Continuing on from last month’s article on self-promotion through social media and developing an online presence, I began taking into consideration the progression of mobile apps. Although I don’t own smart phone – I have always been curious about digital marketing through mobile technology.

For the individuals who may not know what QR codes are…

You may have seen these monochrome set of squares on the bottom of billboard advertisements or even within your favourite daily newspaper. These boxes reside within the depths of the property section and you can even sit by one at your local bus stop shelter.

In fact these little creations are now being used by the national education system, various charities within the UK for donations and even banks are beginning to provide these little barcodes within leaflets for first-time buyers.

It may look as if there has been a printing malfunction or it could conjure up memories of the first time you played the Amiga console back in the day. But QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes which can be read by smart phones and QR reading devices, opening up endless digital marketing possibilities.
Originating from Japan in the early nineties, Denso-Wave a subsidiary of the Toyota Group attributed to the creation of the QR Code as far back as 1994. Originally designed to be used for tracking parts in the vehicle manufacturing industry, the QR code concept has expanded within the digital industry specifically within digital marketing and mobile technology.

The QR code is an image-based hypertext link – enabling any URL address to become encoded into it – automatically opening up the chosen webpage. In addition to a website source, QR codes can also contain phone number, v-card data or alphanumeric text.

Now regularly used within advertisement in newspapers, magazines, brochures, leaflets and on business cards – QR codes can be placed in a variety of places.

Could I benefit from using QR codes within my own self-promotion?

I asked myself the same question and contemplated whether QR codes would open up more opportunities. Where would I place these QR codes and how would I create one? Earlier last year, I started a discussion on the UK Marketing Lounge – (powered by www.OnlyMarketingJobs.com) forum on LinkedIn which was titled, “Business Cards: Where do you keep ones you receive?”

I began a discussion on LinkedIn about business cards and whether industry professionals have the urge to keep innovative and creative business cards. The concept of QR codes became a hot topic…

Stuart: I saw a QR code on a business card recently which took me to their website. But I think in this sort of application, it would be best used to point towards a profile about the person on their website.

Soon after this comment another industry professional began to touch upon the use of QR codes and his strong belief that there really wasn’t any point in using one to direct the reader to a URL which was already printed on the same card.

Neil: I have a feeling that people are lacking a little understanding in the use of QR codes, why put it on a business card at all? A few requests recently had this on business cards that only linked to the website, whose address was stated underneath anyhow. It saved someone the 5 seconds to type it in but I can see it increasing click through in this way.
The QR code is designed to offer something else – a link from mass media items works but on a business card must offer something different to the mandatory info already there.

I did of course agree with Neil. In providing the recipient with exclusive content such as an online portfolio or even an unlisted YouTube video content relating to your professional career – you could ultimately provide a quick and efficient channel of engagement. This was something which another contributor experienced whilst browsing a quick response code.

Ellen: I have seen a QR code on a business card directing to a video on the company. I thought that worked really well and added value. A QR code can be good to use as well to direct to your LinkedIn profile.

But like many industry professionals such as Martyn (below) I was sceptical about the use of QR codes on business cards. Some may argue that it is a fad which may (like the Betamax) see a few years of progression – only to direct itself straight into extinction.

Martyn: Genuinely, I still feel QR is the biggest waste of time ever. If the info is in front of me, I will look at it. If I am going to go to a site, I am of the generation whose fingers can type fast enough on any device to put that web address in faster than any app can take a pic and take me there. I am not going to download an app, to take a pic of something, and then that finally take me to a website. It feels like it was dreamt up by someone trying to be hip, who is hanging on for dear life in the hope of it taking off. Betamax is its best friend. Give me the soon-to-be-everywhere NFC any day. If the business card is good enough (physical, visual etc) then I will go to their website regardless.

Martyn touches upon the quality of the business card, specifically the physical state and the visual aesthetics. Fellow LinkedIn user Stef explains that within her industry many creative professionals perceive QR codes as an unsightly interference to creative design.

Stef: Many designers I know (and I know a lot of them) are loathe to put QR codes on their clients’ biz cards because they’re just plain ugly, difficult to design around and ruin the brand’s design aesthetic.

