3,460 and counting.
That’s how many consecutive days that St. Louis native and self-described “authority on approachability” Scott Ginsberg has worn a name tag.
On his coats, on his shirts and on his person.
That’s right, Ginsberg even has a name tag tattooed on his chest — his left pec, in case you’re wondering — to solidify his personal brand as “The Nametag Guy.”
The affable 30-year-old, with a penchant for marketing and a passion for his hometown Cardinals, trumpeted a message of brand specificity to nearly 150 advertising and public relations professionals at a breakfast forum Thursday.
The event, co-sponsored by the American Advertising Federation Memphis and the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, was the first joint program by the groups this year.
“This is the kind of fun, out-of-the-box creativity that we all want to offer, to our employees and to our clients,” said Susan Ewing, AAF president and director of client services at inferno. “Developing an instantly recognizable brand with a positive image attached is gold, and Scott has achieved that.”
Ginsberg’s journey toward memorability began a decade ago, when after a completely ordinary meeting he undertook a rather extraordinary experiment to see how folks would respond if he just left his name tag on.
He discovered that for the most part, people were friendlier and eager to engage in conversations, and thus Ginsberg’s entrepreneurial dream of peddling approachability was born.
“I made the most crucial decision of my career and vowed to wear a name tag every day for the rest of my life, 24/7,” Ginsberg said. “Wearing a name tag every day may not be much of an accomplishment, but leveraging it sure is.”
And leverage it he has.
Author of 10 books — No. 11 is set for release in July through Fundcraft Publishing in Collierville — and an award-winning blogger, Ginsberg has also appeared on a number of national television programs to discuss the branding project that earned him a spot in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
And he keeps busy on the lecture circuit, making more than 50 personal appearances each year. He also contributes to myriad online and print publications, operates NametagTV.com, and his website attracts some 30,000 hits each day.
His advice to local advertising and PR pros: Make the mundane memorable. And the best way to do that is by taking risks and not being afraid to act a little crazy every now and then. Or in Ginsberg’s case, a lot crazy all the time.
“Sanity is overrated. Success requires crazy,” Ginsberg said. “Crazy attracts profitability, and when you’re willing to go out of your mind, your company will go into the black. Make a name for yourself.”
That’s exactly what the two professional organizations hope to accomplish with programs such as Ginsberg’s, said Lynn Maples, communications projects coordinator at and PRSA president.
“There are so many creative folks in our industries and we want them to know that there are groups like ours out there,” Maples said. “We want to make names for ourselves as the standard-bearers for quality and creativity in Memphis.”
– James Dowd: 529-2737
American Advertising Federation Memphis upcoming event
What: Funky Art Party to benefit chapter’s University of Memphis national student competition
When: 6 to 9 p.m., May 6
Where: Young Avenue Deli, 2119 Young
Cost: $10 for AAF and AIGA members, $15 for guests
Details: Call 748-8889 or go to aafmemphis.org
Public Relations Society of America upcoming event
What: Chapter luncheon, including presentation of student Vox awards
When:11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 12
Where:Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis, 3700 Central
Cost: Free for PRSA members, $25 for guests and $15 for students
Details: Call 754-9035 or go to prsamemphis.org
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