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IN THIS ISSUE
August 1, 1999 - Volume
1, No. 11
===================================================
Editorial |
The house is a mess,
the kids are sick, your spouse is late, the refrigerator is empty,
and what do you mean you have to work late?!
Stress is the physical, mental and emotional reaction
you experience as your body
responds to an event that upsets the balance in your
life. The body's response to
stress is similar to responding to a threatening condition.
Your fight-or-flight
reaction, a survival instinct of our species, kicks in.
Daily stressors have changed
over the years, but it is possible that the deadline
your boss just sprung on you
might bring about the same physical response that your
ancestors once had when
facing a saber-toothed tiger. Once that first alarm is
sounded, your body reacts to
stress:
your heart starts to race
palms get sweaty
perspiration increases
blood pressure goes up
breathing rate increases
and you feel a rush of strength.
The first step toward managing stress is to identify
the origins of your stress factors.
1. Physical Causes of Stress
If you stay up too late, eat or drink too much or work
too many hours, you know
these actions usually result in feeling tired or ill.
2. External Stress
Is your job boring and unrewarding or maybe excessively
demanding?
3. Emotional or Psychological
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Sometimes
people find it easier to fall into
despair than to discover and deal with the problem causing
the despair.
Natural Strategies for Stress Management
Stress management skills help us respond and react to
the everyday pressures and
demands of life. Developing effective stress management
skills is crucial to learning
how to live with stress. Try some of these natural stress
relievers to alleviate stress
at work or home.
1. Exercise
The normal reaction to the fight-or-flight response is
to fight or run. A quick walk
will release some of your pent-up energy.
2. Meditation
Sounds exotic, doesn't it? Meditation is really just
a way to learn to relax by
concentrating on your breathing and clearing your mind
of thoughts.
3. Yoga
Yoga can help you calm stress. Look for a class in your
neighborhood. It is easy to
learn about this ancient system of strengthening postures,
breathing exercises, and
meditation techniques.
4. Deep Breathing
In almost all methods of stress reduction, one of the
first keys is effective breathing.
Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use breathing techniques
for relaxation. When feeling
stressed, find a place to sit that is quiet and has few
stractions. Close your eyes and
breathe in slowly through your nose, taking ten to fifteen
seconds to inhale each
breath. Slowly exhale through your mouth for ten to fifteen
seconds. Repeat the
deep breaths slowly at least five times.
5. Hot Bath
Give yourself a gift by taking a hot bath. Pamper yourself
with aromatic soaps and
oils. Turn down the lights. Light a candle. The warm
water helps restore circulation
in your body, leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
6. Laugh
Have you ever heard the saying, "Laughter is the best
medicine"? Laughing is a
great coping mechanism. Develop your sense of humor and
use it daily.
Feeling stressed out? Slow down, take a deep breath,
soak in hot tub,
and look for the humor in life.
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
1.
Arts,
Humanities
and
Entertainment |
Images
A journal of film and popular culture. The Golden Age
of Exploitation
http://www.imagesjournal.com/index.html
GIGMANIA.COM LAUNCHES AS AN INNOVATOR OF LIVE MUSIC
LISTINGS
On August 1st a Web site launched that will change the
way people look up live music listings. Gigmania.com is a dynamic interactive
community and resource where fans, musicians, and industry professionals
can see, hear and feel the experience of live music. When a user logs on
to look up their favorite band, they'll get much more than the date and
time of upcoming gigs. Gigmania provides direct links to live Internet
concerts, the latest audio clips, and the ability to purchase CDs and concert
tickets. Bands, fans, and industry pros will connect and interact in a
targeted forum via chat rooms and bulletin boards. Gigmania provides touring
musicians with a direct connection to fans and the music industry. It enables
artists to inform fans of upcoming tour schedules, new tunes, and band
news. Using the tools Gigmania provides, artists will have the opportunity
to increase their ability to communicate with existing fans and to attract
new ones.
http://www.gigmania.com
I Got A Crush on You
eCrush Personals. Find out if someone you like--likes
you without any risk of rejection. Sheesh. Where was this when I was in
high school? http://www.ecrush.com
Tour the Hearst Castle Online
Take the tour via a slide show. Beautiful aerial view
of the entire estate and slides of some of the rooms, including the pantry
and billiard room. http://www.hearstcastle.org/
-----------------
Rotten Tomatoes
-----------------
Movie Reviews and News.
Reviews of current movies from the nation's top critics.
You'll love the simple rating system. Good reviews receive
a fresh tomato and bad reviews receive a rotten tomato.
http://www.rotten-tomatoes.com/
---------------------
FANTASY STOCK MARKET
---------------------
Confused about the Stock Market? Here's a fun approach
to
investment education through activie participation
and
competition. When you sign up to play, Players are given
$100,000 in Fantasy money to trade stocks and mutualfunds
listed on the New York, Nasdaq, and American Stocks
Exchanges. Fantasy Stock Market will then track their
portfolio and rank them against other players.
http://www.fantasystockmarket.com
---------
ADBUSTERS
---------
A collection of spoof ads. Guranteed to make you
laugh out loud.
http://www.adbusters.org/spoof-ads/index.html
-------------
The Force.net
-------------
Your Daily Dose of Star Wars
http://theforce.net/
-------------
PHANTOM CAST
-------------
The Official Web Cast of the Star Wars Lines.
Want to know why these people are standing in line for
Star Wars tickets. Read the profiles and then listen
to
the interviews with these fans.
http://www.phantomcast.com/
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
2.
Business, Finance and Employment
|
1. Sharpen Your Voice Mail Etiquette
2. Are You an Internet Sleuth?
3. A KICK-START BUSINESS PLAN FOR THE HOME BIZ ENTREPRENEUR
4. Sharpen Your Trade Show Skills
1. Sharpen Your Voice Mail Etiquette
Sharpen Your Voice Mail Etiquette With the growing number
of electronic communication tools available to let you stay connected 24
hours a day, seven days a week, you need to understand the communication
etiquette that goes along with each tool. Voice Mail is one of the most
commonly used communication tools. Good voice mail requires good etiquette.
Guidelines for leaving a voice mail message
-
1. Speak slowly, clearly and enunciate. (Have you ever had
to replay messages because you could not understand the call? Frustrating,
isn't it?)
-
2. Keep your message specific and short. Voice mail messages
are not appropriate channels of communication to chat or to explain detailed
steps or instructions. Be direct. Give your answer first and then add explanations
for clarity. Start your message with your name and phone number.
-
3. Be prepared and plan ahead. Every time you make a phone
call, be prepared to leave a voice mail message. Before you make the call,
take a few moments to review the purpose of your call. Your message should
include: o your name o company name o phone number o reason for the call
o when and where the person can return your call if needed
-
4. Reduce phone tag games. If you are calling to reply to
a question or inquiry with a simple answer, leave a message.
-
5. Maintain an even and gentle tone. When leaving repeated
voice mail messages, keep your frustration and anger in check. If someone
does not want to return your call, anger will not help your chances for
a return call.
-
6. Treat every phone call as though you were calling your
best customer. It could happen!
