The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
November 27,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Tip
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

SEO Webinar

NeoNexus will be hosting an online SEO seminar December 10,2007 from 6pm-8pm. Some of what you will hear includes: the top 3 things that helps improve your SEO ranking, the truth about meta tags, “Black Hat SEO” techniques that, while once legendary, Google and Yahoo now identify and actually PENALIZE you for using on your website, and free and low cost tools for you to start using the MINUTE you get out of the webinar. The first 10 subscribers will get an online review of their website during the webinar, absolutely free! The cost is only $39.00 and you can register at www.webinexus.com.
The last webinar was a huge success! Below is a testimony from a webinar attendee:
 
“Thank you Kent for the FABULOUS webinar presentation. Being in the industry, I thought I knew a fair amount about SEO. After attending your Webinar I realized I didn’t know as much as I needed to know. (I guess that’s why YOU are the expert!) Within the first 15 minutes I felt I had received a full return on my investment. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge, answering individual questions beyond the time frame established, and for helping small businesses get the most out of their web sites!It’s easy to recommend this presentation to all my customers; and you can be sure I will!”

Susan Kadar
Friendly Computers

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Marketing Tip

Marketing on a Budget
 
Small businesses as well as start up businesses usually do not have the money and resources needed to launch huge advertising projects. The bad thing about this is that these are the companies who want to advertise the most to get their name out there! Advertising is extremely expensive, however, there are non-advertising approaches to promotion. Generally, they require less money to implement and are much more effective in growing business. The only catch is that they require time and creativity.
 
The first solution is coupons. You don’t necessarily have to distribute coupons in print advertising or direct mail pieces. Coupons can be handed out at street corners, trade shows, or just about any where else.Coupons are quick to design and print because their selling point is price, not image.
 
Contests are another solution to marketing on a budget. People LOVE contests. If you choose to implement a contest, be sure to make it fun, silly, and talk it up! If your contest is wacky enough, you may even get free media coverage.
 
Gifts are another source of cheap marketing. People love to receive things for free, no matter what it is! Tests have shown people will even pay a premium price for a more expensive item to get something for free. It isn’t unheard of to see a free color printer with purchase of desktop computer. This tactic can be used in any business.
 
You can also gain free advertising by hosting events. Hosting events such as wine tastings,or charity fundraisers are great ways to introduce people to your business or remain in contact with current customers. It will create a feeling of excitement and get people more involved in your business.
 
As you can see, there are numerous way to market your business without spending a dollar! Just use your creativity, think outside the box, and you can be successful in your marketing endeavor!

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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

Maximize Your Computer and Website Login’s Security
Most PCs and lots of personal data, such as bank records and Web mail access, are guarded only by a username and password. Usernames are fairly easy to guess and often pre-filled in, so you need to make sure your passwords are strong-not easily guessed or cracked by “dictionary” attacks that throw millions of letter combinations at the dialog. Many of the most widespread Internet worms have built-in dictionaries of common passwords, and once they are running on your system, they can attack your computer and others on your network.

· Don’t use any part of your username, full name, address, birth date, and so on. This data is readily available to intruders.
· Don’t use English or even foreign words.
· Make sure your password is at least eight characters long. The longer the password, the better.
· Use different kinds of characters in your password. At the very least, your password should contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. If you’re comfortable with non-alphanumeric symbols (such as #@!&) or extended ASCII characters (which you can access by holding down Alt and typing on the number pad), use them.
· Change passwords every month to six weeks.
· Don’t write your passwords on a sticky note and post it on your monitor.
· If you need to keep a repository of passwords, use a utility like RoboForm Pro (www.roboform.com) that keeps an encrypted list of all your passwords under a single master password. These programs can also generate strong passwords to your specifications.
· Don’t recycle old passwords or use the same one for several different applications.
· Use a word you know, but substitute punctuation and numbers for letters. For example, coffee could become C0FF33 and Indiana_Jones could become 1nd1@n@_j0n3s
· Use a passphrase-a group of words, as opposed to a single word. If you’re a Beach Boys fan, “It’s not a big motorcycle, just a groovy little motorbike” might be a good passphrase.

