Name badges. Who knew they’d carry so much cachet?

I ordered one on Amazon when I became President of the Visual Art League of Lewisville. It’s nice—but since I ordered it myself, it always felt a little… unofficial. After all, anyone can order a badge and give themselves a very impressive title. (Which, admittedly, gives me ideas…)

Then came my first visit to the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce—on just my third day on the job with Home Run Pest & Termite Control and Abracadabra Lawn & Pest Control. I was nervous for more reasons than I can count.

Thankfully, I had the good fortune of sitting next to Blake Switzer, Lead Pastor of Harvest City Church. He was warm, encouraging, and exactly what I needed in that moment. I remember thinking: Okay… I can do this.

I kept attending meetings, getting more comfortable each time, and eventually decided to take the next step—I signed up to become an Ambassador.

And then… it happened.

Last week, I was given my official Ambassador name badge.

This one felt different.

I wore it with pride to my first on-site ribbon cutting, and yes—when I got home, I knew exactly what needed to happen next. Miss Macy, naturally, became the official model for this momentous occasion. Because what is an achievement without proper documentation (and a cooperative pet)?

All of this got me thinking about something we’ve been learning through Dale Carnegie of North Texas:

“A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

It’s such a simple principle—but it shows up everywhere.

Names. Titles. Even something as small as a magnetic name badge. These little details shape how we see ourselves—and how others see us.

So thank you to the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity, the encouragement, and the confidence you’ve placed in me as an Ambassador.

If you’ve ever been curious about attending a Chamber meeting, let me know! You don’t have to be a member—you’re welcome to come as a guest. The meetings are educational, welcoming, and full of opportunities to grow your network.

And who knows… you might just walk away with more than a name badge.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take a Dale Carnegie course—or how it can impact your confidence, communication, and professional growth—I’d be happy to share my experience.