The Power of Names and Why They are Important

Why is it so important to use people’s names? According to Dale Carnegie, a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. The sound of someone using your name typically cuts through all other noise that might be going on around you. Since birth, you have been conditioned to respond to the sound of your name. Think about it this way: how would you feel if your mother referred to you by another person’s name? That is why the power of names is so important!

A person is more interested in their name than in all the other names on earth. So remember a person’s name and call it easily, and you have paid a subtle and very effective compliment. But forget it or misspell it – and you have placed yourself at a sharp disadvantage…one of the simplest, most obvious and most important ways of gaining goodwill is by remembering names and making people feel important – yet how many of us do it?

–How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

classic name tag

It is important to use a person’s name when interacting with them. It is, after all, their most significant connection to their identity. When you address someone using their name, you acknowledge their importance, which is the easiest way to get their attention. But only some of us are great with names, so what happens if we are with someone and need help remembering their name?

Enter name tags!

Name tags can do more than just provide your name to those you meet, they can potentially change your life. Adapted from Scott Ginsberg, here are just a few ways name tags will improve your life.

“A name tag isn’t just a sticker; it’s a statement. It’s about friendliness, identity, culture and human nature.”

A Name Tag is a Permission Slip
“Wearing a name tag is an invitation to friendliness. It’s a way to open up to others and overcome personal walls. 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.”

A Name Tag is an Engagement Tool
“The hardest part about conversations is getting the ball rolling. That’s why name tags are so great. They are the basic building block of conversation. The sooner you know people’s names, the sooner you feel comfortable around them.”

A Name Tag is a Service
“Sure, you feel dumb when wearing a name tag. It’s uncomfortable. But think about how many people whose lives you just made easier. Like the guy who’s been working down the hall from you for six years but didn’t know how to spell your name until now. (Or) the shy person across the room who didn’t have the courage to walk up and say hello. (How about) the new yoga teacher who had thirty new students, yet only 29 new names to memorize. Whew! How are you practicing mini-sacrifices each day to make other people’s lives (even a LITTLE) easier? What comfort are you willing to forego?”

From our blog, Change Your Life With a Name Tag

Names are essential to new relationships, as a person’s name connects to their identity and individuality. Therefore, using someone’s name and remembering it shows a greater connection to who that person is. 

The Power of Names (and how to help others remember yours)!

Owl graphic and name on a name tag.

Whenever you put on a name tag, you become the face of your business or cause, whatever that is. It can quickly help the people around you match your face with your 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.

Build relationships by wearing a name tag, and you help others remember your name. As Mr. Ginsberg has said, your name tag becomes an invitation and permission slip for others to converse with you. They encourage engagement by inviting others to speak with you to share their stories, and you will gain additional opportunities to share yours. So, whether it’s a quality name tag or a simple sticker, keeping your name visible will help start conversations and build relationships!

Start sharing the truth about name tags at your next business meeting,
 conference or networking event!

Get Your Name Tags Now!