Did you shoot my code?

Shoot my code!

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) that consists of black squares arranged on a white background. It can be scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader to quickly access information, such as a website URL, contact details, or other data. QR codes are widely used for their fast readability and ability to store more information than traditional barcodes. They were first developed in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts and have since become popular for marketing, payments, and sharing information.

There is a 99% chance that you already knew this, or even use QR codes today. Or DO YOU???

This past week at MetLife Stadium I was a witness to QR codes - Expert Level. The Verizon Business Tri-State (New York Metro) event was host to 'everyone' in the NY/NJ/CT region. All the folks from the Public Sector (Government, Schools, etc.) to experience what is possible in a Verizon 5G connected world.

Every booth had the ability to simply scan your badge into an iPad and you were 'in' the club. Rest assured that a Verizon subject matter expert in Cyber Security, or Retail, or Healthcare, or Logistics, or....or.... would be in touch! 

Since everyone was pre-registered for the Verizon event, all badges already had a personalized QR code right on the badge. And if you met someone while networking the event, you too could just shoot their code, or they could shoot yours.  

Do you still pass out paper business cards? I find it interesting that the world did not convert 100% to electronic business cards. Today in 2025 you can just 'bump' your smartphones and your contact information will pass from one phone to the other. Yeah, I never do that.  

I look at the evolution of my business cards. 

My first business card in 1983 was very spartan. Just a phone number. No website. There were none at that time. And a PO Box. No fax number either. There were none at that time. And no email. Again, no email yet. It was phone or nothing. Unless you want to mail me a letter. Ah yes, who remembers affordable postage? 

So we went from just a phone number, to a phone + fax to phone + fax + website + email. And then to phone + maybe fax + definitely website + definitely email + maybe QR code on the back. 

And now in 2025 you really (really) should have a QR code on the back of your business card.

For the last many years, my 'new' business card was simple. JoinNYDLA.org on the back (that is the money shot) and some simple contact information on the front. And TomCapone.com forwards to my personal LinkedIn. That was simple and served me well for a very long time. 

And for a time, I would pass out 'NYDLA Golden Tickets' at events, along with my business cards. If I was presenting or speaking, I would have TomCapone.com | NYDLA.org/GoldenTicket 'up on the big screen' behind me. Or I would leave a pile of NYDLA Golden Tickets in the back of the room, next to a pile of my business cards. 

But nothing changed the game as much as QR Codes. Or better put, properly deployed QR Codes. Everyone (anyone) who has a LinkedIn Account has a QR code that connects to their personal LinkedIn account. So, that is millions of QR Codes that may or may not be properly used. Did you know this? Do you use this feature of LinkedIn? 

But this Sunday Blog is less about technology and more about USING the technology. 

While at MetLife Stadium this past week, Verizon put a QR code up on the Jumbotron with a very (VERY) compelling reason to SHOOT THAT CODE! I watched 99% of the people on the field level of the stadium raise their smartphone to eye-level to SHOOT THAT CODE. I certainly did. I wanted that swag bag!!! 

I now see QR codes on most TV ads, and on billboards, and even on flyers that I get in the mail. Yeah, people still send me things to my PO Box in good 'ol BOONTON USA. 

AND SO....  I am due for new Business Cards. My last box of 500 cards have lasted way longer than I expected. And now I can see why. My new cards will still have JoinNYDLA.org the back - PLUS a QR code. The front of the card will have CEO@NYDLA.org as my 'catch all' email, and Call/Text to our company phone number. I may or many not put my cell number on the card, not sure yet. My prediction is that SMS/TXT will be the future, along with a solid QR code processing strategy. I might put TomCapone.com | ThomasCapone.com | TommyCapone.com on the bottom of the card, to capture the curious. Like you. 

I know you want to see where they go, right? In fact, you are typing those vanity URLs into your browser right now right? 

Or just click here: TomCapone.com