#1: QR Code Haters Need to STFU.

When I mention that I’m in mobile marketing, it’s not uncommon to for someone to blurt out that QR codes don’t work. They grate me to the point of labeling them as mLuddites, and I went as far as to send a few of them thank you notes that only contained a QR code. Here’s 30 examples that prove them wrong: http://bit.ly/134fMvb

#2: Desktop and Mobile Users are One in the Same.

A fellow Minnesotan was spot on in her thinking on mobile web usage. Many marketers think in terms of desktop versus mobile users and adjust efforts according. Not so fast per Jenn Kane: http://bit.ly/134gZ5J

#3: The Best & Brightest of 2012:

Here’s the brands that did the best mobile magic last year according to Mobile Marketer: http://bit.ly/134he0H

Giving Back in 2013:

I’m looking for 12 good candidates for who need pro-bono help around mobile in 2013. Yes, the goal is one per month.  If you know of worthy 501(c)3 organization, please drop me an email or SMS. (Preference is for local orgs.)

-Curt

Barring the late arrival of the end of the world (damn sloppy, Mayans), it looks like Minneapolis will have a White Christmas. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

#1: Corporate Giving Goes Mobile.

National brands partnering with nonprofits are nothing new, but it’s rarely innovative. I came across two exceptions that both used mobile have cross my path this week: Coca-Cola & Domino’s. Coca-Cola in partnership with the RED Campaign created a game to raise funds for AIDS research. While simpler, Dominos is promoting a Text2Give campaign for St. Jude’s to the tune of over $600K to date. Both are worth reviewing:

Coca-Cola: http://bit.ly/UVXWEh
Domino’s: http://bit.ly/UVYbzd

#2: Square Adds Gift Cards.

Gift cards generate $180B in revenue for brands. Glad to see that Square is giving that opportunity to small business: http://bit.ly/UVYLg4

#3: Mobile is Well Hidden in B2B.

Business-to-business company don’t get a fair shake in mobile case study exposure, and it’s unlikely they want it. The Bring Your Own Device (MYOD) trend is driving greater adoption of mobile tolls by B2B marketers. Curious? Check out this great whitepaper from Mobile@Ogilvy: http://bit.ly/UVZfTH

Questions?

Often times, it takes loads of energy to fire out a question via email, and making a call is not possible. Here’s a more painless method, simply text your questions HELPME to 75309. I’ll reply with answers ASAP.

-Curt

Happy Holidays to all of you and your loved ones. Here’s what I’ve been watching over the last few weeks:

#1: Will Black Friday become Mobile Friday?

Last year, there was a lot of noise for Social Commerce during the holiday retail binge. This year, mobile commerce shined and there was little mention of social media. Here’s some numbers for you to consider:  http://bit.ly/Tx5Ab0

#2: QR codes for Christmas?

Though many probably included the “death of QR Codes” on their holiday wish list, smart retailers understand the value of this battered tool. From mobile layaway to rebates to packaging, Mobile Marketer has a great post on a few of the ways they’re being leveraged this holiday season:  http://bit.ly/Tx5wrP

#3: Looking for mobile innovation? Look West.

And I mean West Africa:  http://bit.ly/Tx5kJb

Questions?

Often times, it takes loads of energy to fire out a question via email, and making a call is not possible. Here’s a more painless method, simply text your questions HELPME to 75309. I’ll reply with answers ASAP.

-Curt

#1: What you can learn from a Slurpee Pusher.

A lot of innovation is overlooked out of professional snobbery — marketers rarely look downmarket for ideas. Some of the most sound, mobile marketing is coming from the creator of the Big Gulp. From advertising on Pandora to mobile couponing to a mobile-integrated rewards program, marketers best pay attention to what 7-Eleven is producing.

Check out Mobile Marketer’s link-laden post here: http://bit.ly/RW7wpr

#2: Ignore SMS at Your Own Peril.

This factoid has kept this bookmark alive for nearly 11 months: Coca-Cola devotes 70 percent of its mobile efforts what’s proven to work. No surprise, SMS is at the top of their budget list. While they’ve put out over 60 apps over the last five years, the results proved lackluster. SMS leads because SMS is ubiquitous and meshes easily into traditional channels…basically drives conversion.

Check out the thoughts of Tom Daly, Coke’s mobile guru, here: http://bit.ly/RW7AW2

#3: Donkey WiFi

These pack animals are packing more than just fat, evangelical tourists in Israel.

Enjoy: http://bit.ly/RW7UEh

Questions?

Often times, it takes loads of energy to fire out a question via email, and making a call is not possible. Here’s a more painless method, simply text HELPME to 75309. I’ll reply with answers ASAP.

-Curt