Q&A - Influencing Identity

The Importance of Wearing A Name Tag

Most people don’t randomly search for name tags. And, those who do search for name tags are looking specifically for the product that will best suit their needs. Whether at work or for another purpose (e.g., conferences or parties) name tags come in quite handy. So, what is the importance of wearing a name tag?

Let’s first answer: What is a name tag? A name tag is an identification tag or label worn on the outermost clothing as a means of showing someone’s name and affiliation. Name tags may be temporary, such as the iconic “My Name Is:” sticker, or permanent, such as a metal name tag worn at a retail store by the employees.

A variety of name tags with engraved names, titles and business logos.

Why are name tags important?

The main usage of wearing a name tag is to provide a distinguishing feature to the wearer. These identifiers have become an important and vital part of many companies while allowing each employee to wear any required daily business style and still remain unique in their own aspect.

By wearing a name tag, you become more approachable. It’s all about friendliness and identity. Most people are cautious about strangers these days, but by donning a name tag, you provide an immediate breaking of the ice. By personalizing yourself, you benefit those around you in helping them remember who you are. Set the trend, and let those around you really know who you are!

Why should you WANT to wear a name tag?

Now on to the question of why one should WANT to wear a name tag. By wearing a name tag, you set yourself apart from those in close proximity. Each name tag can bear your name and title to help in this distinguishing. The point is that the wearer becomes unique by utilizing the simplicity of a name tag.

On a more technical note, name tags are used by many companies, such as restaurants and retailers, so that customers may identify an employee by name. Others use name tags for professional settings. These include universities, banks and other companies where employees typically do not wear uniforms.

There are many types of fasteners to go with your name tag. These include deluxe magnets, pins, swivel bulldog clips, double clutch fasteners, pocket clips and more. Deluxe magnets have become more popular for name tags because they do not puncture clothing with pins. Name tags can also be worn around the neck using a lanyard.

Is it necessary to wear a name tag?

“If everybody wears name tags, no more fighting, no more intolerance and no more disrespect.”

~Scott Ginsberg~

Name tags are part of many people’s daily lives. They are worn at department stores, restaurants and many other places in order to identify the wearer to the patrons of these establishments. Pulling from the definition of a name tag: it is an identification label worn as a means of showing your name and affiliation.

Scott Ginsberg has come up with a philosophy about wearing these name tags. “Everyone should wear name tags, all the time, everywhere, forever.” Scott is The Name Tag Guy. He is the only person in the world who wears a name tag 24-7. He has taken this simple idea and turned it into a business and his adventures have earned him recognition as “The World’s Foremost Expert on Name Tags.” Scott has written several books on approachability, marketing, branding, leadership, creativity and business strategy. He also speaks about these topics.

“A few years ago I gave a speech to a group of individuals with disabilities. I was terrified. I thought the message would go completely over their heads. And I assumed that their intelligence level would keep them from understanding me. I was wrong. They loved it. Best audience I’ve ever had. Afterward, a young man from the front row ran up to me with a huge smile on his face. And although his mental condition made it very difficult for him to speak, he placed his hand on my chest and said: ‘It’s not the name tag; it’s the heart behind it.’ Just because someone is broken doesn’t mean they can’t teach you.”

The Importance of Wearing A Name Tag

These special people taught Scott a great lesson and everyone else can learn the same. Name tags may be a standard in many places, but they are unique. They present you in a way that is very specific to you. No one else can take credit for you, except you. So, in answer to the original question, YES! It becomes necessary at a point in everyone’s life to wear a name tag.

Whether it is for professional or social reasons, name tags will always play an important role in your life. To quote Scott, “Through the basic unit of self disclosure, we reduce the social distance between each other. We don’t have to snap our fingers to get someone’s attention. We just say their name and start engaging. The name tag is a conversational entry point. It’s an interactional accelerator. Permission granted, socialization ensues and the lines of communication are sparked open.”

Customer Reviews

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Services:

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Products:

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Nancy B. said, “A co-worker ordered your magnetic name tags for use by our volunteers during an event held here in the City, and they were the perfect size! I would like all my staff who deal with the public to wear them. Clean and customizable. Just perfect!”