-
7. Speak clearly and naturally. Speak directly into the phone.
This action may seem obvious, but many people become distracted when speaking
on the phone and do not speak directly into the receiver.
-
8. Turn off your speaker phone before you leave a voice mail
message. Speaker phones detract from a personal touch and increase static
in the message.
-
9. Limit each message to one subject. Your call may need
to be forwarded to another person, and by keeping your message to one subject,
the recipient is able to forward your message without any other, possibly
inappropriate, content.
-
10. Answer your phone.
Voice mail is handy, but should not be used to screen all
of your calls. Your Outgoing Voice Mail
-
1. Identify yourself clearly in your outgoing voice mail
message. Include your name, department and company name.
-
2. If you are out of the office, be sure to let your callers
know when you will be returning calls. Let them know that you may be unavailable
for a few hours. Always give the caller the option to talk to a real, live
person.
-
3. If you will be unavailable when you go on vacation, change
your message, and tell your callers when you will be able to return their
call, or who to contact during your absence.
Because voice mail has integrated itself so deeply into our
lives, many people assume that you will be checking voice mail when you
are on vacation. If you are taking a *real* vacation and will not be checking
your voice mail, be sure to include that information in your message. Tell
your callers how to reach a colleague in your absence. This will also help
reduce the backlog of calls waiting for you when you return to work after
your vacation. Example: "Hi. This is Jane Doe. I'll be on vacation from
March 1-March 15, and will not be checking in for messages. While I'm gone,
John Doe is available to help you. You can reach John at ext. 6789." Check
your voice mail on a regular basis. If you do not have time to talk or
to answer, respond quickly to acknowledge to the caller that you received
the message and will add details later. Without answering promptly, your
caller is left to wonder whether you received the call, not what the answer
is. Think about what you are going to say BEFORE you make the call. That
way if a live person answers the phone, you are even more prepared to speak
to them.
Are You an Internet Sleuth?
Do you know how to spy on your competition on the Internet?
The Internet has opened up new and easily accessible places, publicly available,
for you to discover information about your competition. The easy access
to this public information has caused an increased awareness in the field
of competitive intelligence.
What is Competitive Intelligence? Competitive intelligence
is the process of obtaining information, analyzing it and turning the information
into something that you can use to make decisions. The information and
analysis must be timely, but the key to competitive intelligence is knowing
how to apply that knowledge. It's Not Really Spying Competitive analysis
is not illegal or unethical. It's not stealing. The purpose of competitive
analysis is not to steal your competition's secrets, but to gather a wide
range of information about your industry, so that you can use that knowledge
as part of your overall business strategy.
Gathering and analyzing information allows you to identify
new opportunities, changes in the industry and to detect any new competitive
threats. Remember, you must analyze all available information to see the
whole picture. An often used example to describe competitive intelligence
is this story about a competitor's parking lot. You drive by your competitor's
employee parking lot and notice that there are only half as many cars as
last month.
That little nugget of information does not mean anything
without a timely analysis. Does it mean the company is in trouble and reducing
the workforce, or have they become so efficient that they only need half
the workforce? This example illustrates how one single piece of information
fits into the whole picture. Gather enough information to get the whole
picture, so that you can perform a complete and timely analysis in order
to apply that knowledge in your best interests. What information can be
obtained and where does it come from? When any company does business they
leave a paper trail. This information can be obtained legally and ethically.
Any time money is exchanged, so is information.
Think about the paper trail for your business. Incorporation
papers, advertisements, newsletters, trade shows, brochures, even information
about the physical building where your office is located. Information gathering
has become much easier using the Internet. Many databases of information
are now online and you have access to, and can gather, the pieces of information
much more quickly and easily than in past history.
We have reviewed some of the best online resources in
the list below.
-
Hoovers Bills itself as "the ultimate source for company
information." You will find a wide variety of tools here including financial,
list of officers, real-time SEC documents, IPO central and stock screener.
http://www.hoovers.com
-
KnowX KnowX is heralded as the most comprehensive source
of public records on the web. KnowX.com has real-time access to billions
of public records, so you can find information here that other websites
cannot offer. What can you do at KnowX? You can locate people, research
business, or run a background check. http://www.knowx.com
-
Company Sleuth Offers free, legal, easy, inside information
in a daily email. Complete the registration form and select the publicly
traded companies you want Company Sleuth to monitor for you. After that,
you receive a daily email containing information about the companies you
selected. Company Sleuth scours the Internet for you and sends you the
results. What kind of information will Company Sleuth give me? Company
Sleuth monitors new patents, SEC filings, new trademarks, insider trades,
job postings, press releases and much more. If you're interested in tracking
a company without having to do the leg work, this is a great resource.
http://www.companysleuth.com
The sources for gathering published or public information have not changed
as much as the easy access the Internet now provides to those sources.
A KICK-START BUSINESS PLAN FOR THE HOME BIZ ENTREPRENEUR
Do I need a Business Plan? I am launching a small business
out of my home and I am not planning to hire any employees. Starting a
new business is a complex process. A business plan is equally important
if you are planning to start a small business out of your home. If you
are handling everything involved in starting your business, then your plan
will become a model to help you focus on the important issues and activities.
WHAT IS A BUSINESS PLAN? A Business Plan is merely a written
document describing the basic idea underlying your business. The exercise
of creating a written Business Plan puts your business idea in context
and presents your approach to turning that idea into a profitable business.
THE BIG EXCUSE: I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! Do you go
to the grocery store without a list? Then why would you start a business
without a list? Think of your Business Plan as your to-do list for starting
your business. Many new business owners are afraid of the term "Business
Plan" and their fear stops them from writing one.
The idea of writing a Business Plan can sound very overwhelming
and ominous to many potential new business owners, but it doesn't have
to be. Remember, the Business Plan is merely a written document of your
business idea. The Business Plan is for YOU. A written Business Plan allows
you to evaluate your ideas before you commit to starting a business.
Going through the exercise of writing a Business Plan
will help you discover factors related to your business that you might
have missed otherwise. A good Business Plan saves far more time than it
takes to prepare.
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? Each Business Plan is unique, and
preparing yours is a matter of degree. Many good Business Plans start on
the back of an envelope! A good Business Plan is the blueprint that will
translate your idea into a profitable business. When preparing your Business
Plan, you might need to ask for help in the areas of accounting, tax and
legal requirements.
Do not consider this a sign of weakness, but rather view
it as a smart business person looking for expert help in these important
areas, which are critical to the success of your business. Answer these
questions and you will be well on your way to developing an effective Business
Plan.
THE KICK-START BUSINESS PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE
-
1. The Business What is your product or service? What are
the critical factors that make them successful? Why will you start this
business? What need will you fill? How will your business be unique from
others?
-
2. The Market Who are your customers? How will your customers
benefit from your business? How will they be better off? Where are potential
customers and how many of them are there?
-
3. Financial Analysis Describe your sources of capital and
how you intend to use those funds. Describe how you will determine the
price of your services or goods? What do you have to do to break even?
What are your expenses?
-
4. Management Analysis Describe who will be responsible for
day-to-day business operations? Who is your management team? What are their
qualifications? What skills and qualifications will you require from employees
and how much will you pay them? Start your Business Plan with the Kick-Start
Questionnaire and continue to add details. Your chances for business success
will increase considerably when you take the time and energy needed to
write a Business Plan.
