Always go 'own label' - make a badge and take it to every networking event...

One of my favourite networking tips is to always take your own name badge along to events.

I have several versions of mine, depending on which of my businesses I am representing on the day!  You can make a badge to print off on your inkjet and slip it into one of those plastic badge holders we get at events. I have some magnetic badges (as supplied by 4networking etc) which I put into the back of the plastic holder.

Here's one I made earlier...

If you have a badge you are always prepared for meetings where the organiser either doesn't issue badges or hasn't got one for you... Notice the first name is BIG so people can see it.  Putting a business card in a badge holder is a waste of time - the print is usually too tiny to read. If you make your own badge you ensure the business name and your name are correct and spelt properly.  This is free advertising space, Folks!

When I wear my badge at events where nobody else has one, people often say 'Everybody seems to know you'. Wonder why?