(This article also appeared in the June 2004 issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly)

As a small business owner, you must always explore creative ways to promote your products or services. An effective yet underappreciated tool to keep your company ‘on stage’ is your nametag. Especially when you attend meetings, events or if you’re out in the field as a representative of your company, your nametag is your best friend. Not only does it remind people of your name (who forget your name 10 seconds after they shake your hand anyway), but it advertises your business.

Think of your nametag as your own personal billboard. And with that in mind, follow these steps get the maximum marketing mileage out of your nametag.

Create a Custom Nametag
If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur and you don’t have your own custom nametag, you will miss out. Imagine you attend your Chamber of Commerce meeting and you get stuck with the obligatory, computerized, faded-font, barely-sticks-onto-my-lapel Avery piece of junk. You will not stand out. You will not promote your business. And other members will not know who you are or how you give value. Try this: at your next meeting, sit by someone in real estate – those people know how to wear nametags!

If you want a professional nametag that will effectively brand you and your business, consider a small investment in custom engraving. I once started a conversation and made friends with a lady at a meeting of the National Speaker’s Association because she had the biggest, most beautiful…nametag…that I had ever seen! She then told me the name of the St. Peters company who customized her nametag – and I drove out to their shop that day! For more information, go to Incredible Engravings.

Stay ‘On Duty’ All the Time
What frustrates you more? Someone whose name you’ve forgotten or someone whose nametag isn’t available to help you remember their name? People have a tendency to remove their nametags when they eat, smoke, use the bathroom, go to break out sessions or attend pre/post show activities. Don’t. Leave your nametag on for the entire meeting. You never know if a new member in attendance doesn’t know who you are. Remember, as the great sales trainer Jeffery Gitomer says, ‘It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.’

Think of yourself as a taxi driver. If you cruise down the street and you want to attract customers, don’t shut off your ‘on duty’ lights. Be available at all times for the people who need your services. Because you never know around which corner your next customer awaits!

Your Nametag is Your Brand
All billboards for McDonald’s have similar components: the golden arches, the food, the lifestyle images, the slogans, etc. They are consistent because effective advertising campaigns coordinate their branding efforts between mediums. Therefore, since your nametag is just like your own billboard, the font, color, logo and company information that appears on your nametag should be consistent with the existing brand of your business. As a result, when people meet you, look into your eyes and then look at your nametag, everything synergizes together as one valuable entity.

A great example of someone who uses a nametag as a branding tool is my friend Tom Terrific. Tom is a speaker, trainer and coach whose company is called Terrific Presentations. Not only do his name, company and programs revolve around the word ‘terrific,’ but his nametag simply says, ‘Tom Terrific.’ And nobody ever seems to forget Tom. Why? Because he’s terrific – and he has the nametag to prove it!

Be an Ambassador
Your nametag immediately identifies you as an ambassador of your company. As such, it holds you accountable for your behavior while you wear it. Your nametag is like a logo shirt – it should be the personification of your company’s culture. So wear it proudly. It helps you maintain a consistency between your performance and the mission of your business.

My friend Bob Kane, a Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual. wears his shiny, sleek, silver nametag on the lapel of his elegant suit every day. It looks professional and meticulous. And just like his nametag, Bob is professional and meticulous. Bob is elegant. Now that is an example of how to be an ambassador.

Silly Is As Silly Does
I know, I know – nametags are silly and annoying. They ruin your clothes. They diminish your anonymity. They draw unwanted attention to certain areas of your body.

But, what if you wore a beautiful, customized nametag that differentiated you?

What if…your nametag offered a small amount of personal information that made you more approachable?

And what if everyone knew you and how you are able to help them?

Then, the only people who will look silly will be those who don’t connect and engage with each other – the people who don’t get the maximum marketing mileage out of their nametags.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What’s the best personalized nametag you’ve ever seen?

Your nametag 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. As a result, you will become more approachable so you can connect and communicate with anybody. Unfortunately, nametags are useless and ineffective if they are designed and worn without careful consideration.

If you avoid The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective Nametags, you will maximize your approachability when you make your nametag more visible, accessible and efficient. You will also discover that when you invite people to ‘step onto your front porch,’ they will cross the chasm between a stranger and a friend, or a prospect and a customer.

Size
How many times has someone rudely squinted at your chest desperately trying to make out those tiny letters? This is self defeating, embarrassing and actually works to decrease your approachability. Not to mention it makes the other person feel ridiculous! So, much like a retail price tag, your nametag must be readable from ten feet away — both the font and the nametag itself.

According to a nametag survey done by David Alder of Biz Bash, 50% of a group of meeting planners claimed that ‘illegible font size of nametags was a major problem.’ And, consider the 75 million baby boomers that have reached, or will reach their bifocal days, this is a top priority. The recommended font size is 24 point – hopefully bigger if possible. Also be certain to avoid cursive, script or other fancy letters.

