The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
August 28,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Yourself Better
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

Search Engine Optimization

NeoNexus Corporation has been asked to present a workshop on Seach Engine Optimization/Search Engine Marketing for your website on September 10 in Wilmington, NC. The workshop is put on by ActionCoaching, the worlds’ largest business coaching company. Action’s goal is re-educating business owners so they learn how to prosper, and improving a business’ web presence is one of many strategies that can help achieve that goal. Thanks to ActionCoach, Reggie Shropshire, for giving NeoNexus the opportunity to assist other businesses.

A challenge at all workshops is to get audience participation. We are addressing this challenge by doing live website assessments. Business owners in the audience will volunteer to have their websites assessed by NeoNexus personnel in real time on the overhead screen, so it will be a lively discussion with practical advice on the spot.

If you are interested in attending the workshop, please contact Reggie Shropshire at reggieshropshire@actioncoach.com.
 
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How To Market Yourself Better

The “Brand Your Company” Myth

How many times have we heard about branding? Advertising and marketing people just LOVE to have you spend money branding your company. “You are a new company….spend some money to get your name out there!” or “Make sure your company logo is in all your advertising…make it big!” Those same marketing people have been paid a LOT of money to do that, but how many companies can show a return on their investment from branding? The answer to that question is NONE!

Shocked and dismayed are you? Before you hit delete on your keyboard, let’s investigate. First, what the heck is branding? Branding is the idea that customers choose your product or service because you are a recognized brand FIRST before they consider any other reason. My humble opinion is that NEVER happens.

I am not suggesting that people are not brand loyal: they clearly are. There are people that only buy Fords, only drink Coke, and only use Kodak film. The question is, WHY are they brand loyal? They are not loyal to the brand, they are loyal to the perceived value BEHIND the brand. Most Coke fans think Pepsi is too sweet and they buy the Coke because it tastes better to them. whatever the reason, they have a reason, and that reason is NOT because the logo is cooler or more memorable than the others. Think about it…do you think Coke makes money because they have a big sign up at the high school football game with their brand, or because they purchased the right to the be the sole supplier of beverages at the concession stands? Do people stop at McDonalds instead of Burger King because they like the big M better, or because they think the fries taste better and the kids want the Happy Meal?

Its a proverbial “cart before the horse” scenario. Big companies like McDonalds, Ford, and Coke have brand loyalty, but they didn’t achieve that through “branding”. They achieved it through successfully delivering the value FIRST, and THEN, once enough customers experienced the value, they stuck with the brand.

This is VITALLY important to small businesses. We don’t have $100 million dollar marketing budgets like Coca Cola. We have to see a return on our investment from our advertising, and it will NEVER come from just getting our logo out there. The most important thing to be known for is the problems we solve, and that should be the goal of our advertising. Just to show how many graphic designers and advertisers don’t get this, I challenge you to open up the Yellow Page directory nearest you. Glance through the ads, and count how many ads have the company logo as the biggest part of the ad. It will probably be over 90%. Now ask this question: its 3 am, you have a pipe leak in your house, and you need a plumber now. When you crack open the Yellow Pages, do you give a frell about the logo, or do you care about “OPEN 24 HOURS :: WE TAKE VISA/MC/AMEX”? Obviously, you want the ad that is addressing your immediate problem. Solving your customers problems is the goal of your advertising because that’s what the customers care about.

Next week, we will discuss how to make a good advertisement, but as a first step, get rid of big logos in your ads. If you have room, make them small and put them at the bottom. When your graphic designers argue with you, remind them that the ads that win awards don’t make their clients any money, and the ads that make the clients money don’t win any awards….would you rather be right or rich?
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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

Backup

Natural disasters, hardware malfunction and human error are all that threaten data stored on our PCs and Servers.  A routine backup plan can help reduce the risk of losing data forever.  Depending on how rigorous the routine, data can be restored within minutes of the last save time.