With the majority of comments remaining sceptical about QR codes in terms of business cards, you need to think about how your audience would engage with it. I believe it may be beneficial to direct it to your LinkedIn profile but as Neil pointed out: What would be the purpose of a QR code for LinkedIn when your LinkedIn URL was already placed on your business card?

There is a constant battle between the efficiency to connect and the aesthetics of a business card which uses a QR code. I believe there are many ways which you could combine the QR code with the physical materiality of the card itself.

The New Battle: Improved QR code Aesthetics or Augmented Reality

To improve the aesthetics of the QR code on a business card – Would it be better to have your QR code and no other details except for your name/company?

Touching upon another LinkedIn discussion, I wanted to enquire how creative professionals would respond to a Gemini Search business card which only had our QR code and company logo. Aesthetically, you wouldn’t have to worry about text and the relationship between logo, text and QR code; but you ultimately would be taking risks into whether or not the recipient would take the initiative to scan the barcode.

Regarding the decision to produce only a business card with a logo and QR code:

Marc: Sounds like a brave step to have nothing but a code on your business card, but I suppose the novelty and curiosity could work in your favour and result in a more engaged and inquisitive consumer, more likely to spend quality time on your site.

With no supporting text – you would be depending on whether he/she actually possesses a smartphone or QR code reader and you would even presume that the majority of professionals understand how to use a code.

Marc also touched upon the rapid developments in digital technology which may override the concept of QR codes in general:

Marc: I think that QR codes are a bit like the mini disc player… It works fine, it’s kind of innovative and better than that which came before it, but it feels like there is a much better solution that does everything and more, lurking just around the corner. Maybe I’m wrong.
However they seem to be more useful if you give the consumer the additional incentives to scan it such as special promo, exclusive discounts only with the code etc. I’m designing some magazine ads currently and the client wants to use QR codes so I’m definitely going to persuade them to go for more than just a standalone code…

So, in a similar direction to what Ellen experienced, providing exclusive material such as incentives or exclusive content may provide recipients more information about you as a professional in addition to how you market yourself strategically with strong conceptual thought.

We began to touch upon the widening of target audiences and the contemplation of how the younger generation may become more experienced in technology:

Jeffrey: QR codes are definitely aimed at the tech-savvy professionals and individuals who use their smartphones frequently. I believe the younger generation; especially teenagers are going to be more receptive – so in the next few years, QR codes will continue to expand to accommodate an even younger audience. We can see strong examples on online-gaming and well-known brands using QR codes in bus stop advertising.

http://www.creativeguerrillamarketing.com/guerrilla-marketing/evian-waters-dancing-baby-interactive-bus-stop-billboard/

In terms of business cards – I’m unsure whether QR codes will replace the typical format. QR codes act as a great enhancement – but the effectiveness of combining contact details with exclusive incentives/media can only be determined when QR codes have become more popular within brand marketing. I personally feel that QR codes could be placed onto of the business card on surfaces such as acetate, acting not only as a protector/cover but as an enhancement.

Marc: I agree that the younger generation will be more receptive.
Nice campaign. Certainly drives the traffic and great in combination with an app and the QR code is a nice (and very appropriate) way to facilitate the link between the two.
Although 500 (only approx 2.5%?) of the total number of hits on the interactive ad actually used the QR code but i suppose that’s only the primary traffic from source and the goal is to get people to the site/app whether they come via QR Code or via a friend who scanned the code in the first place… And the codes are cost effective enough. Definitely useful as part of an overall strategy/marketing mix and probably worth the unsightliness for a few extra percent, not to mention the value of measurable results…
That’s a very nice idea with the acetate… I wonder if the code would be readable if it was on a foil laminate or in Spot UV, which could be cool.

Will the development of QR codes fail?

From reading the LinkedIn comments within this article, you can see that many people believe that QR codes are a transitional technology which will lead to bigger and better marketing application.
So with the belief that quick response codes are far from being the next big thing for the next five years and the future of technology I began contemplating whether QR codes would soon become outdated due to the introduction of augmented reality apps. (Below)

JWT Business Card powered by Blippar

“JWT London has created a truly unique and innovative way to showcase the agency’s latest showreel on the back of their business cards by using Blippar™, the first image-recognition app for smartphones targeted at brand-customer interaction.”