Clutter

Avoid nametags with overly thick borders, unnecessary clutter or too much text. Make it easy on the eyes. All of the information contained must be readable and memorable in less than five seconds. For trade shows or other venues with hundreds of people and limited time, be sure that your company name, position and logo are positioned adequately from a networking/prospecting standpoint. (Still readable from 10 feet away)

Other than that, make sure that any supplementary, less important text is significantly smaller than the name itself. Remember, they call them nametags 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.

Color
The most effective background color for nametags is white. This allows maximum visibility for your logo, name and position. Dark blue, green or red backgrounds are used occasionally, but they have a tendency to ‘steal the show’ from the rest of your nametag.

Write the font in black or dark blue. Never use yellow, orange or any other light color. Even if a dark color choice means an aesthetic digression, fashion must be outweighed by your nametag’s approachability and visibility! Finally, unless you work in an academic capacity, avoid gold nametags.

Turnaround

A frustrating nametag problem that people face is ‘the nametag turnaround.’ No name. No logo. No company. Just the blank back of the badge! While lanyard or necklace style nametags reduce clothing damage, no doubt these will get accidentally turned around and tangled at some point!

Therefore it is vital to always write the exact same information on both sides. And, if someone who doesn’t know your name sees your reversed nametag, they might shrug their shoulders, turn away and find another person to talk to! (NOTE: If you write the information on both sides also eliminates the possibility that some of us will purposely turn our nametags around. ‘Lead us not into temptation…’)

Placement
The horizontal placement of your nametag is a function of the context in which you wear it. For example, on the right, nametags will be easily visible in the line of sight that correlates to your handshake. Most businesses handbooks will instruct you to wear nametag in this manner. And, it is a good visual aid for people who have can’t remember names—which is everyone!

On the other hand, for mobile and populated events such as trade shows, expos and conventions, it is more effective to wear your nametag on your left side. This allows people who approach in your opposite direction to see your nametag with significant ease, since we traditionally walk on the right side of the road/aisle/hallway.

Presence

Although horizontal placement of your nametag is an important consideration, vertical placement is the most important visibility characteristic. A nametag in the middle of your chest is likely to get covered by your arms, papers or some other obstruction. Furthermore, central placement of your nametag will make you unavailable to people outside of your conversation, thus limits your ability to meet more valuable people.

So, your nametag is pointless if it’s worn below your breastbone. The most effective location is two to three inches below your collar bone on whichever side most appropriate for your function. This allows maximum eye contact. Furthermore, high vertical placement of your nametag eliminates the possibility that it will be covered by something. For example, if your nametag hangs too low, it will be impossible for other people to read it when you: sit down, cross your arms, wear a jacket, write down information or use gestures while you talk.

Maximization
Have you ever seen a five inch nametag with tiny letters the size of sunflower seeds? What a waste! Use any and all blank space provided by your nametag. Make it huge! Don’t worry if you look silly, because everyone looks silly! And, although font size must be large anyway, don’t hesitate to increase the font commensurate with the size of the nametag itself. Imagine your nametag is a personal advertisement. Maximize your space efficiently. Think about this: you will never see a billboard on the highway that only uses half the space provided!

The next time you go to a meeting, convention, seminar or trade show, remember that your nametag is your best friend. In other words, think of your nametag as your ‘front porch.’ It invites people. It makes them feel comfortable. And, it initiates conversations that transform strangers into valuable connections. But, like any good front porch, it’s important to create and wear nametags that are visible, accessible, and efficient so you will maximize your approachability.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Have you ever NOT wanted to wear the nametag given to you?

Walmart was the first business to require all its employees to wear nametags. (There’s a surprise!) Sam Walton created this initiative because he wanted his customers to “get to know the people they bought from.”

But the value of employee nametags spans far beyond getting to know people, it’s all about being approachable. So whether you work in retail, hospitality, food service or sales, to wear a nametag is to be on stage. To be on stage is to be ready to serve your customers. And to be ready to serve your customers is to do your job effectively.

Here are several ways nametags will help your employees maintain an accessible, comfortable business environment.

Accessibility
I have a bad habit of putting too much hot sauce on, well…everything. Recently, after I wolfed down a Tobasco covered bite of my cheeseburger, I realized that I desperately needed a refill of ice water to regain feeling in my lips. My server walked right by, but unfortunately I failed to get his attention because I didn’t know his name. Why? You guessed it: he wasn’t wearing a nametag! No water for me! Fortunately I chugged down my date’s ice tea.

Tip # 1: A nametag makes it easier for customers to gain the attention of an employee from whom they need service. Without it, the customers will either find someone else to help them, or won’t get what they need.