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*All of these comments have been left through our customer service satisfaction survey.

Check us out for all of your personal identification needs, and to learn more about the importance of wearing a name tag.

FIND YOUR PERFECT NAME TAG

Name Tag Etiquette: Part 2

Event badges are the best way to identify yourself, especially when networking is a primary focus. Follow these guidelines and you will always be safe from sabotaging your success. So, what is the best way to print an event name badge?

Printing Event Badges

Event Badge holder with printed insert and handwritten name

Providing pre-printed event badges is one of the most effective investments you can make to the success of an event, especially a networking event. Yet many people waste this opportunity to help guests meet and greet at an optimum level. Here are a few tips to ensure your event name badges look great and are the most productive.

Keep the Printing Simple

All your event badges need is a first and last name with your affiliation or company underneath. Think twice about the need to provide any more information beyond these basics.

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 that it’s best to print both the first and last name in the same size font. You will obviously see the person’s first name. However, if the last name is too small to be easily read, an opportunity to connect is lost since a person’s identity comes from knowing both a person’s first and last name.

No Honorifics and Titles for Event Badges

Do not place honorifics such as Ph.D. or Dr. or titles such as President or Sales Manager on event badges. You can learn this information as you converse. Only at special events will honorifics or titles be helpful, such as a doctor’s convention where the doctor’s specialties are important or a company conference where titles let others know what that person’s responsibilities are.

Adding a Company or Organization Name

Event Badge holder insert has three lines: name, title and association.

Besides a person’s first and last name, the only other information to print for an event badge is a person’s company or organization name; this is a great way to begin conversations. While we should all be proud of our affiliated organizations, seeing the person’s name is more important than knowing their affiliated company. Therefore, place the company name or logo at the bottom of the tag in a font size that’s easy to read yet smaller than the person’s name.

Host and Sponsor Organizations

Give acknowledgment to the sponsors of your event through the design of the badges, but never allow that information to override the all-important role of a name badge which is to introduce the person who is wearing it.

Choose a Font

Use big, bold fonts for printing and avoid script or fancy fonts. The goal is to make the badges easy to read, so choose your font wisely. With several thousand choices on most computers, your name badges do not need to be boring when selecting a font for readability. Some popular fonts for name badges include Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, Calibri and Times.

Font Size Matters

Print the names on the badges in a font size that practically fills the tag. It is a waste of an excellent networking tool to print the information on any badges in small type. Instead, begin with a large 40-point font and adjust the size to fit the names on each line. Some names are larger or shorter, so adjust the font size accordingly.

Print a Test of the Event Badges

Before printing your badges, print a single badge and look at it from the same distance it will be viewed at the event. Then, if there is any difficulty in reading any of the information, go back and make adjustments and try it again.

Now that you have your event badges, learn how to wear them at Event Name Tag Etiquette: Part 1.

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

Event Name Tag Etiquette: Part 1

An event name tag is the best way to identify yourself, especially when networking is a primary focus. Follow these guidelines and you will always be safe from sabotaging your success. So, what is an event name badge and how do you wear them properly?

Should I bring my own name tag to events?

While arriving with your custom designed name tag ensures your name and affiliation are printed the way you like, it may not be in your best interest to do so. Consider this: event planners usually create tags specific to a particular occasion to identify those who legitimately belong at the event and those who do not. Wearing a name tag from outside the event may inadvertently convey the impression that you are crashing the party.

Squint Factor

There is nothing more disappointing than arriving at check in to see ineffective name tags. The logo of the hosting or sponsoring organization dominates the event tag. At the same time, names, company affiliations and every other detail, except your birth date, are printed so small they are not easy to read.

Remember the Purpose of the Name Tag

When preparing event name tags, think through the purpose of them. The tag should make communicating and networking easy for your event attendees. Always show names in spoken order, given name followed by surname, followed by your affiliation or company underneath. Think twice about the need to provide any more information beyond these basics.

Hosts and Sponsors

Sponsors and hosts are important to every event, and they deserve recognition. However, it is essential to remember that the person’s name is the most important information on the tag. Therefore, the majority of space should be devoted to presenting the person’s name. Thus, the logo or sponsoring affiliation should be smaller than the attendee’s name. It should never be the reverse.

