Expert: Denise Anne Taylor - 2/5/2012

Question
I have a small in-home pet sitting business.  I live in a small, 55 plus gated community,(maybe 3000 folks) where I have many clients, who I may only see once or twice.  I know their dog the best.  I started volunteering at our local concert club, where I normally take tickets and help seat people.  I have a professional badge that says my name, and pet sitting under my name.  None of the clubs provide name badges, and I wear the badge to seat people.  I often see clients, and they often say hello by name when they see the badge. I have been told it is "unprofessional" to wear the name tag to volunteer.  I look at as one more way for name recognition and brand recognition.  I never do any business or book any clients when volunteering.  I don't ever even hand out a card in this situation. Your thoughts?    Barbara

Answer
Barbara,

Each organization may or may not have protocols for volunteers regarding such a matter.  With that being said, a name badge is professional (as long as it is not handwritten, and is a "real" name badge which can be created and purchased online for a small sum).  

I communicate in my speaking engagements for networking that if a person is networking often for business that they should make such an investment.  This situation is an extension of networking and is a way of connecting with others by identifying who you are.

Does the organization that you support supply name badges without a title, or would they be open to a name badge without a title?  More importantly identify their protocols and attempt to not take it personally.

Have a great day!
Denise Anne Taylor