Sharpen Your Trade Show Skills
Trade shows have developed into a huge opportunity for
your company to market your products or services. Do you know how to prepare
for a trade show? Try this simple three-step approach.
Step 1.
Set Your Goals and Objectives In Advance Every year,
trade shows are attended by companies who have spent enormous amounts of
time and money to prepare their displays, but have neglected to prepare
their staff to participate effectively in the show. Define your goals for
the show so that you can develop a strategy for working the show.
Ask yourself, "What do I want to happen as a result of
marketing at this trade show?" Some common examples of objectives for trade
shows include:
-
Performing market research
-
Gathering leads
-
Qualifying leads
-
Increasing sales
-
Writing orders
-
Getting exposure for your company, products or services
Step 2.
Prepare Your Staff Are your employees motivated and trained
to work at a trade or business show? Have you prepared a staff person to
work the trade booth? The people working the booth are the most crucial
element of the booth, not your elaborate booth design or set-up, and fancy
literature. The team representing your company represents your image to
the outside world. It is the people at your booth that the attendees will
remember.
Trade Show Team Preparation
-
Does Your Team Know What You Expect From Them?
-
How many people should they talk to?
-
What should they talk about?
-
Will they perform product demonstrations?
-
Do they know how to qualify prospects?
Booth Etiquette Tips
-
1. Be informed and knowledgeable about your product line.
-
2. Do not ignore or alienate booth visitors by chatting and
*hanging out* with colleagues. Also, do not use inappropriate language,
or complain about having to be at the show.
-
3. Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing. Think twice
about wearing new shoes or high heels.
-
4. Eat in the exhibitors' break room or lunch area. Your
visitors will not want to interrupt you if you are eating your lunch.
-
5. Don't chew gum. It is annoying and distracting.
Working a booth is a lot more difficult than it looks. The
combination of long hours, talking to visitors, and just being on your
feet all day can zap your energy.
Try these survival tips to keep your energy high for long
hours.
-
Take a 10-15 minute break every two-three hours
-
Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water
-
Eat light meals
-
Get plenty of rest the night before the show
-
Work in groups - team selling is less stressful and more
fun.
Step 3.
Follow-Up The work really begins when the trade show
ends. Make time for trade show follow-up and send out thank you notes,
literature, or event gifts to your qualified leads. A little advance planning
and training will result in a positive trade show experience for your company
and for your employees working the show.
1. What You Need to Know About Copyright
Protection
2. Leadership and Change Management in Your Business
3. Customer Service Check-Up
4. Seven Steps to Creating a Successful Flyer
What You Need to Know About Copyright Protection
WHAT IS IT? Copyright is a form of protection to authors
of certain intellectual works. Protection is available for original works,
both published and unpublished. Essentially, copyright law protects your
right to make money from your original works.
WHAT DOES IT PROTECT? Original and tangible works are
protected under copyright. Tangible works meaning something you can touch
or see, including items in the following categories.
-
literary works
-
musical works
-
dramatic works
-
pantomimes and choreographic works
-
pictorial, graphic and sculptural works
-
motion pictures
-
sound recordings
-
architectural works
WHAT IS NOT PROTECTED? Copyright law does not protect ideas,
procedures, processes, systems, concepts or lists of things like a telephone
book. However, the look or format of the list might be copyrighted.
Improvisational speeches or performances that have not
been recorded or written cannot be protected by copyright.
Titles, names, short phrases, slogans, blank forms, listings
of ingredients or contents. Recipes are a good example.
You cannot copyright a list of ingredients in a recipe,
but you can copyright the instructions.
Works that consist of information of common property and
contain no original works. Examples in this category include calendars,
and height and weight charts.
Ideas. An original idea is not a tangible work. If you
have a great idea and act upon it, get a copyright on the work resulting
from your idea.
HOW DO I GET A COPYRIGHT? Copyright protection is secured
automatically when your work is created. A work is acknowledged as created
when it is fixed in a copy for the first time. A copy is referred to as
a material object, something that can be seen such as a book or film.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT You are no longer required to use
the copyright notice as was required under the 1976 Copyright Act. However,
use of the copyright notice is important, because it informs the public
that the work is protected by copyright. The notice also serves to identify
the copyright owner and shows the year of first publication. You do not
need advance permission from the Copyright Office to use the copyright
notice.
As the copyright owner, you are authorized to use the
copyright notice. Proper Form for Copyright Notice
-
1. The symbol © (the letter C in a circle), or the word
Copyright.
-
2. The year of first publication of the work.
-
3. The name of the owner of copyright. Example: © 1999
Jane Doe
HOW LONG DOES COPYRIGHT PROTECTION LAST? Works created on
or after January 1, 1978 are automatically protected from the moment of
creation. The term of these works endures through the author's life plus
an additional 70 years after the death of the author.
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT PROTECTION There is no such thing
as an international copyright that will automatically protect your work
throughout the entire world. Protection against unauthorized use in a particular
country depends on the national laws of the country.
HOW DO I REGISTER MY COPYRIGHT? Registering your copyright
is a legal formality - which means forms and fees! Registration is not
a requirement for copyright protection. However, if you want to pursue
any action against copyright infringements through the United States legal
system, your works must be registered. There are three elements required
to register your copyright with the U.S. Library of Congress. 1. A properly
completed application form. 2. A nonrefundable filing fee for each application.
3. A nonreturnable deposit of the work being registered. To review the
complete registration and online registration packets, visit the Copyright
Office website at http://www.loc.gov/copyright.
Leadership and Change Management in Your Business
Change is constant. As businesses grow and evolve, organizational
change is a given. As the business leader, you must be willing to change
yourself before you can expect to ask others to change.
PREPARING THE RELATIONSHIP Your first priority is to create
a positive relationship with the people you are asking to change. As you
begin to develop your relationship with this group, remember that your
point of common interest with them is their best interest.
PREPARING YOUR CHANGE Respect the status quo. It works,
at least for some people, to some extent, in some way. Before you make
a change ask, "What do we want to make sure not to change?" Be careful
to frame the need for change so that it doesn't imply that people are incompetent
or have failed.
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE CHANGE See your proposal as
a possibility, not a necessity. Consider how important this change is to
you and how that significance may affect the kinds of responses you get,
and also how it might affect your view of the responses.
PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENT You need to create an environment
where people want to change, and where it is possible to change. Make sure
the environment protects people against punishment for failure, feelings
of incompetence, and poor results.
ANTICIPATING THE RESPONSE Any time you propose a change
you should expect resistance. There are several ways you can anticipate
responses and develop answers to the most common issues. Role play the
change to reveal possible responses. Find out who stands to lose something
from this change.
THE RESPONSE To encourage the response, you need to make
sure it is safe for people to express their disagreements and concerns.
Try to get their disagreements and concerns early in
the transition. Whenever you are confronted with resistance, try these
possibilities on for size.
-
I don't understand their point of view...yet.
-
They did something I didn't expect.
-
Maybe I've made a mistake!
