name tags. These include Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., PhD., M.D., General Manager or President. Because name tags intend to show a person’s identity quickly, they should only indicate first and last surname and affiliation.

“Hello, my name is…”

Point Four: I confess I don’t like this particular style of a name badge. Admittedly, they do serve a purpose for highly informal occasions. But, they seem very elementary and out of place in a professional setting. It’s best to use clean, professional looking sheets, either with or without colored borders.

5. Squint Factor

Nothing is more disappointing than attending a conference or professional meeting, only to arrive at check-in and discover the name tags are terribly under presented. The names are printed too small, company affiliation so small you can’t make it out and every other detail shy of your birth date is loaded onto the badge.

6. Printing Name Tags

When generating pre-printed tags on a computer, take care when choosing an appropriate font and font size. I find 40-point Arial type is a good starting point for first and last names and affiliation for tags I produce. Sometimes it takes a little extra time to employ a little trial and error to find the correct font size and balance. However, I assure you it will be well worth the effort for the optimum results.

Use of an Affiliation and Logo

Point Seven: Even though it’s important to give attention to the sponsoring organization, always remember the essential information on the name tag is the person’s name, not the organization’s. By this, I mean the bulk of the space should be devoted to presenting the person’s full name. Thus the scale of the logo or sponsoring affiliation should be much smaller than the attendee’s name. It should never dominate the tag.

8. Printing the First Name Larger than the Last Name

While there are no hard and fast rules governing whether to enlarge the person’s first name, I submit it’s best to print both the first and last name in the same size font. With so many men and women sharing the same first name, it can be confusing to see a lot of Susans or Stevens walking around. But, again, this underscores the value of regarding one’s full name as one’s personal branding vehicle.

9. Creating your reusable name badge for use at various events.

While arriving with your very own custom designed name tag assures you will present your name and affiliation to your absolute liking, it may not be in your best interest. Consider this: event planners usually create name tags specific to a particular occasion to identify, at a glance, those who legitimately belong at the event and those who don’t. Unfortunately, wearing a custom name tag you created may inadvertently convey the impression of being a party crasher!

10. Company ID Badges

Many companies require the staff to wear name badges for instant identification purposes. In this case, it’s customary to wear such badges on the left shoulder.

11. Placing Name Tags Straight and in Plain View

Never allow your name tag to be worn crooked, sideways or even upside down. It sends a negative message to others, usually implying a lack of respect for the occasion or lack of care or interest in your personal appearance.

Never wear a badge upside down. Though it may sound silly to say, believe it or not, I know someone who deliberately wears his name badge upside down. He claims it’s the best way to meet women. Why? Because he says women will go out of their way to approach him just to help him correct what they perceive as his oversight. My friend claims men are far less likely to mention it or bother helping. Needless to say, I don’t recommend this practice to anyone.

In my book, this tactic sends the signal that here’s a person who cares little about the image he conveys. Who would want to convey the impression that they purposefully missed something as simple as adequately wearing a name badge? What else might be missing? In other words, while it is possible that one person may take this for humor, another person may take it as incompetence. Why risk creating this kind of confusion?

Last but not least, etiquette on where to wear a name tag.

Point Twelve: When networking at professional functions or social events, always wear your name tag on your upper right shoulder. Here’s why. Place the badge as high up on your right shoulder as possible to give other people the best and easiest view of both the tag and your face. As you extend your right hand for a handshake, your eye and arm are already drawn to the right side of the person you are greeting. Because the uppermost part of your chest is the flattest area on your shoulder, this helps your tag to lie flat and be more secure.

These points are especially relevant to women, as most women feel awkward drawing attention to an area of our chests we would prefer not to. Placing it in an easy to read and visible place keeps the focus where it should be.