Atlanta, GA USA – February 15, 2011 – Your “gut” says your company should be using Quick Response (QR) scan codes now, but your boss says let’s wait. What’s a visionary like you to do?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: 2011 is The Year of the QR Code Or, What’s the ROI on QR Codes?
Video Written and Produced by GREAT! CEO & IDEAologist Dan Smigrod

Besides updating your LinkedIn profile to help you find a company that can take advantage of your smarts, see if the answers to these objections can help you move your company forward.

1. What’s the Return On Investment (ROI)? – Just like our website, how we use the QR codes will evolve. QR codes enable us to activate our brand and engage our customers in all our marketing communication tools, at point-of-sale and with our products and services. If we don’t want to jump into the deep end of the pool, let’s put our toe in the shallow end to get started. It’s not going to cost much to learn and the potential upside in generating revenue and social engagement is huge.
2. Does everyone have a smartphone to read QR codes? – More than 50% of the U.S. will have a smartphone by the 3Q11 or 4Q11, according to Nielsen (as reported by MediaPost on 2/5/11). And, 45% of mobile users upgraded to a smartphone in 4Q10. Now that Verizon offers iPhones, it’s likely the smartphone adoption rate will continue to grow rapidly.  Our customers probably index higher for smartphone usage too. Smartphone sales now exceed computer sales.
3. Has everyone heard about QR codes? – While not everyone has heard of QR codes, that’s changing now that more than 50 major U.S. media and more than 100 major U.S. brands are using scan codes.
4. You have to download a scanning app? – Best practices when using scan codes are to let people know which scanning app to download. It just takes a few words like: Text SCAN to 43588 to get a free scanner app.
5. QR. EZcode. Isn’t this 2D thing just too confusing for our customers?– Best practices when using any scan codes are to let people know which scanning app to download: that would be true if there was just one kind of scan code. It just takes a few words like: Text SCAN to 43588 to get a free scanner app.
6. Let’s wait. Isn’t it too soon to get started with QR codes? – Don’t we need help now increasing: a) sales; b) brand engagement; c) activating our customers; d) generating trade and consumer media coverage; and e) leading our company into new ways that our customers want to engage with us? Even social engagement!
7. Why can’t we wait until everyone is doing it? – Yes. All our competitors will be using scan codes. By getting started now, we can learn how best to use scan codes to increase: a) sales; b) help our customers easily engage with our brand (social engagement); c) activate our customers; d) help generate trade and consumer media coverage; and e) lead our company into new ways that our customers want to engage with us.
8. It’s just not a priority – All departments in our business will want to be using scan codes. Let’s lead the way.
9. Let’s keep studying the space – Consumer and trade media loves writing about QR codes. If we get started now, we can generate buzz: media, social media and word of mouth about how we are using the QR codes.
10. I haven’t heard of QR codes (and neither have our customers) – Actually, the interest in QR codes is skyrocketing. Look at the  Google Insight for Search results for QR Codes.
11. Let’s use a free code generator rather than pay for scan codes – While free QR generators are fine for personal use, our company should pay for QR codes so that: a) we can change the URL after the code has been printed; b) get scan code data that can help us understand the effectiveness of our print marketing tools; c) make it easier for the consumer to scan our (less dense) QR codes.
12. There are other new media/social media/mobile opportunities I want to do first. – Since using scan codes is relatively new, there’s still an opportunity to generate buzz (traditional consumer, business and trade media coverage, social media and word-of-mouth) by getting started now. It’s easy to get started; plus, like the web, the scan codes will not only be used in our marketing communication tools, they will also be used in our product and help with customer service.
13. There’s no risk in waiting – By waiting, we’re missing out on increasing sales sooner; learning how best to leverage scan codes for our business; plus, our competitors are using – or will be using – scan codes.
14. The whole thing is just too confusing – While scan codes can be confusing – just like getting started with a home page, Facebook or Twitter for our business – we learned by doing. We need to learn now so that we can engage our customers and activate our brand.
15. Not our responsibility. Go ask (marketing) (IT) (PR) (Web) (Mobile) – Since I am excited about the potential for using scan codes – by all our departments – let us show the way to innovate and leverage smartphones. Once we get started, we can figure-out later which department should “own” scan codes. Just like all departments use the web, all departments will use scan codes. We all need to help innovate. Once we’re up and running for our needs, we can socialize the use of scan codes by other departments to help achieve their objectives too.
16. It’s too hard to get an okay from (marketing) (IT) (PR) (Web) and (Mobile) – Yes. I can understand the challenge of getting everyone to “buy in” to the use of scan codes. That was true about our company’s first home page. Back then, our online presence could have easily have started in any of our departments. Once we launched, we figured out how to get all departments to participate in the success of our website. Let’s get started with our department’s scan code needs. Once we’re up and running, we can socialize the use of scan codes – and their potential uses by other departments.
17. QR codes are a fad – Smartphones are with us – and our customers – 24/7. That’s not a fad. That’s a trend that gets stronger everyday. We need to leverage QR codes on smartphones.
18. I scanned a code and had a bad experience – Lots of companies are making the same scan code mistakes over and over leading to bad customer experiences scanning codes. Like a rocket launch, we need to have a QR check list of pre-launch pointers. Here’s a list of more than 100 pointers to help us with a scan code successful launch.
19. It’s not a threat or an opportunity for our business – Yes. Scan codes are both a threat and opportunity for our business. Look at: a) Blockbuster versus Netflix; Newspapers and magazines versus the web (and mobile); typewriters versus computers.
20. People don’t watch video on mobile phones – “38% of iPhone users and 37% of Android users are watching videos now,” according to Nielsen.
21. Bonus: It’s too easy to make costly and embarrassing mistakes – Yes. Lots of major brands are making costly and embarrassing mistakes. Let’s engage GREAT! to provide us (and our agency) with the scan codes; help us with strategy for use of the codes; manage our scan codes, give us a fast-to-market experience; and help us avoid costly and embarrassing scan code mistakes common even by large A-list brands and major U.S. media companies using scan codes. GREAT! provides scan code services for  a flat monthly fee that includes the scan codes. [For a quote, please email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.]
22. Bonus Video: Let’s go to the video tape. (Do they still make video tape or video tape players?)

Subscribe to the Free Daily Online Scan Code Newspaper From GREAT!

• The uSCANme QR Code Daily

That’s GREAT! Quick Response (QR) Scan Code Resources

1.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Ideas for Using QR Codes
2.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 ‘Pointers’ for Using QR Codes
3.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Major U.S. Brands Using QR Codes
4.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  50 Major Media Companies Using QR Codes
5.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes
6.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Best QR Codes Uses in the U.S
7.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) ‘10 Reasons Free QR Codes Will Bite Me In The Tush’
8.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) What’s the Return on Investment (ROI) on QR Codes?
9.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) – 2011 is the Year of the Quick Response Code
10.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Multiple Choice:  (2010) (2011) (2012) is the Year of the QR Code
11.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 300 Must Read QR Code Articles
12.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 150 Must Read QR Code Articles
13.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  How Newspapers Can Use QR Codes to Delay the Demise of Print
14.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  QR Code Book : ‘I Live in the Future & Here’s How It Works
15.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Reasons EZcodes Are Better Than QR Codes
16.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: The 10 Commandments for Marketers
17.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: How to Use QR Codes to Promote Your Business
18.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: An Introduction to QR Codes
19.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Product Camp Atlanta: 25 QR Code Ideas in 10 Minutes
20.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Follow Dan Smigrod’s QR Twitter Account: uSCANme
21.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Free Daily Online QR Code Newspaper (The uSCANme Daily)
22.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  All ‘That’s GREAT!’ QR Code Lists, Videos, Articles and Resources

Bonus: GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businessesand agency/resellers so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform (For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate usage reports for these codes). When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO Dan Smigrod.

