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So I ran into my postman for the first time yesterday. It was pretty exciting. I said hello as I got to the bottom of the steps. He greeted me back with a friendly, “Hey Scott!” As I walked towards him he looked at my nametag and started chuckling under his breath. “HELLO, my name is Scott…” he laughed. “Yep, that’s me.” “Gosh, you even get mail address to…

As research for my fourth book, Make a Name for Yourself, I’ve been asking a lot of people to answer one key question: “How did you make a name for yourself?” A common thread among all the professionals I interviewed was that they “did what nobody else was willing to do.” In other words, whatever it takes. Kind of like Dave Chapelle, who wanted to be a comedian. He…

I used to be a Toastmaster. It was the greatest. Top ten best things I ever did for my speaking career. And although I only had the chance to attended meetings for about six months, I still recommend the organization to everyone. Even non-speakers. Especially non-speakers. Why? It’s the perfect tool for networking, enhancing self-confidence and becoming a better communicator. Plus, it’s really fun. During one meeting in late…

After a miraculous drive from Dayton to Cincy in 41 minutes (wow), I walked into my meeting at Palomino. Now, whenever I meet someone at a restaraunt, the hostess usually knows who I am right away. “Scott, right?” “Yep.” “Your friends told me you’d be wearing a nametag. Right this way to table 75…” Sweet. She walked me over to the table where I was scheduled to meet a…

CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! CARDS…

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. It’s not what you know, it’s who you are. It’s not what you know, it’s who knows you. It’s not what you know, it’s who you become. It’s not what you know, it’s where you look. It’s not what you know, it’s how you use it. It’s not what you know, it’s how you present. It’s not what you know,…

1. I need your help. When approaching a service agent or receptionist, this opening line appeal to someone’s instinctive helpful nature. You’re likely to get a better response (and better service!) if you use this line. 2. You don’t know me, but. Be honest. Don’t pretend to be someone’s best friend. Especially on the phone, help someone know right away that you are calling as a stranger who hopes…

1. Google Alerts. These keep me in the know of my key areas of study. Additionally, they enable me to monitor of where my name, articles, blog posts and books show up around the world, especially on the Internet. 2. May I Ask Who’s Calling? For years I’ve been telling receptionists, “Yes, tell Mr. Jackson it’s The Nametag Guy.” I’m still amazed at what a great first impression this…

At the recent Big Read festival in St. Louis, Harry the Nametagged Gorilla made a special appearance. He hung out at the SLPA booth, encouraging passerbys to join in the fun. Meanwhile, he also helped promote a few of his favorite books, namely Bob Baker’s Guerilla Music Marketing Handbooks. At one point, a group of kids saw Harry, but were apprehensive to approach. Fortunately, throwing out dozens of packs…

It’s just after 5 AM. I’m sitting here in the hallway by the ice machine on the 14th floor of the San Fransisco Hyatt. The housekeeping lady just walked by and gave me a strange look. Maybe I should go put a shirt on. Just kidding! Although I am really out here in the hallway. My wifi signal was pretty bad, and this was the only place I could…