Why? Well, before you read on, I know I’m going to ‘rattle a few cages’. Let me first state that this is not deliberate nor some sort of game. After all it’s about you and your business and should never be about the presenter nor event itself.

Social Media seems to be all the rage at the moment and many networking and business organisations are keen to get in on the act by inviting Speakers to present. Ever wondered why? Something to do with footfall perhaps?

I get many requests to present and it may surprise you that I actually turn many down – even some quite lucrative offers from certain organisations to do so. The primary reason is because many organisers are simply jumping on the bandwagon. They fail to tell me what they themselves are trying to achieve. I’ve seen this happen in the dotcom boom (and bust!) first hand and this “jumping” thing ain’t for me! Frankly, I have better things to do – serve my customers.

Now here’s the ‘kicker’ – I recently attended a seminar where a well known Social Media presenter, well, “presented”. No names mentioned as there’s nothing personal in this – we all have our own style and levels of knowledge. However, for me, it was the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’.

What I can tell you is, he should have known better and, quite frankly, I was astounded! The fact that he claims to present 15 times a month concerns me…especially if the quality of his presentation was anything like what I endured first hand!

So, in my opinion, these are the key points as to why his and so many totally miss the mark:

They “talk” to the audience.  What I mean by this is, social media is about engagement. Many don’t engage their audience and simply ‘present’ to them. (Mostly one way traffic!)

Lack of originality. Most are simply regurgitating what they heard elsewhere and what they read from ‘experts’ via mediums like blogs, twitter, other seminars, etc.  It was so apparent to me that the last guy I heard was blatantly rehashing stats and comments that may be easily found elsewhere if you care to look. (Like many other presenters, the credits as to where he obtained his stats and news from are missed off!) I know, as I’m in the industry and can quickly spot where many are derived from. Now, there’s nothing wrong with replication, however, come on presenters, where’s your original input? Definite bandwagon jumping there….and from a guy who claims to have extensive e-business experience! Perhaps he (and others) are simply “too busy” to prepare for their audience?

Confusing messages. Some presenters have cobbled together their slides, they even contradict themselves during their presentations without even noticing!! One or two have been publicly caught out, however, sadly, most have gotten away with it!

Too much content!! Why oh why do the majority cram so much content that they lose the audience?  Well, perhaps you’d better ask them but I have a theory! Maybe they’re trying to look clever in your eyes?  The one I recently attended even tried to cover Klout and  ”Empire Avenue” to an audience he didn’t properly qualify. For goodness sake, the vast majority of the audience were trying to get to grips with the main social networks like LinkedIn! In my opinion, social networks like Klout and Empire Avenue are for social networking nerds who have nothing better to do than stroke their own egos!! I know because, as a Social Networking Professional, I have given them a go to ensure I’m qualified to share my opinions to my network.

These are simply my main reasons. Do share if you have any you wish to add.

What I tell my network when I present, coach and carry out strategic Workshops, is think of the old expressions and apply them to your thinking when strategising your social networking for business. For example: “Less is more.” That’s probably one of the best known but true marketing phrases around. Apply it and you’re well on your way!

Before you consider embarking or even continuing your social networking activity, strategise first! Ask yourself what you wish to achieve and by when. Learn not just from those in the social networking profession, however also from your peers. Yes, your peers! This is because you can learn from the mistakes they have made and, as a result, they will have some fabulous down-to-earth tips and not bombard you with endless stats and figures to try to impress you. Believe-you-me, I too have a number of mistakes a long the way, however, the key thing is to pick oneself up, re-strategise and move on!

I hope you’ve found this useful. Yes, I did want to get my deep concerns about what’s going on out there off my chest. Not to gloat, but to try to protect the industry I so love and enjoy that’s, sadly, being tarnished by some who should know better!

A final tip for now: If you hear these so called social media ‘experts’ (or even ‘Gurus!’) preach that you should be on A, B  or C social network, what I advise here is you should ask them one thing. >> “Why?” << If their answer does not include any mention of your business and your customers….run, and ŗųŋ ƒąşţ!!