Short URL For This Story

• http://j.mp/QR-QandA

Disclosures

• GREAT! is a Referring Agent for the ScanLife platform. Use the GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businesses and agency/resellers) so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform). For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate free usage reports for these codes. When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.

• GREAT! is a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) of scan codes. GREAT! provides clients and their agencies with: a) scan code implementation (the actual scan codes); b) strategy (best use of the scan codes); c) scan code management (including reports); d) fast-to-market; and, e) without costly and embarrassing mistakes common even by large; A-list brands. Turn-key scan code services are provided for a flat monthly fee. For a quote, please email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.

*Though Quick Response (QR) brand scan codes are a registered trademark of Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave, Quick Response Code (QR) are commonly – and incorrectly – used generically to refer to all Two Dimensional (2D) mobile barcodes: including ScanLife EZcode brand scan codes; Microsoft Tag codes; datamatrix codes; and still other scan codes that are scanned or photographed on a smartphone such as an iPhone 4. Saying Quick Response code or QR code is like saying that you TIVOed the TV show when you actually used the Comcast brand digital video recorder to record the TV show.

February 24, 2011 – Atlanta, GA USA – The following QR Code 101 Two Dimensional (2D) Quick Response (QR) scan code article was first published by Mashable. This excerpt is reprinted by permission of the author.

Author: Jamie Turner is the chief content officer of the 60 Second Marketer, the online magazine for BKV Digital and Direct Response. He is also the co-author of How to Make Money with Social Media.

It seems as though every time you scan the web, there are posts and articles about companies that are using 2D codes such as QR codes, EZcodes and Microsoft Tags to promote their products or services.

Quick Response (QR) Scan Code: Text SCAN to 43588 to get a free scanner app. Scan this code to launch the 60 Second Marketer Social Media List of 45 Social Media terms

The problem is that many of these companies are using 2D codes as novelty items instead of using them to drive real, tangible revenue to their businesses.

I’ve spent the past few months analyzing several hundred different uses of 2D codes across the globe. Some of them have been quite brilliant (as is the case with the Smithsonian Institution’s Neanderthal exhibit, which we’ll talk about in a second). Others have been … well, not so brilliant.

Many members of the Fortune 500 have used 2-D codes to promote their products or services. For example, The New York Times Magazine took a photo of a QR code made entirely of balloons. Yes, you can create a QR Code using balloons and it actually works. Users who scanned the QR code were driven to a special mobile webpage promoting their 10th Annual Year in Ideas issue.

Starbucks is one of the first major corporations to use 2-D codes for commerce. The Starbucks Card Mobile Application allows baristas to scan a 2-D code off of your smart phone. The cost of your Venti, sugar-free, non-fat, vanilla soy, double shot, decaf, no foam, extra hot, peppermint white chocolate mocha with light whip and extra syrup is simply deducted from your card. When the money runs out, you just add more to your mobile card using the app.

Surprisingly, the best example I’ve seen for the use of a 2-D code was by the Smithsonian Institution. Yes, a quasi-governmental, traditional institution kicked the private sector’s rear end when it came to the best use of a new and emerging technology.

If you visit the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, you’ll see an exhibit about Neanderthals on the main floor. Neanderthals were contemporaries of humans who lived in Africa, the Middle East and Western Europe 30,000 to 50,000 years ago.

The Neanderthal exhibit is pretty typical, except that they’ve placed a 2-D code on it that says, “Scan here to be part of our MEanderthal exhibit.”

When visitors scan the 2-D code, they’re sent to a website that allows them to take a picture of a friend or family member with their smartphone. Once they’ve done that, users can superimpose an image over the photograph that shows what that person would have looked like as a Neanderthal 30,000 to 50,000 years ago.

The Smithsonian’s MEanderthal Experience Meets QR code

The Smithsonian’s MEanderthal experience doesn’t end with the superimposed photograph. You can also put different Neanderthal overlays on your photograph and even upload photos to your Facebook profile or e-mail them to a friend. The end result is that instead of spending, say, two or three minutes learning about Neanderthals, visitors with a 2-D code reader on their phone will spend five or ten minutes with the exhibit.

All this brings us to our main point: The 10 commandments of using 2-D codes for business. After all, if you’re going to dive into 2-D codes, you should have a handle on the best practices.

1. Thou Shalt Assist Thy Consumer in the Use of 2-D Codes

Even though the use of 2-D codes is increasing rapidly, most consumers are just starting to embrace them. It’s best to help consumers out a little with a line of copy that explains what 2-D codes are and where the consumer can download a code reader.

Here’s the one I use all the time: “Scan the 2-D code for a special coupon. To download a code reader to your phone, open your mobile browser and visit scan.mobi.”

Other good 2-D code readers can be found at BeeTagg.com, i-nigma.com and ScanLife.com.

2. Thou Shalt Drive Consumers Through to a Webpage Designed Specifically for a Smartphone

This one seems painfully obvious, but you’d be surprised how many companies drive people through to regular webpages. By linking your 2-D code to a mobile site, you’re enhancing the customer experience. A good customer experience equals return visits, which is what you’re looking for.

3. Thou Shalt Run Thy 2-D Code Promotion in an Area That Has Cell Phone Coverage

Another classic mistake is running a 2-D code promotion in an area that has bad cell phone coverage. If you’re going to run a 2-D code promotion in a subway station, a rural area or an office building, you’d better check the mobile reception first.

4. Thou Shalt Add Value for Thy Consumer

The best 2-D code promotions give people something extra for their trouble. Sometimes, that extra value is simply an enhanced experience. Other times, it’s a discount or special coupon that rewards them for taking the time to scan your 2-D code.

5. Thou Shalt Track the Traffic to Your 2-D Code Landing Page

Marketing is about metrics and measurement, so be sure you track your results. One way is to measure in-bound hits using Google Analytics or some other analytics program. Another way is to partner with ScanLife, Microsoft or some other 2-D code provider to track data using their systems. Experiment to see which approach works for you.

6-10. [Editor's Note: That Shalt Click Here to View 10 Commandments 6-10 for Marketers on Mashable]

_______________________

Author Jamie Turner

That’s GREAT! blog post by Guest Columnist Jamie Turner, Chief Content Officer for 60 Second Marketer, the online magazine for BKV Digital and Direct Response. Copyright 2010-2011 Jamie Turner. First published 9/1/10 by Mashable.

Reprinted by permission of the Author. Download a free chapter from Jamie’s book by clicking “How to Make Money with Social Media.”

Short URL For This ‘That’s GREAT!’ Post

http://j.mp/the10QRc

Subscribe to the Free Daily Online Scan Code Newspaper From GREAT!