Note that not every security system lets you use passwords this long, or even ones that have embedded spaces. Some e-commerce sites, for example, will allow you only 8 to 12-character alphanumeric passwords.
Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/

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Customer Spotlight

NeoNexus recently completed a website for the Wilmington Professional Group, a free networking group located in Wilmington, NC. WPG is open to everyone and provides a relaxed atmosphere in which to share referrals and meet other business owners. NeoNexus created the site to help members stay in touch, find out when the monthly meeting is, and provide an easy way for businesses to access contact info of the business owners they meet. You can check out the site at www.wilmingtonprofessionalgroup.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

Since there are many reasons that lab analysis on a sample must be performed more than once, the HiveMind EDD format allows a laboratory to report multiple runs for a sample.  This is done using the test types “initial”, “reanalysis”, and “reextract”.  All samples use the “initial” if they are only run once, and then additional runs are reporting using the test types “reanalysis” and “reextract”, depending on whether extraction was done a second time or not.   If you have 10 analytes to report, then all 10 analytes should be reported for each and every run (initial, reanalysis, reextract). This is discussed in the HiveMind manual.

However, the issue of metals was not covered in the manual even though it was taken care of in the programming.  With ICP metals, multiple runs do occur, but a result is not generated for each run, so you cannot report every analyte for every test run.  We handle this through a test type called “reinitial”.  The way reinitial works, you report the runs separately in the test file, but you can include only one result for multiple runs in the result file.

Example:

Test File
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW6010_AQ_D”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW6010_AQ_D”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reinitial”,…

Result File
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW6010_AQ_D”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”7439-89-6″,”IRON”,89.2,,”TRG”,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW6010_AQ_D”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reinitial”,”7439-96-5″,”MANGANESE”,8.84,,”TRG”,…

In this case, iron passed the first time, but manganese failed and was rerun.  Your test files includes two runs, but iron and manganese are only listed once each in the result file.

To compare, if this was run for BTEX, it would look like this:

Test File
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reanalysis”,…

Result File
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”1330-20-7″,”XYLENE (TOTAL)”,420,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”71-43-2″,”BENZENE”,4000,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”100-41-4″,”ETHYLBENZENE”,140,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/29/2007″,”21:04″,”D”,”NA”,”initial”,”108-88-3″,”TOLUENE”,34,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reanalysis”,”1330-20-7″,”XYLENE (TOTAL)”,425,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reanalysis”,”71-43-2″,”BENZENE”,3503,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reanalysis”,”100-41-4″,”ETHYLBENZENE”,154,,…
“COBB-BD020-65001″,”SW8260_AQ”,”05/31/2007″,”12:33″,”D”,”NA”,”reanalysis”,”108-88-3″,”TOLUENE”,10,…

As you can see, the primary difference between “reinitial” and “reanalysis” is that if you use a test_type of “reanalysis”, then you must report a result for every analyte for EVERY run.  If you use “reinitial”, then only one analyte is reported for multiple runs.

The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
November 14,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Tip
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

Google Changes Rules!    

On October 24, Google changed its rules for page ranking. Some sites saw a down-grade in page ranking, others were not affected.Google has been quiet about the why, but industry experts think that its due to page link. Page rank is the score calaculation based on the number of websites that link to your page and page ranking of those sites. It is not a measure of traffic, while it has value, it is somewhat unclear. Search Engine Marketing (SEO) consists of many vaiables, one of which is links. Page rank is Google’s way of calculating those links. To see page rank of any website, install Google tool bar. If you have any questions about page rank or Google tool bar, contact Kim at kim@wp.proj.

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Marketing Tip

Unique Selling Propositions
 
With the number of businesses today, it is important to distinguish your company from all the rest. How do you differentiate your business from the others? Well, the best way, is to create a unique selling proposition or USP.
 
A USP is the distinct and appealing idea that sets you and your business favorably apart from all your competitors. The possibilities for building a USP are unlimited, however, it is best to adopt a USP that addresses an apparent void in the marketplace that you can honestly fill.
 
Your USP is the force that drives your business and success. It can also be used as a branding tool. The ultimate goal of your USP and marketing is to have people say to you….”I have heard of you! You are that company who….”
 
A great example of a USP is Domino’s,”Pizza delivered in 30 minutes or it’s free!” This USP caught on and took Domino’s so far, it became a billion dollar company.
 
Your USP needs to be so compelling, that it can be used as a headline that sells your service or product. Integrate your USP in ALL marketing materials, such as your marketing and sales, business cards, letterhead, sales pitch, website and Internet marketing.
 
Be bold when developing your USP, but be careful to ensure that you can deliver! Your USP should have promises and guarantees that capture your audience’s attention and compels them to respond to you.

