Hello, My Name is: Creative Name Tag Ideas

If you (or the organization where you work) regularly participate in business events, it might be time to invest in a good name tag.

As for the actual type of name tag you might choose to use, there are standard metal or plastic engraved tags that pin to your clothing. Or, you might opt for magnetic name tags or lanyards to hang around your neck.

For the individual who has their own business or freelances and attends monthly association mixers or periodic conventions, having a name tag that clearly identifies you to other attendees can do a lot to boost your business. Similarly, companies that either sponsor or participant in events on a regular basis, may want to utilize a non-traditional name tag method as well.

Getting Creative with Name Tags

Keep in mind when you get creative with your ideas that the purpose of a name tag is to identify the person wearing it. Traditionally, one of the biggest issues with name tags has been that they were too cluttered to read. So using just your first name in big, bold letters is definitely an option.

There are probably some of you out there who are uncomfortable with the whole idea of having a name tag with just your first name on it. "After all," you're thinking, "I want others to know more about me." But where in the world did we get the idea that our whole work life should be printed on our name tag? Isn't the idea behind name tags to get to know each other, exchange ideas and business cards? For those of you who feel the name tag should hold more than just your first name, let's consider some other options.

If you want to use a nice imprinted name badge, don't just opt for the standard first and last name, job title and organization. Consider first (and last if you must) name along with a motto or job title. How about: William, Idea Guy. Now, not only do people know your name, you have opened the doors of communication and interaction.

Or how about getting a name tag in a non-traditional shape? Sure it might cost a bit more, but it would be a great conversation starter. Imagine: Mary Mason, Auto Detailer, printed on a badge shaped like a car. Or Dr. Joe, Veterinarian, printed on a tag shaped like a cat or dog.

You might even want to consider getting a talking name tag - called nTag. You wear it as a lanyard around your neck. Attendees supply information about themselves in advance of the event, then the tags use radio signals to match interests and business needs among participants by flashing messages on a small screen on the tag when a person of similar interests is nearby. Right now it is only available in Las Vegas for groups of 100 to 350, and it is quite expensive (starting at $9K); however, the concept is interesting and good for the planet. It's recyclable.

Here's another idea if you are planning to use name tags as an opening mixer or ice breaker at a training event. Instead of writing your name, draw a picture that symbolizes it. For instance, for the name PAM, draw a MAP of the U.S., only backwards. Let participants wander about and try to guess one another's name.

The importance of getting creative with name tags is so that they are once again seen as a useful tool and not just an annoyance that has to be worn. And if you have any ideas of how to get creative with name tags, we'd love to hear from you.