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By Caroline Lalley
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Tuesday, 22 May 2007 |
'Nametag Guy' to speak at Visitor Industry Luncheon
 Scott Ginsberg has written four books and penned an approachability quiz for Cosmo magazine. (Submitted photo)
Question: Are there different social standards or comfort zones in different business industries?
Answer: It depends. For example, hotel chains that I work with traditionally follow some sort of 5-10 rule, in which a guest needs to be acknowledged within 5 feet and 10 feet of an employee. On the other hand, sales environments where apprehensions are high and customer preoccupations exist, it’s probably best to keep a wider distance. That’s why it’s so important to understand that approachability is a two-way street: both sticking yourself out there and getting them to come to you.
Q: What has helped you become an expert on approachability?
A: Several things:
1. I’m the only person in the world who’s been wearing a nametag 24-7 for the past 2,387 days (as of May 15).
2. I wrote the only book on the topic, plus several other books related to the topic.
3. I’ve written over 500 articles on the topic, about 100 of which have been reprinted in both online and print publications.
4. I’ve done about 300 interviews in radio, print and TV on the subject.
5. I wrote “The Quiz” in Cosmo called “Are You Approachable?”
6. The Wall Street Journal quoted me as “the authority on approachability.”
7. I’ve given about 250 speeches across the world on the topic.
Guess that’s about it.
Q: What are the biggest barriers to approachability that people don’t recognize?
A: First, that it’s mental initially. You need to have an attitude of approachability first or else all the nametags in the world won’t help you.
Second, that approachability comes from the Latin term “apropiare,” which means “to come nearer to.” Therefore, it’s a two-way street – sticking yourself out there and getting them to come to you.
Q: Do you really have a nametag tattoo?
A: You’re damn right I do. Because I’m committed. (Or I should be committed!)
Q: How old are you?
A: 27, which is something people notice immediately, considering the majority of authors/speakers are twice my age. But it’s a nonissue, because in the words of Indiana Jones, “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.”
Q: Where do you live?
A: St. Louis.
Q: About how many speaking engagements do you have a year?
A: 60.
Q: Are there any key points that you’d like to share?
A: Well, here is my philosophy, which pretty much covers everything I teach:
1. People buy people first.
2. Friendly always wins.
3. Make the mundane memorable.
4. Unique, not different.
5. Interaction, not interruption.
6. Be That Guy.
7. Fans, not customers.
8. Don’t sell, enable people to buy.
9. Consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness.
10. If you don’t make a name for yourself, someone will make one for you.
– Caroline Lalley, Sioux Falls Business Journal
What: 2007 Visitor Industry Luncheon with Scott Ginsberg, “The Nametag Guy”
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 24
Where: Sioux Falls Convention Center
Cost: $25. Call 373-2032 to check on ticket availability |