Comfort

Imagine you walk into a store. You browse the aisles for a few minutes and decide that you’d like to speak with a sales associate. You look around, see a few people, but nobody appears to be an employee. After wrongfully asking and embarrassing a few strangers who don’t actually work there, you get frustrated and leave the store. As you walk out the door, you complain, “Darn it! Doesn’t anybody work here?!”

Tip # 2: The most important rule in retail is to “make a friend in thirty seconds.” The quickest and surest way to do this is to inform and remind customers of your employees’ names. This promotes self-disclosure and creates comfort in the conversation. And when you put your customers at ease, the sales process will be more personable.

Synergy
Have you ever started a new job and didn’t know everyone’s name until the third month? Or what about the organization for whom you’ve contributed ten years and still don’t know the name of that curly haired girl from the second floor? Let’s face it: people are terrible with names. It’s the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten.

Tip # 3: Especially for organizations with hundreds of employees, nametags for your teammates will only ease their pain and contribute to a synergized workplace.

Ambassadors
Another invaluable benefit of nametags is that they will transform your employees into ambassadors. It will make them walk their talk. Ask people who work in real estate, they wear nametags every day! Some agents even wear two nametags: one on their shirt and another magnetized to the side of their car! Now, silly as that looks, remember this: everyone will know that Shirley is a representative for Gundaker.

Tip #4: A nametag immediately identifies an employee as an ambassador of the company. As such, it keeps her accountable for her behavior while she wears it and promotes good word of mouth for the business.

Branding
Your nametag is just like your company’s billboard. Except it’s free and people will actually look at it for more than four seconds. So, when customers or clients work with your employees, they will be exposed to your logo, colors and brand identity. As a result your nametag turns into an effective medium for free advertising.

Tip #5: A well designed nametag will constantly keep your company’s brand, logo and corporate culture in the minds of your customers and prospects. Because it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.

Fun
Nametags are fun. Kids like them. Adults like them. They promote friendliness in the workplace and foster a sense of community. And people want to spend their money in places, on items and with people that are welcoming and approachable. Next time you walk into Borders, take a closer look at one of the employees’ nametags. Often times their lanyards will have stickers or pictures of their favorite books on them.

Tip #6: Employees who wear fun, memorable nametags will also show the customers that their business is fun and memorable.

Tag, you’re it!

Do you want to maximize the approachability of your employees?

Do you want your customers to feel comfortable?

Does your business value synergy among its employees?

Will free promotion, both personal and graphical help promote your business? LET ME ASK YA THIS…
In what store can you NEVER seem to find a nametag-wearing employee?

Nametags are worn for a variety of jobs and functions, but people don’t like to wear them because they’re annoying, damage your clothing, clash with your outfit, and eliminate anonymity.

Picture this: you see someone’s nametag and decide to strike up a conversation with them:

‘Nice to meet you Jimmy, my name is Gary.’

Conversations like these don’t go anywhere because there’s nothing to say once your have introduced yourself.

‘So…uh…Jimmy…what brings you to this networking meeting?’

But what if…

What if there was something other than your name to write on your nametag? There is certainly enough room on your three inch by four inch plastic tag to add another word or two! The following is a list of nine creative things to write on your nametag that will empower more interesting and engaging conversations.

Hometown
Casinos popularized this tactic years ago to include cities/countries of origin on nametags to create connections between dealers and gamblers. However, any setting in which nametags are worn will engage people to discuss where they grew up. Not only does the nametag promote a conversation about someone’s hometown (which shows a genuine interest in that person and appeals to their self-interests), but the self-disclosure reciprocates and expedites the encounter toward a more detailed interaction.

Position
Networking meetings, conventions, jobs or other business gatherings require nametags to identify people with their company or department. But an overlooked addition to your nametag in a business setting is to write what you do, not just your position. Instead of ‘Oscar Meyer,’ write ‘I sell hot dogs to Walmart.’ I promise everyone at the meeting will come up and say hello! Who knows, maybe they’ll want to do business with the person whose nametag made them smile!

Pet Peeve
Picture this: you sit down to a table and notice the nametag of the person next to you: ‘HELLO, my name is Theresa—knuckle cracking drives me crazy.’ Everyone has a pet peeve, and everyone likes to talk (rant) about it! So next time you go to a casual meeting or event, write your pet peeve underneath your name. You will be certain to have some interesting conversations with this one!

Food
No matter how boring people can get, you can always talk about food to spice up the conversation. Include such phrases as ‘Cereal works for any meal,’ ‘Kiwi is the best fruit,’ and ‘George likes his chicken spicy.’ It will automatically open someone else up. They will usually smile and ask about your particular food selection. After you answer, you can follow up and inquire about their favorite foods as well. This is great for parties and small group meetings.

Nickname
Most people have some sort of nickname they have been called at some point in their lives. The best thing about nicknames is that there’s always a story behind them. As you discover these fascinating stories, you develop trust, levity and create a friendly bond between two people. After all, if you saw a nametag that said, ‘Laszlo the King’, wouldn’t you want to find out the story behind it?