• The uSCANme QR Code Daily

That’s GREAT! Quick Response (QR) Scan Code Resources

1.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Ideas for Using QR Codes
2.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 ‘Pointers’ for Using QR Codes
3.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Major U.S. Brands Using QR Codes
4.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  50 Major Media Companies Using QR Codes
5.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes
6.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Best QR Codes Uses in the U.S
7.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) ‘10 Reasons Free QR Codes Will Bite Me In The Tush’
8.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) What’s the Return on Investment (ROI) on QR Codes?
9.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) – 2011 is the Year of the Quick Response Code
10.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Multiple Choice:  (2010) (2011) (2012) is the Year of the QR Code
11.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 300 Must Read QR Code Articles
12.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 150 Must Read QR Code Articles
13.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  How Newspapers Can Use QR Codes to Delay the Demise of Print
14.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  QR Code Book : ‘I Live in the Future & Here’s How It Works
15.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Reasons EZcodes Are Better Than QR Codes
16.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: The 10 Commandments for Marketers
17.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: How to Use QR Codes to Promote Your Business
18.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: An Introduction to QR Codes
19.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Product Camp Atlanta: 25 QR Code Ideas in 10 Minutes
20.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Follow Dan Smigrod’s QR Twitter Account: uSCANme
21.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Free Daily Online QR Code Newspaper (The uSCANme Daily)
22.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  All ‘That’s GREAT!’ QR Code Lists, Videos, Articles and Resources

Bonus: GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businessesand agency/resellers so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform (For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate usage reports for these codes). When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO Dan Smigrod.

Disclosures

• GREAT! is a Referring Agent for the ScanLife platform. Use the GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businesses and agency/resellers) so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform). For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate free usage reports for these codes. When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.

• GREAT! is a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) of scan codes. GREAT! provides clients and their agencies with: a) scan code implementation (the actual scan codes); b) strategy (best use of the scan codes); c) scan code management (including reports); d) fast-to-market; and, e) without costly and embarrassing mistakes common even by large; A-list brands. Turn-key scan code services are provided for a flat monthly fee. For a quote, please email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.

*Though Quick Response (QR) brand scan codes are a registered trademark of Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave, Quick Response Code (QR) are commonly – and incorrectly – used generically to refer to all Two Dimensional (2D) mobile barcodes: including ScanLife EZcode brand scan codes; Microsoft Tag codes; datamatrix codes; and still other scan codes that are scanned or photographed on a smartphone such as an iPhone 4. Saying Quick Response code or QR code is like saying that you TIVOed the TV show when you actually used the Comcast brand digital video recorder to record the TV show.

January 27, 2011 – Atlanta, GA USA – Before you launch a marketing campaign using Quick Response (QR) scan codes to activate and engage your existing and potential customers, use this mission-critical pre-flight Two Dimensional* (2D) scan code check list of 101 GREAT! ‘Pointers’ for a Successful Scan Code Campaign Launch – so you can successfully launch and land safely.

Click here to view the embedded video.

(Video) QR Code 101: From Hero to Zero?

Quick Response (QR) Scan Code: Text SCAN to 43588 to get a free scanner app. Scan this code to launch a video shout-out for GREAT! Photographer Dan Smigrod

Give yourself one (1) point – a pointer – for each statement that you can answer, yes.

Then, total your score to see if you are ready to launch your scan code campaign.

If you have already launched, these ‘pointers’ may help you do an in-flight mid-course correction so that you can super-charge your launch to shoot for the sun, moon and the stars.

Is someone else in your company responsible for brand activation and engagement; mobile; new; innovative ways to connect with your customers or innovation?

