Some experts say that QR Codes will eventually replace business cards in the near future.

Have you seen those funny-looking black and white bar codes on websites, printed marketing material, or in the windows at retail stores? Well, those are QR Codes, a shortened form of Quick Response Code. In the newest issue of KIWI News, we tackle what exactly they are, how you should  use them, and more importantly, why your company should start using them. They are very easy to generate and you can tie them into a specialized web URL, address, geographic location, text message, or email address. Several websites provide free code generation services. Many companies are starting to use this technology in their marketing campaigns.

You can embed a URL, SMS, geographic location or other text into a QR Code.

But, your customers will need a QR Code Reader in order to read the information embedded. The good news is that most newer Smartphones already have these readers built-in to the phone. If you have one try scanning in the QR Code shown here. Check out the complete article on page 3 of the latest edition of KIWI News.

To read the complete article, click here.

This is an article that I wrote last year but, by popular demand, I am bringing it back. It is very appropriate seeing that fourth quarter is usually marketing planning and budgeting time for most companies. Can you imagine what it looks like if you row a boat with both oars going in the opposite direction? I think you would find that your boat is going around in circles. Instead you need all crew members going in the same direction and you need a rudder to steer the boat. Your company is similar in that you need all of the employees working toward the same goals and mission. That's where a marketing strategy comes in. It will help you to keep your company progressing toward your goals. Now I know what you are thinking. But, it just takes too much time and research to put my marketing plan on paper. I know some of you (and you know who you are) will just meet for cocktails once a year and write your marketing tactics on a napkin. That's okay, but if you really want to become an industry leader, it's far more beneficial for you to really analyze your products, markets, and distribution channels to come up with a cohesive marketing plan. You should do this at least annually. And before you prepare next year's plan, may I suggest that you also evaluate last year's plan insofar as its success in meeting your goals. Don't have any marketing goals, sales revenue targets, or company goals? Well, that's a good place to start.

To read the complete article, click here