Handwriting vs. Printing on Event Name Tags

Having tags printed and waiting is the perfect way to start an event. When this is impossible, provide dark pens and encourage everyone to write large enough that you can easily read their information from a distance, at least one half inch in height. Allow as much white space as possible; it helps others to easily read the badge.

Printed Tags

When generating pre-printed tags on a computer, choose a font that is easy to read. Arial, Myriad Web and Garamond are always good starting points. Sometimes it takes extra time to employ a little trial and error to find the correct font size and balance. However, it will be well worth the effort for optimum results. See part 2 of this article for information on printing event tags.

Wearing an Event Name Tag

Where should you place a name tag for networking? Wearing the tag high on your right shoulder gives other people the best view of the tag and your face. As you extend your right hand for a handshake, your eye and arm immediately draw to the right side of the person you are greeting. Because the uppermost part of your chest is the flattest area below your shoulder, this helps your tag to lie flat and be more secure. For women, this also prevents the awkwardness of drawing attention to a location we want to avoid having someone staring at. Placing the name tag high up in an easy to read and visible place keeps the focus on the tag where it should be.

Company Name Tags

Many businesses require their staff to wear name tags for identification. In this case, wearing such tags on the left shoulder is appropriate.

BONUS: Place name tags straight and in plain view.

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

What other tips do you have to add to this list? Let us hear from you.

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

NEXT – Part 2: Printing Name Tags

The Rules of Adhesive Name Tags at Conferences

For conferences, meetings and events, adhesive name badges are a must have. Not only do you eliminate the chance of misspelling attendees’ names (they will just write them), but they are also inexpensive.

But even so, there is proper etiquette for adhesive name badges in these situations. As an event or conference host, it is your responsibility to make sure your attendees are wearing their name tags appropriately.

Dictate where you want your attendees to wear their name tag. When you hand the name tags to your attendees so they can write their names, simply say, “Please wear your name tag on the upper right side of your shirt,” or wherever you think is best. This creates uniformity at the event, and people will not have to scan an entire person’s body to find their name tag.

Writing Names on Adhesive Name Badges

Ask your attendees to write their name big (but not too big). Nothing is worse than awkward squinting or staring in order to read a name.

Use black markers. Skip bright and lighter colors, and make it simple with black ink. Make sure the tip of the marker is not too thick to ensure cleanliness. Black may seem boring, but at the end of the day it makes the name tags easy to read and professional looking.

If you see someone whose name tag has been crinkled or ripped throughout the day, replace it. Keep them fresh and clean, even if it means having to order extras.

For the sake of uniformity, it is not proper etiquette for event attendees to wear name tags they brought from home. At conferences and events, name tags often serve as an equalizer for all of the attendees, so letting someone be flashy might throw off the vibe of the entire day.

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adhesive name badge sheets in five different colors

8 Tips on Professional Company and Organization Image

When you hear the term “professional image” do you think about how an individual looks and behaves? What about the professional image of a company or organization? Does your company or organization have a good professional image?

Here are eight tips to keep your company’s professional image at its highest level.

8 Tips on Professional Company and Organization Image By Syndi Seid

1. Maintain regular and professional office hours

Most for-profit businesses maintain set business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Yet when it comes to non-profit organizations, especially when staff and volunteers are lacking, office hours can be erratic. Establish regular hours so your clients, customers, members and most importantly donors will know the best times to reach you, even if you are open only two or three days a week or have limited hours. State them clearly on your voice mail greeting and on your web site.

2. Return all messages received within 24 to 48 hours

Designate one person to monitor emails and voice mails and to return each message within 24 to 48 hours. This way the person will know you care about being responsive in a consistent manner. When an individual is away or the office is closed, attach an auto-reply to your email and change your voice mail greeting to alert callers about when you will be back for return calls. Never leave callers hanging as to when they may ever hear from you.

3. Use well designed letterhead and other printed and online messaging, and write a note or letter correctly

Care enough about your organization’s image when it comes to the stationery and online presence you create. Even more than your personal appearance, websites and printed materials are seen and read over and over again.