Please share this Check List using this Short URL: http://j.mp/101QRpointers

101 GREAT! ‘Pointers’ for a Successful Scan Code Campaign Launch

1. ___  I know the exact amount of white space required around the scan code I plan to use (and why).
2. ___  I know which kind of scan code can be printed the smallest and still be scanned successfully.
3. ___  If we alter our scan codes, we will engage an experienced designer that specializes in scan code design alterations. Then, I will test our modified scan codes on: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm and Windows smartphones; and scanning apps such as: ScanLife; NeoReader; i-nigma; QR Scanner, ScanIt, AT&T Code Scanner, Optiscan (and more).
4. ___  I know why I should not reverse the code: white for black/black for white.
5. ___  For analytics, I know why I should use a paid scan code platform to generate the codes.
6. ___  If I use the scan code on TV, I know which kind of scan code works best and why.
7. ___  I know how I can change the URL that my scan code “points to” weekly (For example, to point to a teaser video that points to this week’s episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel Channel.)
8. ___  All uses of our scan code will include “Text SCAN to 43588 to get a free scanner app for your mobile phone.” (Or, other appropriate way to get a specific free scanner app.)
9. ___  I know which scanner app to suggest people get/use to scan the codes that we will be using.
10. ___  All uses of our scan code will briefly state what you get when you scan the code. (For example, Watch a Sneak Preview of …)
11. ___  I will include a tiny URL with the scan code, for those that do not have a smartphone or would like to retrieve the content on a computer or iPad.
12. ___  My scan code will “point to” a value-added experience that includes video; iTunes App Store (for App, Software, Song or Album); buy tickets; or other Buy Now feature (or menu of some or all of these examples).
13. ___  My scan code will activate and engage the brand experience by the scanner of the code.
14. ___  I generated scan codes for each of the uses I want to track usage; even though all the scan codes “point to” the same URL.
15. ___  When I have the room, instead of using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube static icons, I will use a scan code that points to a mobilized menu that includes options to select: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube (and other social media websites for our company.)
16. ___  I know that scan codes are (typically) a call-to-action to engage our customers and activate print and should help move our company’s objectives and strategies forward.
17. ___  If I decide to have the scan code point to a “menu” of options, the menu will be optimized for smartphones.
18. ___  If I am asked by management – “What is the Return On Investment (ROI)?” – I will say that the cost to test this tactic is so low, we should learn – now. And, that more than 100 major U.S. brands and more than 50 major media brands are already using scan codes; and that nearly one-third of America had a smartphone as of November 1, 2010, says Nielsen (and probably a higher percentage of our customers – and growing fast). Plus, I will say, getting started now has potential to generate trade and consumer media coverage because the media continues to writes about what is new, different, interesting and engaging.
19. ___  While the YouTube video URL we want to point to is not ready yet, to meet a production scan code production deadline, I have a solution that can (easily) deal with this challenge.
20. ___  I know why I should not be using a free scan code generator for our business.
21. ___  I know that if I engage a GREAT! scan code Rocket Scientist, we will be ready to receive our scan codes within five days: and receive help to avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes that A-List brands are making everyday in the use of scan codes.
22. ___  I can look at the use of a scan code by other companies, and immediately know which best practices were not followed in the use of the scan code that will reduce its effectiveness in helping the company achieve their goals. I will not make the same mistakes.
23. ___  If I must use a free scan code generator (subtract 51 points), I understand why I would not want to use a long URL (Add 1 point for short URL).
24. ___  I know how to get scanning data reports to help evaluate the effectiveness of our print advertising.
25. ___  I know why I do – or do not – want to include a frame or other graphic with our use of our scan codes.
26. ___  I know why I do – or do not – want to brand our scan code (either in words, such as Fox Code; or graphics (such as including a logo within – or around – the scan code).
27. ___  I understand the trade offs of including a logo within a scan code.
28. ___  I understand the trade offs of using color instead of black in a scan code.
29. ___  I understand the missed opportunities caused by displaying a scan code at an angle (such as Time magazine).
30. ___  I will not encourage simultaneously driving and scanning by placing scan codes on outdoor advertising targeted to motorists.
31. ___  I know the trade offs of “being creative” in the graphic presentation of our scan codes.
32. ___  While I am responsible for advertising within our company, I will socialize scan codes within other departments for their use too (How To Assemble; or a How To Use video activated with a scan code on our product or product packaging, for example).
33. ___  We will use scan codes in trade advertising?
34. ___ We will use scan codes in our Business-to-Business or Business-to-Consumer advertising.
35. ___  We will use scan codes on our packaging.
36. ___  We will use scan codes on our products.
37. ___  We will use scan codes in our training materials.
38. ___  If our printed piece will have a laminated coating, I will test our scan code before the production run to make sure that the “clear” lamination doesn’t affect scanning.
39. ___  We will use scan codes in our media releases that get distributed via PR Newswire or Business Wire or other electronic distribution service.
40. ___  We will use scan codes on our tsotskis.
41. ___  We will use scan codes on our collateral.
42. ___  We will use scan codes in our trade show displays.
43. ___  We will keep our scan codes live well after the campaign ends to take advantage of  The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson.
44. ___  If we use a scan code on a curved service such as a soda can or bottle, we will test our scan code before printing it on a gazillion cans or bottles.
45. ___  We will use scan codes in our direct mail or catalogs.
46. ___  I will obsess about the scan code experience from our customers’ perspective.
47. ___  I know you don’t get a second chance to make a first-impression in the use of scan codes. (I want to receive positive media reviews for a terrific implementation of scan codes.)
48. ___  While a call-to-action frequently may result in playing a video; I will push myself – our company – to think of other ways that we might use scan codes to activate print or other medium.
49. ___  While scan codes frequently are implemented in print, I will push myself for surprising; unexpected; and effective places for the scan codes to be used.
50. ___  I will not assume that people will know what to do when they see a scan code in our marketing communications.
51. ___  I will not limit our scan codes successful by saying, “those that know what do with the code will scan it and those that don’t; we will ignore.”
52. ___  I will double-check that the URL that our scan code points to work before and after the scan codes are public.
53. ___  If I use scan codes in our direct mail to our opt-in mailing list, I will consider using a digital printer – that has experience with scan codes – that can merge a unique scan code to each recipient and have the scan code point to a mobilized and Personalized URL (PURL).
54. ___  Even if I start out with just one use of a scan code to gain some hands-on experience, I will think through other opportunities to integrate scan codes into our marketing; product and customer touch-point experiences.
55. ___  We will use scan codes on our signage: including such uses as outdoor; signs; point of purchase; shelf talkers; floor maps; t-shirts; or other appropriate use.
56. ___  I know a t-shirt vendor that specializes in scan codes printed on apparel. I can’t even imagine how I would feel printing thousands of tees with scan codes to launch various videos – only to have the scan code not scan! (Oy Vey!)
57. ___  I know how to keep track of all scan codes issued (even for other departments in our company) so that we track their usage and labeled with a naming strategy to prevent the wrong scan code getting used accidentally.
58. ___  If we use the wrong scan code accidentally, I know how to change the URL that the scan code points to because I used the correct scan codes for business.
59. ___  I have thought about unique, unexpected uses of our scan code that will generate buzz: traditional media coverage; social media and word of mouth.
60. ___  I will use scan codes to help generate buzz: traditional media coverage; social media and word of mouth.
61. ___  I have read many of the 300+ stories that were written about scan codes in 2010 for inspiration for uses for our scan codes.
62. ___  I will help sell-in the use of scan codes by showing the 2010 “hockey stick” effect of the dramatic increase of those researching scan codes, as illustrated by Google Trends.
63. ___  For inspiration for the use of scan codes, I have read 101 Uses of Scan Codes by GREAT! IDEAologist Dan Smigrod. [And, I will tolerate some shameless self-promotion by Dan in exchange for all the free scan code content published on his That's GREAT! blog.]
64. ___  To help avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes, I have read the Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Integrating Scan Codes in Your Marketing Plans.
65. ___  I subscribe – and read at least once a week – the free online daily newspaper about scan codes, The uSCANme Daily, published by Dan Smigrod.
66. ___  I have read QR Codes: A Point of View (11/18/10) by BBDO/Digital Lab VP, Associate Director, Business Planning and Digital Strategy Edwin Philogene
67. ___  I have read the ScanLife Mobile Barcode Trend Report (1/6/11)
68. ___  I have read the  ScanLife Mobile Barcode Trend Report (9/28/10)
69. ___  I have read: Using QR Codes to Reach the Busy, Mobile Consumer (6/14/10) by InterlinkONE CEO John P. Foley, Jr.
70. ___  I have read the 3GVision study (1/5/11) about Global Growth in Mobile Barcode Usage.
71. ___  I have read the Nellymoser study about how the Top 100 U.S. magazines by circulation are using scan codes.
72. ___  I have read: 2D Mobile Barcodes: A Definitive Guide (11/30/10) by NeoMedia
73. ___  To keep current on scan code uses, I subscribe to or routinely visit scan code blogs (and free eNewsletters), including: That’s GREAT! (Dan Smigrod); 2D Barcode Strategy (Roger Marquis); 2d Code (Roger Smolski): SocialWayne (Wayne Sutton); QR Media (Stephanie Moss); QRe8 (Erik Goldhar).
74. ___  We will let our employees know that we will be using scan codes: including: how, when, where and why.
75. ___  We’ll provide appropriate training for our employees on the use of scan codes (in case our customers – or prospective customers – ask for help).
76. ___  While I plan to be fast-to-market – before our competitors – I will use scan codes effectively: rather than: “I can check the box that our company is using scan codes.”
77. ___  When pressed on the Return On Investment (ROI), I will focus on the long-term benefit of learning now; and the benefits from integrating the scan codes in all advertising; promotion; product and customer service experiences (and more). I may – or may not – ask rhetorically, “What was the ROI on our website the first year that we launched it? How important is our presence on the internet now.”
78. ___  I know what the abbreviation 2D stands for.
79. ___  I know what the abbreviation QR stands for.
80. ___  I know which brand scan code Tag refers to.
81. ___  I can explain how QR, 2D and Tag relate to each other.
82. ___  I understand the difference between proprietary and non-proprietary scan code platforms.
83. ___  I understand the benefits between various proprietary scan code platforms. (And, I will pick the platform that makes sense for us.)
84. ___  I know I can spend a lifetime getting up-to-speed on scan codes. (1 Bonus point for each of these scan codes that you have heard of: Dandelion; Blotcode; Shortcode and Wimo Marker – or, 1 bonus point if you know a mobile site that will help you recognize these scan codes). I promise to launch scan codes within the next 60 days: sooner, if possible, so I beat our competitors to all the free initial trade, consumer and/or business media coverage in our space or our special use of scan codes).
85. ___  I will embrace all the choices for scanning apps, variety of scan codes and scan code platforms as explorers of a brave new world; rather than remaining in dry dock.
86. ___  Now that I have discovered scan codes, and all the great ways I can use them, I promise not to be so obsessive about scan codes while I am with my significant other. Instead, I will join a LinkedIn scan code group, such as 2D Codes for Global Media, to share my passion; new found scan code knowledge; learn from scan code Rocket Scientists; and offer to help the next generation of scan code Rocket Scientists.
87. ___  I will think about how scan codes might be included in a third-party media or client sponsorship or integrated marketing campaign, if appropriate.
88. ___  I will overcome “chicken and the egg” naysayers – not everyone has a smartphone; there are so many scanning apps; smartphones display content differently; awareness of scan codes is less than 100%; there are so many smartphone operating systems (and others) – so that our company can learn by doing and that the cost of learning is low versus the potential long-term gain.
89. ___  I will be specific in our scan code implementation. For example, I will tell which scanning app to use to scan the code; how to get it and what you get when you scan the code (Sub-Tract 25 points if you say something like Time magazine ads with these needless words: “Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone.”) [The Elements of Style: 50th Anniversary Edition]
90. ___  I will champion the use of scan codes whether it’s my department’s responsibility or another department within our company.
91. ___  I will champion the use of scan codes in all departments. Just like a website address that now appears in all our marketing tools, products and customer service experiences, I recognize that scan codes are “the next thing” that will appear in all our marketing tools, products and customer experiences to activate and engage our customers (including internally).
92. ___  Even if there is not a lot of public data/analytics available about the number of scans, I will move forward with scan codes to learn first-hand how the scan codes can help our company achieve our objectives. Besides, we’ll learn from those that launched before us and be that much more effective in the success of our scan code usage.
93. ___  I know we are all in this new scan code world together, so I will do my best to help educate our customers on the use of scan codes rather than assuming that they know what to do when they see the scan code.
94. ___  Even while implementing scan code solutions, I will be looking ahead to other related opportunities such as Augmented Reality; image recognition and sensing technologies.
95. ___  While I celebrate all the A-List brands and Media Companies that have implemented scan codes before us, I will leverage their implementation to do an even better implementation (so I don’t make similar costly and embarrassing scan code mistakes).
96. ___  I will brainstorm about scan codes meets our product or service; meets new, unique product or service; or, a product or service that might not have been possible without a scan code.
97. ___  I will brainstorm how – and help – a non-profit our company supports could benefit from the use of the scan code to help increase the number of volunteers; education to a cause; donations or other appropriate ways to help the non-profit either in an alliance with our company or as a service of our company.
98. ___  I will learn more about smartphone penetration in the U.S. today and forecasted to be over 50% by 12/31/11, according to Nielsen; and the use of Apps (even if I don’t have a smartphone or mobile apps).
99. ___  I will ask questions about using scan codes; best practices; examples of brands – and media brands – already using scan codes; and both best of scan code usage and lots of scan code usage ideas.
100. ___  While Quick Response (QR) scan codes are everywhere in Japan, I understand how and why the implementation in the United States will be different than in the Japan because of how smartphones differ in the United States versus Japan.
101. ___ I will think twice (and then twice more) about pointing a scan code to our company’s home page (even if it is a mobilized web page).
102. ___  Bonus Pointer (1 point): When I include the scan code in a magazine ad, I will make sure that the scan code doesn’t end up near the spine (center fold) of the magazine which may make it hard to scan.
103. ___  Bonus Pointer (1 point): I will use scan codes in our internal communication tools to socialize scan codes among our employees.
104. ___  Bonus Pointer (1 point): I will get manicures/pedicures so that I can quickly and efficiently look at all the magazine ads – and editorial content – that are using scan codes.
105. ___  Bonus Pointer (1 point): If I include a scan code in a chocolate bar, cup cake, cake or wedding cake, I will guide the bakery in the production of the scan code with existing edible image technology; plus, I will confirm that scan codes work on sample food items – before a production run – before I have to ‘eat’ all the chocolate bars, cup cakes and cakes with scan codes that don’t work.
106. ___  Bonus Pointer (1 point) – I have contributed at least one additional scan code Check List ‘pointer’ by clicking on Comments link (below).
107. ___   Bonus Pointer (1 point): I will give some thought regarding if a scan code should point to our RSS feed – or if there is a mash-up of an API that may be appropriate in our use of scan codes.
108. ___ Bonus Pointer (11 Bonus Points): I know which company offers Quick Response (QR) scan codes; EZcodes, Datamatrix codes and barcodes (and I will use the Invitation Promo Code – great – when signing up for an account online; or when speaking with a representative of this scan code platform company so GREAT! receives a referral fee. [Hey: if you were creating all this free scan code content; wouldn't you want to collect a referral fee too?!!!] I understand that I may want to sign up for a free Personal User account – first – to learn how to generate the scan codes for personal use (such as my resume if my company doesn’t have the foresight to let me launch scan codes in our marketing, products and product packaging.) I understand that when I am ready to use scan codes for business, I will ask to have my free account upgraded to either a business or Agency reseller account (and I promise to mention the Invitation Promo Code – great – I get it!
109. ___  Bonus Pointer (100 Points): To help avoid costly and embarrassing scan code mistakes; get fast-to-market; choose the scan code that makes sense for our company; get the scan codes and strategy for use of the scan codes, I have engaged GREAT! (A Valued-Added Reseller of this Platform with dynamic codes so that the URL can be changed-after-the-fact and includes analytics for uses of the scan codes.) Plus, we need a scan code Rocket Scientist like GREAT! IDEAologist Dan Smigrod to help us launch and land a scan code integration campaign safely; and continue to review our marketing tools for best scan code practices and innovation.

