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In my recent post about QR codes, I asked the question if it was a new wave or passing fad.  There is a terrific conversation regarding this topic on the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association LinkedIn page.  One of the most creative uses of QR codes was used by a college student seeking an internship.  He literally makes his paper resume, speak!  You have GOT to check it out

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/21228618]

The codes themselves are easy to set up, but it seems adoption is a key issue.  Most people have seen QR codes without realizing it.  Go to Best Buy and look at a laptop. there you will find a handy QR code ready to scan and direct to the on-line store (I actually used this one).

Marketers:   Adoption issue = must provide direction.  For now, marketing must provide quick set of direction “scan this with a QR reader on your mobile phone” is a good start. I never look at the retail ads, however my wife does…guess what, she did not know what to do with the QR bar prior to my posting over 1 month ago.  I am certain she is not alone.

But why would someone use a QR code versus just typing in an URL?  Laziness!  It is easier to snap a picture than type in an URL on a small screen!

Is laziness the only marketing reason to utilize QR codes?  NO!  There is tons of data you can capture about consumers and who doesn’t like consumer data?  Check out some sample back end data from  Matt Reichart in this post.

The more I read about this tool, the more I love it.  Personally, I believe the not so old saying “if a picture is worth 1,000 words, video is worth 1,000,000!”  Link that pretty mug to a video and begin engaging people those 1,000,000 people!  The video above was worth the 40+ seconds of viewing and said more to me as a hiring manager than any paper or electronic resume!

Kick some butt and make a great 1st impression!  Break out the QR scanner on your device, scan the code in the drive in picture and learn how to make an impression on a potential employer!