Activities
Write down your favorite sport, pastime or interest. Not only does this allow you to discuss something about which you are passionate, but someone else is bound to enjoy the same activities! Who knows, perhaps you will meet your next teammate or book club member!

Quotation
Write your favorite quotation or bible verse on your nametag. This is a brilliant method to encourage conversations beyond the small talk level. Many people have some one-liner, old saying, proverb or verse by which they live their lives—so why shouldn’t we share them? Wisdom like this is meant to be passed on to other people!

Number
Get creative and add a number to your nametag. Simply write a number in the bottom corner of your nametag that signifies something. For example, write the number of children you have, miles traveled to the event, number of speeding tickets received, amount of pizza you have eaten in one night, anything! But no matter what the number signifies, people will find out why it’s there.

Entertainment
Include the title of your favorite book, album, movie or magazine on your nametag. Because we learn from every connection you make, this addition to your nametag will be a great opportunity to tell people about some of your favorite things. What’s more, everyone has seen one movie, read one book or eaten at one restaurant you haven’t–so use your nametag to spark some future experiences!

REMEMBER: your nametag can be whatever you want! Think of it as your own personal billboard on which you can advertise anything. If you include additional words or phrases on the nametag, your front porch will become more approachable. Then, you will learn more about new people. You will open doors to valuable relationships. And, you will offer more personal information to make the conversation more comfortable, interesting and fun!

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Do you remember the last time you encountered a complete stranger who was from the same hometown as you?

People wear nametags more often than you think. The majority of retail establishments, stores and other social gatherings require nametags for several purposes. Sometimes it’s for security. Other nametags are solely for identification. But simply stated; people wear nametags for one reason: so other people can use their names for friendlier, more personable service and conversation.

However, too many nametags go unnoticed. Too many people (especially employees) offer their names only to be referred to as, ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss’ or ‘Young Man.’

Guess what? They don’t wear nametags to make a fashion statement. They wear them for you! The following list gives five of the most common employees or people who wear nametags, and ways you can ‘wow’ them if you identify and amplify their names:

Cashiers/Clerks
The employees who work behind the counter get bored with the repetition and monotony of their jobs on a daily basis. They also receive a fraction of the respect and courtesy they deserve proportionate to the work they do. But, they all wear nametags. Even if they don’t like their nametags, they wear them for a reason: so people will use their names. Because you probably go to some kind of store every day, try to say, ‘Good morning Sarah,’ or ‘Thanks Devin.’ Just try it. Say their names. You will be amazed how the smile on their faces indicates warmth and appreciation.

Food Servers
‘Pssst! I need some ketchup for my fries!’ says the customer. Anyone who’s ever worked in food service knows this demeaning ‘hey you’ feeling. So, when you sit down at your table, immediately look at the nametag of your server. Memorize it. Say it over and over in your head. And the next time you need something say, ‘Excuse me Jackie, may I have some ketchup?’ Jackie will be happy to bring it over to you. And she will be even happier when you get your ketchup and say, ‘Thanks, Jackie.’

Networking Meetings
Everyone at networking meetings will wear nametags so introduction processes are expedited. Especially in situations where you will often meet dozens of people, take advantage of as much free information as possible and use those nametags! ‘How long have you worked at Monsanto, Rick?’ Once the offering of names is reciprocated in a conversation, the atmosphere will become more comfortable and therefore more accessible to qualify important contacts.

Casinos
The best blackjack dealers I have ever sat with have been the friendly ones. It didn’t even matter if I won, as long as I liked the dealer. OK, it did matter if I won, but it hurt a lot less if I said, ‘Hey Glenn, thanks for taking all of my money.’ You will find that casino employees usually have at least two nametags, sometimes even three on their uniforms. You can’t miss them! So use their nametags in both good and bad times: ‘Looks like you busted Sammy!’ ‘Hit me Ellen!’ ‘Marvin, I can’t believe you just got blackjack again!’ Try this, and I promise that your casino experience will be more fun and a lot more personable.

Worship Members
Most churches/synagogues use nametags during services and worship times to promote a friendlier atmosphere. Specifically for new members, take the time to say, ‘Welcome Patrick,’ ‘Nice to see you again Mrs. Watson,’ and ‘Merry Christmas Terry.’ Of all places where nametags are worn, religious groups are the most vital to instill a sense of community and hospitality. And you never know if someone will come back next week simply because you said, ‘Thanks for visiting us Steve, you’re welcome to come back to worship with us any time!’

REMEMBER: A person’s name is the sweetest sound they will hear in any language. When you use their names, you will make them feel appreciated, welcome and important. Maybe it’s printed on a plastic clip. Maybe it’s written on a paper nametag. Even if it hangs from a lanyard, stares you in the face, look at it, and SAY IT! Step onto their front porch, and WOW them!

