Name tags. No one likes to wear them but everyone is glad when the other person has one on! But name tags are an ideal way to find out more about your customers and build a strong team culture at your attraction.
Nametags are a way to help guests
When you get to work each morning, do you put on a name tag? I do. That way when I walk out into the public space where our guests are, everyone can tell I work there. Some people think that the way they dress, or the fact that they walk through the public space instead of stopping to look at things is enough of a clue.
Maybe. But I have seen time and time again that guests will stop me because they see I have a name tag on. They often call me by name and ask how to get to a certain exhibit or demonstration.
Name tags make data collection easy
And this is where the marketing tip comes in. When a guest asks where an exhibit is, I walk the guest to their destination, asking questions of them along the way. Where are they from, where are they staying, what else are they doing? This few minutes of data research brings out all kinds of information. It also creates happy customers because they have just had VIP treatment. All because they felt comfortable asking a question because I had a name tag on.
Creating a Team Atmosphere
I have worked at attractions that required front line staff to wear name tags but not management. It was almost as if the name tag was the divider between the levels of staff. I am a big believer that every staff member at an attraction should wear a name tag daily.
First off, it serves as a reminder that we are an organization that serves customers. Not numbers on spreadsheets, but real people who pay to enter our facility. They are the purpose of our job.
Secondly, when front line staff sees management wearing name tags, it creates more of a team atmosphere, instead of an us vs. them culture. We all work together to welcome and serve guests.
Last Thoughts
I attended a customer service seminar years ago and picked up a great piece of advice. Wear your name tag on your right side, above the line where a pocket would be. Why? Because if you are shaking hands you offer your right hand and turn the right side of your body towards the other person. That allows the name tag to be seen easily. Placing it above the pocket area allows it to be seen easily. Wearing a name tag will allow you to create a bond with your staff and serve your customers. It’s a tourism tip that benefits everyone!
Do you have 2 minutes to answer 8 questions?
I am always looking for ways to serve my readers, and help tourism industry pros such as yourself become more knowledgable and confident.
I developed a short questionnaire that should only take a few minutes to answer. As a bribe/bonus- I will send a $25 Starbucks card to one of you who takes the time to fill this out. Thanks in advance!