At a recent networking luncheon, aptly named the GAF Luncheon (Grog and Food), I was introduced to a new bit of IT or marketing technology (well at least new to me, I’m sure they have been around for a while, but I may just be a bit slow to catch up with this techno stuff). So I decided to go and use my best friend, Google, and see what they are all about, and obviously decided to share what I have found.

QR codes, or Quick Response codes were initially designed for the tracking of parts in the automotive industry. They are now used to allow a user, who can scan such codes, quick links to website, email links, SMS link, phone numbers etc. They have become a key target in the Mobile technology whereby an App can be downloaded for both IPhone and Android phones to scan and then therefore, make these little black and white boxes usable to us. I found an App for my phone easily on the App Store and for an option of a FREE one or a $1.19 HD version, I am now a man with a scanner, and they are pretty cool!

I have also discovered (again thanks to a quick search of Google and the word “QR code creator”) several sites that allow you to make your own QR codes for free, again, how cool? Since finding, creating and playing with this in the last few days, I am amazed at how many QR codes I have come across each day, from magazine advertising, bus advertising etc. They are popping up everywhere, and hey, now I can scan them!

While I don’t know if this is the next big thing, I’m sure the marketing aspect of these will grow by the day but, they are certainly quite impressive, and unless you can scan, you don’t know what you are missing. Finally, when you find and scan one, it is a mystery as to what is going to open up on your phone!

So what are you waiting for? Go and have a play like I have…

Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au