• _____ Total Points

Are You Ready To Successfully Launch Your Scan Code Campaign?

• 100 (or more) points: Congratulations! You earned a Ph.D. in Brand Engagement and Activation Using Scan Codes and among the elite, hand-full of Scan Code Rocket Scientists in the United States. You are cleared to launch scan codes at will (and apply for a job at GREAT!)
• 90-99 points: Ph.D. Candidate in Brand Engagement and Activation Using Scan Codes. GREAT! Job. You are cleared to launch.
• 80-89 points: Masters Degree in Brand Engagement and Activation via Scan Codes: Good Job. Get help with a few more pointers and you are cleared to launch.
• 70-79 points: Bachelors of Science in Scan Code: Good Job. You have potential to launch within 30 days. Complete your scan code studies here.
• 65-69 points: College Senior: you are at risk of costly and embarrassing mistakes launching scan codes. To avoid a launch pad accident or crash landing, please continue your scan code education here.
• 50-64 points: College Junior: you are at risk of costly and embarrassing mistakes launching scan codes. To avoid a launch pad disaster (like so many before me) or a crash landing, please continue your scan code studies and attend a few less parties.
• 40-49 points: College Sophomore: Crack the books if you want to be a scan code Rocket Scientist.
• 30-39 points: College Freshman: You’re smart enough to know that you don’t know enough to launch and land scan codes safely until you graduate.  There’s still hope for you.
• 20-29 points: High School Senior:  You don’t know what you don’t know. If you want to be a scan code Rocket Scientist, you’ll need to move on to scan code college. Find a scan code mentor (and read everything the mentor writes on the scan code topic) to help fast track you.
• 10-19 points: High School Junior: Many of your fellow students are taking Advance Placement scan code courses online.
• 0-9 points: High School Sophomore: You probably know more about scan codes than your Mom: but that’s not enough to safely launch and land a marketing campaign that includes scan codes to engage and activate your company’s customers.
• Negative Score: High School Drop-Out: You must be a Martian: you’re not of this world.

Got a ‘pointer’ you would like to contribute to this Quick Response (QR) Code Campaign Check List? Please comment (below).

___________________

Subscribe to the Free Daily Online Scan Code Newspaper From GREAT!

