name tag - Influencing Identity

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!

Name Tag: The Inside Story

At some point in everyone’s life, they end up wearing a name tag.

Most of the time people wear a name tag for employment or during a convention or conference. However, most people never take into consideration what is put into making personal identification.

An excerpt from a Coller Industries employee:

Going on six years at Coller Industries, I have learned so much. The very first thing that was probably learned is how much goes into making personal identification products. From the starting point in customer service, right down to the last step of shipping the product out to the customers, I never realized the attention and detail that has to go into making a quality name tag. So much dedication and work has to go into each product. While many things and processes have changed over the years, the end result has always been the same: quality products at a fair price.

Starting with the training in customer service, it takes months to learn all of the things that a representative needs to know. With all the different products that Coller Industries manufactures and sells, there is not easy path to learn what is needed. Even though it has been six years, I still don’t know everything and have to ask questions frequently. The customer service team all leans on each other to get answers; if someone doesn’t know, someone else probably will.

badge ribbons name badges name tag personal identification

Then there is design. All of the artwork, name lists and other specs have to go through the design team. They have to place the logo and the names on the tags precisely, so that nothing will go wrong during production. They have to have any answers customer service may need, when they want to know if something is or is not possible.

After design comes production, oh yeah! This is where it all comes together. No matter what process is used for a name tag or ribbon, the production team is always working hard to get all orders out in a timely manner. It is high pressure work, but they pull through every time. They strive to make the best quality name tag available.

After they come out of production, our shipping department works just as hard to get the products shipped out on time. They check for flaws and make sure that all name tags match the provided name list, assemble the product with the appropriate fasteners, package them and finally invoice them. They then go through a quality check one final time and then the package is sealed and shipped out.

We have a great team company wide, and together, we all make that happen. I am proud to be a part of it. Bigger and better things await this company. No matter what department anyone is working in, we all strive to do the best job we know how to do. The thing that will always remain the same is the never ending aim to improve on the things that we are doing, no matter what those things might be.

That Isn’t My Name

How many people in this world have a name that is confusing? You know the ones no one can spell or pronounce correctly?

The ones that, nine times out of ten, most people look at you funny for? Did your parents decide that “oh, this is a cool name!” but now that you’re older and having to deal with the repercussions, it’s extremely annoying?

I have one of those names. And while I’ve never fully been bothered by my epithet, I’ve encountered over 20 spellings: Alisha, Alicia, Allicia, Aliesha, Alica, Allesha, Alecia, Alesha, Allisha, Alysha, Aleesha, Aleisha, Alycia, Elycia, Eleisha, Elisha, Elicia, Ellisha, Allicia, Alishia just to list a few! I’ve even heard it jokingly spelled as “Uhleeshaw.”

And don’t forget the pronunciation! From ‘uh-lish-uh’, ‘uh-lish-ee-uh’ to ‘uh-lee-shuh’ no matter how people say it, I find I’m always correcting someone.

To be exact, my name is Alisha and it’s pronounced ‘uh-lee-shuh’. I’ve been correcting people since I was in grade school at the spelling and the pronunciation; and it’s getting tiresome. I’ve had a friend named Alicia, one named Alysha, and even at one point a roommate named Alysia!

Others have this problem as well. And I have a fix… NAME TAGS

While one doesn’t necessarily need to be exactly like Scott Ginsberg, the Nametag Guy, (he wears a nametag each and every day) nametags and name badges do help with getting acquainted with others.

This might be the simplest form of a name tag, a laser engraved plastic one. This is on euro gold with black text, 1×3 inches and simply engraved with my company’s logo and my first name. Each of these tags can be customized to meet whatever need is there. Logos, names and titles can be included.

The second name tag is a UV Color logo on engraved plastic; white with pine green text. Each UV Color logo is printed with a full color process that allows for quality, high resolution images and are great to show gradients and bright colors. Names and titles are engraved into the plastic to show the second color.

The final name badge is a Mighty Badge. These reusable badges are available with or without a logo. Each logo is UV printed and names can be added by printing on the clear, plastic lens. There are three pieces to the Mighty Badge: the metal plate, the clear insert and a clear lens that snaps it all together.

Regardless of spelling, pronunciation or other abnormality, names are fun and should be celebrated. Each person should find a way to enjoy their name. Oh, and don’t forget the ever repeating androgynous names like Pat, Jesse or Taylor; you will never be forgotten!

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!

Name Tag Deadly Sins – Part 1

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. It is a lifesaver in meetings, trade shows and events to start conversations when you meet groups of new people. It also identifies you as well as your company in the minds of others,” Scott Ginsberg is known for saying.

So, what’s the trick to making sure that your name tags makes you approachable? Follow these first four attributes as set forth by Scott from “The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective Name Tags.” *Follow up will come next week with the remaining three.

First, size: Have you ever been in a situation where someone is squinting and staring directly at your chest or other area desperately trying to make out tiny letters on your name tag? “This is self defeating, embarrassing and actually works to decrease your approachability,” says Scott. A name tag should be readable from at least 10 feet away, thus making the recommended font size a minimum of 24 point. Try and make the font as big as you can, also avoid cursive, script or other fancy writing styles.

Second, color: The most effective background color for a name badge is white. While having an outline in a bright color does grab attention to the wearer, make sure the background is stark white for visibility. By doing so, this allows maximum visibility for a logo, your name and, if necessary, your position within your company. All font should be either black or dark blue ink. “Fashion must be outweighed by your name tag’s approachability and visibility!” exclaims Scott.

Third, turnaround: One frustrating name tag problem that people face is “the name tag turnaround.” No name; no logo; no company; just the blank back of the name badge. This happens especially when the name tag is worn around the neck on a lanyard or worn with a clip. To avoid having “name tag turnaround” (a phrase coined by Scott), make sure to always write the exact same information on both sides.

Fourth, clutter: “Avoid name tags with overly thick borders, unnecessary clutter or too much text. All of the information contained must be readable and memorable in less than five seconds. Remember, they call them name tags because the name must be the focal point, whether it’s the name of the person or the name of the company, those are the two most important pieces of information,” says Scott.

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