By now everyone has seen and most likely scanned some sort of QR code. We have used them and often recommend them for clients’ campaigns when it fits with the strategy. The code can link to the client’s web site for more details, a custom web page with exclusive content, the client’s facebook page, or just deliver simple contact information. Of late there has been a lot of buzz about new branded QR codes that go way beyond the funky, digital squares. This is smart because customers or consumers associate the code with the brand, and it provides an additional way to position the company.

All the serious business uses of QR codes aside, there are some funny/funky/interesting things being done with QR codes. I’ve seen pictures of them mowed into fields and shot from the air, sand-castle-style on the beach, made out of pencil shavings, and even carved into wood. Here are just three that I found interesting…

Qkies – a cookie mix from a German company that includes edible QR codes that are baked right into the cookie. Useful for kids‘ birthday party invitations? Maybe, but they could also be a fun follow-up gift after a new business meeting.

QR code cookies

Cufflinks – sterling silver cuff links customized with your own QR code. Instead of carrying business cards in your tux at your next black tie affair, put on these babies. When you make a contact, have them scan your cufflinks!

Doggone it – even Fido can sport a QR code! The useful application for this is to provide scannable contact information in case your dog goes missing. Secondary use could be to get a date with that cute girl at the dog park.

What’s the most unique QR code you’ve seen? Have you used one for business? How has it worked for you? We’d love to talk all things QR with you!

Only released in beta version a little over a year ago, and already voted one of the “50 Best Websites of 2011,” Pinterest.com is a new social media phenomenon. It is a “mood board” style sharing site, where users create their own boards based on themes that interest them. Users “pin” URLs and photos to their theme boards, which are then shared with followers and other users. The site offers a “pin it” utility to allow users to quickly and easily pin something they see on any site on the web. Pins can be repinned, or liked, and allow other users to comment also.

To join Pinterest, you must be invited. You can get an invitation emailed to you from a current user, or go to Pinterest.com to request an invitation. When you are invited you can register through your facebook or twitter accounts.

I just started using Pinterest and I will say that the site has become a major source of inspiration and ideas for everything – cooking, fashion, home decor, art, design, technology, and much more. The search feature is useful when I’m curious about what’s been “pinned” on a particular topic. I started pinning favorite things of mine right away, and I also do a fair amount of “repinning” ideas that I see from other users that I want to save to my boards, too.

It will be interesting to see how companies and brands can promote products on the site. I’m sure many companies are already looking into how to incorporate Pinterest in a way that won’t alienate users – especially when their rules of etiquette are clearly opposed to overtly promotional activity on the site. As part of an overall social strategy, it appears that Pinterest is a site that should be considered, particularly if the brand can provide helpful, interesting, or inspiring information “pinners” would appreciate.

Have you started using Pinterest? Will it be part of your social media strategy?

Every project has a beginning, a middle, and an end, much like your favorite TV show. Around here, we don’t have a specific formula we use each time, but rather depending on the project we change up our approach. Here are three ways we do it.

The McGuyver – solving complex problems using a paper clip, duct tape and a swiss army knife.

Whether it’s executing a particular tactic for a promotion, or developing a complete strategy for a client’s new initiative, this method is about being resourceful. I use everything at my disposal to get at this project – anything from our library of creative books and magazines, to my go-to online resources. Client input sessions, interviews with key people, and informal surveys help, too. In the end the concept may be a combination of different bits and parts, but when it comes together, BOOM.

The Scooby-Doo – the gang works together to unmask the villain.

Occasionally a project is too complicated or tough for just one or two people, so in those cases we get the gang together to solve the mystery. Here at Catalyst it usually works to let everyone do some thinking separately, then get together to talk through each of our ideas. Then the lead creative from that group takes these concepts away to refine them. The group then meets again to narrow the concepts even further. Darn you meddling kids, but this really works!

The NCIS – everyone has their specialty.

Gibbs doesn’t do autopsies, and Abby doesn’t carry a gun. Everyone in NCIS has their own specialty (or quirk) that makes them perfect at what they do, and makes the team stronger. Same with Catalyst. Many times we function as this type of team, where each of us is able to let our unique talents and gifts shine and it all comes together. The end result is that the criminal is brought to justice – er, every part of the campaign is executed perfectly.

These are just three ways we solve problems and approach client work here at Catalyst.  Someday I’ll tell you about The I Love Lucy, The Columbo, and The Muppet Show… stay tuned.

Have a project you need McGuyvered? Give us a call.

Some wisdom from smart people, some things you learned from your mom, and some seriously random stuff…

1. “In this business, you can never wash the dinner dishes and say they are done. You have to keep doing them constantly.” Mary Wells Lawrence
2. No whining.
3. “People who read the tabloids deserve to be lied to.” Jerry Seinfeld
4. Failing does not make you a failure.
5. “The consumer isn’t a moron; she is your wife.” David Ogilvy
6. Never leave a man behind.
7. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill
8. “I’ve learned any fool can write a bad ad, but it takes a real genius to keep his hands off a good one.” Leo Burnett
9. Tip your servers.
10. “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato
11. Always stick together.
12. “Never trust a smiling cat.” Garfield
13. A little goes a long way.
14. Lefty loosie, righty tighty.
15. “Floating the flop to bet on the turn.” Ted Kucinsky

Does this happen where you work? Nearly every day of the week, two or more people at Catalyst are dressed alike. No, Ted and Shannon haven’t instituted a uniform policy (what would Catalyst uniforms look like I wonder…), but it is a strange cultural thing here at the agency. And I’m not talking just once in a while. It is nearly every day of the week.

Ted and Jeff will often be wearing the same style AND color of shirt. Jude, Jeff, and Ted will be seen sporting long sleeve, striped shirts all on the same day. One day, Melinda and Christy both looked cute in their nearly identical, v-neck embellished knit tops. Another time six people in the conference room were all wearing blue. Some days it’s plaid shirt day, other days everyone’s wearing black. Go figure.

The all-time most bizarre was when Shannon and Ted showed up on a day when they were heading out of town together for a new business meeting. Shannon wore a light gray skirt and a pale pink sweater (very chic!), and Ted wore a light gray suit with a pink tie. Same shade of gray. Same shade of pink. They looked like they were going to the Business Prom. No doubt they would be crowned king and queen!

I don’t have an explanation for this phenomenon. How could the yellow button up shirt just happen to come up in the rotation on the exact same day for Ted and Jeff? Why do the guys all reach for a striped shirt on the same day? How could Ted and Shannon both wake up and think “gray and pink” for the day?

If I had to say, I would guess that this has something to do with the fact that we work so closely together that we’re starting to rub off on each other. Like when a husband and wife start looking alike, or like people who resemble their dogs.

This has nothing to do with branding, marketing, or business. It’s just a Catalyst thing. See if you notice it next time you visit. (If you haven’t been here it might just be worth the trip!)

(Side note: The day I wrote this article, I walked around wondering if I was wrong, because I saw no one dressed alike. Then someone came around the corner and pointed out that Connie and I were wearing darn near the same sweater. What a relief that was!)