Freight Brokering is Really Different

Freight brokering is a service-oriented business and from there, it really is different. So many people call me and think they need the "usual" marketing materials like logos, letterheads, stationery and a website.

And here is the latest - QR codes. These are 2-dimensional impressions and might be somewhat compared to barcodes in stores - especially grocery stores where there is a high turnover in inventory.

While none of these above will * hurt * your marketing efforts, they probably won't help that much. I do tell people to print up some business cards for when they are out and about locally. But other than that, think in terms of using the telephone and the Internet.

Getting back to the QR codes -  QR stands for "Quick Response" and those who have smart phones can pass their phone over the QR code. Usually, they will taken to a particular website.

For sure, some day, I will very likely incorporate some type of training on how QR codes can benefit your freight broker business. But I don't move too fast on new technology. Others will get there ahead of me, but that's okay.

The other day I was driving down Mesa Street here in El Paso. I saw a huge billboard with an ad and a QR code. Wow, that's impressive, I thought. The very next day, I was driving again in about the same location and I saw a large SUV with a QR code pasted on the back of the vehicle. It was about an 18" square. Again, I was impressed.

So, keep your eyes open for the QR codes and some day, if not right now, you may be able to incorporate them into your business.

But for me right now, I will wait until things sort themselves out before jumping in.

Comments

[John]

Thanks, Sharon. I appreciate your comment. I don't know if QR Codes will be a big threat. I do know that hackers will be getting more sophisticated and I myself need to get better prepared for this.

John

[Sharon Porter]

John you are right. I have been seeing a lot of QR Codes in magazines and food coupons in the weekly advertisements I receive. I also have seen a bank advertise you can scan and deposit your checks into the bank right from home. This new technology is scary but incorporating it into your business as your mentioned could be a valuable tool in the future.