John Coupland is the owner of @networkerplus Social Media Please hit the share buttons so others may be weary of  ’those’ presentations! Thanks in advance! ツ

http://www.twitter.com/networkerplus  If you feel it high time you attend a 121 coaching session or even Workshop that WILL “Do!” feel free to follow me on twitter or simply get in touch. I’d be happy to help you make a ḋḭḟḟḕṙḕṅḉḕ! ツ

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Wow!! I was blown away!!

Misha Bryan

Whether you already seen it or not, please spare just 8 minutes watching this…and read on because I would like to share her inspiration! Not only that, I hope this blog at least inspires you in some way too and, importantly, perhaps you may wish to take some action as well!  Shed any reservations you may have….This young lady is from Manchester and, despite its infamous rainy weather, this gal shines! 

Click here to watch the video

What observations can we take from this young lady? Plenty!!  I’m not going to spell all of them out, nor what they should mean to you. Heck, I’m so inspired by Misha, I’m still numb!  Anyway, here’s just a few…

“My name’s Misha, I’m 19 and I’m from Manchester!” Listen to the tone of her voice and look at her body language. Does she have self belief? You bet she does!!

“…I’m hoping to bring smiles to peoples’ faces!…”  If that’s not wonderful, what is?!

From her brief summary of her family background, it’s evident that she has a lot of pain inside, but knows she has everything to gain!!

Listen to what she says about her Aunt – Who she is and what she means to her.

At the end of her interview, (just before she walks on stage), she says of her Aunt: “…Just to make her proud in itself. I’ll do anything.” Not just words – her nod cements her belief in achieving her goals.

Then the song….”RESPECT” – indeed!!

The judges? Just see how Misha got their attention, not to mention that of her entire audience.

Ok, so what’s different about Misha? After all, there have been a few others who have inspired on X Factor, regardless of whether they made it into the finals.

Well, firstly, she’s captured the judges’ attention – Look who starts to dance. Confidence in Misha shines! Not only that, it spreads throughout the audience.

“I’m still moving!! I’m so happy for you!” says Penny. Misha won an important advocate, one of the judges, who will now undeniably be with her all the way as she’ll want Misha to live her dream – even if it’s just “to bring smiles to peoples’ faces!…”  (I’m sat here guessing it’s more than that!!)

And what of the great man, Gary Barlow?  Did you hear what he said after Misha left the stage?  If you didn’t quite notice it and truly want to hear what support can sound like, replay at around 7:30 mins/secs.  Bear in mind the words came of the mouth of a world music superstar!!

Finally, replay at around 5:45 mins/secs and hear Gary speak again. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of his, he’s undeniably a person who’s made it and willing to give his respect for others. Listen to what he says and look at how he said it. If you think it was staged then, sorry, you’re a cynic and you still need a holiday! If you think it was genuine and he absolutely meant it, then Misha, Gary, Misha’s relatives and friends, the audience cheering for her – and me – are on the same wavelength as you!

We all have are ups and downs - every one of us. You’re not alone!!

Yes, there are people who don’t want to share the joy of your success and happiness. Conversely, remember this: There are a lot more people that genuinely do! Don’t expect them to make a success out of you. You will gain respect by being yourself, having the belief and drive to make a success for yourself.

The big question is: Will you?…

Strategise - It's crucial to any type of marketing. Social Media is no exception.

Go SOCIAL MEDIA AND REALISE TRANSITION

If you’re in business and want to make a real difference to your social networking this year and, ultimately your business growth – and you are prepared to put some effort in working ‘SMART’er – then please read on!…

My name’s John Coupland and, in case you’re wondering, I’m no Gary Barlow! You don’t want to hear me sing! However, in the world of social networking, I believe in what I have to offer and, evidently, so do others. 

Helen Gormley (MEd, MA, PGTC, MCIM), a motivated and professional businesswoman – whom I have much respect for – and I can help you by giving you the inspiration and respect you deserve to help make you and your business a success!

