I keep bumping into people around town who are curious about my photography and who ask if there is a way to see the images I’ve captured. I can email them a digital business card, but that means pulling out my phone, which is a pain. Here’s what I discovered and implemented…
There’s a free app for both iOS and Droid called HiHello. The basic version lets you create decent digital business cards that reside on their service. You can let others capture the QR code off of your phone screen to get it or – and I love this – you can write your card to RFID NFC chip devices. I got some dirt cheap key tags from Amazon and have one for work and one for my personal photography that I keep in separate pockets. Now if someone wants my Website or email, I just let them tap the correct NFC tag with their phone and it’s one touch to import my digital card into their contacts. This free service also updates my contact info on their device if I update it through the HiHello service.
I’ve already got people trying to buy prints as a result of this. Not bad for a $15 solution. Much cheaper than ordering cards on dead trees and easier on the environment.
HiHello has a premium service that lets you see how people are using your digital card, but… Meh. I’m cheap. I’m just happy if they have the Website info. I figure they’re serious enough if they ask for it.
Since Google Android & Apple iOS are the only 2 operating systems for the majority of smartphones in North America, the QR code has been standardized as the method of choice to exchange contact information. Just set the external camera to recognize the QR code and that is it. No additional software or apps is necessary since what is being transmitted is the business card text information.
The physical cardboard material business card is being transitioned away from and all small firms should be exchanging contact information through QR codes. Business Logo and name of the business entity can be stored within the QR code itself.
The HiHello system is self-healing. This means if I update my contact info, people who got my card through HiHello get my card updated. It doesn’t go stale. Cards shared straight from the phone can go stale.
Half of the time lately when people walk up to me with questions it’s because I’m flying my drone. I need my phone for that, I’m not letting them photograph a QR off the screen I’m using to steer it with.
Updating contact information once that text changes is a good feature; however “refreshing” that contact information requires effort from a server to extract the updated text and “push” out and refresh that contact information to all those people who have your business card. Also, not all of your contacts will have this app and may possibly not want to pay that monthly fee. But there are those contacts who are willing to download and pay the subscription fee.
There are firms of various categories ranging from employee count, revenue generated, industry and business type… etc… Your photography business may fall into the Arts & Entertainment Industry under a sole proprietorship with an employee count of one. Majority of small firms are in retail sales where tangible products are sold to the end consumer while that same retail firm are customers to large suppliers. Contact information is exchanged during quick conversations and or meetings. Perhaps the odds of exchanging contact information when flying a drone will be 1/500 odds. Whereas 1/3 odds contact information will be exchanged during face-to-face greetings.
Yes, I’m aware of how the system works. I used to be a network manager before I switched to a less stressful career. They have the option to install the app (which is wildly popular) for free. They get updates for free.
I’m not a firm, I’m a hobbyist. People generally engage me when I’m really busy and don’t want to interact. And what the hell do you mean F2F meetings? I’m a remote worker. The last time I interacted with staff in person was because they couldn’t hire a professional photographer for an event at HO and word got around that I used to be one. You don’t say no when the request comes from the CEO. One F2F meeting with colleagues in 2.5 years. Zero F2F meetings with customers in 2.5 years.
The real world doesn’t work the way you think it works in your head. Other people operate differently than you do.
If there is a free-trial of the app for a certain time period than go for it.
Well, in business terms your hobbyist sole proprietorship would be labelled a firm of 1 employee of whom is the owner. As for people engaging you while you are busy, it’s up to you if you want to respond or not. F2F meetings with new contacts who do not possess your business information. I applaud that you took the initiative to start a photography business to fulfill a business need at a Head Office Event. I agree, saying “no” to the boss isn’t wise unless there is an absolutely good reason. Well I am not an expert on how the freelance photography industry works but 2.5 years I believe in your experience.
The scenarios I am stating are from business textbooks and statistics on businesses. These are general theories I have on business to business & business to consumer interactions and how they are supposed to function. There are a vast variety of businesses in any given country. Free-lance Photography is one, digital camera sales is another, cloud storage is another industry. Wireless Communication Providers is yet another industry.
I can’t be hired to shoot an event or photograph your products. I no longer sell stock photography. The photography business was wound down as the pandemic started and I have no desire to bring it back. I do sell prints to people who want them via a fulfillment service, but all proceeds from print sales over and above my costs go to a local elementary school hot lunch program. I wound up selling prints because people tend to keep bugging and stalking me until I relent and say yes they can buy one. It is not out of a desire for income, but a desire not to be bothered.
I don’t know why you keep applying business scenarios to my hobby. Not everything has to be about money.
if it works it works