So watching this video – It made me realise that QR codes may become limited within its own black box. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of the possibilities that QR codes can offer.

QR codes have developed far from the origins of the vehicle manufacturing industry and companies are beginning to dedicate a substantial amount of their budgets into mobile marketing in particularly through QR codes.

But as I emphasised earlier, the aim in using QR codes and other similar mobile applications for self-promotion is to entice recipients by creating a unique and creative experience. Not only by the concept of a QR code but also by the overall visual design of your business card.

So before you begin creating a QR code for yourself or even contemplating whether it would be suitable for self-promotion, always remember that a QR code should not be a substitute for your main website but should enhance the introductory experience by creating transparency and engagement.

Jeffrey Cervantes, February 2012

If you are interested in finding out more articles and blogs on QR codes:

5 Genius Examples of QR Codes in Marketing -

http://blog.kissmetrics.com/genius-qr-codes/

Future looks bright for QR codes -

http://www.1000heads.com/2012/02/is-this-the-end-of-the-road-for-qr-codes/

Is this the end of the road for QR codes? -

http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-codes-in-2012/

11 Dubious uses of QR codes -

http://econsultancy.com/uk/blog/8669-11-dubious-uses-of-qr-codes

30 Creative QR Code Business Cards -

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/07/30-creative-qr-code-business-cards/

Our Managing Director Alia Majed has posted an insightful article on www.simplyhired.co.uk the article is posted here for your convenience…

Executive Search is all about process, not personality. Yes personality plays a part but please don’t try to ‘wing it’ when it comes to your success. Earn the placements you desire while enjoying the reverence, supremacy, and stature Executive Recruiters command! Ultimately recruitment is about client understanding and sales; you could join a company as a resourcer to really get to know your market and work your way up to becoming an Executive Recruiter. You need to have a consistent work ethic, the ability to follow a process, honesty and enthusiasm. An Executive Recruiter is a leader who comes across to others in the process as a partner.

Firstly know why retained executive search is different from other forms of recruitment and do your homework. You can draw a straight line from due attentiveness you put into calculating, selecting and engaging in an executive search assignment to the results you deliver. Importantly, sell the whole package to your candidates; never assume that executive candidates don’t have other career options. They are evaluating you as a recruiter and your client throughout the entire process as much as you’re evaluating them. Be an enthusiastic recruiter and really market what’s great about your client and the specific opportunity. If they’re a great fit, executive candidates will be enthralled by your narrative and feel a sense of support and enthusiasm from you and their potential new employer. From the very first conversation, even pre-interview stage you must sell the whole package – a search consultant can verify it and offer comparisons with other opportunities.

A critical part of the process is for executive recruiters not to be a stakeholder on any executive search assignment unless your client can clear their schedule to meet candidates and provide timely feedback. The opportunity cost of each executive assignment you work on is huge and the best candidates will not wait around if your client is not prepared and committed to make timely decisions. Most recruiters hear what they want to hear – an executive recruiter will appreciate that their time is precious and it’s better to decide from the offset if the assignment is worth working. Since 80% of your job is listening, make sure you tune into the tone of voice for hidden objections, when the person on the other end of the phone is talking, don’t be thinking of what you’re going to say next – listen to what they’re saying and don’t feed answers. You don’t want to match a job spec to a CV but you need to match opportunity to type.

Executive recruiters have great power once they understand their role and responsibility in the process. Recruiters are responsible for managing every step of the placement process. Once they appreciate their role, they can easily spot if there’s trouble brewing which could jeopardize an offer/acceptance and take the needed action to put the process back on track. How do you ‘fix’ a search in crisis? You start with asking the questions. When a client or candidate asks a question, seasoned recruiters answer the question directly and then ask another question to maintain control. I cower at the word ‘control’ but as a recruiter, all parties involved have a stake in the outcome and although it’s never articulated, we as recruiters are the leaders of the pack.

http://blog.simplyhired.co.uk/2011/09/what-you-should-know-about-executive-search.html