Using our extensive marketing experience, (over 45 years between us), we’ve developed and will be running social media and business transition workshops like no other.

No ‘fluffy’ stuff! We’ll show you how we’ve grown our respective businesses & how you can too. We will leave you inspired, with fantastic tools and a plan

….helping you take 7 ½ steps to being Social Media SMART.

If you action, be assured, we will believe in you too!

Simply click here for further details and make a real difference and gain respect!  

Follow us: http://www.twitter.com/networkerplus  http://www.twitter.com/HJAhere 

LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/networkerplus  http://uk.linkedin.com/in/helengormley

In the meantime, please feel free to comment in this blog. Has Misha or anyone else inspired you too?  If so, how?  Who else do you have respect for?

Thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon so we can inspire you too. Wishing you every success in what you do!

“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself”. George Bernard Shaw.

Will you make a difference by creating yourself?

Thanks in advance for sharing this blog so it may bring some inspiration to others as well. ツ

ち工れム丹ㄗ口尺モ – My place of birth and where I grew up. Despite being Caucasian, a cosmopolitan City State I will always call home. So many memories….

“John – Marry a Singaporean, you marry half of Singapore”. My late father told me in my younger years. (My step Mum is Singaporean Chinese). So what did I end up doing? You guessed it! I married a Singaporean, Angeline, in 1988. The bizarre thing is – we met in London in 1985, at a Singaporean/Malaysian restaurant. I was expressing my admiration for her in Malay with a friend and was overheard by her Auntie who was passing by and ‘spilt the beans!’ 25 years later, we live in the suburbs of London have 3 teenage children.

We dealt with the ‘shock’ of paying for 5 adult airfares for the first time (we usually return every 2 / 3 years) and we’ll be there for 3 weeks w/c 1st August 2011.

I’ve particularly been looking forward to this trip. It’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster, for sure. From being reunited with members of my family, (some of whom we haven’t seen in 18 years – due to recently mended differences!); downing a few tiger beers with old pals (Singapore Gin Sling when we feel a little more mature!); paying my respects to my late father at Kranji, North Singapore (ex President of the Ex-Services Association of Singapore & MD of Decca Records, Far East); to joining the throng by celebrating Singapore’s National Day. (The nation went Independent in 1965).

There will be a unique aspect to our visit too. With relaxation, will come a social theme with a difference – I’ll be revisiting this multicultural and outstandingly clean tropical island through ‘social media lenses’ during the trip.

Singapore - Founded as a strategic port for the British Empire by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819

Despite being only the size of the Isle of Wight, Singapore established itself as the fourth leading financial centre in the world playing a key role in international trade and finance. The port of Singapore is one of the five busiest ports in the world. It also attracts over 10 million visitors a year. (Double its population). With its ever hardworking and futuristic mindset, the Singapore of today is also one of the world’s strategic digital economies…..unsurprising as, having been one of its children playing Japanese computer games before, Pac-Man, etc, hit the UK’s shores way back in the early 80′s…. many of us are now ‘playing’ social networking instead!

Singapore

During the first 3 weeks of August, I will provide a ‘street-level’ insight of Singapore’s digital economy:

Singapore Social Media Day 25/06/11. Blogging played a key part.

• Who embraces it?
• What people think of it.
• When they feel social networking can be overwhelming – if at all?!
• Where social networking impacts everyday life, given Singapore’s infamous laws.
• Why they use social networking. (The reasons may not be as obvious!)
• How social networking benefits businesses in Singapore. This will be unique as I will provide you with personalised insights – through regular, brief updates – few others will be able to as, with “half of Singapore” all around me, it’s unequivocal access from ‘outside-in’.

Be sure to join me on this journey from 1^st August 2011 by subscribing to the RSS feed or by simply commenting and ‘sling’ yourself to the other side! It’ll be wonderful to have your support and feedback as we go along.

04/08/11 – A little taster…

We arrived Monday evening and ‘hit the ground running’ seeing both my and my wife’s respective families. Still many more to catch up with, however, enough about that. This is no holiday blog, I want to deliver what I promised you, so am pleased to say that I was able to capture some digitalised moments already and, over the next few days, will show how Singapore has embraced the digital economy.

