Business Networking Tip Number 239: Wear A Name Tag


By Tino Buntic


A few years ago I attended a business networking function through my local chapter of BNI (Business Networking International). Upon entering the room there was a desk with tags that you can write your name on and wear. It wasn’t mandatory and not everybody did it. But I did. I wrote my name, Tino Buntic, and my occupation, Home & Auto Insurance Broker. I wanted everybody I would meet to know who I was and what I did.

This name tag worked unexpected wonders. As I walked around and mingled I had people approach me. They would call me by name and say things like "Tino, you're an insurance broker? What a coincidence; my auto insurance policy is coming up for renewal and I was about to search for quotes. I want a better rate than what I'm paying now." I must have done at least ten quotes just for people that approached me that night. Not only that, I also was approached by a used car salesman that wanted to network with me because he needed a reliable insurance broker to refer his clients to. I ended up doing business with this gentleman for the following two years after that, until he moved to another state. During those two years he had referred dozens and dozens of clients to me. That one contact provided me with many closed sales that I otherwise would not have had.

I've attended a few business networking functions prior to this night but none were as successful. The reason being is that I had never bothered to wear a name tag. I had to approach people myself to start conversations and hand out business cards. It is easier to have people approach you than it is for you to approach others.

Wearing a name tag at business networking events works; it will allow you to gain more contacts and referrals. You should always wear one. Bring your own in case they do not provide them at the event. Not only that, you should also wear name tags at trade shows for the exact same reasons.


More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Networking Information:

Related Articles

The Quest for Passive Income
Passive Income, residuals, royalties three ways to get paid multiple times for a one-time effort. You write a song in 1970 it gets covered by many artists.
Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking
One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads and referrals. However it's important that you 'work' these opportunities in the correct way.
Volunteering for a Networking Group
When is it appropriate to volunteer to take a position in the group?Have you heard the saying that "the fastest way to get anything done is to ask a busy person"? It is very true. What it actually boils down to is the fact that busy people are often very well organized and have the ability to delegate some of their tasks.
Effective Business Networking: 5 Tips For Mastering The Art of Networking
The heart of any business is the connection it has with other businesses and individuals that it can call upon to help meet its needs. Networking - any activity designed to create, maintain and utilize interpersonal connections - is an essential business skill.
Community Involvement Networking
It is important for you to join at least one service club in your area to help your small business in the community. It might be wise to get with other small businesses which are friends and figure out how each of you can join a different service club to maximize your word of mouth referral base in the community.
Success Sentences to Help Combat Conversational Crappiness
Essential to your success as an effective, engaging communicator is learning not only what to say, but what not to say. The following guide examines several sentences, phrases and questions that stand in your way of connecting and communicating with confidence.
How to Avoid Falling Asleep Behind the Conversational Wheel
Think about the last time you feel asleep behind the wheel. Dangerous, isn't it? Even if it's just for a split second, nodding off while driving puts you and the other drivers at risk.
Mother Said - Wash Your Hands
Think health articles are boring? This one isn't, so read on - it may save your life..
How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid
June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have been made and most are already broken.
62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability
If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."Wow, you think, thanks for the advice.
Write It Down!
Why would you want to write information on paper when you have a business card in hand?Putting it on paper can mean a number of things. It can simply mean putting notes on the back of someone's business card, or it can mean to take extensive notes in a notebook.
What a Leads Exchange Group can do for You
What is the definition of a leads exchange and how does it differ from other groups?So what is a leads exchange? A leads exchange comes in several flavors; first the exchange usually has exclusivity restrictions so that you remain loyal to only one group. This way the printer and the chiropractor that belong to this group will only think of you for a particular service or product.
Two-Step Your Communication
Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example, big, multi-location companies sometimes make important announcements through local plant or office managers, rather than at head office. Another example: advocacy groups that ask their members to individually write or call politicians.
Hows Your Net Working?
In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to pass along no fewer than five referrals to other people in my network. I also recently received a very professional and non-pushy email from someone I've never met, who is a member of an organization I'm part of.
Acknowledging Referrals! What's in It For You?
I grew up in a household where saying thank you was a code of behavior that was absolutely essential. There were simply no exceptions.
Business Networking - Extroverted Web Weaving for the Introvert
If you have been in business for any amount of time, you go to networking events. Did your body just seize up? Was there a swelling of nervousness in your gut? Are you about ready to stop reading? I encourage you to stay with me about networking.
Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals?
As a small business owner you may find yourself in a situation where you want to partner with another business but they are asking for a commission on your services. You will want to be prepared to handle such a request BEFORE you find yourself in this situation.
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 2: Its All About Them!
Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others. He who leaves your company pleased with himself and his own cleverness is perfectly well pleased with you.
Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips
If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend trading for as many products and services as possible. You should trade for both personal and business items.
Five Best Ways To Build A Network
I have been working from home on the internet for over 3 years now. 18 months of that was spent trying out various different programs trying to find things that would work for me and this done nothing more than cost me thousands of dollars and also caused me to neglect my family friends and my health, as a result I then took a break from internet marketing and got my life in order.