In this article, I will examine the philosophy of having a name badge and why you should have multiple badges as an entertainer.
Imagine you’re performing at a corporate event, and amidst a bustling crowd, a potential client approaches you with a smile, addressing you by name. Instantly, a connection is forged, and you can easily engage in a conversation, laying the foundation for a fruitful professional relationship. We’ve all experienced this when wearing a name badge.
As an entertainer, you understand the significance of creating a memorable first impression and establishing rapid rapport with a client. One of the simplest yet most effective methods to achieve this is by donning a name badge. This unassuming accessory swiftly dismantles communication barriers, allowing individuals to address you directly by name.
Before delving into why you should wear a name badge, let’s first examine why you might choose not to wear one.
Three Arguments Against Using Name Badges
- Distraction from Performance: A name badge could distract from your performance, primarily if your act relies heavily on your persona or character to create a specific atmosphere or illusion.
- Aesthetic Considerations: In certain settings, such as formal events or themed parties, wearing a name badge could clash with your attire or the overall ambiance.
- Privacy Concerns: Entertainers may have privacy concerns, especially those in the public eye. A name badge could facilitate unwanted attention or interactions from audience members or event attendees who may overstep boundaries.
Benefits of Using A Name Badge
Can you recall an event where you were introduced to someone in a quiet setting and, minutes later, couldn’t remember their name? Now, imagine you’re a parent at a party with kids; there’s a flurry of people, music, and activities surrounding you, and introductions are being made. In such a chaotic environment, the likelihood of that parent remembering your name diminishes, which isn’t ideal. You want people to remember your name and not just label you as a generic figure like “balloon guy,” “magician,” or “clown.”
Similar to a billboard on the side of the road, name badges are strategically placed, ensuring that people will consistently view your name. They encounter it each time they interact with you throughout the event.
Standing Out in the Crowd
You might stand out in the crowd if you are dressed in a Zoot Suit or neon pants. However, I know several balloon artists who wear Zoot Suits and other entertainers who wear neon clothing as part of their brand, which works great until they get to an event where people are dressed similarly.
As entertainers, we strive to stand out. Yet, we might have purchased a new shirt from a vendor that supplies shirts to the industry. Unbeknownst to us, we show up with an entertainer dressed similarly at an event. How do you stand out and be remembered? The simplest way is with a name badge.
Remember, it’s easy to recommend a vendor when we remember their name. Instead of referring to them as “plumber,” “balloon guy,” or “caterer,” when talking to friends, we might say, “Bob fixed our toilets,” “Dale made the balloons,” and “Margie was the caterer.” This name-recognition lends credibility when people discuss your service.
Balloon Entertainers’ Badge Branding: Uniqueness vs. Industry Standards
Here are two balloon entertainers, Mark Byrne and Dale Campbell, who have unique styles, live in different states, and possess different personalities. Yet, if you look closely, their name badges appear very similar if not produced by the same company.
I’m guessing that they bought the badge from the same company. It works for these two guys, but if the entertainer down the street has the same badge, consider a different style. I’ll often ask a client who the previous entertainer they hired was, and all they can do is describe the person like this: “He was tall, had a bag of balloons, wore a black hat, and had this big oddly-shaped name badge.
As you can see, both entertainers branded their badges to match their style. However, if you buy a badge from an industry trade show, expect others to have your style.
The Value of Multiple Name Badges
The Fashion Twinning Moment
Nothing is more frustrating than attending an event and realizing your entertainment style matches another company’s brand. Be prepared to say, “No, we are two different companies.” It’s human nature to seek similarities to associate one entertainer with another. People often ask, “Is that face painter your wife?” simply because of how we communicate and interact. Having identical-style name badges could easily lead you to be associated with another company, but having a fallback badge will allow you to brand your company separately from those around you.
Different Venues, Different Themes
If you perform at various venues, each has a different theme or atmosphere. For example, you may perform at a trade show one day and at a family-friendly restaurant the next. The trade show name badge lists your name, while your name badge for a restaurant would advertise that you accept tips.
Wearing an improper name badge looks out of place, can be distracting, and can detract from your performance. With multiple name badges, you can ensure that you always look the part.
Adapting to Different Audiences
In grammar school, children are taught to address adults as “Mr.” or “Ms.” followed by their first name. If you interact with grammar school children, wearing a name badge that follows this format is beneficial, as kids would find it easier to say, “Thank you, Ms. Annie,” rather than just saying, “Annie.”
Customization
Owning multiple name badges allows you to customize them according to the venue or event. For example, you can have one name badge with your stage name for nightclubs and another with your real name for corporate events. You can add your logo, website, or contact information to your name badge. This can promote your brand and make it easier for people to find you online.
Over the years, I’ve used various colors, sizes, shapes, and formats for my name badge. For example, one name badge prominently displays “Dale” in large print, with “Magical Balloon-dude Dale” in smaller print, while another has the opposite layout.
Better Organization
If you have multiple name badges, you can organize them by venue or event. This can save you time and ensure you remember to bring one. Imagine showing up at a gig without a name badge because you forgot to pack it. It can be embarrassing and unprofessional. Having multiple name badges can help you avoid such situations.
Digital Name Badge
Several years ago, I sold digital name badges, which were fantastic because you could program them with digital messages. You could convey anything from wishing people “Happy Holidays” to scrolling your website URL for them to view. The downside to those marquees was that they were battery-operated and not the easiest to program.
You can locate them on Amazon, where they’re now equipped with advanced features and Bluetooth compatibility, potentially simplifying the programming process.
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