Backups are preformed using a conjunction of software and hardware and can vary greatly based on need.  For the single PC environment, Windows comes with a built in backup utility that will run according to a schedule or initiated manually and is called NTBACKUP.  All that’s needed is a place to store the backup output such as an external hard drive or CD/DVD.  For more complex backups a contingency plan should be thought out to ensure coverage.  In a Server / Client setup, software such as BackupExec from Symantec offers a more detailed and comprehensive backup routine that will traverse networks and gather/store data from/to remote locations.

Data backup is crucial for every environment and should be thought through to ensure appropriate coverage.  As always, contact a professional for assistance to ensure the accurate coverage.
Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/
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Customer Spotlight

Painters Union District 53 wanted their website to match the design of the international union website, but still have their local information. NeoNexus was provided the code for the international website and used it to recreate a new one specifically for District 53. We used our GIS resources to build a map showing the locations of the various local unions, by county, and the map is shown as an image and as a downloadable printable PDF file. Since we inherited the code, we had to do a lot of programming cleanup to bring it up to W3C standards, but we got it done.
The District is also using their position to help their customers’ websites by linking to them. Many of the contractors that use union personnel are listed, and linking the contractor name on the District website to the contractor’s own website is one of many SEO techniques that improves website traffic. Check it out at www.paintersuniondistrict53.org
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Don’t forget about NeoNexus’ referral awards program. For every successful referral you send to NeoNexus, you get a $50 gift certificate to one of your favorites restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, or Macaroni Grill. Also, existing customers can save up their referrals and cash them in for free website options instead of dining out. Website options include free hosting, 15 second flash animation, and free contact form added to your website. So, get those referrals coming, and let’s all share in the fun!

Sincerely,

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Kim Kuzan
Marketing Director, NeoNexus

NeoNexus Corporation

The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
August 21,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Yourself Better
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

NeoNexus was recently contacted by an engineering firm in Fort Meyers, FL.  One of the coastal municipalities near Fort Meyers is interested in a web based GIS system.  The engineering firm has strong CADD skills, but little knowledge of GIS.  After finding NeoNexus through a web search, they contacted us, and liked what they heard.  The engineering firm is now discussing GIS with the municipality with NeoNexus as a team member. 
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How To Market Yourself Better

A great way to add a personal touch to your website as well as give you complete control over the information written is to implement a blog. The best thing about blogs is that you don’t have to know a single thing about programming. A blog is the modern version of a message board. If you have news and updates that you would like published weekly, a blog is the perfect addition to your website. Users can come to the blog periodically to read and comment on the articles published by your company, ask questions and interact with management. Using a blog allows potential customers to assess the personality of your company and feel a more personal connection. You can devote chains in the blog to particular topics so message threads relate exactly to that topic. The blog is cleanly customized directly into the website design so it’s not a “separate” website like free blogging services offer. You can see an example of how a blog can be used to post news at csiofwv.com. Check out vidalco.com to see how a blog can be used to post events. Northeatssouth.com is an entire website built around blog software. You can also see how a blog can stream the news from the homepage at wp.proj. Call Kim Kuzan at (910) 297-1617 to find out about our blog options today!

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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

Favorites Synchronization

Finding a website with useful information is sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack.  There are millions of websites out there, most with out of date, inaccurate or irrelevant information.  So when you find one that suits your need, it’s worth its weight in gold.

Whether traveling or using multiple computers sometimes it’s a nuisance because access to your information is scattered.  Luckily there is “Favorites Synchronization” to help keep your information in one, easily accessible location.

If you use Firefox or Internet Explorer, there are options for both.  The first is for users of Firefox, it’s free and can be found here Foxmarks.  The second is for Internet Explorer it’s also free and is called “FavoriteSync”.  These options allow for synchronization between computers, browsers or just allow access on any computer connected to the internet.

Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/
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Customer Spotlight

NeoNexus completed a website for Wilmington loan officer, Scott Cromartie, of Stevens Mortgage Consulting. His website is a template, however he has NeoNexus update his mortgage rates each week. Scott turned to NeoNexus to build his website to reflect his personality and reach out to as well as grow his customer base. He also had NeoNexus create a form for his website, which allows potential customers to give Scott their information and mortgage needs. You can check out his site at scottcromartie.com.