• The uSCANme QR Code Daily

That’s GREAT! Quick Response (QR) Scan Code Resources

1.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Ideas for Using QR Codes
2.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 ‘Pointers’ for Using QR Codes
3.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Major U.S. Brands Using QR Codes
4.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  50 Major Media Companies Using QR Codes
5.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes
6.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Best QR Codes Uses in the U.S
7.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) ‘10 Reasons Free QR Codes Will Bite Me In The Tush’
8.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) What’s the Return on Investment (ROI) on QR Codes?
9.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) – 2011 is the Year of the Quick Response Code
10.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Multiple Choice:  (2010) (2011) (2012) is the Year of the QR Code
11.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 300 Must Read QR Code Articles
12.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 150 Must Read QR Code Articles
13.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  How Newspapers Can Use QR Codes to Delay the Demise of Print
14.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  QR Code Book : ‘I Live in the Future & Here’s How It Works
15.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Reasons EZcodes Are Better Than QR Codes
16.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: The 10 Commandments for Marketers
17.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: How to Use QR Codes to Promote Your Business
18.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: An Introduction to QR Codes
19.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Product Camp Atlanta: 25 QR Code Ideas in 10 Minutes
20.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Follow Dan Smigrod’s QR Twitter Account: uSCANme
21.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Free Daily Online QR Code Newspaper (The uSCANme Daily)
22.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  All ‘That’s GREAT!’ QR Code Lists, Videos, Articles and Resources

Bonus: GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businessesand agency/resellers so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform (For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate usage reports for these codes). When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO Dan Smigrod.

Short URL For This Story

• http://j.mp/101QRpointers

Disclosures

• GREAT! is a Referring Agent for the ScanLife platform. Use the GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businesses and agency/resellers) so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform). For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate free usage reports for these codes. When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.

• GREAT! is a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) of scan codes. GREAT! provides clients and their agencies with: a) scan code implementation (the actual scan codes); b) strategy (best use of the scan codes); c) scan code management (including reports); d) fast-to-market; and, e) without costly and embarrassing mistakes common even by large; A-list brands. Turn-key scan code services are provided for a flat monthly fee. For a quote, please email GREAT! CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod.

*Though Quick Response (QR) brand scan codes are a registered trademark of Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave, Quick Response Code (QR) are commonly – and incorrectly – used generically to refer to all Two Dimensional (2D) mobile barcodes: including ScanLife EZcode brand scan codes; Microsoft Tag codes; datamatrix codes; and still other scan codes that are scanned or photographed on a smartphone such as an iPhone 4. Saying Quick Response code or QR code is like saying that you TIVOed the TV show when you actually used the Comcast brand digital video recorder to record the TV show.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: The Making of The New York Times Magazine Quick Response (QR) Scan Code Cover (12/19/10)

*Though Quick Response (QR) brand scan codes are a registered trademark of Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave, Quick Response Code (QR) are commonly – and incorrectly – used generically to refer to all Two Dimensional (2D) codes: including ScanLife EZcode brand scan codes; Microsoft Tag codes; datamatrix codes; and still other scan codes that are scanned or photographed on a smartphone such as an iPhone 4. Saying Quick Response code or QR code is like saying that you TIVOed the TV show when you actually used the Comcast brand digital video recorder to record the TV show.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: The Evolution of Tagging … Barcodes and QR Codes …

PostScript:

Wayne Sutton (SocialWayne) “@smigrod dude, that’s an online QR Code SAT! ”

December 22, 2010 – Atlanta, GA USA – Here are the Top 10 Best Two Dimensional Scan Code Uses in the United States in 2010, in a list compiled by GREAT! CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dan Smigrod. [Two Dimensional (2D) scan codes include: Quick Response (QR)* codes; ScanLife EZcodes; or Microsoft Tags.]

Vancouver, BC Canada Mobio Makes GREAT! List: Top 10 Best Scan Code Uses in the U.S. in 2010

Adding-value by activating print marketing campaigns with video; enabling faster and easier mobile payments; and enhancing customer buying experiences are among the examples sited in the list of Top 10 Best 2D Scan Code Uses in the U.S. in 2010.

Despite more than 101 major U.S. brands using scan codes in 2010; more than 50 major U.S. media using scan codes in 2010, more than 300 major stories covering the use of 2D codes in the U.S. in 2010; and huge interest in learning more about scan codes in the U.S. – picking the top 10 best scan code uses in the U.S. in 2010 was challenging.

The key to successfully using scan codes is adding-value for the consumer. Unfortunately, of the more than 101 uses for scan codes, most implementation of scan codes in the U.S. do not live up to their potential either because the 2D scan codes fail to add-value to the customer experience; or make embarrassing mistakes in the scan code implementation that detract from consumers’ scan code experience.

When we look back in December 2011 to the Top 10 Best Two Dimensional (2D) Scan Code Uses in 2011, we will see terrific scan code uses that leverage: location; payment processing; brand loyalty; transaction; dynamic pricing; how to and entertainment videos; mashups of new products and services; creative use of traditional and social media; product packaging; 1:1 personalization; real-time data; pro-social; Augmented Reality (AR); and new smartphone capabilities – as smartphones continue to become both ubiquitous and with us nearly 24/7.

In the mean time, here are the …

Top 10 Best Two Dimensional (2D) Scan Code Uses in 2010 by GREAT!

1. Best Buy – by including a QR code on every product fact card, Best Buy enhances the retail shopping experience by providing easy-access to all product features and the ability to compare product features.
2. Starbucks – Mobile payments meets Caramel Frappuccino meets QR code meets smartphone. [wallet-free customer experience transaction] [Editor's Note: 1/19/11: Starbucks lets you pay for that Trenta with the iPhone in your shaking, over-caffeinated hands, reports Engadget on 1/19/11).]
3. Mobio – Mobile payments meets [any participating merchant] QR code meets smartphone [wall-free customer experience transaction] via Vancouver, BC Canada based Mobio Identify Systems service.
4. Mogotix – QR code meets paperless event ticketing
5. clikbrix – House for sale meets drive-by prospect meets QR Code meets tech-savvy Realtor
6. Qlinks for Lynx [Orlando Bus] – How long until my bus actually arrives [versus scheduled to arrive]? – GPS meets QR Code meets smartphone for real-time bus arrivals
7. Calvin Klein Jeans – publicity stunt meets activating print with (scantily clad models) video. [Prediction: more buzz marketing campaigns leveraging 2D scan codes in 2011 from savvy marketers]
8. Movie Trailers (and buy movie tickets now)/TV Show Sneak Previews/Video Games – activating movie; TV shows and video game release print marketing campaigns with video. Examples: Fox TV Network;  Electronic Arts Medal of Honor video game; HBO; Starz; Target Christmas Catalog (video game) and Universal Pictures
9. Tommy Bahama – sunglasses meets activating print ad meets ‘buy now’ on a smartphone
10. Apple iTunes Store – newspaper and magazine print (and web) editorial content: it’s just easier and faster to scan the code to download the app; song, album, book or other digital content.

Which scan code uses in 2010 do you feel should have made this Top 10 list and why? Please comment below (and please include a URL pointing to your scan code example).

Special Thanks

• John Meyer for inspiring this blog post with his question, “What is the most creative use of 2D/QR barcode you have seen [in 2010].”

Bonus GREAT! Scan Code Lists:

• 101 Major U.S. National Brands Are Using Two Dimensional (2D) Scan Codes in 2010
• 50 Major Media Companies Using Two Dimensional (2D) Scan Codes in 2010
• 101 Uses for Quick Response Codes
• Top 300 ‘Must Read Quick Response Code Stories of 2010
• Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Integrating Scan Codes in your U.S. Marketing Plans

Bonus

Here are daily online newspapers about scan codes:

1. The @uSCANme #QRcode Daily published by @uSCANme (@smigrod)
2. The QR Media Daily published by @QRmedia
3. The Qr-Codes Daily published by @QRmedia
4. The #QR Daily using the Twitter hastag: #qr
5. The qr code Daily published by @waynesutton
6. The #qrcode Daily using the Twitter hastag: #qrcode
7. The #qrcodes Daily using the Twitter hastag: #qrcodes
8. The qr Daily published by @tppowers

For more daily online newspapers about scan codes, please click here.

