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

[Keith Grover, NiS Founder]

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

If you have a badge, you are always prepared for meetings where the organiser either doesn't issue badges, or just hasn't got one for you...

They may kindly offer to hand-write one for you, which inevitably has a downmarket feel about it, however elegant their script may be (CLUE: it's probably not great, whether in biro or felt tip!)

The 'badge' provided may just be a sticky label - which will take the surface off your smart leather jacket - or have a pin that's positively dangerous... magnets are definitely the way to go!

You can design a badge to print off on your inkjet and slip it into one of those plastic badge holders we all collect at events over the years.

I have acquired a few magnetic badges (as supplied by some of the bigger networking organisations) but if you don't have one to hand,you can buy just the magnets online.

I put the magnetic badge into the back of the plastic holder, with my printed own label in front of it. I can have different versions, swapping them around depending on which of my businesses I am representing on the day!

As you can see on my example above, the first name is BIGGER 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'.

I wonder why?

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TIP: These good folk will send you a free sample magnetic badge... http://www.staffbadge.co.uk/

I suggest you send them your logo attached to the email and just ask them to put your first name as large as possible...