Whenever I teach a workshop, the subject of nametags always provokes a lot of discussion. I thought I would touch on some of the thoughts & questions that come up.
Q. I work for a large Real Estate company that most people recognize. I suspect that many people see “Real Estate” and just walk by…since they are not “in the market”. What should I do?
A. Thank them for not wasting your time? I have had others relate the same type of behavior. One woman who was participating in a speed networking event even had a man get up from his seat saying he did not need to talk to another mortgage person! She was very offended by his rudeness. First…there will always be people who do not “get it”. They have never been taught the true nature of relationship-building and the universal law of “Givers Gain”. Keep in mind the personality traits you are looking for in a business relationship (“Link”). You want someone who is open-minded, creative, generous, thirsty for knowledge, naturally inclined to a balanced exchange, etc. The person who would discount another human being without so much as an introduction, is NOT the type of person you are looking for. They just saved you from wasting your valuable time that could be better spent with someone who has better connection skills.
Q. The Chamber of Commerce I belong to gives their members a name badge. Is that good enough?
A. That is very common. You will also see that in the larger networking groups. Usually the group/chamber name & logo is in large, bold lettering. The purpose of the badge is to promote the group, not you. A guest can easily make the mistake of thinking you are an employee of the organization. I have seen that happen more than once. Being identified as a member of the group is a positive association, of course, but I favor either:
- A different configuration of the name tag: YOUR BUSINESS NAME. Your Name; Organization Name,
- A smaller, separate lapel pin, or
- A ribbon attached under your name tag saying MEMBER
That said, attending a networking event for the purpose of representing an organization is a strategy that is viable. For example, when I was a member of Leads Club, often I would attend events with the intent to promote the networking group. The “pre-qualifying questions” I would ask revolve around the type of business they were and how they marketed themselves. It was an easy exchange since I was not promoting myself. Of course, the type of people who would do well in a networking group would think to ask about my own business that I promoted within the group. This might be a good strategy for someone who is in an industry that is very well represented at most events. It provides another angle for connecting. Again, that is a strategy. If you want to avoid any confusion as to who you represent, wear your own nametag.
I attended a networking group where a member supplied the blank sticky nametags for the guests to write their own name. However, this member printed their own logo in the upper left corner. At first, I could not figure out why there were so many guests from “ACME Insurance” (name has been changed to protect the guilty).
Q. I own a small accounting business. My business name does not indicate what I do, and most people would not recognize it. Should I put my industry as well?
A. You could, but it may not be necessary. Often, just having a tag that says Jones & Associates is enough to give someone the opportunity to inquire, “What type of business is Jones & Associates? And the connection is made. Adding a third line to a name tag is not a bad thing, it would just be more information to read in the few seconds you have to visually scan a tag while moving through the crowd.
Q. What about those lighted, scrolling name tags? Do you think they are effective?
A. Well, they are noticeable. One woman placed her tag in the middle of a very well-supported V-neck sweater…an awkward place to stare for the few seconds necessary to get the whole message.
Placement aside, I think it depends upon what your business is. If your business relies on creative gimmicks it might give the right image, but for professional services, I vote no.
Think of the KISS strategy…(Keep It Simple, Sweetie).
- Plain white background, dark lettering, (for venues with low lighting)
- Company name larger and above yours
- Non- metallic surface (they can mirror overhead lights, making them impossible to read)
- Large enough to read from 10 feet away (or even just across the table).
- Placed high on the right label, not covered up by long hair, a jacket or scarf.
For under $10, a custom name tag gives you the best return you can get on your networking investment.
