QR Codes - Already a Thing of the Past?

In an April 2012 issue of Exhibitor Magazine, a news brief says that NFC technology is expected to outlast QR (quick response) codes. "Researches called QR codes little more than a place holder in wireless communication, as NFC is considered by many to be a superior technology." Don't drop QR codes from your marketing campaigns just yet - researchers don't think it will be mainstream until 2016.

Not sure what NFC technology is? Have you seen the funny Samsung SIII phone commercial? The transfer of data between two phones is an example of NFC technology.

Some countries are already using NFC technology for public transit, but there are some security issues that need to be ironed out first. A data transfer can apparently be eavesdropped on from up to 10 meters away. As with any up-and-coming technology, make sure to do your research on whether it's right for implementation with your activities. Also, future predictions are what they are: predictions. In elementary school I was told that we'd have flying cars by 2006 and I'm still driving around on land just like everybody else.

New Year's Resolution: Get Involved!

It's almost here - the New Year and New Year's Resolution! This year resolve to get more involved in an industry or community organization. I'm not just talking about signing up to be a member, but really getting involved. Many organizations have committees you can sign-up to join or you could get more involved with a position like Secretary or President.

In addition to feeling good about volunteering, you will also gain valuable networking time with people in your industry or your community. Don't have an organization in mind? Simply Google a topic that interests you, for instance "engineer organizations."

Before you dive into volunteering, a word of caution. It can be fulfilling to sign-up for a lot of tasks to help out. Before you take on anything, think about how much time you have to dedicate to volunteering each month and be up front with the organization or volunteer organizers about how much time you have to dedicate. Many will just be happy to have an extra set of hands to help progress the organization's priorities along.

Lastly, don't forget to add your involvement in any organization on your LinkedIn profile. Your online profile is a great way to categorize and display all of your activities (not just your volunteering activities).

Have and happy, prosperous and fulfilling 2013!!

Book Review: The Fun Minute Manager

At a seminar during EXHIBITOR 2012, I won the book titled "The Fun Minute Manager" by Bob Pike, Robert Ford and John Newstrom. Six months later, I finally had a chance to read it! This book was a very quick read and described ways to be a "Fun Minute Manager" through an actual story. The main character Bob is not having fun at work and this book goes through his journey (by talking to a mentor and some converted "fun" managers).

Going through the steps of making work more fun, while still placing work responsibilities at the forefront, can be done. The book goes through ideas of what to do in various types of work places (places where clients come into the office vs. places where clients don't come into the office often); it goes through how to talk to your manager about implementing ideas; and working with hesitant co-workers.

The main things that this book can teach you right off the bat is that consistency with whatever you implement is really important. Read this book if you're looking for ideas to implement to make your workplace a more fun and enjoyable place to be. If you go to work enjoy being there everyday, then it's not work!

Last Minute Business Holiday Gift Idea

Hanukkah has begun and Christmas is just around the corner - have you sent out holiday gifts to your business contacts this year? If you haven't, worry not. A quick and easy, yet thoughtful, gift is donating to the Red Cross or another worthy charity. This is an especially timely gift with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and rebuilding still underway. You can donate "In Honor" of your business contact and the Red Cross will send them an email or a snail mail card indicating that you've donated in their name.

With the GSA scandal this year, companies that you interact with may be cracking down on being able to receive gifts of a certain value, so donating "In Honor" of someone can prevent you from breaking any self-imposed rules. Also, donations to qualified charities can be tax deductible.

Help your favorite charity and include your business contacts to by donating in their name. Happy Holidays!