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!

A Conversation With A Name Badge

Have you ever talked with an inanimate object? Well, today, we’re sharing a recent conversation we had with a name badge!

We sat down over the long, holiday weekend with a Name Badge and asked several questions about how a name badge works and why they think their job is so important. Here are the top three questions from that interview.

Question 1: Describe Your Job

Reporter: I would like to start with a simple question, Name Badge. Please explain your job and what it is that you do on a daily basis.

Name Badge: Whoa! Slow down there! That’s a super detailed question, and it will take more than just a few minutes to answer. Are you sure you want to start with that one?

Reporter: Yes, I am sure.

Name Badge: Alright, glad you’re sitting down. So, here it goes. Although my job isn’t a simple one, it is reasonably easy to do. You see, the basic concept of my job is to let people know my name. But, here’s where it gets complicated. My name changes. My design changes. Sometimes I have color and sometimes I’m plain or even blank.

Reporter: That is a lot to take in, Name Badge. But I think you’re deviating from the question. What is your job?

Name Badge: First off, call me NB, it’s easier. In a nutshell, my job is to tell others who I am.

Reporter: That doesn’t sound too hard, NB. So, why do you think it’s so complicated?

NB: My job is complicated because of the many different ways people customize and use me.

Question 2: What Customizations Are Available?

NB: As I mentioned before, my design changes. Some people use their first name. Others use first and last names, while still others add titles, company names and sometimes even logos. And, I come in many different colors. I’m a chameleon that way. Oh, and sometimes people write on me.

Reporter: So, basically what you are telling me is that you have many faces? If that is the case, how do people know how to use you?

NB: Yes, I do have many faces. And sometimes that makes it a bit harder to use me. Although, to most people, using me is a natural thing; especially when those people work in stores or offices with tons of employees. Most know that I wear best on the right side of their shirt, but sometimes people put me in their pockets or place me where I’m hard to read. I do my job best when worn correctly.

Question 3: Finding Your Best Feature

Reporter: So, NB, if you’re appropriately worn and used correctly, what is your best feature?

NB: You like asking loaded questions, don’t you?

Reporter: What do you mean?

NB: Well, my best feature is the one the consumer likes the most. So, if they worked hard on their company’s branding, the logo would be my best feature. But, if the person wearing me needs others to know that they are a volunteer, then my title would be my best feature. Does that make sense?

Reporter: Yes, I suppose it does. So, your best feature is what others need it to be?

NB: Exactly!

Reporter: Wow! I’ve learned a lot from you today, NB. Thanks. I should probably be wearing a name badge, too!

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.

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)!