-
I've created a problem for them. In order to make progress,
you must work to understand the other person's point of view when you encounter
resistance. Resistance is a signal that you need to become curious.
Ask yourself,
-
"What exactly is the person responding to?" ·
-
Something about the change? ·
-
Something about the way you described the change? ·
-
Something from their own experience? ·
-
Earlier, failed changes?
People will watch your response to resistance, to find out
whether you are making it safe for them to express their concerns. A neutral
response from you will make it safe for them to express their concerns.
The size of a person's response tells you about the significance they place
on that change.
When you meet with resistance, don't take it personally,
and most importantly, don't make someone have to be "wrong" in order to
accept your change. We tend to judge others by their behavior and ourselves
by our intentions. Turn this equation around. What might the other person's
intentions be? How might they be viewing your behavior?
One of the most important goals of managing organizational
change is to provide opportunities for those affected to be participants
in the change so that they have some part in influencing their own destiny.
More often, they see themselves as victims of change because they receive
little or no information until decisions are made, and they are not asked
to share their experience to influence those decisions.
Customer Service Check-Up
Listening to your customers on a regular basis is a good
way to see how your business is perceived by your customers. Measuring
customer satisfaction can provide your company with valuable information.
=>
FOUR REASONS TO PERFORM REGULAR CUSTOMER CHECK-UPS
-
1. To realize that change is constant and you should expect
that your customers needs will change.
-
2. To identify new trends in your marketplace, which allows
you to develop new products or services, or adapt existing ones to current
market trends.
-
3. To get your customers involved. Your customers are more
likely to respond to your inquiries if they feel that you will actually
listen to their input.
-
4. So that you will be willing to really listen to your customers
and act upon the information gathered from your customer satisfaction research.
HOW WILL YOU COLLECT THE DATA?
Many survey techniques are available and your selection
will depend upon your costs, resources and the type of information for
which you are asking.
Telephone Survey
If you are in a hurry to get your survey completed, phone
surveys are an excellent method for completing surveys quickly. Phone surveys
require the interviewer to possess excellent listening skills. Some of
the limitations of phone surveys include:
-
Inconsistency of Interviewers Following directions properly
is essential to successful telephone surveys. An interviewer might ask
the questions incorrectly or inadvertently lead the interviewee to a response.
-
Calling at an Inconvenient Time The respondent might not
want to be interrupted at the time of the call and may resent the intrusion
of the phone call. The answers will reflect this attitude. -->
Mail Surveys
The mail survey is designed to be completed at the convenience
of the respondent so it is usually a bit longer than the telephone survey.
Mail surveys generally have a lower response rate than other forms of research.
To improve the participation of respondents, make sure you include a brief,
well-written cover letter that adequately persuades the recipient of the
importance of their contribution.
Face to Face
Personal Interviews Personal interviews allow you to
observe the respondents' reactions. To gather enough data to be statistically
significant, you need several people to perform interviews. These interviewers
need to be trained in proper interview techniques and need to be knowledgeable
of the project. Personal interviews require considerable time and training
of the interviewers so the responses are not tainted.
Focus Groups
A focus group is usually determined by certain demographic
filters. They gather to discuss a particular product or topic. This type
of data collection can be expensive because you need an effective moderator
and all sessions should be videotaped or recorded.
Toll Free Numbers
An 800 number that is available for your customers is
a great way to collect information. However, if a dissatisfied customer
calls and the person answering the phone is not able to resolve the complaint
or is uninformed about the business, the customer's frustration will be
elevated and you will end up with a very dissatisfied customer.
Comment and Complaint Cards
These are best used as part of a comprehensive data collection
system and as a continuing source of customer input collected and compared
over a long period of time.
Internet Surveys
Internet surveys can be fast, economical, and accurate.
Because of the multimedia capabilities of the Internet, surveys can be
done to test package graphics and logos. The Internet offers a variety
of research methods including email surveys, online focus groups, web-based
surveys and Internet panel research. Internet surveys have become another
viable data collection option. The key to successful customer satisfaction
research is being willing to act upon the information you gather. Gathering
data that is not used to improve your customer service, is not only a waste
of your time and company resources, but it is a waste of your customers'
and interviewees time, as well, and should be avoided.
Seven Steps to Creating a Successful Flyer
Flyers are inexpensive, one-page marketing tools. You
can create a professional looking flyer in any word processing program.
ARE THEY EFFECTIVE?
Many small businesses generate new customers from flyers
and signs. When designing your flyer, remember that you have less than
three seconds to get the attention of anyone passing by your flyer.
1. TARGET: Who is Your Customer? Your flyer will be geared
toward your target market. Start by describing the person you think is
your customer.
-
Age Group: Teenagers, Young Married couples, College students,
Grandparents
-
Or can you describe them by group? Homeowners, Entrepreneurs,
Health Fanatics, Music Lovers, Hippies/Yuppies
2. BENEFITS: What's in it for me? The benefits for your buyer
must be clearly stated on your flyer. Ask yourself what values or benefits
your product or service will provide. Use some of these successful words.
Save time Reliable Save Money Complete Fast Fast Results Easy to Use Relaxing
Feel Better Foolproof
3. FEATURES: What is it? Benefits appeal to the emotions
of your buyer. Features identify physical characteristics of your product
or service and answer the question, "What is it?" PRODUCTS: color, size,
number, weight SERVICES: house packing, accounting, website development
EVENT: lecture, workshop, seminar
4. UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION Distinguish yourself from
the rest of the pack by your USP, your Unique Selling Proposition. What
does your product or service offer that makes is special and different
from other similar products or services?
-
Over a million sold
-
Certified by...
-
Fast and friendly
-
Same day service Position your product with a simple descriptor.
-
premium
-
budget
-
luxury
-
convenient
-
microwavable
5. THE HEADLINE
Your headline will make or break your flyer The only
job the headline has to do is to grab attention. Include a benefit in your
headline to improve results.
-
How to lose 30 pounds in 30 days
-
5 Easy ways to save money
-
Turn Your Junk Into Cash
Focus on the positive benefits and avoid any negative headlines.
Some great attention grabbing words: Amazing Authentic Bargain Best Discover
Easy Fast Fun FREE Guaranteed How To Make Money Save Urgent You Your Valuable
Be clear and truthful. Cut excess words and tighten your copy.
6. TESTIMONIALS AND CREDENTIALS Testimonials are statements
made by your customers to you expressing their satisfaction with your product
or service. Get permission in writing to use their testimonials in your
flyer. You do not have to use testimonials, but they are helpful in improving
your credibility.
Credentials: If you have any certification, degree or
training that is appropriate for what you are selling, include it in your
flyer.
-
Award winning
-
Author of
-
Former college professor
7. CALL FOR ACTION Now that you have your readers attention,
tell them what to do. Make your call to action very simple.
-
Call now and request
-
Order 3 and get one free
Make it easy for interested parties to respond to your call
for action. How do you do this? If you want them to call you, provide an
800 number for them to reserve a spot or place an order. Make sure the
person answering the phone is properly trained and well-informed about
the event, product or service.