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Don’t forget about NeoNexus’ referral awards program. For every successful referral you send to NeoNexus, you get a $50 gift certificate to one of your favorites restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, or Macaroni Grill. Also, existing customers can save up their referrals and cash them in for free website options instead of dining out. Website options include free hosting, 15 second flash animation, and free contact form added to your website. So, get those referrals coming, and let’s all share in the fun!

Sincerely,

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Kim Kuzan
Marketing Director, NeoNexus

NeoNexus Corporation

WV State Journal, By Ann Ali, aali@statejournal.com

There’s no reason ever to write on paper or to type something twice, according to Kent Milholland, president of NeoNexus Corp.

“Most people right now, when they are in the field, write stuff down on paper,” Milholland said. “In the engineering firm they make these fancy waterproof pens and waterproof pads of paper so you can write in the rain. But even if you do that, you’ve got to go back to the office. Someone re-keys that information and puts it into software somewhere else, and that always bugged me.”

Milholland, an engineer by training, spent 12 years working for Columbia Gas, becoming known as a software guru.

“I’ve always had a strong IT software slant, and I taught myself how to program,” he said. “I became kind of well known as someone who seems to be able to get software to work.”

Milholland’s last project at Columbia included a Web system that allowed 10 to 12 different vendors to access Web-based information. The system saved Columbia about $80,000 a month, and Milholland said it easily paid for itself and made him realize he could do the same thing for other people.

“I got a big feather in my cap for putting one out that works, that people use and that makes money,” he said. “I’d been playing with the idea of starting my own company for years, but I didn’t even know what the heck that meant. But this seemed like a good opportunity.”

Milholland said he started by doing Web-data management software, very similar to what he did at Columbia, and then began doing Web-design-something he entered carefully.

“I found out there were alot of people doing it, but not doing it right,” he said. “Like an engineer, I developed a system to do it right.”

His latest endeaver feeds his belief in digital information management.

“Laptop computers work great for travelers who meet at offices or Internet cafes,” Milholland said. “But try running one on the back of a pickup truck at a construction site in the rain while wearing protective clothing.”

He watched the personal digital assistant trends and didn’t think people would really use their PDA’s, but when smartphones- full featured mobile phones with a computer software functionality -came around, Milholland knew it was time to make a move.

“When smartphones came around, I figured everyone carries around a cell phone, but it does other stuff, so now maybe they’d consider using it,” he said. “So it was enough waiting around, and we made a data collection tool that runs on Smartphone.”

Milholland started the project in August 2005, but he quickly found that programmers don’t have to be as efficient anymore, thanks to beefed-up hardware offerings from companies such as Dell and Intel. So he ended up going through two programmers before he found the right one.

The software has only been out for about 12 weeks. It allows field technicians to capture data directly to a digital tool. They can then synchronize it with a computer and move that data directly to where they need it, such as Excel, Word or Web applications. Milholland is excited about the idea of a device with wireless Internet capabilities, because then the synchronization can occur in real time.

“It is that simple and that compatible,” he said. “I went to a trade show in Columbus. It’s attended by the environmental departments of the military… Lots of people stopped by and were saying, “Wow, somebody’s using the smartphone for something other than games.”

Milholland said the software is scattered across the country for tests. He has someone in California who wants to be a re-seller, and he even got the technology in the hands of Environmental Simulations, an engineering firm based in Shrewsbury, England.

Milholland said he had contacts in the environmental industry, so the current software is focused on environmental data. But since people have realized he has the ability to customize any application, he’s been looking at other industries that may need the software.

He said he’s waiting to get real-world testimonials from people who have used the software to save money, but he only has fans at this point, since the product is hot off the presses.

“I’m talking to developers and construction workers, because with this they can approve invoices without having to go back to the office,” he said. “My interest now is building more applications…I think appraisers could use it, I’m not sure. There was an appraiser here last week, and he wrote a bunch of stuff on a piece of paper.”