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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

Keeping Your Hard Drive In Shape
1. Remove clutter and old programs
 
Start this “purge process” by taking a look at the short-cut icons on your desktop. Because it takes time for your PC to find these icons when it boots up, delete them or turn them off with a swift right click if you don’t need easy access to them.
 
Next, if you don’t need all those individual files, pictures and MP3s on your desktop, start categorizing them into folders. This is also a good time to go through the contents of folders you have already created and delete any duplicate files or those you no longer use. Microsoft® Windows® XP comes with already-labeled folders such as “My Documents,” “My Photos” and “My Music” to help organize your files accordingly-and eliminate the clutter on your PC’s desktop.
 
Lastly, if you’ve never used a particular software program that came with your PC or haven’t used it in over a year, consider getting rid of it. To delete a software program:
 
-Click Start, and point to Settings.
-Point to Control Panel, and double-click Add/Remove Programs.
-Click the software program you want to delete.
-Click the Change/Remove button, and follow the instructions on the screen to start the removal process.

Alternatively, you can use the “Uninstall” feature that comes with the software program you’d like to delete. However you choose to remove the program, empty your PC’s Recycle Bin after the removal has taken place.
 
2. Clear out the cache
 
Every time you visit a new website, content is automatically stored in your “Temporary Internet files” folder, otherwise known as a cache. These files slow down hard drive speed by taking up valuable storage space. The “Tools” function provided by Microsoft® Internet Explorer allows you to delete these files. To clear out the cache in Internet Explorer:
 
-Click Tools and then Internet Options.
-Under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files.
 
3. Clean up even more
 
Disk Cleanup, a handy tool that comes with Windows® XP, allows you to easily sort through and delete unused and temporary files, freeing space on your hard drive and speeding up its operation. To access Disk Cleanup:
 
-Click Start, and point to Programs.
-Point to Accessories and then to System Tools.
-Click Disk Cleanup.
-Choose the drive you want to scan from the drop-down menu, and click OK.
-Wait while Disk Cleanup calculates how much space is available for cleanup. This step  may take a few minutes.
-Click the “Disk Cleanup” tab and then the checkbox(es) next to the type(s) of files you want to delete.
-Click OK to start the cleanup process. Depending on the amount of files you want to delete, this may take several minutes.
 
4. Defrag your hard drive
 
As you work on your PC, it stores your data in bits and pieces on its hard drive, wherever there is space. Imagine various chapters of a book being deposited in different places throughout your home. When you open a certain file, your PC runs around gathering all these “chapters” (creating the whirring sound you may have heard).
 
Enter Disk Defragmenter, another powerful utility included in Windows® XP. Reorganizing that scattered data on your hard drive, Disk Defragmenter also moves the files you use most to the beginning of your hard drive, so they load faster and your PC runs more efficiently. To access Disk Defragmenter:
 
-Click Start, and point to Programs.
-Point to Accessories and then to System Tools.
-Click Disk Defragmenter.
-Once Disk Defragmenter tool appears, click the “Analyze” button, which will show you how much time you’ll need for defragging. Depending on the amount of files on your hard drive, this step may take a few hours.
-After the defrag tool analyzes your hard drive, follow the instructions on the screen to start the defrag process.

Disk Defragmenter’s bottom frame displays its progress, and you can interrupt or temporarily discontinue it by clicking on “Stop” or “Pause.” While you can use your PC while defragging, the process slows down other applications, so you’re best off utilizing
Disk Defragmenter when you don’t need to work on your PC, like when you go to bed.
 
Note that your PC’s hard drive must have at least 15% free space for Disk Defragmenter to completely and adequately defrag it. If your hard drive has less than 15% free space, Disk Defragmenter will only partially defrag it. To increase your hard drive’s free space, delete even more files that you don’t use or move your files to another drive or device such as the HP 300GB Personal Media Drive.
 
If you organize and clean up your PC’s hard drive as described, it will be the well-oiled machine it should be-and remain healthy and run smoothly for years to come!
Source: HP.com http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/392299-0-0-225-121.html
Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/
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Customer Spotlight

NeoNexus just completed a website for Drift and Dream, located in Wilmington, NC. Drift and Dream offers services in floatation, infra red sauna, hemisphere balancing and five massage techniques. Drift and Dream is one of only two facilities in North Carolina that offers floatation. Imagine floating in 10 inches of Epsom salt saturated water that allows you to remain buoyant effortlessly. This is the only time your body is totally supported and there is little for the brain to do, creating the most relaxed atmosphere and stress reliever! Check out the site at www.driftanddream.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

When a laboratory delivers an EDD, the EDD file naming structure is based on the SDG/Group number. The web code uses this SDG/Group number to match the EDD to the correct Chain of Custody (COC).