WHERE TO PLACE YOUR FLYERS You will need to check with
your local community before you place handbills on utility poles. You will
need pins, tacks, staples, and tape to put up your flyers. Keep your flyer
simple and clear so that your viewers can understand what it is about at
a glance and the success of your simple flyer will amaze you.
PressKits Offers Online Archive of Pre-made Design
Templates for Creating CD Packaging and Media Kits
PressKits a leading printer of custom media packaging
announced the launch of their newly updated web site today, featuring pre-made
folder style templates and hyperlink exchanges for like-minded web businesses.
http://www.presskits.com
Office Workers Find Increased Comfort, Productivity
from Stand-Up Desks
In this modern computer age where most Americans have
desk jobs, many of them are experiencing the pain and discomfort that go
along with prolonged sitting. Complaints like lower back pain and shoulder
pain prompted Akron, Ohio businessman, Jim Gattuso, to explore the idea
of a "stand-up" desk. "I was experiencing chronic back pain and began looking
for solutions. I discovered that the leading authorities on ergonomics
and back pain state that most people can work better and longer in a standing
position. They say that being able to shift one's weight and move from
side to side helps people think more clearly, not to mention relieving
back and shoulder pain. In fact, in 1770, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration
of Independence at a stand-up desk that he made himself." Gattuso took
his idea to the Amish: "I thought who better to help me bring back this
great idea than my Amish friends who make furniture? Their furniture-making
craftsmanship dates back to colonial times using old world techniques and
producing beautiful furniture that is built to last forever." Gattuso named
his business "Amish Country Furniture Sales" and has sold stand-up desks
to CEOs, computer workers, attorneys, bankers, writers and even the military.
http://www.standupdesks.com
-----------------------------------
Job Seekers Get Insider Information
-----------------------------------
To help job seekers, WetFeet.com, a leading career
research organization, has recently published "The Insider
Guide to Jobs in the Computer Hardware Industry," a
behind-the-scenes look at Apple, Cisco, Dell, Compaq,
Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Quantum, Silicon Graphics,
Sun Microsystems, Xerox and other companies popular with
both young and midcareer professionals.
The guide provides information on computer hardware
industry culture, compensation and the things insiders
love
and hate about their jobs. Speaking of the industry's
ability to reward savvy insiders, one says, "I doubled
my
salary in three years by moving through three different
positions at two different companies." At the same time,
some insiders complain of long hours and hectic
schedules.
The extensive advice in the "Getting Hired" section is
particularly useful. It explains the on-campus
and online recruiting process and coaches job seekers
on
questions to expect in the interview.
http://www.wetfeet.com
------------------------------------
Seeking World's Messiest Home Office
------------------------------------
Today many of us consider our homes not only one part
of our
lives we can really control - but also an unlimited
opportunity for personal expression. Overwhelmed by daily
responsibilities, taxes, bills, demanding jobs, we want
to
go home and get organized. As added incentive to get
organized now, stacksandstacks is holding the "Major
Home
Office Mess Contest," seeking the most disorganized home
office in the land. The winner will get $500 in Stacks
Web
dollars plus two hours with Professional Organizer Cyndi
Seidler. Entries must be received on the site by June
1.
http://www.stacksandstacks.com
-------------------------------------------
TradeBonds.com Answers SEC's Concerns Over
Access to Debt Market Information
-------------------------------------------
This website delivers premium financial content and offers
thousands of live Corporate, Municipal, Government, and
Mortgage-backed bonds as well as FDIC-insured CDs, all
available for online execution. It offers institutions
a
cost-effective way to access the bond market from virtually
anywhere.
TradeBonds.com is a result of extensive research and
development along with strategic partnerships. The site
feeds from over 400 brokerage firms nationwide, offering
the
investor a unique way to shop the bond market from a
broad
standpoint. It will also feature a series of fixed income
tools, add-ins, information alerts and news feeds aiming
to
become the premier fixed income destination on the Internet.
http://www.TradeBonds.com
-----------
Radio Guest
-----------
If you ever wanted to be on the radio as a guest
then Radioguests.com could possibly turn that
fantasy into a reality.
Radioguests.com finds interesting people who are experts,
or
have a great product, or a unique talent, service or
message.
http://www.radioguests.com
--------------------
Logos On Hard Hats!
--------------------
Imprint Technologies announced it has successfully launched
its web site aimed at the safety professional for both
small
and large firms across all industries and availible for
shipment world wide. This site allows the safety
professional to order custom OSHA approved hardhats with
low
minimums, with the requirement of only 12 units to customize
with your company's logo and or safety slogan.
http://www.customhardhats.com
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
3.
Computers and Internet |
Announcing the Most Innovative AffiliateNetwork Available
PlugInGo.com the most innovative Affiliate Network provider,
is on its way to becoming the industry leader in affiliate network solutions,
with 20 merchants already signed up. Acting as a third party administrator,
PlugIngo.com offers merchants the opportunity to sell their goods and services
through a network of thousands of affiliate web sites. Merchants of PlugInGo.com
are able to extend their audience reach, increase Internet revenue, and
target sales messages while only paying for results.
http://www.PlugInGo.com
M&A West, Inc. Acquires VirtualGroceries.com
M&A West, Inc. (OTC BB: MAWI), a company that develops,
invests in and operates Internet and technology related companies, announced
today that it has acquired the online grocery site, VirtualGroceries.com
http://www.virtualgroceries.com
McAfee.com, the Place for Your PC, Structures Around
Task-Based 'Centers'Providing Consumers Easier Use and Navigation to Manage
and Optimize PCs Over the Web
McAfee.com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Network Associates,
Inc. (Nasdaq: NETA) and the first Web destination delivering online PC
security and management services, today revealed a new look with a sharp
focus on intuitive navigation for the popular Web site. As part of the
site's new structure, McAfee.com has been divided into six, task-based
centers which allow users to easily and conveniently access best-of-breed
products and services for securing, managing and optimizing their PCs online.
The six new centers are: Anti-Virus Center, PC CheckUp Center, Shopping
Center, Download Center, Support Center and Y2K Center.
http://www.McAfee.com.
----------------------------------------------
Latest Complete Solution Starts At Just $1,499
----------------------------------------------
Gateway has unveiled a computer, printer and ISP package
aimed at entry level consumers and built around AMD's
latest
AMD-K6(R)-2 processor running at 475MHz. The system,
available immediately, is the Gateway Select 475 desktop
PC
preloaded with software, Canon bubblejet color printer
and
one year of gateway.net Internet access all for $1499.
The Gateway Select systems are a great choice for anyone
looking for a reasonably priced, feature-rich desktop
computer that offers alternative components from makers
like
AMD and Corel. Gateway Select systems offer Internet
surfers, gamers, students, bosses, and parents high
multimedia performance and versatility at low cost.
http://www.gateway.com
----------------------------------------------------
Deja News Introduces Next Generation Service,
Changes Name to Deja.com
----------------------------------------------------
Deja News unveiled a host of major enhancements and
new product offerings, including Deja Ratings, a
consumer-powered ratings system featured throughout the
site.
In addition, the company has changed its name to
Deja.com, Inc. and its Web address to www.deja.com to
reflect its new focus as the consumer information exchange
for real-life decision making. The centerpiece of the
enhanced service is Deja Ratings, an engaging and useful
resource that captures consumer opinions on a wide range
of
products and services through a scaled voting system.
