Exploring the Stages of Engagement to Connection

What came first the chicken or the egg? That is what comes to mind when hearing different perspectives of Engagement and Connection. Sometimes these terms are tossed around like they are interchangeable. Depending on the view you are subject to, you may have to do some digging to ascertain the direction of the message. We view Engagement and Connection as two very different stages within what ultimately enables a Cycle-of-Courtesy.

Many still question engagement as a good source for online and mobile lead generation, opting for intrusive messages via SMS, email, or newsletters. The problem may not be engagement, but within the idea that engagement is a standalone solution.

      Engagement within social media is only the first step. The difference between engagement and true connections lives within how you prepare, respond and adapt

The Time for QR Codes/Tags is Still…Now

Article first published as The Time for QR Codes is Still…Now! on Technorati.

The demand for mobile information is extreme. Immediate and direct access to “more” has become an expected ever-present service.

A new initiative from Mellville House Publishing, called HybridBook, is bringing print books to life. Through the use of QR codes printed within the books, the reader can access highly curated text, maps, photographs and illustrations related to the original book. Now print books can have the same advantage as eBooks, thanks to those “catchy” QR codes.

More NFC vs QR Code talk….silly

First the back-story: Nokia shared a video that offers a grand illustration of using “NFC” as a new way to “share, pair and connect“.

The video is great and leaves us with dreams of effortless connecting as we
“tap” to share, check-in and play.

Social Media and the Warrior Dash… a Sponsorship Flashpoint.

More from Brad…

I recently competed in the Warrior Dash, presented by Red Frog Events, with a group of my friends. Three miles of running up muddied hills, swimming through murky ponds, crawling under barbed-wire on your hands and knees over-top gravel and more mud. Sound like fun? Feel like a warrior? Maybe, just feel like a shower?

QR Codes Require Consequence

Recent findings from                                                                                                                   3GVision provide excellent support for our recent post Using QR Codes to “Make” A Connection. 

People require consequence when scanning QR codes. Whether they are looking for a coupon/discount, entering a sweepstakes/contest, or just searching for more information; there needs to be something of relevance at the end of the scan.  People will be looking for the “Free Prize Inside”.

Using QR Codes to “Make” A Connection

MGH conducted an online survey with Vision Critical to better understand how QR codes are being adopted and used.

Full survey results

Key Finding:

• 72 % of smartphone users indicated that they would be likely to recall an ad with a QR code

Mobile: How We Communicate, Discover and Live

Mobile connections are forming new sources of ideas, news and advice; changing not only the way we communicate, but how we discover and live.

Connected brands will need to design intuitive mobile experiences and advance efforts to respond to an almost intrinsic demand… for “more”.  We believe relevance is crucial and must ensure ideal mobile occasions to incite a positive brand’s experience.

Mobile Convergence: Information, Social Networking and Shopping

Is true convergence in a holding pattern, while we wait for technology to catch-up? YouGov and Antenna Software confirms that we are anxious to connect anytime and anywhere, but our daily interactions are somewhat hindered by less than “ideal” mobile web speed, size and design.

AXA Continues Clever Use of QR Codes

AXA continues to create immersive messages…

This intense action based IMmercial shows a crash scene and then invites viewers to scan a QR code as an entry way to learning “MORE”, about what happened.

Using QR Codes to “Make” A Connection

For more click QR Code in our tags

Everything is Mobile…Lessons Learned

Data Source: comScore 2010 Mobile Year In Review

EVERYTHING, not just everyone, will create content, share and stay in touch. Mobile connections are forming new sources of ideas, news and advice; changing not only the way we communicate, but how we discover and live.

Mobile devices have developed into an enabling “Life Tool” and are quickly becoming an absolute necessity within emerging markets.