___________________

Subscribe to the Free Daily Online Scan Code Newspaper From GREAT!

• The uSCANme QR Code Daily

That’s GREAT! Quick Response (QR) Scan Code Resources

1.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Ideas for Using QR Codes
2.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 ‘Pointers’ for Using QR Codes
3.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  101 Major U.S. Brands Using QR Codes
4.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  50 Major Media Companies Using QR Codes
5.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes
6.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Best QR Codes Uses in the U.S
7.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) ‘10 Reasons Free QR Codes Will Bite Me In The Tush’
8.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) What’s the Return on Investment (ROI) on QR Codes?
9.     That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  (Video) – 2011 is the Year of the Quick Response Code
10.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Multiple Choice:  (2010) (2011) (2012) is the Year of the QR Code
11.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 300 Must Read QR Code Articles
12.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 150 Must Read QR Code Articles
13.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  How Newspapers Can Use QR Codes to Delay the Demise of Print
14.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  QR Code Book : ‘I Live in the Future & Here’s How It Works
15.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Top 10 Reasons EZcodes Are Better Than QR Codes
16.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: The 10 Commandments for Marketers
17.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: How to Use QR Codes to Promote Your Business
18.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Guest Post: An Introduction to QR Codes
19.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Product Camp Atlanta: 25 QR Code Ideas in 10 Minutes
20.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Follow Dan Smigrod’s QR Twitter Account: uSCANme
21.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  Free Daily Online QR Code Newspaper (The uSCANme Daily)
22.   That’s GREAT! – QR Code 101:  All ‘That’s GREAT!’ QR Code Lists, Videos, Articles and Resources

Bonus: GREAT! ScanLife Promo Code (“Invitation Code”) = great (for small, medium, large businessesand agency/resellers so you can play with a robust, paid scan code platform (For example: generate free QR codes to practice with and generate usage reports for these codes). When you are ready to use the scan codes commercially, please request a quote from ScanLife or email GREAT! CEO Dan Smigrod.

Short URL For This Story

• http://j.mp/10BestQRUses

__________________

*Though Quick Response (QR) brand scan codes are a registered trademark of Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave, Quick Response Code (QR) are commonly – and incorrectly – used generically to refer to all two dimensional (2D) codes: including ScanLife EZcode brand codes; Microsoft Tag codes; datamatrix codes; and still other scan codes that are scanned or photographed on a smartphone such as an iPhone 4. Saying Quick Response code or QR code is like saying that you TIVOed the TV show when you actually used the Comcast brand digital video recorder to record the TV show.

December 4, 2010 – Atlanta, GA USA – How do you use Twitter to generate donations to your non-profit (as well as grow your Twitter followers)? Let’s find out together.

To learn about the new Twitpay RT2Give social media fundraising campaign service – and to help the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra (ACSO)* non-profit, my GREAT! Agency volunteered to implement the ACSO Twitpay RT2Give fundraising campaign. (The ACSO has agreed to let GREAT! share the results of this fundraising campaign with you.)

Learning How the Twitpay RT2Give Service Works is as Easy As 1, 2, 3 With this ACSO Example:

1. On Twitter, Follow @ACSOrchetra
2. On Facebook, “Like” the ACSO-Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra
3. Please Re-Tweet This Tweet (click on the text below or Twitter graphic below):

Your $25 Donation Buys Sheet Music for 1 ACSO Musician for All Concerts for 1 Year RT2Give $25 http://rt2give.com/t/1029 #ACSO Please RT

Twitpay RT2Give Social Media Fundraising Service

Now for the Twitpay RT2Give “Secret Sauce” …. Re-Tweeting this (above) Tweet does three things:

1. Viral: Twitpay makes it easy for your non-profit supporters to pass along your non-profit’s donation request to their Twitter Followers; potentially multiplying the impact of your initial Tweet many times over: that’s Viral!
2. Donate From Twitter: When the message is re-Tweeted, the sender receives an @reply from @RT2Give_Confirm saying, (see screen grab below) “@uSCANme: You’re almost done! Please fill out easy 1-time form to complete your donation: http://rt2give.com/r/68.“. After registering to donate via Twitpay, s/he will receive a Direct Message (DM) asking him or her to confirm the donation. (If you re-tweet this (above) fund-raising tweet and then make the $25 donation to the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra, you will experience the entire process from sending the Tweet – to making the donation.
3. More Twitter Followers: As your non-profit Tweets get re-tweeted, more people will begin to Follow. (Most of the non-profits that get started with the Twitpay RT2Give service already have thousands of Followers. So, we have an extra challenge with @ACSOrchestra because we started with a new to social media non-profit with just six Twitter Followers – and just 75 that “Like” the ACSO-Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra on Facebook.

@RT2Give Donation Confirmation Tweet

To use the Twitpay RT2Give Service, you’ll need to think through a “be specific” fundraising campaign. Here are the “be specific” “talking points” we’re using for the ACSO (highlighted in blue):

$25 Donation Buys All Sheet Music for One Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra Musician

Donate Now: <—Sheet Music for 80 Musicians

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

Funding for the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra (ACSO) is 100% by donations: and often $25 at a time!

Your $25 Donation Goes a Long Way. Examples: Your $25 Donation to the ACSO:

1.    can purchase all sheet music for one musician for the 2011 concert season
2.    can print 50 free playbills for one concert during the 2011 concert season

Without Your $25 donation, the ACSO May Need to:

1. perform fewer concerts in 2011
2. charge for concerts (that have traditionally been free)
3. reduce our repertoire if we can’t afford to purchase additional music

Thank You For:

1. your $25 donation to the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra
2. Following us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ACSOrchestra
3. For re-tweeting (see below or use the “Tweet” Button)

With your help, your 80+ member community orchestra can continue to provide six free symphonic concerts in Georgia under Artistic Director and Conductor Juan R. Ramirez.

Your $25 donation will be acknowledged both by a donation thank you letter (receipt) and a listing in our 2011 playbills as a Friend of the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra.

The ACSO 2010/2011 Concert Series Calendar: http://www.acsorch.org/acso_concert_schedule.html

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

The Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra is the first Atlanta specific non-profit to use the new Twitpay RT2Give service.  I first learned about Twitpay at Georgia Tech FutureMedia Fest 2010 and then shared the idea with the ACSO as a way to help the ACSO raise money and increase its social following. I also saw the Twitpay RT2Give service featured during Social Media Atlanta week. Nationally, U.S. non-profits already using the Twitpay service include:

• American Lung Association
• Care
• Children’s Miracle Network
• The Literacy Freedom Project
• Malaria No More
• National Wildlife Federation
• Red Cross
• United Way

Resources

To learn more about this social media fundraising service, please visit:

• Twitpay home page
• RT2Give home page
• Twitpay blog
• watch this Twitpay enrollment video
• read the Twitpay interivew in the Huffington Post
• Help Us End Malaria Example – Powered by Twitpay (Cause Supported by Twitter’s hope 140 initiative)

As Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey Tweeted on February 8, 2007: One can change the world with one hundred and forty characters.

Thank you in advance for your $25 donation to the ACSO; Following @ACSOrchestra on Twitter and “Liking” the ACSO-Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra on Facebook.

For an update on the ACSO Social Media Fundraising Campaign results using the Twitpay RT2Give service, please re-visit this page in January 2011 and look for a PostScript (below).

