This is a QR Code aka a quick response code. It is a two-dimensional bar code which can be linked to a website or other on-line information. How do you read them? Using the camera on your smart phone (yes, this is one of those things that a smart phone can do and a regular phone can't). As I mentioned once before, my favorite app for reading QR codes is QuickMark, free and easy to use (and it "talks", when it reads the QR code it says "QuickMark").

You may have noticed QR codes in ads in magazines, on billboards, or on the web. The NY Times recently wrote "Cracking the Q.R. Code" which focused on how a restaurant is using QR codes to bring in new business (but also provides some more information on what a QR code is). A restaurant in Nyack, NY, uses a QR code posted on its window to allow customers to reach its website when the restaurant is closed. Some people are using QR codes on their business cards, making it easier to save their contact information.

And in case you haven't guessed, the QR code at the top of this article takes you to my website.

We are all familiar with phishing e-mails, viruses, and malware, but did you realize there are ways we leak our own data? I was really surprised when I read an article from American Express's Open Forum: "Protect Your Company from Critical Data Leaks". The documents that we create in Word, PowerPoint, etc., can all contain hidden data, known as metadata. When we send those documents out, the recipients can find that data, if they know where to look.

The article tells about data hidden in: Document properties (if you're reusing an old document, there could be information there about a previous client); Document statistics (shows revision history, including time spent, which could be different than the time you're billing your client for); Comments (make sure they're removed before the document goes out); Track changes (it's possible to see the changes made); Headers and footers (client information might be there); and Hidden slides (not seen when showing slide show, but available if file is sent out). Read the full article to see what you should be checking for. Besides going in and removing the metadata before you share a file, there are ways to avoid it in the first place. Rather than just renaming a document and making changes, start with a template which can then be personalized for each client. Or copy and paste from one document into a fresh document.

When I was telling one of my networking groups about this article, several people were upset. They use this hidden data and didn't want people to know it's there and remove it. One example was that someone found out an RFP he received was actually written by one of his competitors for the potential client. So be aware and keep control of your data.

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Many people use LinkedIn to find a job, but you should also be using it as one of the marketing tools for your business. Not sure how to do that? I can review your LinkedIn profile and show you how to make it better. And if you aren't on LinkedIn yet, I can help you set-up your profile. Make an appointment today and let LinkedIn work for you!

Are you interested in trying e-mail marketing? I am a Certified Constant Contact Expert and a Constant Contact Solution Provider. Which means I can help you with your e-mail marketing -- whether it's helping with set-up, writing the content, or doing something more advanced. I can even set up your contact lists, help you choose a template, and develop your e-mail schedule. To learn more, click here.

E-mail marketing is a way to stay in front of your customers. Whether it's an e-letter (like this one), notice of a special event or sale, or just a holiday greeting, e-mail marketing should be a part of your marketing package. Let me help you get started.