h2b creative attended the 2011 Chattanooga Business Expo last Wednesday, and we had a great time.  There were a ton of great looking booths, exciting businesses and determined business owners.  We spoke to a lot of extraordinary people, and the staff at h2b creative would like to thank all of you that stopped by our booth to say hello or discuss how we can transform your business.

Our booth was really great too, and you can catch a glimpse of its glory below.

And many of you may be wondering who won our giveaway, a Roku, at the expo.  For the non-geeky and the uninitiated, the Roku is a streaming content player that connects to the world wide web and to your TV.   Roku can stream Netflix, huluPlus, amazon, pandora, and tons of other streaming content.   We had a huge amount of people come by and register, but only one lucky winner.  And the winner is... Dr Marc Cromie with Chattanooga Allergy Clinic

Thanks Dr. Cromie for stopping by our booth.  We hope you enjoy your new toy because if you don't want it there are plenty of people around here who would like to taste the Roku's magic.

2D Codes become Common Place

Everyone has started seeing little 2D barcodes come up on everything from magazine ads, Papa Johns' pizza boxes and even on your toothpaste. With Starbuck’s introduction to the mobile payment, it is the first day-to-day exposure for a 2D barcode for most individuals.  This holiday season many retailers used 2D codes for the first time.

Like barcodes in the grocery store, these barcode contain a multitude of measurable data. Not only can the initial scan be track, but it can track conversion rates based on purchases and/or page views. On the consumer side, there is a lot to be gained discounts, coupons, hidden prizes, and much more. Another beneficial component to 2D codes is shoppers can shop more effectively. A consumer can scan a barcode and find out if there are any other retailers and online stores that have the product at a cheaper cost.

We are just now at the introductory stage of 2D barcodes. The future seems to hold these barcodes as a very functional tools for consumers and companies alike.

Part I

If you have not heard, you can now pay for your coffee or latte via your smart mobile device at  Starbucks.

Here’s how it works:
• Download the Starbucks app (available on iPhone, Android, & Blackberry)
• Upload your gift card, Starbucks Rewards Cards, or add money via a credit card
• Purchase your drink of choice
• Press barcode and it produces a 2D barcode
- Starbucks is using a 2D Linear barcode called PDF417
• Starbucks associate will scan your smart mobile device
• Your balance is updated immediately

Why is this a big deal? Almost everyone now has a smart mobile device, whether it’s a phone or a tablet. This would people to get rid of their physical credit or debit cards and make purchases with those accounts directly from their mobile device.  There are business and consumer advantages. Businesses are able to track sales, target highly loyal customers, and encourage advocacy to their social networks. Consumers can be rewarded for their spending and participation in social networking more accurately and generously. 

Information Week is reporting that Apple looks to introduce mobile payment in the next generation of smart mobile devices by using Near Field Communication (NFC) powered by iTunes. NFC allows for the exchange of data using short-range high frequency communication.  Apple will not be alone as Google, with it’s Android operating system, will focus more on implementing NFC into their devices. We will have to wait and see if debit and credit card become obsolete in the years to come. Also, we will see if the first movers are able to capitalize on the market by introducing this new technology.