At launch, Deja Ratings are offered for more than 7,200
items in more than 400 categories, with many
more to be added in the coming months. Deja Ratings
reflect the unfiltered views of Deja.com users
and provide a consistent means of comparing products
in
a wide range of categories.
Deja Ratings were created to extend and empower the
behavior of Deja News visitors, who frequently consult
their
peers for daily decision-making in the 45,000 discussion
forums already offered on the site. Recognizing that
many
consumers want to act online once they've made a decision,
Deja.com now provides a variety of contextual links to
e-commerce retailers and vendors throughout the site.
Deja.com also features a new site design and
enhanced discussion functionality, including
improved navigation, a thread digest display that enables
users to follow specific conversations more easily and
a
powerful tracker feature called Deja Tracker which
notifies participants via email when new messages
are posted to discussions they are following.
---------------------------------------------------------
WebSpice.com - World's Largest Online Web Image Resource
---------------------------------------------------------
A new online Web graphics resource, claims to be the
largest resource of Web graphics, Microsoft Office and
FrontPage themes, and Web animations available anywhere.
Images are provided online to give customers instant access
to the entire image collection. A Web designer who is
creating a site can have instant access to millions of
images, saving both time and money.
Exclusive to any online art site is the Image Request
Service. If a customer of WebSpice.com doesn't find the
image they're looking for, they can request a custom
image to be created. WebSpice expects to be able to fulfill
a significant number of popular requests, and there is
no
additional charge for this service.
http://www.webspice.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Pigeons.net a Bonanza of Features and Freebies
-------------------------------------------------------
Online since early 1998 and updated daily, Freeware2000's
Pigeons.net website http://freeware2000.com now offers
easy
access to an incredible range of Windows-based free
software, freeware, shareware, utilities, games, graphics,
and HTML, from simple drivers to full function programs.
There are several entertainment sections, as well, with
mp3
and midi music, games, wallpapers and screen savers.
Internet utilities include HTML editors, image optimizers,
links to CGI/Java script archives, and counters.
http://freeware2000.com/
-----------------------------------------------
TUCOWS To Automate Millions Of Downloads Using
Software Builder's SmartDownload
-----------------------------------------------
Software Builders International announced that TUCOWS
(http://www.tucows.com) has selected SmartDownload to
manage
downloads from its popular website and 900+ mirror sites.
SmartDownload's features will improve the download process
for millions of TUCOWS customers, and its advertising
pipeline will allow TUCOWS to deliver site information,
marketing messages and standard ads to millions
of users while they download.
TUCOWS (The Ultimate Collection of Winsock Software) is
one
of the Internet's top software distribution sites, and
helps
computer users select and buy software, and/or evaluate
software before they buy. Its web site and mirror sites
host
millions of downloads per month, thus making downloads
a critical ingredient in the company's future.
SmartDownload's pause, resume and reconnect features
will
insure TUCOWS' customers download successfully on the
first attempt and return for future software
purchases.
http://www.softwarebuilders.com
http://www.tucows.com
-------
Oddball
-------
The directory that takes you somewhere different.
This is not your ordinary directory with categories
including spoofs, devices, games and puzzles, spooky,
weird
and wonderful.
http://oddball.cjb.net/
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
4.
Education, Health and Family |
Separate Web for Kids
According to Jupiter Communications, 20.9 million kids
aged two to 12 will be online by 2002. Parents are finding it extremely
difficult to monitor what their children are viewing. Jordan/Chans Co.
LLC announces the release of Too C.O.O.L.(tm) (Children Only OnLine(tm))
http://www.just2cool.com, a new
Internet product that protects children from harmful content while making
it easier for them to explore the Internet
http://www.just2cool.com
Wishcure
Help kids with juvenile diabetes
http://www.wishcure.com/
Get Smart About Your Money
DoughNET Inc. is dedicated to building a set of powerful
tools for using and understanding money for everybody aged 13 to 18 --
and the families who love them. We think the Internet provides the perfect
toolbox.
http://www.doughnet.com
How Do I....?
The fast and easy way to find out how to do just about
anything...and where to buy it.
http://www.ehow.com
Women.com Rewires Redbook Magazine
A joint-effort between Women.com Networks, the number
one Internet destination for women and Hearst Magazines, a unit of The
Hearst Corporation and the world's largest publisher of monthly magazines,
has produced a new Redbook magazine Web site for "mothers and shakers"
-- women balancing family, work, love relationships and time for themselves
http://www.women.com
http://www.redbookmag.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
Toddlers Join Forces to Battle Parents Online
-----------------------------------------------------------
Andre Jr, self-proclaimed toddler advocate of Andre Jr.
@
Home, announces his merger with toddler expert
extraordinaire, Sam, of Spilt Milk. While these two toddlers
are just learning to talk, they have plenty to say about
the
views parents share on how to raise children. Sam and
Andre
Jr. moderate the new Toddler Behavior Expert discussion
board hosted by Spilt Milk. These pint sized advice
columnists tackle incoming questions from the masses
of
parents looking for advice on how to handle their children,
with topics thus far ranging from bed wetting, playing
with
diapers, dressing, and hitting & kicking.
http://www.andrejr.com
http://www.spiltmilk.net
-------------
Baby Workshop
-------------
>From the Children's Television Network
http://www.babyworkshop.com/
------------------------------------------------------------
PBS's NOVA Announces National Contest for Science Teachers
------------------------------------------------------------
Celebrate NOVA's 25th Anniversary and Win an iMac Computer!
Only ten days remain in NOVA's contest for classroom and
home-school teachers. The NOVA Teacher Prize Drawing,
accessible through NOVA Online, wants teachers who use
NOVA
programs, Teacher's Guides, and/or NOVA Online Web sites
in
their classrooms to send in their lesson plans -- and
to
submit ideas from their students for future NOVA topics.
Entries will be entered into a random drawing for prizes
ranging from an Apple iMac computer to NOVA fleece jackets,
baseball caps, and $50 coupons for NOVA videos. The entry
deadline is May 15, 1999, and winners will be notified
by
June 15, 1999. All original lesson plans will be evaluated
for posting on NOVA Online.
http://www.pbs.org/nova/teachers/contest.html
---------------------------------------------------
Take to the Skies With WayBack, US History for Kids
---------------------------------------------------
Let your imagination soar with "Flight," the newest issue
of
WayBack, US History for Kids http://www.pbs.org/amex/kids
on
THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE ONLINE. "Flight" examines the
early
days of aviation and the ingenious inventors, fearless
flyers, and brave barnstormers who daily defied the laws
of
gravity and proved that men and women could rule the
vast
blue skies. The site took off Friday, May 7, 1999.
http://www.pbs.org/amex/kids
---------------------------
Heel to Toe Fitness Walking
---------------------------
Informative site about fitness walking and Dr. Marilyn
Bach's "ShapeWalking" program and book.
http://www.heeltotoe.com
-------
eDiets
-------
Custom Weight Loss Management and Dieting Programs
eDiets.com: Providing custom weight loss management
programs, guidelines for healthy eating, recipes, and
dieting information.
http://www.ediets.com
-----------------
Why Am I So Sad?