For more informationa bout NeoNexus, visit wp.proj

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilmington, NC-

Billion Dollar Company Turns to NeoNexus to Rescue Failing Software Project

Alcoa, the world’s leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, faced a problem that occurs all too often: a failing IT project. Alcoa has a corporate meeting in late August where Senior Management reviews project status. An eastern US division of the company had been building a new software system that is to be discussed with Senior Management. Alcoa had hired a company to develop this software; however, the other vendors’ application was in shambles and nowhere near completion, leaving them with little time to find someone else. Alcoa approached NeoNexus Corporation on June 14 to see if NeoNexus could rescue the application and complete it, all in time for the August presentation. NeoNexus was able to not only accept the work, but produced an outstanding application to present at the meeting with time to spare. Alcoa manager Robert Prezbindowski named NeoNexus President, Kent Milholland the “Yoda” of the database world.

“We didn’t have time to build a new one from scratch” said Milholland, “so we cleaned up the mess in the existing software and finished it.”

This application is to be used by one division, but if senior management likes what it sees, there are plans to roll the application out across the corporation and migrate it to a web based system. The software helps Alcoa identify applicable environmental regulations at Alcoa’s operating facilities. It also establishes calendar dates where reports and audits are due for issues like storm water, solid waste, and clean air. The users will consist of both Alcoa employees and vendors. A lot of the compliance work that corporate America does is reactive, and Alcoa is trying to shift to a more proactive approach using tools like this software.

“We added a personal touch to the software” said Kent Milholland. “The Alcoa manager has a family history tracing back to the Civil War, and he had an image of a famous land seizure in the Kansas/Missouri area. One of his ancestors lost land in the seizure, so we added the image as the background image for the software. The Alcoa manager was quite pleased.”

The application produced for Alcoa is just one of NeoNexus’ services. A web technology firm with offices in Wilmington, NC and Charleston, WV, NeoNexus specializes in building data management systems for business to business (B2B) applications, Smartphone software, and web design. To learn more, visit wp.proj or contact Kim Kuzan at (910) 297-1617.

The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
August 14,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Yourself Better
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

NeoNexus recently had an article written about them in the State Journal, which covers West Virginia news. The article featured information on Kent’s software for smart- phones that allows field technicians to capture data directly while in the field and send it to labs immediately. In other news, Autumn Stover, NeoNexus account rep, gave birth to a 9 pound baby named Will on July 30. Autumn and her son are healthy and both doing great!
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How To Market Yourself Better

The addition of flash has become very popular in website design. The great thing about flash is that you can include animation which makes the webpage seem to come alive. Some websites are done 100% in flash, however they get slammed by search engines because the engines can only read text. This means that the search engines cannot index the flash animation therefore not reacting to them. NeoNexus adds flash to websites so that it’s search engine friendly. We can run a flash cycling through testimonials and leave the rest if the site static so that you get the best of both worlds, flashy animation with web traffic. You can see an example of how we do this on the Wilmington BNI website at www.bniwilmington.com. Call Kim Kuzan at (910) 297-1617 to find out about our flash options today!

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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

Application Hosting

Many software titles offer a great solution for day to day business.  If you are a single user, setup is simple, just install and you are on your way. If you want multi-user access you have a whole new set of concerns to consider.

Multiuser access to software and data requires a network of multiple computers.  To access data, a server must host the file(s) and be running at all times in order to provide access for users.  Introducing servers, networks and new hardware introduces the routine tasks of monitoring, maintenance, backups, security and meeting hardware requirements when the software is updated. 

If you’re not up for purchasing and maintaining hardware, there is another solution:  Application Hosting via Terminal Services or Custom Application hosting via a web browser such as Internet Explorer.  This ensures compatibility across all platforms without the need for expensive hardware.  Application hosting provides an internet based solution that allows for access to your company data and applications from anywhere internet access is provided all while letting your host provider worry about the upkeep of the system.

For more information, contact Neonexus or Category 5 Networks about these services.  We offer demonstrations of this service and can be done from the comfort of your home or office.
Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/
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Customer Spotlight
NeoNexus recently completed a website for AB Contracting, Inc., based in Pt. Pleasant, WV. The company is a builder of residential, commercial, and industrial structures. They had an existing website, but the site was performing poorly in search engines. AB Contracting came to NeoNexus for a fresh look and to improve their search engine rankings. The company is extremely pleased with their finished website, and raved about working with account rep Autumn Stover throughout the process. You can check out their site at www.abcontractingwv.com.