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
The last time a complete stranger used your nametag to say hello, did it scare the heck out of you or make you feel great?

Because a person’s name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten; because self-disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just met; and because initiating the conversation is half the battle – your nametag is your best friend.

However, improper creation and wearing of nametags can work against you (and your business) if you’re not careful.

Scott Ginsberg has been internationally recognized by CNN, CBS, The Associated Press, The Washington Post and Paul Harvey as “the world’s foremost field expert on nametags.” Below are Scott’s responses to several nametag related inquiries pulled from his Building Front Porches Ezine.

1) What are some tips for wearing nametags at trade shows?

Before you even pack your show, make sure your employees, salespeople and booth representatives each have THEIR OWN pre-made company nametags. You can get these done at any local engraving store for less than $7 a piece, probably cheaper en masse. The reason to do this is because a) trade show nametags don’t always maximize your “nametag real estate,” and b) trade show nametags rarely include your logo – which helps for brand recognition.

Now, perhaps it seems redundant to wear two nametags, right? Well, think about the Superbowl: How many commercials does Budweiser run each year? Exactly. Always more than one. So even with nametags, it’s all about the Three R’s of Networking: Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!

Next, when you get to the show, wear your own custom nametag in a visible location so that everyone who walks in and out of your booth sees is. Potential buyers need to make the instant connection between YOU and the BOOTH. Also, when you get busy, it can get hard for prospects to locate the right person. The last thing you want is uncertainty about who the actual booth employee is! So use your nametag to identify and differentiate yourself among the masses.

2) How do you handle poorly designed nametags that are already provided for you at events?

Tough issue. About 80% of the nametags I’ve ever seen at events are designed without consideration of font size, color, etc. I always suggest that people create and bring THEIR OWN custom made nametag to all events in the situation that the given nametag is ineffective. You can wear both if security and identification is an issue. But most chairs or hosts of meetings won’t be offended, as long as you initially take the nametag given to you as an extension of courtesy – even if you don’t wear it.

Of course, none of this would be a problem if the meeting planners would just make them right the first time!

3) On which side of your chest should you wear a nametag?

There isn’t a single book on networking, meeting planning or interpersonal communication that doesn’t say nametags should go on the right. “They” say you should wear your nametag on the right hand side so it is visible in the direct line with your handshake. For the most part, I agree. And so do most people. This is one of the few nametag protocols most people are familiar with.

On the other hand, the horizontal placement of your nametag should be dependent on the capacity in which you are wearing it. For example, if you work in a hotel, in retail, at a trade show or any other mobile environment where there are aisles, rows and hallways, consider the possibility of wearing your nametag on the left side of your chest so it is most visible to oncoming traffic. (If you live in a country where you walk on the right side of the path.)

Now, this is a debatable issue. But the bottom line about horizontal placement is this: it doesn’t matter which side of your chest the nametag lays, as long as it’s above your breastbone and readable from 10 feel away. Case in point:

4) Is it redundant to have your first name twice on your nametag?

Yes and no. “Doubling” the first name is very common for conventions, meetings or large groups. Usually, the first name is reprinted above the entire name in a larger font – possibly all caps – to be more visible. (In fact, most computer programs have this as a default setting on their templates.) Doubling is helpful for people who go by abbreviated, middle or different names. After all, all you really need to get their attention is their first name! On the other hand, if your name is Don, and people call you Don, it would be an ineffective use of your nametag space to write it twice. So, just write Don…but make it bigger. As big as you can!

5) Are some nametags better quality than others?

Absolutely. Especially when it comes casual settings and parties, handwrite nametags are usually an inelastic, last minute purchase. Most people just buy the first box they see at their local supply store. But I must warn you that there are plenty of nametags out there that are HORRIBLE. Some have faded colors, while others have paper quality consistent with that of tissue.

In fact, many companies advertise “weak adhesive to prevent clothing damage” on their packaging to protect your fabulous wardrobe. But keep in mind, this second-rate adhesive will wear off in minutes and cause your nametag to “curl” and become unreadable. So decide what’s more important: sticky stuff on your clothes or being unapproachable.

6) Are gold nametags a no-no?

Gold nametags are few and far between because a) it’s very difficult to read ANY text printed on them, b) they’re usually too expensive to purchase en masse, and c) street thugs might hold you up at gunpoint and rob you. People in education – mainly collegiate – wear gold nametags because it’s been their tradition for a long time. And it certainly looks very elegant. But other than that, gold is not a recommended color.

7) Are first and last names necessary for employee nametags?

Anonymity and personal safety are two issues that must be taken into account when issuing nametags to employees. Most handbooks or employee manuals briefly mention their nametag policies, however many organizations fail to address this issue. Some people may not feel comfortable wearing both their first and last names on the job. I’ve heard accounts of nosey customers who tried to contact, even stalk, employees outside of work because they could obtain their personal information.