Well, if “A picture is worth a thousand words”, this has got to be one of them! Never did I imagine I’d start with a photo like this one. We were out celebrating my brother-in-law’s birthday near his apartment last night, (I’ll do anything to avoid tourist locations after my seeing a bunch of American women cry when they found out what receiving fresh crab meant back in ’82!), and there they were next to us: A young couple using a calming screen saver to eat their meal in peace! There was absolutely nothing out of the ordinary as far as they were concerned.

‘Social Networking’, whether on-line or even at an evening meal is way of life in Singapore; however, I don’t want to mislead anyone that it’s an obsession here. It certainly isn’t ‘in your face’, well not all of the time anyway!

09/08/11 – Singapore’s 46th National Day.

Every National Day doesn’t fail to impress. Today was no exception. I’m going to keep this brief as, I realise it’s a sensitive time in London, our base. Nevertheless, I hope this encourages the UK readership that humans – no matter what colour or religion – can live in harmony. With effective leadership, there is hope. Check this out and click on ‘Social Media’ at the top of the home page. Enjoy the pictures – they’re far better than the ones I have!

17/08/11 – Update: Apologies for the silence folks. Just returned from a surprise cruise to Phuket (Thailand) and Langkawi (Malaysia). Now back in Singapore and will update the blog very soon. Lots of interesting content to come!

19/08/11 – All digital!

In this country, digital is everywhere. When the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) system was built from the late 80′s, they built a network that includes GPS meaning everyone who has travelled in the tube network has been using mobiles with no signal problems for nearly a quarter of century. Yes – that long! Now you get the idea?

Everywhere you go, countless people have a smartphone device of almost every kind in their hands. More worryingly perhaps, it seems that many, (the Y-Gens – aka the ‘Facebook generation), can’t stop looking at them whilst on the move!

Social Media plays a huge part here. For example, the current Singapore presidential elections are well underway and the main candidates are using anything from QR Codes to Facebook. Jerome Lim, a local blogger and friend, recently sent this tweet to me -
@JeromeKG “Presidential election poster with QR code in Singapore: http://ow.ly/i/fVuB“

#sgpresident and #sgelections are trending strongly on Twitter here, as I update this blog.

Also check out http://www.socialmedia.gov.sg and you’ll see what I mean!

In my next update, I’ll show how social networking over here plays a huge role in ‘bricks & mortar’ shopping…with lots of pictures to support it too!

John Coupland is the owner of @networkerplus Social Media Please hit the share buttons so others may gain an insight to what’s happening on the social networking landscape from South East Asia’s perspective. Thanks in advance! ツ

"What's the ROI of Social Media?"

It’s a question that’s often asked.

As ex. Kodak Executive, Jeffrey Haylett asked, “What’s the Return of Ignoring?”

Yes, with the right strategy, you can indeed make more money through effective use of social media, however, here’s the key point that so many struggle to comprehend…..It’s not just about money!

“What?!”  I hear you exclaim.

Well, take a deep breath and care to look at the bigger picture for a minute.

A well known expression is “Knowledge is King”.  I’m sure many of you would have heard this saying countless times. Embrace it and apply that thinking when using social networking.

If you engage with your network, you will learn from others who are more than willing to share and help you. With that, business relationships are created and nurtured. In your ‘travels’ you will learn. When you learn, you will be smarter in business and when you’re smarter, what do you think happens?!

The same is true with off-line networking, so why should social networking be any different?

If you remain unconvinced.  How about this question then?…  What is the ROI of your telephony spend?  That’s right, your telephone & mobile bills. Apart from specific campaigns, I question if anyone truly measures this. So why should social networking be any different?

Tip: Don’t over complicate things. Think “We can!” and avoid finding excuses not to do something that’s clearly a no brainer – If done correctly.

It may at first look impressive that a fellow tweeter has many followings / followers, however, ever considered how they may have done that?

