Is it time to get back out in the public?

My networking groups are still meeting virtually and not in person, and I think that many of us are wondering, is it time to meet in person? And if so, what does that look like, is it different than what we did pre-COVID?

Honestly, I don't have the answer to that question just yet, I certainly know what I am comfortable with but, my comfort level may not be the same as everyone else. We all have different levels of risk tolerance and our medical histories that will influence what we are and are not comfortable doing.

While I am comfortable meeting people in person, others may not be, and if one of those people is a potential client, I am very happy to schedule a meeting with them using Zoom. I have no interest in judging any potential client's preferences; we can meet in person, or we can meet over Zoom. There are good reasons to use either option, and I want my clients to be comfortable I can accommodate either choice.

If you are ready to be in public and meeting new and prospective clients, how do you make sure they have easy access to your contact information?

Ready to meet but not to take 'stuff'

QR codes are often misunderstood as a tool that pushes people to buy more products.

One thing I notice as I talk to various people about meeting in person rather than virtually, is that many don't want to take 'stuff' such as a business card. And I have noticed that places that used to have flyers or rows of business cards, either have limited amounts or simply don't do that anymore. That begs the question how do you get your contact info to people that don't necessarily want to take your business card?

The answer is fairly easy if you are willing to do a bit of prep work. You can use a QR code to create your virtual business card. QR codes are not a new thing, you have likely encountered them before, they have been around for some time even if people didn't understand or use them.

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What is QR code and are they viable?

A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode ... In practice, QR codes often contain data.... A QR code uses four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji) to store data efficiently; extensions may also be used

It looks like this:

Pageloot offers up these bullet points to show their viability.

• Europe and USA QR Code scan rate has doubled over the last 3 years.
• QR Codes have been on a constant uptrend since 2016, so this is not a fad. We can rather consider this as a longer uptrend.
• It is really popular to generate QR Codes nowadays during the pandemic, because it helps people with social distancing.
• Vcard - A business card QR Code is the digital business card of the future. The main benefit is that people will instantly have your contacts digitally synced on their devices.

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How I am using a QR code

I created a QR code for my contact information (aka a vCard) and then I printed it out on a clear mailing label and stuck it to the back of my physical business card. I keep that specific card handy for when I meet with new people, and they do not want to have a business card. I can hold my card and they can scan the code with their smartphone and voila my contact information is available to them, and they don't have to take something or manually enter my information.

What I have included in my vCard:

• Name
• Title
• Business Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Webiste URL

Should I decide to do any type of marketing material such as a postcard I can easily add this code and make it easier for potential clients to reach me.

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How do I get a QR Code?

There are plenty of QR code generators out there, some are free some are not, they are easy to find use your favorite search engine, I used the phrase "qr code generator". If you are looking to track conversions on your QR code for a marketing campaign you will likely need to go with a paid version. For my purpose right now, a free code generator works for me.

I have reviewed a couple of different sites, and while the styling and formatting of their generators are different the idea is the same. The various ones I looked at allow you to do some customization to the shape, color, and even add a logo if you desire.

I went with a simple square with no logo because when I printed the code to be put on my business card it was small and the logo was not easily recognizable. I did add a caption to say 'Scan Me For Contact Info'.

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How do I read a QR Code?

For most iPhones and Android devices, you do not need a third-party app to read QR codes. Here is an article for iPhone users and one for Android users.

This is how I read QR codes without an app on my Android device.

Share your thoughts on QR Codes to create vCards or in general use on my Facebook page.

And if you would like to skip the back and forth to find a convenient time for a meeting, check out my schedule on Calendly! Schedule Now

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NOTE: I am not being paid for my mentions of people, articles, products, or books I used above nor do I receive referral compensation unless it is disclosed within the post itself, the links are for convenience.

Unless otherwise indicated I sourced the links provided while researching a post. Links that I provide at the request of another person/business will be noted, and if I am paid to provide a link I will disclose that information on the post in which it is applicable. All opinions are mine, regardless of whether or not I am compensated, and are not in any way influenced by the requesting party.

DISCLAIMER: This advice is general in nature and not to be taken as personal professional advice. This blog does not provide legal advice if you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.