Bitesize #QRazy @networkerplus – QR Codes Invitation

Bitesize QRazy @networkerplus

Introduction

Have you seen ‘designs’ like these in your recent travels or perhaps when reading magazines or the newspaper?

QRCode for my Facebook Page

Facebook Page QR Code with Photo (picture optional)

Love them or hate them, there will be many more!  So get used to them – see picture below! If you’re a business person who embraces change and innovation, they are likely to be one of your best marketing tools!

They’re called QR Codes (QR = Quick Response) and I’ve been fortunate to have been one of a few to be able to make a popular training programme that had to ‘shut its doors’ due to huge demand.  I’m quietly excited about this latest development in marketing, not only because I embrace change and love innovation, but also because it will make Social Media more interactive and practical for both businesses and consumers.  It also fits very nicely with the communications part of my business.

Oh, did I mention Google are endorsing this innovation too?!

QR Codes – What are they?

A QR Code is a matrix barcode, (or two-dimensional code), that may be read by QR scanners, mobile phones with camera, and smartphones.

QR Code (standard) for My Facebook Page

QR Code (with photo) for My LinkedIn Profile

BBC’s QR Code (with logo) Even Aunty’s Caught On!

Beautiful – The technology of course! lol

Unsurprisingly, they originated from Japan and were developed to overcome the limitations that barcodes have – especially given today’s requirement for a much higher need for data. They are now becoming increasingly popular in the US, Europe and the Middle East too. They have proven to be very useful for both businesses and customers too. QR codes are incredibly versatile and have error correction capability. A maximum of approximately 30% of codewords are restorable.

Mobiles

Manufacturers in the car industry in particular have proved the effective use of QR Codes when tracking parts. Due to their versatility, it was inevitable that QR Codes would be the perfect solution for mobile phones as people look for convenience in uploading information quickly and effectively. For example, URL’s (web addresses) may be stored within QR Codes. Now how wonderful would it be to simply scan in new URLs into your smartphone, for example – without having to re-key?

QR Code 1 Min Demo – Click on the Picture

Imagine being able to scan marketing data from magazines or newspapers. What about business cards too? You can even scan from your PC or laptop’s screen! There are a whole host of other mediums, many I will cover in this new series.

Barcodes

QR Codes can contain a little over 7000 characters of information, whereas a typical barcode can only carry up to 20 digits.

More information, including some geeky stuff – if that sort of thing lights your fire! – may be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code

For a brief video to see how they work and to they’re potential benefits, click here!

What you need to get started

In order to scan QR Codes, you ideally require a smartphone – e.g. Android, iPhone, BlackBerry. Basically a good mobile with a camera. You’ll need to download a suitable application that’s compatible to your phone – there are plenty of free ones available on the net. (Be sure that you have backed up your data and have the appropriate software protection on your phone in case you come across an unscrupulous site).  These apps enable your phone’s camera to read and translate QR Codes.

You can generate your own QR Codes for free too! Although you can become creative, (i.e. insert photos, logos, etc, and even create ones in colour), start with the basic black & white ones first to become accustomed to them. I’ll cover more about how you may be more creative soon.

==========================================================

Get started now…

Recommended sites to generate your own QR codes for free! http://www.beqrious.com or, for more clarity on which readers are suited for types of mobiles, go to ’Quick Find Reader’ top right of: http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software

@networkerplus recommend the following suppliers who get it and will happily produce marketing material for you without you going through the hassle of having to explain what QR Codes are and how they are produced! Remember the context of Bitesize @networkerplus – written and to help the time-poor like you and me!…

Please quote “Bitesize QRazy” for first class service!

Leopard Print (Business stationery / banners, etc) Tel: 0800 032 7335 Contact: Toar or Greg Morris http://www.leopardprintltd.co.uk

Kall Kwik (Business cards / stationery) Tel: 01622 688966 Contact: Catherine Hylton  http://www.kallkwik.co.uk/maidstone http://www.kallkwik.co.uk/tunbridgewells

Street Graphics (Large Format Print) – Tel: 01233 822 020 Contact: Trevor Shaw  http://www.streetgrafix.co.uk

==========================================================

Keep up-to-date with news and developments, with compliments, from @networkerplus …..

