More than 30 Ways to Use QR Codes
        My newest presentation, 30 Ways to Use QR Codes shows you how to create codes, where to find readers, where to find generators and over thirty powerful applications so that you can becme the expert for your clients.  (Ask your Regional Association or Principal to schedule it). 
          QR Codes and their Microsoft-owned cousins, MS Tags, can be added to nearly promotional product with a large enough imprint area.  They bring new relevance to lots of old media and they provide an exciting way to create unique consumer experiences.  There are a few guidelines that should be followed however to ensure successful usage.
1)  There should be a call to action!  You need to give the consumer a reason to interact and engage.
2)  You need to be adding value — free downloads, an entertaining video, a coupon, a free admission, a free gift (a promotional product, of course), how-to demos.
3)  Make sure the content that the code is driving to has been optimized for mobile usage. 
4)  TEST.  Test with different phones (Android, iPhone, etc). Test with different Readers.  Make sure the experience is right!
5)  Train.  Your own people need to become familiar with this new technology so they can service what you sell.  Your clients' people need to be trained to respond to questions from their customers, and they need to be aware of the promotion.
6) Use a URL shortener to simplify your code and to make it easier and faster to read!  (I personally like bit.ly)
7) Make sure it's large enough to scan and has enough white space around it.
8) Tell the audience how to use them and what to expect.  This is new technology to many people and you can help educate and train.

More On QR Codes
       By Christmas 2011, one in two Americans will have smart phones.  This means that QR Codes and Microsoft Tags will continue to take off.  Over the past month there has been a 1600% increase in the number of scans per day according to Scanbuy.  Last month, we introduced this subject and suggested more than a dozen uses that will help promotional products distributors create unique coded promotions for clients.  (Email me if you missed it and I'll resend you a copy).  
     Because up to thirty percent of the code's data can be missing or obstructed and still be scanned, you can add graphics, can add logos, can get creative with the codes.  They do not need to be the black and white blob like I'm demonstrating here.  You can add color, soften edges, draw outside the box and create unique pieces of QR Code art.  Here are some additional creative uses.
     The New York Times Magazine took a photo of a QR code made entirely of balloons.  The code drove users to their mobile webpage promoting their 10th Annual Year in Ideas issue.  At the Smithonian Natural History Neanderthal exhibit, a Code opens a mobile page that allows you to take a picture of a family member and it shows what the person would look like as a Neanderthal 50,000 years ago.  
   Here are three helpful tips:
1)  Learn about codes so that you can explain them to your customers and so that you can explain them to the end users.  This is still a new technology, so explain how they can get the software and what they will get by scanning the codes.  
2)  Make sure that the code promotion actually creates value for their trouble.  It should enhance the experience, generate a discount or coupon, give them something extra that they can't get anywhere else.  Or link them to my LinkedIn page (just kidding).
3.  Simply the URL before creating the code.  Long URL addresses create difficult to read codes.  Use a URL shortener such as bit.ly which both shortens a long URL and automatically generates the code, www.tinyurl.com is another one.

QR Codes:  Great new opportunity for you!_
    Have you seen these cool little blobs starting to show up just about
   anywhere?  The one on the left is a Quick Response Code or QR code and they
   are bringing new relevance to lots of old media.  The other is Microsoft's
   version called a Tag.  Both are open-source (which means they are free) and
   you can create them for a variety of uses.  QR codes connect the real world
   with the digital world and are something that you can use for your clients
   by printing them on promotional products.
        These crazy little codes turn smart phones into scanners and can direct
   the phone to a website, to a YouTube video, to send a text message, to make
   a phone call, to play a game, to complete a story and to make a special
   promotional offer.  I'll brainstorm more ways in this article and hope
   you'll share some ideas as well.  First, here's where you can learn more
   about Microsoft tags, where you can make your own custom tags like the one
   above on the right that I created and will deliver you to my Twitter
   account; http://tag.microsoft.com/consumer/index.aspx.  You can also get the
   app for your smartphone at that address or by searching for code readers in
   the App Store.  For QR codes, here's just one source for a
   generator; http://qrcode.kaywa.com/.  If you like to shorten up URL
   addresses using www.bit.ly, you'll find that it will automatically generate
   a QR code for you along with the shortened web address.
        How many ways can you come up with to use QR codes or tags?
   1.  Record a case history for a promotional product and talk about how your
   client can use the product.  Give information on lead times, imprint options
   and specials and post it as a video on YouTube.  Create a Code for the web
   address, print it out and put it on the product samples that you give to
   your clients and prospects.
   2.  Want to sell martini glasses or coffee mugs?  How about putting a code
   on the product that shows how to mix the perfect martini or brew the perfect
   cup of Joe?  Or lead them back to a page on your website, or to your
   favorite supplier's website.
   3.  Surprise your client with a code that delivers a special message, a
   surprise bonus or a special offer on their next order.
   4.  Selling your home?  Selling a car?  With a QR code you can deliver video
   highlights to enhance your sales efforts.
   5.  Have your client put codes on promotional products that deliver special
   offers, sales and extras.
   6.  Your radio station client could deliver genre specific music, on air
   personality greetings, special messages.
   7.  Put them on promotional products given away at events, concerts and
   festivals with links to videos or free MP3 downloads.
   8.  Have a Code that brings up a Call Me or Email Me prompt right inside the
   devise that can turn that into action!
   10. Put codes on your catalog pages so you can point out great ideas for
   applying the product, using the product or specials on the products.
   11. Codes can be printed and even embroidered onto apparel.  Think of the
   possibilities!
   12. Instant Comment Card or Instant Survey!
   13. Your code becomes an instruction manual.
   14. Put it on your business card and have it link to your phone, text
   message, your website or your LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook page.
   15. Create a V-Calendar event to confirm an appointment, webinar,
   teleconference or meet up.