You may have noticed strange looking squares on signs, magazines, billboards, webpages, and more commonly, store shelves. These squares are QR codes. QR (Quick Response) codes are kind of like a barcode, similar to what you see on every day products. Many QR codes have URLs and other hidden information that can be very helpful to research a product while you’re mobile.

Susie Blackmon's QR tag

QR codes have become so popular because nearly everyone has a camera phone, or “smart phone.”  If you have a smartphone, more than likely, you already have a QR code reader.  All you have to do is take a picture with a QR code-compatible application, and you will be taken to a site with more information about whatever it is your looking for.

A couple examples of their use might be to get the layout of your favorite theme park (Cedar Point @cedarpoint doesn’t have one on their website – tsk! tsk!)  Or, maybe you strike up a conversation with a really cool gal and she has a QR Sticker on her laptop or car.  Instead of digging for business cards, you can snap a pic of each others QR code to import contact info.  Easy peasy, lemon squeezie.

QR codes may look like complicated gibberish, but they’re easy to create. I created mine by going to the ZXing Project web site, selecting CONTACT from the drop down, entered my deets, and clicked on Generate.

To read more about QR tags check out these pages:

13 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes for Marketing – Fast Company
7 things you should know about QR Codes – Educause

Get QR software for your Blackberry, iPhone, or Droid.

**UPDATE** May 17, 2011

Mobile bar code scanning has increased by 4,549 percent in the first quarter of 2011 on a year-over-year basis, according to a Mobio Identity Systems study.  Women also show a higher interest in using QR codes, accounting for 68 percent of users.

For marketers, this means QR codes can provide a way to have an ongoing conversation with consumers.

“QR isn’t a one-off medium anymore,” Mr. Binns said. “Marketers can change their QR codes in ads each day, week or month, and have an ongoing dialogue with their consumer.”

Have you gotten YOUR QR code yet? 

More info about QR codes:

How to make your QR codes more beautiful @Mashable

Dubai to Give Every Building a QR Code

Starbucks & Lady Gaga Team Up On Scavenger Hunt

Now It’s YOUR Turn! What are your thoughts? Post below, I’d love to know what you think!

#1 BEST NETWORKING TIP

While big events like this are a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with others, I often feel shy at the beginning, or closed or worried about what people think of me (and I know I’m not the only one!).

When that happens, I have a technique that works EVERY time to get me into “rock star” networker mode!

I call it “becoming a reporter.”

I LOVE this technique, because I learn SO MUCH and always meet fascinating people doing interesting things.

And I don’t have to go ANYWHERE NEAR the kind of activities that often pass for “networking” but are really just disguised and desperate-feeling attempts to drum up business.

Now, I have a background as a newspaper reporter, but that’s definitely not a requirement for this technique.

All that IS required is that you shift from “shy or worried” to CURIOUS!

Just flip a switch in your brain and turn on your curiosity. Really. Just flip a switch and “become a reporter.” It gets you immediately out of your “stuff” and into a place of genuine connection with others.

Ask questions. Not an artillery barrage or an interrogation, but a simple “I’m interested in you” inquiry.

Where does she live? How long has she lived there and/or why did she move there? What does he do professionally? How’d he
get into that? What’s an interesting project on the horizon that she’s excited about? How did that come about? When is it going public? Does he have children, and if so, what are their ages?

The subjects are endless. Mix personal with business questions. And watch people’s faces light up as they talk about what is
near and dear to them.

You’ll make a wonderful new connection, both human and business, and you’ll be remembered for the great conversation.

BE THE CHOOSER

Don’t wait for people to come to you. Take the first step, even if doing so is out of your comfort zone.

For example, identify in advance a person or people you’d like to meet or get to know better. Make plans BEFORE lunch starts to
eat together. Take the initiative.

Or, do like I did this past weekend: I didn’t make plans in advance. As we broke for lunch or dinner, I simply asked my
inner guidance to lead me to who I should share my meal with.

It didn’t ONCE fail me! I deepened relationships with some I already knew and met for the first time some GREAT new
connections. Synchronicities abounded!

HAND OUT SOMETHING MEMORABLE

When asked for a business card, I handed people a 5×8 postcard that contained on the front a free offer for my “75 Best Newsletter Success Strategies” report and a great testimonial.

Yes, a couple of the URLs on the back were outdated, but the postcard did its job: it stood out.

That’s why I always advocate – in ANY networking situation — an oversized postcard or printed newsletter or Ready2Go Article Brochure.

The brochure is particularly effective because it’s surprising!

People are used to a traditional tri-fold brochure, with bullet lists of your specialty areas and the schools you attended, etc.
(Boring stuff to the recipient/reader of this stale format.)

But the tri-fold Ready2Go Article Brochure has an inviting graphic image on the front and a FULL ARTICLE on the inside…
an engaging, educational article geared to the reader!