One solution to this problem is to print first name only nametags. This protects the anonymity of the employee, maximizes the space and looks friendly. (Besides…the knowledge of your Radio Shack salesman’s last name is not crucial to the service process!) Should a situation arise where a person’s safety may be in jeopardy, it might a good idea to have an extra nametag with alternate spelling, or even a different name.

8) How can I avoid nametag-related clothing damage?

Holes, wrinkles, adhesive stains – these things will happen to you. I suggest that when nametags are provided, always read the back of the nametag before applying it. Most badge manufacturers – at least, the good ones – will tell you which types of materials are susceptible to damage. Now, this doesn’t give you the right not to wear your nametag, but it may help you decide how to wear it.

In the past 10 years most nametags have shifted to fastener types like clips, lanyards, magnets, etc. These are excellent solutions, although I’d watch out for those magnetic fasteners: they will destroy silk.

9) How can you modify nametags to accommodate your clothes?

Whether it’s adhesive damage, fashion trouble or lack of a good location, some people refuse to wear adhesive nametags solely because of their clothes. But with a little improvisation you can still maintain your approachability.

I was giving a speech last week when a lady at my table thought of an ingenious nametag modification technique. Because the straps on her dress limited the surface area on which she could stick her nametag – and because she didn’t want to stick the adhesive on her collar bone – she tore the nametag in half. It fit perfectly on her strap without damaging the clothes or her skin!

10) How do organizations approach nametags?

Some organizations have employees, members, guests and other people coming in and out all the time. In order to avoid alienating some of those people, the organization must first make a decision: either EVERYBODY wears nametags, or NOBODY wears nametags.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who refuse to wear nametags. The only solution is (if you decide to implement nametags for everybody) is to make it expressly written externally (signage) or internally (handbook) so people will adhere to the rule. Nobody should be ‘too cool’ to wear a nametag.

Another concern is the nametag text’s potential to segregate members based on position. I think it can go both ways. For example, I am a member of the National Speakers Association. We recently had our National Convention during which each member was assigned a custom nametag based on years of experience, membership, if a guest, etc. To my surprise, people were actual! ly MORE willing to encourage team building because of these designations. I couldn’t count how many of the veteran speakers who have been in the business longer than I have been alive came up to me and said, “So Scott, this is your first convention, huh? How do you like it so far?”

On the other hand, if “isolation by way of nametagging” is a possible threat, I would suggest having the exact same type of nametag worn by all people, regardless of volunteer/member/paid employee status.

11) Should you KISS your nametag?

Yes.

Not literally, of course. By KISS I mean “Keep It Simple Stupid.” Recently an audience member asked me, “Why don’t put your last name, company, position, etc. on your nametag? Don’t you want people to know that information?”

Well, yes and no.

We all want people to know who we are, what we do and how we can help them. But it’s more effective if you tell them as a response to an open ended question such as, “Tell me about the work you do.”

So when you use your nametag as a conversation starter (if you have the chance to create it yourself), design it in a simple way that sets you up with an opportunity to share the value you give.

12) Is there really a condition called Nametag Deficiency Syndrome?

You better believe it. Over a half of a million people suffer every year from Emblema Nomenpenia, more commonly known as Nametag Deficiency Syndrome (NDS). This debilitating condition has run rampant through the American business community for many decades – experts say – although only recently has it been classified.

Symptoms: You may experience localized font shrinkage, inflammation of the company logo, noticeable eye irritation due to cluttered texts, absence of upper-chest nametag placement and mild conversational uncertainty and frustration.

Possible Side Effects: Beware of sudden, sever attacks of name-forgetting, possible networking anxiety, unapproachable behavior, missed opportunities to make new friends or business contacts, feelings of annoyance due to the inability to say hello to a new member or employee whose name you can’t read because their nametag is turned backwards.

What does a person who suffers from NDS look like? Click here to find out.

13) Who makes the best casual, handwrite nametags?

After four years of wearing a nametag all day, every day – through the rain, hail, sleet and snow – there is absolutely nobody better than Maco (of Wilson Jones). They have the highest paper quality, most vivid color and strongest adhesive power, and only cost about $3.39 per 100.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What are your biggest nametag pet peeves?

On April 24th, 2006, I took the day off to celebrate and reflect on the past 2000 days of wearing a nametag 24-7.

I challenged myself to come up with a list of 101 Life Lessons Learned. It wasn’t easy, but I finally finished the list this morning.

I was always told, ‘Don’t tell ‘em what you did, tell ‘em what you learned.’

Therefore, here are 101 life lessons I’ve learned from wearing a nametag 24-7 for the past 2000 days. Enjoy!

