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I once found a Halloween costume called “The Nerd Kit.” The contents included a pocket protector, fake teeth with braces, acne paint, a black bow tie, a pair of thick-rimmed glasses with adhesive tape over the bridge, and of course, a red and white nametag that read “Harold.” Perfect. Then again, I’ve always been a nerd. The nametag just gave me permission to let him come out and play….

Small businesspeople are smart. They’re masters of marketing, sales, leadership, operations and customer service. But occasionally they forget basic elements that make them successful. And to ignore them is to ignore the potential of new business. Straight from my monthly column at American Express Open Forum, make sure you don’t forget these four keys: 1. Simplicity is eloquence. It happens all the time. Nametag companies send me their fancy,…

Every culture responds to my nametag in its own unique way. Latin Americans are engaging. When I walk in their stores, they smile and say, “Buenos dias, Escott!” Indians are proper. When I shake their hands, they always call me, “Mr. Scott.” Australians are affirmative and humorous. When I tell them I wear a nametag everyday, they nod and say, “Good on ya mate! I reckon that’s helpful when…

Not everyone is looking for an answer. When people turn to you, sometimes all they want is a response. Here’s the difference: When you give answers, you fix. When you give answers, you offer advice. When you give answers, you try to be right. When you give answers, you add unnecessary value. When you give answers, you dominate the discussion. When you give answers, you impose your own direction….

Thanks to my friends at esbjournal, you can now download my latest daily devotional, “The Nametag Principle”, in its entirety, for free, no strings attached, right now. Yes, you can also buy the book on Amazon. But I just figured, what the hell. Why not give it away? The more you give away for free, the wealthier you will be. Markets reward generosity. Enjoy the devotional. LET ME ASK…

After 4000+ days, I am convinced the societal implications of everybody wearing nametags could change our world forever. I’ve written my official manifesto, and to publish it, I need your vote. It takes ten seconds. Please help! Here’s the synopsis: Everyone should wear nametags. Every day. Everywhere. After eleven years of constant experimentation, research and exploration, Scott Ginsberg, who has worn a nametag for 4,000 consecutive days, believes that…

Wearing a nametag every day isn’t much of an accomplishment. Making a successful career out of it, is. That’s leverage. Killing two stones with one bird. And it all pivots on one question: Now that I have this, what else does this make possible? That’s not just a question, that’s a catapult. And if you’re willing to adopt leverage as a way of thinking, as a way of living…

Wearing a nametag doesn’t just encourage people to be friendly. It also invites people to stare at me, make fun of me, point at me, spatially violate me, yell at me, curse at me, share overly personal information with me, attempt to sell drugs to me, start fights with me, kiss me in the middle of a crowded bar, and on a few occasions, stalk me. No wonder nobody…

Humans don’t like to think, choose or remember. It’s too much work, takes too long and causes anxiety. That’s the upside of technology: You no longer need to remember or know things – only where to find those things. But you don’t always have a computer. Sometimes you have to depend on your brain. That’s why a nametag is a social gift. It’s one less name to remember. People…

This strategic planning crusade helps brands uncover who they are, what they change and why they matter. My client, Nestle Purina said: “Now we can bring our values to the forefront and make them ooze with personality and emotion!”  Brandtag solves two pervasive, expensive, real and urgent problems. First, it eliminates the problem of identity. It clarifies your mission. It gives your values personality. Second, it solves the problem…