Shout-Outs

• Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra General Manager Lisa Ellinger – for championing the big pictures of the Twitpay RT2Give service among the Board of Directors of the ACSO (and then for your excellent and fast detailed follow-up.
• Twitpay EVP Customer Service John Beisner – for your contagious energy, passion and vision for Twitpay to helping nonprofits raise money and increase their social network.
• Twitpay Manager, Client Services & Marketing Joyce Scott – for your excellent RT2Give training and support.

Short URL For This Story

• http://j.mp/ACSO-Twitpay

Twitpay In The News

• Zeevex Launches ‘Zeevex Social’ Powerful New Social Payment Service Powered by Twitpay

Additional Resources

• Network for Good – The Online Giving Study (12/8/10)

PostScript

[I will add a PostScript in January 2011. Thank you for checking back.]

__________________________________

*my wife is a volunteer cellist in the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra. She enjoys sharing the joy of classical music with the Atlanta community.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Disclosure

GREAT! is a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) of the Twitpay RT2Give social media fundraising campaign service. Commissions received by GREAT! from Twitpay for the ACSO Twitpay account will be donated to the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra by GREAT! (GREAT! Twitpay RT2Give implementation services are provided free to the ACSO.)

December 1, 2010 – Atlanta, GA USA – You may know me as the Founder, CEO & IDEAologist of Atlanta-based GREAT! entertainment marketing agency; fashion and glamour photographer; Argentine tango dancer; tech geek; foodie; or world traveler to 35 countries.  What you may not have known is that at:

• CNN – I was recently promoted to Intern from Office Temp.
• Mashable – I am an Intern; working on getting promoted to Manager.
• Esquire Magazine – I am an Intern. Lots of office politics. Stuck climbing the corporate ladder.
• Virgin Atlantic – I was recently promoted to Intern from Office Temp and issued 400 Shares. Cool!

Plus, with lots of hard work – and making friends fast in the office – I anticipate being promoted to CEO any day now – at least at three of these four companies! Plus, by 12/31/11, I anticipate being named to the Board of Directors of CNN and Mashable. (And, if you thought Ted Turner was the Founder of CNN: check again. I just received the CNN Founder Award status and 200 CNN Founder Shares.)

Move over fourquare; here comes Pongr: the snap-a-picture, send and share – via smartphone – “picture-sharing game for players and businesses” mobile-social gaming service. (Think mass exodus to Facebook from MySpace.) With Pongr, in addition to getting a great title; and earning shares; you can get the attention of your favorite Fortune 1000 companies by proposing (real) marketing campaigns for their brands. It will feel like you are a player on Donald Trump’s The Apprentice.

Why settle for being Mayor when you could be the CEO? Get stock and (hopefully) get real-life rewards!

As an IDEAologist that lives in the future, I am always searching for the next Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and flickr – before it gets hyped through national media coverage in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Mashable. [Hint: you want your brand to be among the examples refereneced in these national media outlets!]

Because when a brand get in early, it can still benefit from the cool/word-of-mouth/traditional media coverage.

Pongr Co-Founder and CEO Jamie Thompson launched the Mobile-Social Gaming service just two months ago: on Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Advertising Research Foundation Advertising Week conference. As of today, just over 2,000 people have watched its How It Works video on the Pongr YouTube Channel. Yes! Just over 2,000 views is nothing! Bupkis! And, that’s why I am so excited about Pongr for “A” list national U.S. brands to jump in to ride the inevitable wave of media coverage and word-of-mouth. Plus, the amount of marketing dollars to get in early is … De minimis.

[If your company says, yes, but there are so many new social networks, what's the ROI on Pongr? Let's just wait and see  ... it's time to pack up your cube and move on. The real marketing rewards go to the big brands that "get it" by seeking out opportunities to be among the first to participate. The ROI will come from both the first-round of word-of-mouth/traditional media coverage buzz; and the second round from reaching critical mass that will eventually follow! And by championing Pongr in your company, you'll get to move to a window office from your present cube!]

If my GREAT! Agency represented an “A” list entertainment star, I would recommend letting GREAT! negotiate equity in Pongr in exchange for being an active participate in the Pongr community to:

• help generate major media coverage – faster!
• grow the community – quickly! (including other “A” list entertainment stars)
• help attract national brand participation – sooner!
• help generate next rounds of funding – sooner!
• help with grass roots marketing – now!
• help generate buzz – now!
• help create value for Pongr – sooner and bigger!
• have fun by having a huge impact on the next ‘it’ in mobile-social gaming
• and keep the “A” list star relevant to its mobile-social-gaming audience

So, sign up for Pongr (free). Become the Founder of your company’s brand – if one of you competitor’s hasn’t already (how embarrassing) beat you there; and put together real-stuff to reward your brand’s enthusiastic and passion fans for their fun user generated content (photos! photos! photos!) via Facebook and Twitter.

Here’s why Pongr has the “it” factor:

• it leverages the smartphone camera that’s with us 24/7
• it leverages our social networks (Mobile meets Social meets Gaming)
• it leverages our enthusiasm and passion for our favorite brands
• it connects us with our favorite brands (hopefully) with real rewards: special offers, discounts, deals
• it’s easy to get started
• it’s fun to tell your friends (colleagues, classmates, family) – viral
• it leverages innovative image recognition technology (Esquire magazine video example • Marie Claire video example • Pongr ImagePulse Image Recognition Media Intelligence and Advertising Reports video • Pongr AdSmart Mobile Marketing & Image Recognition video • Hearst’s Marie Claire and Pongr partner on mobile image recogniztion for fall fashion blog post)

And don’t settle for being an employee. Here’s how to earn shares in your companies, according to the Pongr FAQs:

• Take a brand pic with a person in it – Get your friends and family involved
• Take a brand pic – This can be a sign, a product, an advertisement or a place
• Share pic or tip on Facebook and Twitter – Share stuff that will entertain others
• Post a “real deal” or “proposal deal” – Why keep a bargain to yourself?
• Invite Friends to play
• Like a brand

And, invest your Pongr company “salary” in additional shares in “your” company.

How will you know that you “made it” up the corporate ladder in the Pongr world?

1. When you receive fame and fortune in the real-world [by getting your (real) brand "in" early!]
2. You get a Pongr tee! (large please!)

Not convinced? Check this blog post again on December 1, 2011 – a year from today – for a PostScript or Google Pongr on December 1, 2011: by then, it may be too late to have maximized your investment.

__________________________

Pongr Media Coverage

1. [Reserved for the inevitable Mashable Story]
2. [Reserved for the inevitable Ad Age Story]
3. [Reserved for inevitable The Wall Street Journal Story]
4. [Reserved for inevitable The New York Times Story]
5. Brand Channel – Pongr Tells Brands to Remove Goggles, Respond to Customers (11/29/10)
6. We Love Mobile – Pongr: The New Visual Foursquare? (11/15/10)
7. Bost Innovation – Pongr Connects Photo-Taking Fans With Their Favorite Brands, Promotes Them to CEO (11/3/10)
8. Boston Herald – Cambridge [MA] Company to Debut Cell-Phone Photo Game (9/26/10)
9. Yahoo! Advertising Blog – Pongr Tracks Pings, Pics of Brand Fans (9/27/10)
10. Social Media Explorer – Pongr Brings Better Opt-In To Mobile Marketing (8/5/09)
11. CrunchBase – Pongr Received In Angel Funding (7/20/09)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Short URL For This Story

• http://j.mp/pongr1

Disclaimer:

I have no financial interest in Pongr: nor do I know anyone at the company.