1. Friendly always wins.
2. Be the first one.
3. Be the only one.
4. Be a sleeper.
5. Be interesting.
6. Be UNFORGETTABLE.
7. Be the world’s expert on yourself.
8. Be somebody who reminds everybody of nobody else in the world.
9. It’s really hard to beat up a stranger if you know his name.
10. Nametags are NOT about you. They’re about everyone in the world except you. Don’t boycott them. Wear your nametag for other people. Always.
11. Jack Canfield was right: if everybody says you’re out of your mind, you just might be onto something.
12. Everybody is somebody’s somebody.
13. Never wear a nametag into a strip club.
14. Never wash your shirt with a nametag still stuck on it.
15. Never use your older brother’s fake ID to get into a bar and then forget to take off your nametag at the door.
16. If the Washington Post calls you ‘The World’s Foremost Authority On Nametags,’ you may as well take it.
17. Don’t be different, be unique.
18. You are what you charge.
19. Market yourself daily.
20. Nametags will not get you dates. If you’re a jerk, not even a nametag will make you approachable.
21. Find a way to give yourself away.
22. If you want 10,000 free nametags, you can always drop the name of the company that manufactures them on CNN.
23. The greatest compliment someone could ever give you is: ‘Thanks for being yourself.’
24. Do not despise the day of small beginnings.
25. Find a daily ritual.
26. Get a job that people couldn’t pay you NOT to do.
27. Nerds, dorks and geeks rule this world.
28. Give people permission to talk to you.
29. It’s not easy to be yourself.
30. Figure out exactly who you are and then go be that person every day.
31. Find a way to paint yourself in a good corner.
32. Everyone has at least one big idea.
33. Own a word.
34. Be that guy.
35. Confidence is king.
36. If you really want to show (not tell) people that you’re committed to an idea, you can always tattoo that idea on your chest. They’ll never doubt you again.
37. The world cannot resist a man on a mission.
38. Intentional Discomfort is the greatest teacher of all.
39. Everybody should write a book.
40. Life is not about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.
41. Validate your existence on a daily basis.
42. Do something cool on a daily basis.
43. There’s nothing more approachable than authenticity.
44. Consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness.
45. Don’t be selfish with your knowledge.
46. Just because the Today Show sends a camera crew to St. Louis to follow you around all day doesn’t mean they will actually air your segment. Jerks.
47. You don’t know intimidation until you’ve given a speech to 300 people who are twice your age, have three times your experience and know four times as much as you do.
48. You are an empty sheet of paper in the minds of people you encounter.
49. You have less than three seconds to create a first impression.
50. Hate mail is a gift, even if it’s true.
51. Indiana Jones was right: it’s not the years, it’s the mileage.
52. If you don’t have a blog, you’re a putz.
53. If you don’t carry your business cards with you wherever you go, you’re a putz.
54. Make daily appointments with yourself.
55. Everyone has a story. And everyone wants to tell that story. So ask them.
56. Smiling will never get you in trouble.
57. If someone is wearing a nametag, use their name. It makes them feel great.
58. It’s impossible to be too friendly.
59. It’s not cool to be an asshole.
60. It’s impossible to be too friendly.
61. If a strange man named Stephen starts calling you every single day for three weeks, it’s probably a good idea to remove your home phone number from your website.
62. If a strange man named Stephen starts showing up at your office, it’s probably a good idea to get a new job.
63. Tom Peters was right: dull encounters = dull you; cool encounters = cool you.
64. Stop worrying about which side of you chest to wear a nametag. Nobody cares. They only care if they can read your name from ten feet away.
65. You’d be surprised how many strangers will grab, touch, poke and molest your chest (and therefore violate your personal space) if you wear a nametag.
66. When people ask you, ‘So, what do you do?’ make your answer memorable, valuable and unique. If their response isn’t ‘Hmm, that’s interesting…’ or ‘Cool!’ you need to rework your answer. Remember, even the most boring jobs can be explained in an UNFORGETTABLE way.
67. Authenticity, not charisma.
68. Fans, not customers.
69. Never underestimate the power of approachability.
70. People buy people first.
71. Find a way to make people stop, think and say, ‘Wow!’
72. Create encounters that otherwise would not have existed.
73. The best way to make someone feel comfortable is through self-disclosure.
74. Never apologize for your art.
75. Respect people’s no’s.
76. The best swimmers are always in the pool.
77. Find a way to keep yourself visually accountable. Wear a piece of jewelry that symbolizes a personal value; tattoo a credo on your wrist, whatever. Anything to keep you consistent. For me, it’s really hard to be a jerk to someone else when I’m wearing a nametag, which I do 24-7. Which means I can’t be a jerk. (Good!) What about you?
78. Mother Theresa was right: people don’t remember what you said; they only remember how you made them feel.
79. Break the silence. Every day.
80. If you don’t smile, they won’t believe you.
81. If you build it, they (might) come.
82. What’s in a name? Everything. Your character. Your life. Your brand. Your values.
83. If you walk into a hotel on New Year’s Day wearing a nametag on the tuxedo you slept in, people are probably going to say something.
84. If a two year old girl walks up to you in the middle of Starbucks, smiles and points at your nametag, it’s best to peel it off and stick it to her hand. Trust me on this one.85. Boredom is the enemy.
86. In the history of the world, nobody has ever yelled at another person for ‘Communicating too much.’
87. Don’t try to impress. Inspire first. Then people WILL be impressed.
88. Steve Pressfield was right: when people see you begin to live your authentic lives, it drives them crazy because they’re not living their own.
89. If you wear a nametag around Mexico, locals will more than likely smile at you and simply say, ‘Mr. Escott!’
90. If you wear a nametag around Switzerland, locals will more than likely smile and you and simply say, ‘Bonjour Scott!’
91. And if you wear a nametag around New York City, locals will more than likely not smile and simply say, ‘Get the hell out of my way, Scott.’
92. Some people are just not friendly.
93. If you get an email out of the blue from someone who just saw you speak and he said, ‘Your speech changed my life,’ you’re probably doing a good job.
94. If you get an email out of the blue from someone who said, ‘You’re nuttier than a bag of trail mix,’ you’re definitely doing a good job.
95. Coming up with a list of 101 Life Lessons Learned from Wearing a Nametag 24-7 for the Past 2000 Days is pretty hard.
96. Which is why I’m running short on ideas.
97. (Well, almost.)
98. I saved the three most important ones for the end…