-----------------
If You Think You're Suffering from Depression, Find Help
on
the Internet. The springtime sun may be shining again,
but
more than ten percent of Americans are still living under
the dark clouds of depression. If you're coping with
a mood
disorder, you probably feel like you're all alone in
your
struggle - but you don't have to be.
Sites like www.mediconsult.com/depression offer support
groups, up-to-date information about depression and
treatment options, tips for coping, and self-testing
tools
that help you determine when it's time to seek professional
help. Mediconsult.com also allows visitors to submit
questions about depression to expert physicians and
therapists on the site.
Web sites like www.mediconsult.com provide a wealth of
information and support. Other self-help resources include
the National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org),
the
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org),
and
the National Foundation for Depressive Illness
http://www.depression.org
http://www.nmha.org
http://www.nami.org
-----------
Living Arts
-----------
The catalog for total well being
http://www.livingarts.com/
------------------------
ThirdAge.com 45, 55, 65
------------------------
ThirdAge.com is a website helping a generation change
what
it means to be 45, 55, 65. ThirdAgers are smart, adventurous
and pursuing passions, and ThirdAge.com provides the
tools
and resources to help. You can find help on everything
from
re-igniting your marriage to feeling fit and fantastic;
from
taking control of your finances to pursuing your dream
career; from finding a new love to making the most of
your
computer.
http://www.thirdage.com
------------------------
Fitness site for Seniors
------------------------
Tufts University focuses on nutrition and fitness sites
for
seniors.
http://navigator.tufts.edu
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
5.
Food and Drink |
Yearning to Savor a Gourmet Coffee, a Fine Cigar or
Purchase a Unique Gift?
Bean Counter Limited is taking the guilt out of enjoying
the finer things in life. Order from a selection of gourmet coffees and
accessories, sports apparel, teas, fine cigars and other unique gifts from
Bean Counter Limited's new website, and one percent of the purchase goes
directly to one of five charities of your choice. Customers may select
between the American Cancer Society, Defenders of Wildlife, the Nature
Conservancy, the American Foundation for AIDS Research and the Make A Wish
Foundation.
http://www.beancounterlimited.com
HomeChef.com
Kitchen Store & Cooking School
http://www.homechef.com/
french k.i.s.s.
A webzine dedicated to french recipes
http://www.afrenchkiss.com/
-----------
HeaterMeals
-----------
"The Meal That Heats Itself" with the patented ZestoTherm
Food Heater. Enjoy a hot and tasty meal anytime, anyplace
without electricity or flame.
Imagine this - you're camping or fishing, and right over
there, on a rock, your lunch is heating itself - in its
own box, without fire or electricity. HeaterMeals
!
Mobile hot meals - for emergency preparedness, cross country
trucking, outdoor sports, working outside, easy back-up
meals for Seniors, Y2K food storage, family
food reserves; or just whenever you're hungry!
HeaterMeals is a high quality, homestyle canned food.
Like
the traditional canning method, each entree is cooked
twice
- once before, then boiled after sealing. This cooking
method means easy storage at room temperature, with a
average shelf-life of 24 months.
http://www.heatermeals.com/home.html
----------
StickyRice
----------
Sushi enthusiasts who are interested in creating a cool
place for other sushi lovers to visit. We are thrilled
to
have as our content expert sushi chef Jay Catapusan.
Jay is
the head chef at E-Street Alley in downtown San Diego,
Ca.
http://www.stickyrice.com
-----------------
Frontier Buffalo
-----------------
One Of The Best Tasting and Healthiest Food Source To
Ever
Roam The Earth. Frontier Buffalo, finest buffalo meat
products. Buffalo Meat is low in fat, calories and
cholesterol and high in protein.
http://www.eatbuff.com
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
| 6.
People, Society and Culture |
Selling Your Home Yourself Just Got Easier
Word on the street is that the real estate industry won't
exist as we know it five years from now. The most obvious changes will
likely be in marketing. Originally, multiple listing associations evolved
to help real estate agents get the word out about their listings in a professional
and cost-effective way. Now the Internet brings these marketing advantages
to individual property owners. But how can an individual website attract
attention among the literally millions of other sites on the web? AbetterFSBO.com
has solved the problem (FSBO = FOR SALE BY OWNER).
http://www.AbetterFSBO.com
Mesoweb
Mesoweb is devoted to ancient Mesoamerica and its cultures:
the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Teotihuacano, Toltec, Mixtec, Zapotec and others.
http://www.mesoweb.com/
---------------------------------------------------------
Company Uses Power of the Internet to Aid Tornado Victims
---------------------------------------------------------
A consulting company in Arizona is utilizing the power
of
the Internet to raise funds to aid victims of last week's
devastating tornadoes. "We wanted to do something to
help
the tornado victims in Oklahoma and Kansas. So we're
using
our web site to make an offer to entrepreneurs," said
Dee
Power, Vice President of Profit Dynamics, the company
behind
the Capital Connection web site. Anyone sending a donation
to the American Red Cross located in Kansas, or Oklahoma,
will receive the Capital Connection's list of nearly
700
Venture Capital Companies, which normally costs $14.95,
as a
thank you for their donation. Full details are available
at
<http://www.capital-connection.com>. This offer will
continue until May 21.
http://www.capital-connection.com
----------------------------------------------------
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Woodstock
----------------------------------------------------
All roads are leading to one place on the Internet -
WOODSTOCK.COM - for authorized and exciting news about
the
year's most significant musical happening, Woodstock
99. As
the official website for this July's Woodstock 99
music festival in Rome, New York, Woodstock.com was the
first to unveil the stellar line-up lastmonth. And now,
the
site is serving up the most reliable, up-to-the minute
reports on the festival plus exclusive in-depth artist
interviews with each performer, chat and message boards.
And stay tuned as the countdown to the Woodstock 99
festival continues and new, exciting things
take shape at http://www.woodstock.com.
---------------------------------------------
The National Hollerin' Contest (1969-present)
---------------------------------------------
Every year, on the third Saturday of June, in an otherwise
sleepy borough of southeastern North Carolina known as
Spiveys Corner (population 49), some 5,000-10,000 folks
gather from far and wide to take part in the festivities
and
entertainment in the day-long extravaganza known as the
National Hollerin Contest.
You may have heard of the contest -- since its inception
in
1969, the contest has garnered attention and fame throughout
both the country and the world. The contest and its winners
have been featured on television shows such as The Tonight
Show and Late Night with David Letterman, in magazines
with
worldwide circulations such as Stars and Stripes and
Sports
Illustrated, and have even been the subject of documentary
films, featured on The Voice of America, and mentioned
in
television sports commentaries.
http://metalab.unc.edu/hollerin/
-------------------------
The Mother of all Excuses
-------------------------
If you want to have a good chuckle, visit this site and
read
the excuses for missing work. Although the site started
with
just excuses for not going to work, the categories
have
been expanded and now include School Excuses, Date Breaking
Excuses and more. Join in the fun and submit your own
best
excuse.
http://members.tripod.com/Madtbone/
----------------------------------------------------------
Digging Up Dirt:
Protecting Yourself from Friends, Enemies, and Co-Workers
----------------------------------------------------------
Maybe it's just the spy in all of us, or it could be
that we
need information for a business deal, litigation, or
harassment case. Whatever the reason, a company called
Insight Research Systems, Inc., based in Bedford Heights,
Ohio, is now offering a way for the average consumer
to
conduct background investigations via the Internet. Their
web site, <http://www.crimcheck.com>, offers a
dedicated area for personal reports.