We know about the various tactics. One, for example, is what we call “Yo-Yo” – Through the use of 3rd party tools, some follow many, then unfollow shortly after, making the follow ʞɔɐq-to-following ratio high to look impressive to others….as they know most won’t or may take a long time to realise and unfollow them as a result.  The “Yo-Yo” comes into play when they repeat the process several times – even continuously – to increase their follower count with no genuine business strategy but to try impress…perhaps in the hope they may be perceived as ‘experts?’

Of course, there are genuinely popular tweeple out there – i.e. You, celebrities, market leaders….However, regarding those simply achieving high numbers, what’s the point of trying to impress people by playing games with others, like yourselves, who aren’t easily fooled? It’s simply a waste of valuable time and a topsy ʎʌɹnʇ approach, wouldn’t you agree?

When engaging with them, our customers are assured in the knowledge that everything we do is underpinned by one key thing:

$ŦƦλŦEG¥

We don’t play ‘the numbers game’.  Our customers receive regular reports and updates on the type of follows and tweets agreed from our strategy sessions.

Additionally, we have guarantees across ALL our services as an assurance that we are just as focused as you are when it comes to achieving results in business.

Strategising: @networkerplus provides targeted twitter follows

All our twitter followings have a purpose. For our customers, we ensure they are targeted as we would have discussed strategy and agreed a plan. Those who take up our outsourced services* have exclusive access to our local, targeted followings that we’ve carefully developed and nurtured over time and continue to do so.

Thanks for reading and kindly hitting the share buttons below. For more details, please click here. We’d be happy to happy to carry out a free half hour, no obligation, consultation. Simply complete & submit the form below. (Your details will remain confidential & we do not share e-mail addresses with 3rd party companies).

Happy tweeting! \(˘▽˘)/

John Coupland, Owner @networkerplus Social Media | john@networkerplus.net

The name of the #social game is to play it intelligently through engagement. It’s not a game of simply collecting followers or likes, it’s a strategic game. Play it well and you’ll see the benefits it brings to you and your business. Play it badly and you’re just…playing. ©

Helping businesses turn their contacts into contracts

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*In agreed quantities as part of our managed service. Minimum 3 month outsource term applies.

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Which direction will you take over the next year?

It’s been a year since I wrote my first blog “Here goes people!” So much has happened since and the objective of this blog isn’t to share my diary with you – we’re all busy after all. However, as an avid networker, what’s been central to it all is people.

From my first blog, you’ll see that every role in my career to-date has revolved around people.  The same could be true of many professions, I realise. However, it’s be come even more apparent that, in these challenging times, many have woken up to fact that, in order to progress – or even survive – engaging collaboratively is ever more important. Through networking events, meetings and social networks, it’s so pleasing to see this in action…but is it a good thing?

Of course! However, take heed, wishing to collaborate is one thing, planning and action is another.  There’s a lot of “talking” out there, but what about the “doing?!”

It’s all very well spending time working on affiliations / partnerships / joint ventures, etc, however, be selective with whom you partner and always consider the objectives. What does success look like, how are you going to get there and who’s going to do what and when?  All sounds simple does it? However, remember accountability – not everyone understands that. The excitement of collaborating soon fades (the ‘honeymoon’ period), so keep an eye on what you’re achieving from the very start.

The key thing to remember is this:  Creating the ideas is the easy part. Putting them into action and reviewing progress, for some, isn’t!

Overall, I’ve enjoyed sharing tips with my network, particularly since I started blogging. I actually find blogging relaxing and rather therapeutic! Please feel free to have a browse at my past blogs and comment. If you haven’t yet embarked on it, feel free to contact me and I’d be happy to help.  It’s a wonderful way to share you knowledge and expertise!

Looking forward to engaging with you and reading your blogs too!

Your QUICK RESPONSE is required!!

Please click or scan the QR Code and give now!…

Support The British Red Cross Japanese Tsunami Appeal

Why this blog?