A web site today is a must. You might as well forget opening up shop if you don’t have one. It’s best always to use a professional web designer, but at minimum use an existing design template. A do-it-yourself website is immediately recognizable as such and presents an amateurish and unprofessional image.
Do not send letters that are improperly folded and appear crooked. It implies sloppiness.
When a letter is only a few sentences long, do not have it appear at the top of the sheet. Instead, lower the content to be centered on the page.
Use time honored letter writing skills when addressing a letter or email. Improper punctuation, will show your level of education and professionalism. Knowing how to send letters and emails using a few basic skills will go a long way in presenting a great professional image.

4. Use documented processes (rather than reinventing the wheel)

One of the worst things I see often is how an organization keeps doing the same thing over and over again as though it was a new idea, mainly because the organization didn’t keep notes on past work. Maintain a dedicated journal of meeting minutes and events, describing what went well, what needed improving and new ideas to consider in the future. Especially for special events, keep historical copies of all items used for each event. Then, as staff and volunteers are replaced, or you hire an event planner, these documents will become the most helpful training tool to help learn what to incorporate as best practices and what mistakes not to repeat.

5. Organize and rehearse for meetings and special events

Maintaining a professional image with name tags and badges.

It’s important to respect everyone’s time, no matter if they’re staff, vendors, clients, volunteers or board members for non-profit organizations. One of the most irritating situations (which once caused me to resign from a non-profit board) is the inability of the chair and meeting facilitator to properly plan and run a meeting. At minimum, always have an agenda and distribute it ahead of time so everyone will know what will be discussed and how best they might contribute to the discussions. During the meeting, facilitators must show authority in keeping discussions on point and on time. Distribute the minutes of the meeting as soon as possible to help keep those people who were unable to attend in the loop, and to know what may be expected of them before the next meeting.

When it comes to special events that showcase your company, organization and business, make every effort to make a lasting impression. Plan and script out every detail from the time guests enter the event to the time they leave. Hold at least one rehearsal and walk-through with the event staff to address all situations that might arise. Put yourself in the guest’s position by thinking through how you would like to be treated from start to finish. One event may make the difference between gaining or losing a potential client, customer, donor or member of your organization.

6. Never use, “We’re just a non-profit organization,” as an excuse

What a cop-out! I even hear, “we’re just a small business,” which is equally offensive. Does this truly mean people cannot expect professionalism from a non-profit or small business? Please.

7. Wear appropriate professional business and event attire

It does matter how you look when you appear in the office or attend meetings and events. There is something uplifting whenever I see everyone in an office dressed nicely and displaying good grooming habits. By this I mean no sloppy hair with dandruff, clean well trimmed fingernails, and nice smiles showing clean teeth. It bothers me when I see employees wearing wrinkled, dirty, stained, torn clothes that fit poorly. Their attire is better suited to a backyard.

The clothes people wear at your company are a sign of how much the company cares about its professional appearance, which then transfers to caring about the employees appearance in all other aspects of their work. If a company appears not to care about their own personal appearance, what else might it not care about in its work? Tests have shown when an office is more professionally dressed, productivity and accuracy increases. Also, when you hold an event that specifies a certain attire (example: black tie) everyone attending—staff and board members included—must dress in what is being advertised. Otherwise, you are not holding the event in full integrity. Volunteers should equally be asked to wear specific clothes; perhaps black pants and white shirt or blouse.

8. Say thank you and send professional thank you notes

Say thank you and send thank you notes as often as possible. They show your appreciation and acknowledgment of someone’s work and contributions to the organization. They are the key and at the core of building and sustaining lasting relationships among co-workers, bosses, clients, customers, family, friends and anyone with whom you come into contact. For the best impact, send thank you notes, written by hand and sent by regular mail, within 24 to 48 hours after the event. You can never write too many.

BONUS: One of my biggest pet peeves when attending events is how the organizers print name tags, often at a font size that you cannot read at any distance. What a waste of intention and energy. Name tags are the most critical component to the success or failure of an event. It’s the difference between making or not making important connections by virtue of seeing someone’s name tag at a distance.

QUESTION: What pet peeves do you have about companies and non-profits in terms of their professional image not being as good as they should be?