Yes, we include your photo and other branding, but the main thrust of these brochures is the article. That’s why our clients like them so much.

In fact, they’ve told us that the people who receive these unique Ready2Go Article Brochures ASK FOR MORE to give to co-workers!

Don’t forget that our 2-for-the-price-of-1 Ready2Go Article Brochure sale ends TODAY. Use the code AB241 when you check out.

www.ready2goarticlebrochures.com <http://www.ready2goarticlebrochures.com>

IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING…AND DOING!

Follow-up. It’s the critical piece of networking, yes?

Yes. But unfortunately, it’s also the part that most often goes undone.

I’m as guilty as the next person of not always following up on all the contacts I make at events. But I have a new vow:

Within 3 days of an event, I follow up in one form or another with everyone whose card I took or contact info I otherwise
gathered.

I’ll either email them directly or put them on my email list (if I got their permission) so that I can begin sending my
newsletter.

At the very least, I’ll invite them to connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn, in the hopes that they will eventually make it over onto my email list so that I can keep in touch
more regularly and with more value.

Especially today, we have so many ways to stay connected with people that it’s a shame not to!

P.S. I was kicking myself for not bringing a Ready2Go Article Brochure of my own to this weekend’s event, as they truly are unique and stand out from the plethora of business cards. Oh well, next time…but it’s not too late for YOUR next event, whether a speaking gig, conference or networking meeting.

###

Linda Claire Puig

Linda Claire Puig is a newsletter marketing expert and founder of Ready2GoArticles.com, Ready2GoArticleBrochures.com and Ready2GoEzines.com, which provide coaches and personal development professionals who don’t have time to write – or don’t like to – with high-quality done-for-you article, brochures and newsletters that help them more easily connect with their audience and grow their businesses. She also teaches unique, action-oriented programs on how to create newsletters and use them to make more money. An award-winning writer since 1983, Linda’s articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and newsletters throughout the world. She has produced newsletters for small businesses and professionals since 1990 and has trained thousands of individuals in “the way of the newsletter.” For a free copy of her special report, “75 Best Newsletter Success Strategies,” click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mari_Smith

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Hiller

Shhhhh… care to share your #Hashtag secrets? What tools or techniques do you use? What are your thoughts? Post below, I’d love to know what you think!

Tweet Birthdays:
Say happy b-day to your clients via twitter and encourage RT’ing. ie. @americancancer If you’ve ever had a birthday “online” you’ll understand the relevance of this simple tweet. For example, on Facebook I received over 300+ Birthday greetings last year from my online family. Birthdays and social networks are the BEST!

News, Goodwill & Advocacy:

Warn and interact with people about situations that may require their help. Wherever disaster strikes, @RedCross is there to lend a hand, and they’re Twittering about it to let you know what you can do as well. Advocate on behalf of your patients for families in need. Ie. “Grief stricken family in Anytown, USA needs our help – visit our website for list of needs”

Promote your employees outside-of-work stories. ( @TheHomeDepot does it well.)

Share Pictures: Use twitpic.com to share pearly whites!

Promos & Contests:

• Trivia –
  • “What Dental School did Dr Rotem attend?”
  • “How many times a day should you brush?”
  • “What foods are bad for your teeth?”
  • “Blogpost: How to Care For Knocked-Out Teeth”
  • “CONTEST: time to replace your toothbrush! RT to win a SonicCare System”
  • Using twitpic, tweet “whose smile is this? 1^st correct answer wins “x””
  • Hot giveaway + Twitter + hashtag = trending topic. It’s almost a no-brainer.

BONUS! Answer Questions:

1. A SIMPLE domain name – I can’t tell you how many times people have spent weeks trying to determine just the right domain name, only to come up with something that has no keywords or is a tongue-twister.  Keep is simple folks.  If your brilliant domain name is taken, go back to the white board – add a simple word like “The” (thewebcoach) or “Your”, (yourwebcoach) “e” (ewebcoach)… get it?  Go through the alphabet if you have to.
2. Branding – today you can easily get a custom logo and/or brand identity with “contest” services like 99 Designs. Simply post what your desires are, and several graphic designers will post their concepts.  You give feedback, pick, choose and eliminate the unfavorable ones and are left with a design.  It’s very important to have a unified brand across all of your media outlets.
3. Copy – I can’t stress this enough.  Seriously, folks. 9 times out of 10 your website is to be written to woo your VISITOR to take action and contact you or purchase something.  If you can’t write compelling sales copy – you’d better hire someone.  This is money well spent.
4. Articles – the simplest way you demonstrate your expertise.  Articles are the introductory conversation you’ll have with your visitor at their convenience.  They will learn how you will solve their problem, get a feel for you, and determine if you’re likeable enough to do business with.
5. Social media – Welcome to the relationship marketing age!  At the very least, you MUST be on Facebook and Twitter.  A website simply isn’t enough anymore.  Personal connections are vital to survive in our economy, so get plugged in!
6. Follow up strategy – Autoresponders are the best for follow-up.  Autoresponders are an automated series of emails sent on your behalf to keep in touch with your prospects.
7. FREEBIE! or as I say “your single point of entry” into your business.  Everyone should give away a bit of valuable information to their prospect whether it’s from your website or brick n’mortar store.  This give-away does come at a price to the prospect, but it’s not money,  it’s their name and address (or email).  This is the holy grail of all marketing because once you have this information, you can continue to market to that prospect forever.

