What’s in a Name… Tag?
Everyone is familiar with the saying “what’s in a name”, referring to the importance of branding in advertising. However, how often do you think about the way you present your name at networking events where you are personally representing your brand, which is so carefully presented in your mass advertising efforts?
Name tags are commonplace at networking events. A strong, but simple and inexpensive, name tag strategy can help you stand out above the crowd and subtly help with your networking efforts. Go prepared with a professionally made tag that includes your title, web address, phone number, logo, and you’ll be amazed at the change in response you get by simply changing the presentation of your name.
A professional name tag can be made at one of your local office supply stores and usually costs between $10-$20. If you’re really strapped for cash, you can even create something in your word processor, print it out, and have it laminated. Imagine the possibilities: a full color design with your logo or photograph, stylized and bolded name and phone number, catchy and interesting information about you and how you can help those in attendance.
How often do you attend events where you could wear a name tag and benefit by doing so? Title company parties, sales presentations and visits at real estate offices, trade shows, and possibly chamber of commerce meetings are a few examples that probably 90% of mortgage brokers attend at least a couple of times a year. Perhaps you’re also involved in community groups where increased personal exposure would help.
Try an experiment. Go to your next event wearing a custom made name tag instead of writing out your name on one of those generic “hello, my name is” stickers that event organizers provide. Be different, and see what happens.
Have your graphic designer put together a design for your name tag while he or she is updating your website, business cards, and other marketing materials. Make sure the tag is big enough that the information can be read clearly.
Some brokers make their name tag into miniature versions of their brochure, so that when someone asks about the tag, a full-size brochure can then be handed out.
Don’t be afraid to make a variety of name tags, and mix things up at the events you attend. Try a tag that asks a provocative question, which will encourage discussion from others at the event. If you’ve got a great looking website, you could even make a tag that looks like your home page. Be creative and have fun with it - you’ll get more out of it that way.
In conclusion, the most important thing to consider is the way you present your name. Do you hand write all your marketing materials? Do you scribble out a postcard and send it to former clients? Do you present hand-written brochures to real estate agents when you call on them? Of course not. So why do you continue to scribble your name on the generic name stickers at networking events? Don’t - make a special tag and present yourself and your name in person just as well or better than you do in mass advertising.