Name Badges as a Resource

I subscribe to a number of newsletters, e-zines, and email subscriptions, as I'm sure you do, too. A recent one that caught my eye was 'Tips for Trainers' - created by a UK-company named, Eureka! (David Gibson asked me to let you know that 'Tips for Trainers' comes out every 2 weeks and you, too, can register to receive them, free-of-charge, at http://www.eureka-tp.com/.)

"So often we use name badges for workshops and use them for the sole purpose of our learners writing their name upon them. This seems like an underused resource to me, so let's take a look at how else you might utilise them.

"Name badges take many forms from pin on badges to name tents. We've found that plastic card holders made to slide name cards into and hung around your learners' neck to be the best format. Why? They don't put holes in learners clothing, we use large cards so people can write on them, when learners move around (away from their group) their name card goes with them - unlike name tents that remain on the
desk. All the following ideas work regardless of the name badge type you use:

(Note: Although this particular Training Tip (#73) was written for the
benefit of those who conduct workshops, I think it's equally valid for those who
attend workshops, conferences, or training seminars, as well, so I took a little editorial license with the following...)

• At the beginning of the program, write 3 things on the back of your name card that you want to be sure to learn. Refer to this list thought throughout your time there. At each break, put a percentage next to each one (to assess your progress) and ask specific questions relative to them as soon as you return from breaks.
• At each break, also write 3-5 actions you want to take as a result of what you have just learned, on the back of your name card. Talk with others about these action points and ask them for theirs as well.
• At the end of the workshop, transfer these actions into your workbook and to-do list.
• Put your name card into an envelope and mail it to yourself as a reminder of what actions you said you wanted to implement.

Interesting ideas, yes?

So, if you're heading off to a workshop, or seminar, or conference - or even a networking event - that uses name tags, try something different. You might be surprised by how it helps you get more out of you being there in the first place.