Now it’s YOUR turn:

• What steps do you need to take to implement the above strategies?
• What support will you need? Do it yourself? Hire an expert?
• When are you gonna do it? TODAY!

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Goddess of The Web Coach.net a web development, coaching and marketing firm, and is known as the gal to call when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Learn Money & Time Saving Techniques that everyone should know when working with a web designer or building a website yourself. Download your FREE “Quick-Start Web Workbook” and accompanying MP3 at http://thewebcoach.net “Know PAYNE – Know GAIN!”
Follow me on Twitter.com/TheWebCoach and lets connect on Facebook!

1. Where’s the hole?
2. What’s missing here?
3. What topic has been ignored?
4. How can I disrupt industry standards?
5. How could I deliver unmatched value?
6. What could I rearrange to make my mark?
7. What’s the one area nobody has tackled yet?
8. What NEW category can my expertise create?
9. What do I know better than ANY of these chumps?
10. What’s the one thing nobody seems to EVER talk about?
11.How could I position myself to have ZERO competition? If you didn’t care about beating the competition, what would you do differently?
l1. How can I change the rules so I can win at my own game?
12. What unclaimed piece of the pie is (clearly) waiting for me?
13. Where are the uncontested waters, and how can I swim there?
14. What niche market could I go after that’s presently being unserved?
15. What inherent uniqueness do I offer that’s the complete opposite of everybody else?
16. If you didn’t care about beating the competition, what would you do differently?
17. What counterintuitive approach could I take that flies in the face of these existing companies?

© 2008 All Rights Reserved.

Over the past few months I’ve made several recommendations to clients to read the book “POP! How to Stand Out In Any Crowd” by Sam Horn. Let me share an extraordinary break through a subscriber had the other day.

Mary Q. Contrary said:

“I got a copy of POP! (thank you for that recommendation – I’d not heard of Sam Horn) as I’m struggling with the name of my business – really with branding my business. Right now, “Group Performance” is either a brilliant name or a meaningless one – hard for me to say!”

Mary continued…

” I do much more than take my corporate client’s meetings from coma-inducing snore-fests to energized action-producing events – I teach them and their groups how to stay in the high-performance groove.”

Mary is such a fun loving kinda gal.

I picked up on the last three words “high performance groove” and checked for domain availability. HighPerformanceGroove.com is available. So is PeakPerformanceGroove.com (I already secured them in case Mary chooses to be groovy)

Why did I check these? B-e-e-e-e-cause … Group Performance is boring. Sounds like you’re sitting in an office building at the mercy of a bunch of stuffy HR folks with blue hair, suit and panty-hose, over analyzing performance evaluations for some jacked-up corporation. Ick! yeck! Phlewy! Sorry if that sounds offensive – but that’s just my FIRST impression. Of which, counts for a lot. (first impressions, that is)

HOWEVER!

High Performance Groove or Peak Performance Groove sounds way more intriguing, PLUS you can do a heck’uva lot more in your branding arsenal with the word “groove.”

• How We Groove
• Who We Groove With
• Why Your Employees Should Groove
• Groovy events, services, coaching programs
• Become a Certifed Groove Leader
• Movin’ & Groovin’ Newsletter
• Get Groovin’, and Stop Shmoozin’
• The Groove Philosophy
• 7 Habits of Really Groovy Leaders
• Why Great Leaders Groove
• Get it, Got it, Groove!

Participants would also be more interested in working with an individual from “that groovy company”… and just think of the office toys you could brand groovy as give aways. Shucks, you could even wear a tie-die suit if ya wanted to! Tres’ Groo-vay!

Just a few more thoughts… Microsoft has a new office product for 2007 called Groove for collaborating work groups, hmm …

Plus what do you think of when somebody even says the word groove? I instantly want to chair dance. Grooving is good… people like it, it makes them FEEL good. Wasn’t there a movie titled, “How Stella Got Her Groove?”

Anyway… Mary liked the direction this was taking, although somehow combining the words groove and performance made her think of a personal lubricant. (That never even crossed my mind, but as they say… sox sells!)

So, consider this while I dance and get groovy around my office… (my web cam is turned OFF! ha!)

“Are you one-of-a-kind, or one-of-many?
When you’re one of a kind, there is no competition.”
- Sam Horn, POP! Stand Out in Any Crowd