• We all have benefited from Japanese innovation in our lifetimes, the above QR Code (a Japanese invention), is just one of the countless tools we’ve been given by the great Japanese nation.
• My family and I have friends and contacts in Japan.  One is a family, (their mother, Karen Sawai, is my wife’s best friend from school in Singapore). They live in Kyoto. Their girls, triplets, were born during the 1995 Kobe earthquake which was an enormous challenge for them.  Now they have this!
• It’s estimated that there are over 100,000 people displaced in Japan – thousands are children who have lost their loved ones.
• Chances are you are also connected, either directly or indirectly, to someone who is in Japan.
• Humanity. If, for any reason, you still think this is just ‘news’ click here.

Quick Response please:

Please don’t look away until you’ve scanned or clicked on the QR Code and donate generously now.

If you want to learn about QR Codes, please read about them AFTER you’ve donated to ensure we all respond quickly to the devastation in Japan. (There are deliberately no links to QR Codes in this blog – so as not to distract you. You can look this up the free information by visiting www.QRazy.co.uk or, currently, the 4th link in the top right hand side of my blog’s home page later).

Thank you and pray for Japan.

John Coupland

There are no commercial interests in this blog, nor is this blog in any way affiliated to the British Red Cross or any other charity, which is why the QR Code will lead you directly to the British Red Cross for further information and your donations.

►►I’m looking for fellow Tweeters to join me in the ensuring it gets even more viral. You will not be helping me, you’ll be helping the Japanese people via The British Red Cross. One or two tweets in total are no where near enough, BTW, I’m looking for at least that PER DAY!

PLEASE, PLEASE HELP.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/networkerplus

↓ Using Social Media is ideal to spread the word and make this viral. Thank you for tweeting and hitting as many share buttons as you can to potentialise on giving. ↓

Join us at Social Media Coaching (LinkedIn Group)

As approved partners of Social Media Week, John Coupland and Chris Carter from Social Media Fusion are presenting “Strategise and Future Proof Your Social Media!”

This has been arranged specially to mark Social Media Week, w/c 7th February 2011

Testimonial:

“Hi Chris and John, The event you hosted in November was very helpful so I hope to catch up with you before too long as I can see there are new “keywords” which are a mystery to me! Hope this week is a success (on past performance I’m sure it will be!)” http://www.totalfinance.advisernet.co.uk Barry Pearce, Director, Total Finance UK Ltd – Ref. Internet Week Event, October 2010.

Events:

John and Chris will be presenting in South & South East London and have pulled out ALL the stops to make their events unique!…..

Give your business a LYFT with L inkedIn, Y ouTube, F acebook, T witter and e-mail marketing for business, PLUS – A REGIONAL FIRST! – QR Codes and Augmented Reality which has caught the vast majority of UK Social Media ‘Experts’ napping!

So, innovate and future proof your social media marketing to accelerate your business!

You have 2 opportunities…

►Tuesday, 8th February, 6.30pm – Airport House, Croydon. http://ht.ly/3PdMg Price: £8 (Early bird) or £10 You’ll see an EventBrite link.

►Thursday, 10th February, 7.30pm – Hosted by The Bromley Business Club (Scroll up to see Richard Latteman’s post). Price: £8 non-members; £4 members of The Bromley Business Club. http://www.bromleybusinessclub.com

As you will see the prices are FANTASTIC VALUE. Please understand that they do vary a little due to hosting and venue arrangements.

There will be self-funded networking opportunities after each event (particularly if we end up in the pub – mine will be a cold beer and Chris, er, Babycham?! lol)

Please book NOW to avoid disappointment and bring plenty of business cards!!

Looking forward to seeing you!

John & Chris
Social Media Fusion (JV)

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/networkerplus -
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/chrisjcarter -

http://www.twitter.com/networkerplus -
http://www.twitter.com/wizebiz -

Join us at: http://www.Social-Media-Coaching.co.uk

Please help us spread the word about the events, so others may benefit through learning and networking, by hitting the various share↓ buttons ↓ Thank you! 【ツ】

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.

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?

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

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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】