Newsletter ArchiveSUBJECTs:Nimba - Using Packaging The Internet 800 Directory - http://www.inter800.com The Internet 800 Directory Newsletter This issue is for Friday, September 21, 2001 Table of Contents 01. Nimda 02. Using packaging *01 Nimda Welcome to The Internet 800 Directory Newsletter. Some of you may have noticed the big slow down on the net that started Tuesday. A new computer virus (worm) known as Nimda, that attacks both PC and web servers using Microsoft software, is swamping the Internet. Nimda is another virus that sends itself to everyone in your address book. It also searches for open network connections and copies it self to those machines. The virus also attacks unpatched or already vulnerable Microsoft IIS web servers. Nimda will create open network shares on the infected computer, allowing access to the computer. It creates a guest account with Administrator privileges, allowing for access into the machine. If Nimda infects a web server, it takes control of the software that delivers Web pages, causing a page infected with the virus to be sent to all that visit the server. If you visit a compromised Web server, you will be prompted to download an .eml (Outlook Express) email file, this file contains the virus as an attachment. When Nimda arrives in e-mail, it appears as an attachment named readme.exe. This file name has been used before by other viruses, so please don’t open attachments bearing this name. If Nimda has already infected your computer, go to: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.nimda.a@mm.r emoval.tool.html If you have any thoughts on this subject or any ideas that could be helpful to the others in this group send them to me (Chuck Arning) at chuck@inter800.com *02 Using packaging First off, I've installed an enhanced listing within our directory for the American Red Cross' toll free number (800 HELP NOW or 800-435-7669). There is a link to their web site (http://redcross.org/), which provides an online donation system as well as disaster counseling materials. This week, I'd like to pass on an idea that could increase your sales. To sum it up in one sentence: Use your packaging to re-sell your product. Specifically, whenever you ship an item, include promotional material that will encourage the customer to order again and/or order other products. You may expand this idea to all forms of communications, including faxes, letters and email. For instance, whenever I order from Amazon.com or KayBee Toys' web site, included in my shipment is a flyer announcing another sale or special. I've also received coupons from Amazon.com for $10 off my next purchase. I went on to make four separate purchases in a row before they finally stopped sending me these coupons. Conversely, I ordered car seat covers and a hat from two other online merchants and received nothing other than a return address and the product. Months later, I can't recall the names of either company and I confess the likelihood of me ordering from either again is slim. All business emails should include at least your name, company name, web address, and toll free number as a signature. This can be expanded to include short promotional messages, announcements of specials or new products, testimonials, information regarding service/support, thanks of appreciation, and or other verbage that might stimulate a re-order or an order for a different product. Cover sheets of faxes may also serve this purpose. Invoices may also carry promotional messages, or flyers/pamphlets may be included in the mailing. Don't over do it though, you could run the risk of desensitizing your customers. From my own experience, Montgomery Ward stuffed so many offers in with their monthly billing that I never looked at any of them. If you provide a good product and good service, you should expect your customers to order again and again. Just remember, they may need reminders and won't be offended if you provide them. Thank you. That is all – George (george@inter800.com) Thanks for taking to time to review our newsletter for this week. If you know of anyone that might benefit from receiving this newsletter, send them to (http://www.inter800.com/news800/ ) where they can subscribe. All Contents Copyright ©1995-2001 The Internet 800 Directory Subscribe To The Newsletter: |