To conduct a background check on yourself or that neighbor
down the road who seems to be the "quiet type," go to
Insight Research Systems' web site at
http://www.crimcheck.com or call the company at
1-888-663-5011
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
7.
Recreation, Shopping, Sports and Travel |
StyleClick
Yup. A fashion search engine. Check out the Fashion Finder.
http://www.styleclic.com
A New And Innovative Website Offers Olympic Class Mentoring
To The General Public
There has long been a considerable gap in the knowledge
and training methodologies used by established champions and those aspiring
to become the best. The general public is constantly bombarded with misinformation,
hollow promises, overnight solutions and hype from pop fitness guru's.
Learning how to distinguish between the hype and the reality is a frustrating,
time consuming endeavor. Now knowledge and intelligent implementation come
together for anyone looking to improve oneself.
http://www.estrengthcoach.com.
Starwood Vacations
Start your vacation now
http://www.starwoodvacations.com/
---------
SelfCare
---------
The Internet's leading health and wellness online
superstore.
http://www.selfcare.com/
------------------
Hats in the Belfry
------------------
Hats in the Belfry is a hat shop with every imaginable
kind
of hat - for both men and women. Dress hats, casual hats,
western hats, designer hats, funny, crazy hats, theatrical
and costume hats, caps, rain hats, sun bonnets.
http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/
--------------------------------
Virtual Legs - Silkies Pantyhose
--------------------------------
Today's woman-on-the-run has a new place to shop for
hosiery. Silkies brand pantyhose has established a new
cyber-storefront at Fashionmall.com, the Internet's
most
popular fashion cybermall. Silkies new placement at
Fashionmall.com coincides with the launch of their
new
website at Visitors to the new site can now sign up
online for a FREE pair of Silkies.
Customer services include an online ordering page which
allows visitors to preview stocking colors on the 'virtual
legs' of Silkies' cyber model, and a size calculation
function to make sure visitors get the perfect size to
suit
their needs.
http://www.silkies.com/
------------------------------------
Real Size Online Community for Women
------------------------------------
Lifestyle information on plus size fashions and large
size
issues.
http://www.realsize.com/
------------
IMG Magazine
------------
Inside Mac Games
http://www.imgmagazine.com/
-----------------
WorldWide Escapes
-----------------
Adventurous weekend trips and short vacations for business
travelers in Asia (and soon beyond). WWEscapes also organizes
custom adventure trips to Asia, Central Asia and Central
America.
http://www.wwescapes.com
------------
Far Horizons
------------
Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips, Inc is
a
small group travel with personal contacts and scholarly
depth to
allow a deeper knowledge of both past and living cultures.
http://www.farhorizon.com
Back
to Table Of Contents
|
8.
News Digest
|
Venture Capitalists Invest $6.8 Billion In 2Q
Venture capital firms invested $6.8 billion in start-ups in the second
quarter, 45 percent more than the $4.6 billion in the first quarter, said
VentureOne, aresearch firm in San Francisco. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990803S0015
ExciteAtHome Engine To Search Entire Web ExciteAtHome
on Tuesday said its new search technology will enable consumers to do what
they probably thought they were doing all along -- search the entire Web.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990803S0014
Y2K Threatens Supply Chain, Says U.K. Adviser Britain's
business supply chain is at risk because too many midsized companies think
there will be a silver bullet fix to the Y2K date problem, a government-appointed
adviser said Tuesday. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990803S0012
Mexican Brewer To Sell Beer Online Mexican brewer
Grupo Modelo, the maker of Corona beer, plans to launch an online service
this month to deliver beer to customers' homes. The minimum order would
be for a case of 24 bottles. The service will initially be limited to Mexico
City. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990803S0010
IT Managers Get TunnelVision With more companies
moving remote users to VPN connections, IT managers are concerned about
the dial-access performance of their service provider. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990802S0022
Java Application Builds Vertical E-Markets BusinessBots
has developed an application that can build electronic marketplaces for
18 specific vertical industries including telecommunications, health care,
and chemicals.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990802S0010
Taiwan Blackout Causes IC Damage, Delays Taiwan's
chip and PC makers were still reeling late Friday after a major blackout
rocked the island on Thursday, causing millions of dollars worth of damage
and possible product disruptions in the supply chain. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990802S0004
Medical Electronics Make Minn.High-Tech Hub Minnesota
has become a high-tech mecca for jobs in the medical electronics industry.
It now ranks second only to California in the number of workers in medical-device
manufacturing, said Tom Meskan, president of trade group Medical Alley.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990804S0003
Start Spreading The XML News A few brackets, some
slashes, and a real-time news feed can turn information into knowledge
and provide competitive advantage for businesses, an information delivery
vendor said on Tuesday.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990804S0002
---------------------------------
Naked in a Room with the Internet
---------------------------------
Four Web adventurers armed with only bathrobes and a
credit
card have volunteered to be studied for 5 days as they
try to *survive* with only the Internet to acquire
food, entertainment and communication with others.
http://msn.co.uk/default.asp
Was the White House hacked?
The president's Web site shuts down following hack attack.
http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2257708,00.html
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990507S0021
>Panelists Address Music Security
SAN FRANCISCO -- For online music distributors, the problem
is security: record companies don't trust it, and consumers
don't want it.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990507S0012
>Gates Sells 6 Million Shares Of Microsoft
Microsoft chairman and CEO Bill Gates last month sold
6
million of his more than 1 billion Microsoft shares.
The
sale netted Gates more than $600 million, according to
Securities and Exchange Commission fillings.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990506S0019
>Designers See Same-Old, Same-Old Web Face
Leading designers said the methods by which humans interact
with computers is not going to change any time soon.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990506S0008
>EDS Offers Customers Electronic-Payment Services
EDS unveiled Internet Payment Services Tuesday for its
insurance customers.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990506S0004
> Michael Dell's Fortune Makes Headlines
Dell paid its chairman and CEO Michael Dell roughly $109
million last year.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990510S0007
>US West To Offer Phones That Surf The Net
U S West said Monday it soon will offer phones that let
customers send e-mail and access the Internet without
using
a computer.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990510S0004
>Channel Tunnel Will Close For Y2K Checks
The Channel Tunnel - linking Britain and France - will
be
closed to passengers from 8pm December 31 until 4am
January 1, to avoid any computer problems linked to the
millennium date change.
> 101 Best Business Sites
http://www.winmag.com/101/default.htm?ls=twb_text
>Microsoft steps into Knowledge Management
http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,36378,00.html?owv
>MP3 copyright lawsuit inche
http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,36353,00.html?st.ne.fd.mdh.ni
>AOL lights up with TV deals
http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,36366,00.html?owv
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