Over 1.56 trillion people communicate today via text messaging. We’ve even passed laws, for Pete’s sake, to dissuade (though not prevent) the most obsessed users from texting while driving!

The viral spread and committed usage of mobile media have, therefore, necessitated the need for mobile marketing applications—which encompass everything from iPhone-friendly Web sites (now a must for people on the go) to text message marketing.

Consequently, if you haven’t done so lately, now is the time to catch up to the mobile media technologies in place. Likewise, you’ll want to discern how best to apply them to your business and personal life.

I have, for instance, just adopted an application that pretty much makes paper (or plastic) business cards obsolete. Today, if I meet someone new or run into an old acquaintance who wants my contact information, I can simply instruct the person to text writelady to 90210.  In other words, the individual would use the short code, 90210, for the phone number, type writelady in the message box, and send. In response, the person would receive an incoming text message that includes my name, phone number, email and Web address.

Go ahead—text it!

By the way, if you once had my hot pink business card but lost it, from here on out, all you need to recall is writelady (for Write Lady) and 90210 to get back in touch with me. Who can’t remember 90210—the Beverly Hills zip code is the most memorable five-digit series in the world!

Eco-friendly and pretty cool, using the auto response as a business card is also rather basic in light of countless other applications available for the mobile platform. Most importantly, the texting format delivers time-sensitive information to highly targeted recipients who not only see it quickly, but also want to be in the know!

Examples of uses include act-now promotional offers, patient appointment reminders, last-minute updates, raffle participation, billboard notifications, etc.  The possibilities and customization opportunities are as extensive as anyone’s imagination!

Such technology is not intended as a spamming device. People will not tolerate spam on their phones. Therefore, if some recipients (all of whom have had to register as subscribers) decide they want to stop receiving messages from the source, they just text back one simple word: stop.

As we move into the future, rest assured that new mobile technologies and applications will continue to hit the marketplace for one key reason: 1.56 trillion people and counting!

How will you put mobile media to work for you in the future?

My best to you!

Sallie W. Boyles, a.k.a. Write Lady