There are already many articles that you can find about QR codes, however, the geeks – intentionally or not – will probably try to blind us with science. Will it be like the dark art of SEO?  Well, hopefully not!  However, if you are a busy professional, time-poor (like me!), like simplicity (I have a simple mind!) and you like my bitesize @networkerplus series, then the good news is that there’s hope!….

I’ve started a new series of updates covering QR Code news and developments and how they may benefit your business.  The great thing about it is it’s come at a fabulous time; a time when aspiring business people like you wish to excel in what they do best – grow their respective businesses and engage with their existing and prospective customers.

A 'big' example of a marketing campaign using QR Codes

Here’s what you need to do to get your free updates. Kindly opt-in via http://www.facebook.com/networkerplus and, with my compliments, I’ll provide you with to-the-point news and tips. It’s part of the value-add that I like to offer my network.

Some of the initial benefits to you will be to:

• Show its potential for you to keep in touch with your customers and ensure that you’re not missing out in your e-business community and, therefore, opportunities.
• Be a few steps ahead of your competitors before the ‘penny drops’ with them that this is a brilliant way of marketing.  Approximately 50% of interactions on Social Media already takes place on smartphones.  QR codes love smartphones!  You’ll see what I mean when you opt-in!
• Get a feel how the mobile web is likely to explode, as it becomes a lot more convenient and interactive!
• Ensure that you are part of the future of the web.

…plus, much, much more.  Shhh – not here, my competitors are reading this too!

Oh, one catch!…

http://www.facebook.com/networkerplus will lead you to my Facebook Business Page. There are two main reasons why:

First, this is hot. Because it’s hot, if I simply upload the usual e-mail opt-in page for a free e-book, no points for guessing that those in my industry will jump at the chance!…  (There are many e-mail aliases out there, believe me!)  I worked hard to build on my experience and also worked long hours to learn about this exciting way of marketing, fusing the on-line with the off-line business world.  Need I say more?

Also, in case you haven’t already heard, I’m doing my darned best to have more of my network embrace Facebook for business so that they may reap its benefits.  Visit:  http://ht.ly/3ILry . I see this as a way to encourage you to do so too.

Don’t worry, I won’t bombard you with information either.  Although this will be a little different to both my bitesize series, (LinkedIn & Facebook), remember what I said about time and value-add. By opting-in, you’ll also receive a personal message from me, (so please be patient), with an exclusive password, not just for Bitesize QRazy, but my complimentary Bitesize @networkerplus Facebook for Business Tips too!

So get the QRaze and see you on the other side for what’s going to be an incredibly exciting journey! ►►► Click here ◄◄◄ Update @ 06/03/11: Find out how a major UK retailer missed a QR opportunity. Plus news regarding two recent CRM wins! ツ

If you, or anyone you know, wants to ḕẍṕḷṍḋḕ their marketing by QReating incremental business, please tell them about http://www.QRazy.co.uk & http://www.networkerplus.net We offer a free, no obligation, consultations over the phone.

►►► Why get professional help? ◄◄◄

Act now, before others jump on the QRazy bandwagon!  + 44 7764 140383 We’re QRazy about M-Commerce, that’s why the mobile!  ツ

Yes, I’ve gone QRazy but who cares when it’s this exciting! Remember, it was @networkerplus who told you!  

Extraordinary networking!

Use LinkedIn? Check out my more established ‘Bitesize @networkerplus – LinkedIn’ series.  It has so far generated approx. 300 re-tweets both from the blog and within twitter itself. (No password required for this series as I share this on LinkedIn).

With over 15 yrs in e-Business: “My USP is Bandwagon Free!”

Social Media Coaching: A worldwide group for anyone wishing to embrace social media for business. Be part of this exciting & dynamic revolution by developing your skills & knowledge. ★ Linkedin ★ Facebook ★  Twitter

¡ʎʌɹnʇ-ʎsdoʇ ɐıpǝɯ ℸɐıɔos pıoʌ∀★ Avoid social media topsy-turvy! Go to: http://SocialMediaCoachingOnline.com ★ ¡ʎʌɹnʇ-ʎsdoʇ ɐıpǝɯ ℸɐıɔos pıoʌ∀

Please offer others the chance to develop their skills too by hitting the various share↓ buttons ↓ Thank you! 【ツ】