Networking Name Tags and Ice Breakers


By Lance Winslow


If you often attend networking meetings sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce or some other industry group, perhaps after a trade show, conference or on-going training requirement then I have some really good advice for your about the name tags you will be wearing, you know those silly little; “Hello My Name Is:” name tags? The ones you always forget to take off and then someone you do not know after you have left the party says; “HI, and your name!” and you look at them and think; Do I know this person? Yes those name tags.

Well there are some very cool things you can do with your name tag and one that has always worked for me when I did not know anyone is to simply write on it; “A New Friend” and let me tell you people would laugh and joke and want to meet me and that in itself would be enough to break the ice and engage in a laugh or too followed by some chit-chat and immediately leading into meaningful dialogue and communication.

If you are single you can write; “Available” and that would get everyone laughing, guys would say to me; “Well, hell that ought to work to get a date” or “What’s the matter you got the Online Dating Blues?” and the women would say; “OH, you are, are you?” or “So, how is it going so far?” Either way if you have fun with your name tags at these types of events you will make instant friends and take off the edge; believe me it works.


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