99. If a 7 year old kid says he wants to be an author – then 15 years later actually becomes an author – he’s probably doing the right thing with his life.

100. If a 19 year old kid wins an award for ‘The Speaker You Could Listen to For Hours,’ then actually becomes a professional speaker 4 years later, he’s definitely doing the right thing with his life.

101. And if all of that stuff happened to him simply because he decided to wear a nametag 24-7 to make people friendlier, there must be a God.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What was the single biggest learning experience of your life?

There’s only a few weeks left until the big meeting. Thus far, your preparations have run smoothly: almost all of your attendees are registered, the flowers are ordered, the band is booked, and the room design is perfect. All you need to do now is make sure your attendees know each other! So, now it’s time to prepare those stinkin’ nametags.

Although preparation of your attendees’ nametags is usually the last thing on your to-do list, it doesn’t mean it’s the least important. There are several important nametag issues to consider that will assure the comfort and approachability of your attendees. Ask yourself the following questions, and you will be able to effectively manage your nametag creation and distribution.

What is the dress code?
Decide on nametag and holder style that will best accommodate your members’ wardrobes, i.e., adhesive, magnet, clip, lanyard. To see some of the most common nametags and holder styles, go to PC/Nametag.

What information will be printed on the nametag?
Other than their name, include the job title, company and hometown. This is a great way to expedite networking and break the ice.

Will you need designators?
If you have a varied audience with exhibitors, speakers, buyers, spouses, suppliers, managers, etc., consider some type of designation, either on the nametag itself or as a stackable ribbon. To learn about different types of designators, go to PC/Nametag.

Is anonymity an issue with some attendees?
For singles, youth, support or health groups it will be wise to limit the amount of information that appears on the nametags for safety and emotional considerations.

From whom will you purchase or print your attendees’ nametags?
For the best quality adhesive nametags, go to MACO. For the most incredible custom engravings, go to Incredible Engravings. And for all of your connector, lanyard and badge holder needs, go to PC/Nametag.

Where will your attendees pick up their nametags?
You will need to section off part of your registration area specifically for your attendees’ nametags. The display of the nametags is up to you, but I recommend some of these organizers for maximum accessibility.

What if your attendees bring their own nametags?
For Chambers of Commerce or other networking groups, some people prefer to bring their own custom nametags. Don’t be offended if they want to wear their own nametag. Hey, at least they wear a nametag!

What is the function of their nametags?
If your attendees’ nametags have more than one function, i.e., meal tickets, security or table information, be sure to include that in your when you order and/or create the nametag.

What if someone registers late or doesn’t have a nametag?
Bring a portable printer, extra nametags, additional lanyards, Sharpies, badge holders and clips. It’s always good to be prepared. Also, if a last-minute attendee needs a nametag, don’t give them a second-rate ‘orphan-tag’ that looks nothing like the others. They’re already embarrassed enough!

REMEMBER: Nametags aren’t everyone’s favorite part of the meeting, but if they are not created and distributed effectively, frustration will arise. And it will reflect poorly on you as the meeting planner. So consider these nametag issues and you will ease the burden of name forgetting, starting conversations and networking. And go the extra mile! Why? So your attendees won’t have to!

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What’s the worst nametag you’ve ever seen?