an image of a QR code that resolves to SueCline.com

Quick Response Codes

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an image of a QR code that resolves to SueCline.com

Quick Response Code

Quick Response codes (also called QR or 2D codes) are available in a variety of flavors but their mechanism and use cases are quite similar.

If you see one and have a web enabled mobile device, a photograph of the QR code with your camera will unlock the information encoded within.

That might include some of the following content types:

  • YouTube videos;
  • Mobile landing pages;
  • vCards;
  • Contact information; and
  • Coupons or special offers.

Increasingly, print creators are weaving QR codes into magazines, newspapers and direct mail pieces to build additional levels of engagement into their marketing materials.

Heidi Tolliver-Nigro at Digital Nirvana just posted that their review of QR case studies showed a 65-70% engagement with QR codes, even when a computer is physically present. That dovetailed nicely with Steve Rubel’s post yesterday on the rise of mobile computing devices, or, in his words, the end of the world as we know it.

One key takeaway from an excellent, must read piece:

Mobile devices, by their nature, force users to become more mission-oriented. As more internet consumption shifts to gadgets, it’s increasingly becoming an app world and we just live in it. Innovation, fun, simplicity and single-purpose utility will rule while grandiose design and complexity will fall by the wayside.

Increasing simplicity and fun in marketing sounds like a great outcome to me. How is it working in the real world? Mashable recently profiled how the Boston Globe is using SCVNGR to fuel themed promotions throughout the city of Boston.

With lots of great prizes to be had, is it selling more print editions of its paper? The jury is still out on that as the contest runs through September 3, but I suspect the outcome will be carefully watched by nervous publishers.

What is important to note, however, is that technology has advanced enough that these contests require significantly less human labor to create and monitor, and that testing new mechanisms of engagement only enhances the Boston Globe brand.

What could your business or organization gain from these new tools and technology? If you’ve got an innovative use, please share it!

The Wheel Turns

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Sunday’s thoughts of born vs made reminds me that we are, all of us, a product not just of our DNA but also those who have shared our lives. I am who I am because many talented people invested in me, both personally and professionally.

I thought of this again today when Tammy reminded me I’d forgotten her 20 year service anniversary with Kinko’s.

Tammy & Paul

Twenty years ago, Tammy walked into the Kinko’s I was managing in Harvard Square and immediately became a key team member. She capably wrangled production on machines we’d laugh at today, all the while helping customers accomplish their dreams. New city, new store, new teams have happened in the interim, but she’s still working to delight customers daily. Congratulations!

Tool Time

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I run across a lot of interesting/unique/effective web tools in my line of work, and rather than languish in my bookmarks collection, I’ll probably share these weekly. Unless otherwise noted, I have no financial interest in these companies. Without further ado, here are this week’s list of neat tools I think are worth investigating:

Letter.ly: a drop dead simple paid electronic newsletter service. If you’re still questioning the value of free content, perhaps you should experiment with a paid newsletter? Letter.ly is a self contained system, just add content.
Loopfuse: Customers are the lifeblood of any endeavor. Loopfuse offers simple marketing automation and lead scoring that puts hot leads into the right hands quickly and easily.
Payvment: Want to test social shopping? Payvment offers a simple shopping cart that seamlessly integrates into your Facebook fan page. Now in free beta, this is a great way to test niche storefronts.
Postling: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Yelp – it’s no wonder small businesses get overwhelmed when getting started with social media. Postling allows you to manage all your social activity from one spot, saving you time and missed connections.

Do you have a useful tool for small or start up businesses that I missed? Tell me about it and I’ll cover it in a future round up.

Born or Made?

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There are two schools of thought regarding entrepreneurs – either that you’re born with the traits and qualities to be a successful entrepreneur, or that entrepreneurial skills can be learned. Given the crucial role start up businesses play in our economy, it’s clear nurturing has to be considered a viable method of increased start up businesses, especially for non-traditional entrepreneurs (women, minorities, people with disabilities).

A recent Standford panel discussion on this topic:

Thanks to Steve Blank for the heads up on the video, and to Tim Kane for the latest post about this Kauffman study.

Hot Night, Cool Customers

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More pictures from Red White & Brew:

Red White & Brew

From left to right, top to bottom: handcrafted jewelry from Midnight Thunder, Andie & Amanda from Halligans, reggae tunes from Unity Sound, handmade cards and crafts from Dinky Crafts, Turkey burgers from Flynn’s Foods, candles & scents from Chocolate Nectar, grilled gyros and chicken kabobs, market entrance, Sam & Kyndra from Sam’s Sausages and Bill & Lucy Hill from Cherry Hill Ice Cream. To see a larger image, click here – to see the full set of images, click here. Many thanks to all the vendors who allowed me to photograph their wares!

At the Market

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Richmond recently re-started their Friday night Red White & Brew farmers’ market. Featuring live music, fresh food and a rotating assortment of Virginia wines and beer, the market is quite the hotbed of entrepreneurial activity.

Farmers’ markets offer ideal venues to test new products and receive immediate feedback. Night markets also open a whole new range of opportunities to reach a different segment of consumers who may bypass the early morning markets traditionally available.

If you’re considering a market friendly product or service, you’ll find a wide assortment of venues and opportunities at Local Harvest or at the USDA website. Remember, food production may require area specific certification, so begin narrowing your options several months before hoping to commence food sales.

Upgrade Joy

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Today for fun we upgraded the site from 2.1 (Ella Fitzgerald) all the way up to 3.0 so that I could begin blogging here again. Oddly enough, the upgrade itself went smoothly, but somehow the feed got corrupted; while I thought I’d have a more interesting first post, this will allow me to test it out.

How is your day going?