How to Scream
'I'm Open For Business!'

by Shawna Schuh

Let's talk about this nametag thing.

I've heard all the arguments against wearing one. It's inconvenient, it ruins the clothing, it labels me, it's hokey, it takes away my personality, and people look at my name and company and judge me before I speak.

Also I hear, I don't know what side to wear it on, it's to big, to small, hard to read and on it goes.

I'd like to address the valid arguments, mention the purely ridiculous complaints and mostly discuss the philosophy behind the idea that wearing a name tag when appropriate is the best thing you can do for your business in a social situation.

Let me repeat that: wearing a nametag is the best (and most courteous) thing you can do for your business in a social situation. It literally screams, "I'm Open for Business!"

1. If you want people to talk with you, wear a nametag

Wearing a nametag is like wearing an invitation. It states, "Talk to me! I'm available!" It's a clear signal to potential relationships that you are open for exchange. In today's busy society sending clear signals is refreshing!

2. A fast way to build credibility

Have you ever been to a social event and known you've met the well-dressed person across the room, but you simply can't remember their name?

Somewhere in your consciousness you know the person is important but you hold back because you don't want to embarrass yourself. If that person had a nametag on you could have walked over and spoken with them since you know you could catch a glance at the tag before committing a business blunder and blurting out the wrong name.

Well, people are doing the same thing to you. They don't approach you because they can't remember your name and don't want to look like a fool. How much potential business have you lost because a nametag was inconvenient or could ruin your clothing?

3. The right side is on the right side

If you're going through the trouble to wear a nametag for people to see and feel comfortable approaching you, make it one step easier for them. Wear it on the right side. Since professionals shake hands with their right hand, wear it on the right side so that when someone comes up to you, you can help them, and yourself, by grasping the right hand.

Then you, and they, can glance at the nametag as your eye travels up to their face and then grin as you say their name in the most sincere and natural way.

The three steps again… grasp, glance and grin. Got it? Get it? Good!

Note: For women it's especially important to wear your nametag on the right shoulder and high up. Do you really want to force a person to grasp your extended hand and then have to drag their eyes across your chest to glance at your nametag? Most of this courteous behavior makes very good sense.

4. Build your own!

Small, hard to read nametags are almost like not wearing one at all. Do people a favor and make your tag visible or unique.

I know people who print their name and business in a bold type in a unique style and replace the one that is issued at most conventions.

Note: While at conventions, nametags allow the people at the door to know you are with a certain company, or allow you entrance into the food events. Keep the original nametag that was issued behind the one you bring and wear.

Another thing people will do is replace the nametag they where given with their business card. But if your business card is like most, there is too much information on it and it's way to small to read unless you get up really close and stare at it. People are concerned with only a few things when coming up to you:
1. Your name
2. Your company
3. What you do

You can also add your company motto when appropriate, especially if it's something that will draw a comment or help people to know what you do better. For example:

John Doe *ABC Tire Company*
Where Rubber Meets the Road!

Your motto may make someone smile, say something clever or ask another question, which helps you, break the ice with others and shows your company personality. Everyone is looking for something to say; make it easy for him or her.

It's a proven fact that the easier you make it to do business with you, the more business you do. It's a no-brainer to use this simple marketing tool to your advantage.

From a civility standpoint it's more logical still; in effect uou're saying, "what can I do to make it easier for you?" Wear a nametag that someone can read.

One last thought… if you're really concerned about ruining your clothing with the pinholes from name tags, purchase one of the new magnetic name tags and carry it with you. Just remember that the magnetic nametags can demagnetize your credit cards!

The philosophy behind the nametag is evident. It doesn't matter how you feel about nametags. All of the reasons you don't like to wear one don't count in business because the reason to wear one has less to do with you and more to do with serving your customers better.

If by wearing a nametag you scream, "I'm open for business!" It's a pretty inexpensive way to advertise, isn't it?

Shawna Schuh is a People Performance Specialist, Author, and Freelance Writer. Oregon based, Shawna speaks throughout the nation on communication, motivation, and business finesse. Visit her site at http://www.businessgraces.com. For a free brochure of services or to book Shawna to speak contact 877.377.1946 or email: Sandy@BusinessGraces.com.

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