by Althea R. for our 99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy series
Can a name tag really make a difference? Most definitely, and in a number of ways. When I was a store manager for an independent craft retailer, I made sure that everyone on staff had a name tag. They were visible from eight feet away, had a simple font that was easy to read and represented our store’s branding.
I wanted my staff to build solid and meaningful relationships with our customers. Oftentimes I would hear from people commenting on the great service they received and others who would ask if a particular employee was working that day. I never heard, “I was in the other day and someone was really helpful and showed great customer service, but I don’t know her name,” because our employees were easily identified by their name tags.
Since our store was a place of creativity, I designed name tags that were conversation pieces. Some customers wanted to know how they were created, thinking about how they might incorporate aspects of it in their own project. These discussions were an opportunity to build relationships and trust between customer and staff, and ultimately with the store. This led to customer loyalty – one of the reasons they kept coming back.
A name tag can also promote your store. By including your store’s logo, name and/or slogan on it, you are putting your branding right in front of customers. They will have impressed in their minds that this was a great place that had friendly and helpful customer service. And, they will tell their family and friends about it which strengthens your store’s brand and leads to more business.
Wherever I go – whether it’s an office, restaurant, service center, or store – I make it a point to look for the name of the person I am speaking with. I do this for two reasons. First, if I need to get his or her attention, I don’t have to flag them down or say something that could be directed toward anyone and end up getting a non-employee’s attention.
Second, I like to make it personal. Not only can an employee make a customer feel good, but the customer can make the employee feel good as well. I had to check-in at an office recently and it looked like the person behind the counter wasn’t having the best of days. When I was done, she told me to have a good day. In return, I said to her, “Thank you, Barbara. I hope you have a good day too.” She smiled and said thank you in return. It can be little things like that that can make all the difference.
Name tags for your employees don’t have to be a big money or time investment. If you have a graphic of the store name, logo or slogan, and employee name, you’re pretty much set. You’ll just have to determine size and color, and if you want to print them yourself, have them printed by a brick-and-mortar store, or order online. There are many companies that can make name tags quickly and don’t require a minimum quantity to order.
Name tags are something small that I promise will have a big impact.
As a data assets specialist, Althea uses the process and procedure guides in place, and intelligent transcription to enter and proof information related to product attributes, back of package information, and marketing language. Althea is responsible for ensuring data in our library is up to date and accurate by reviewing price list information from manufacturers and greeting card suppliers. For the processes that she is responsible for, Althea proactively maintains documentation and implements process improvements.