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Don’t forget about NeoNexus’ referral awards program. For every successful referral you send to NeoNexus, you get a $50 gift certificate to one of your favorites restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, or Macaroni Grill. Also, existing customers can save up their referrals and cash them in for free website options instead of dining out. Website options include free hosting, 15 second flash animation, and free contact form added to your website. So, get those referrals coming, and let’s all share in the fun!

Sincerely,

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Kim Kuzan
Marketing Director, NeoNexus

NeoNexus Corporation

The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
August 7,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Yourself Better
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

Alcoa, the world’s leading producer and manager of aluminum, recently turned to NeoNexus to complete a compliance database application. Alcoa had hired another vendor to build the application, but with a senior management presentation coming up in 45 days, the other vendors’ application was in shambles and nowhere close to completion.

NeoNexus stepped in and completed the app with time to spare. This application is to be used by one operating region, but pending the results of the management presentation, there are plans to roll the application out across the corporation. Alcoa project manager Robert Prezbindowski named Kent Milholland the “Yoda” of the database world.
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How To Market Yourself Better

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the keys to getting your website higher in Google and Yahoo. On August 3, NeoNexus was hired to build a website for Advanced Water Systems of Hampstead, NC. AWS participates in the BNI group with NeoNexus, and was amazed to find that when they conducted a Google search of their company name in the Wilmington, NC area, the #1 listing on Page 1 in Google for AWS was the AWS webpage on the BNI website that NeoNexus put together. Now, NeoNexus’ goal is to bump the soon to be built AWS website above the BNI website. Nothing like having two NeoNexus websites competing for the same position!

Water filtration systems is not as competitive a keyword as a phrase like auto insurance, so it is easier to get to the top of Google if your business is more unique. Still, having a number one ranking on Google for a two month old website is impressive.

If you know someone who could use a bump in Google, NeoNexus has SEO packages that can work, even if NeoNexus didn’t build your website. Call Kim Kuzan at (910) 297-1617 to find out about our SEO options today!
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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

FREE Anti-Virus Protection for your new or existing PC. There are over 100,000 viruses that plague the PC and Mac but it takes just one to ruin anyone’s day. That is why it is crucial to prevent a computer from becoming infected by one of these sooner rather than later.

New PCs come with trial antivirus programs that can last 30-90 days, then one is forced to purchase the software or go without protection. Fortunately, there are free antivirus solutions out there.

Companies like Grisoft, Avast, Kapersky and Bit Defender offer capable, “lite” versions of their software free for download without expiration dates or subscription fees.
Many of these free products provide stiff competition to their commercial counterparts and allow great protection for the average user. Unfortunately, if you are a company
or corporation, you will have to pony up the cash as these are only free for home users.

To find these, pull up your favorite search engine and input “Free Antivirus”; the first results are some of the products I mentioned here. If you are unsure of how to properly install software, always consult your IT service provider to ensure you are properly protected.

Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/
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Customer Spotlight

NeoNexus recently completed a new website for Linguacare, a West Virginia based company specializing in speech and throat therapy. Not only is it a new marketing presence
for their company, but it has a secured area where their 15 employees can access their company forms from any location. Since their employees travel to various hospitals
and medical facilities around Southern WV, they are pleased that they don’t have to remember to bring paper forms to every location…they just download the PDF’s
and print them! You can check out their website at www.linguacare.com.

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Don’t forget about NeoNexus’ referral awards program. For every successful referral you send to NeoNexus, you get a $50 gift certificate to one of your favorites restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, or Macaroni Grill. Also, existing customers can save up their referrals and cash them in for free website options instead of dining out. Website options include free hosting, 15 second flash animation, and free contact form added to your website. So, get those referrals coming, and let’s all share in the fun!

Sincerely,

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Kim Kuzan
Marketing Director, NeoNexus

NeoNexus Corporation