However, when the consultant creates a COC, the SDG number is empty because it does not exist yet. In order for the EDD to load, the SDG must be assigned to the COC prior to attempting to load the EDD.
At this time, either a laboratory or a consultant can assign the SDG number. You do it by searching for the COC and adding it to the SDG/Group # file, and then clicking “Update”

The xMarketing Newsletter from NeoNexus
November 6,2007

In This Issue

Company News
Marketing Tip
Tech Tip
Customer Spotlight

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Company News

NeoNexus recently completed a website for the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, NC chapter free of charge. DAVA is a non profit organization founded in 1922 by women who saw a need for assistance to the families, widows, and orphans of disabled veterans, as well as the disabled veterans themselves. Because the organization is non profit, they did not have the funds to purchase a website. NeoNexus saw the value of the organization, and donated the website free of charge, to assist in getting the word out about the Auxiliary, and provide a way for members to stay in touch and receive information. You can check out the site at davanc.org. The following testimonial is from Renee Jones, State Adjutant for the DAVA,

“Wanted to share the web site that Kent built for the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (www.davanc.org) We are very thankful he could make this happen. Kim and Louise took my scattered thoughts and made them into something wonderful! WHALE DONE!!! 

R. Renee Jones” 

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Marketing Tip

Press Releases
 
One of the most inexpensive and best ways to get free publicity is to write a press release. Publicity generated by press releases is free and the coverage is often much more extensive than anything you could have hoped to say in an ad. There are some guidelines to go by when you are writing a press release.
 
First off, decide why you are writing the press release and determine the focus. You must have something that is truly news-worthy, or editors won’t even take a second look at it. A press release is honestly all about story telling. You want to grab the attention of the media and tell them a wonderful story. Your headline should be a synopsis of the press release. Grab the attention of the editors immediately!
 
You should be spontaneous and enthusiastic when telling your story. People love to read things that are not boring, that include humor and that makes them relate to you.
 
Be very specific with details. This gives them a clearer picture of what happened. Timing is everything! You should always be on the lookout for national trends. If your company ever does activity that corresponds with national trends, write a press release about it. There is a much higher chance of your news being chosen to publish if there are other things nationally corresponding with you and your story.
 
Keep press releases short and to the point. Editors do not have all the time in the world to read every press release that comes in so you need to get them the facts quickly and accurately! Grab their attention! Also be sure to write in short sentences, so a 6th grader would be able to read your story and understand it. You have to remember that the editors who read your press release probably do not know your business. You must write it in vocabulary they understand so there will be a higher chance of them wanting to publish your story.
 
Quotes are also valuable to use in press releases. This makes it easier for the editor to write the story. Sometimes, they may just use the quotes from the press release if they do not have time to interview the contacts for the article.
 
Make sure to include contact info in your press release at the bottom. Include mailing address, email, phone number and fax so they have every way possible to contact you for more information.

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Tech Tip- Supplied by Category 5 Networks

Keep your activation status intact when reinstalling XP
Have you ever wanted to reformat the hard disk and reinstall Windows XP on a system but you didn’t want to mess around with Microsoft’s Product Activation after the reinstall? Fortunately, you don’t have to.

As long as you aren’t making any hardware alterations, you can back up the activation status files before you reformat the hard drive and then restore them after you reinstall the operating system.

To perform the backup, follow these steps:

1. Use Windows Explorer to open the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
2. Copy the Wpa.dbl and Wpa.bak files to a floppy disk or CD.

To perform the restore, follow these steps:

1. Decline the activation request at the end of the installation procedure, and restart         Windows XP.
2. During bootup, press [F8] to access the Windows Advanced Options menu.
3. Choose the Safe Mode (SAFEBOOT_OPTION=Minimal) option.
4. Use Windows Explorer to open the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
5. If they exist, rename the new Wpa.dbl and Wpa.bak files to Wpadbl.new and Wpabak.new.
6. Copy the original Wpa.dbl and Wpa.bak files from the floppy disk or CD to the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
7. Restart the system.
Category 5 Networks
http://www.categoryfivenetworks.com/
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Customer Spotlight

NeoNexus completed a new restaurant review site for Wilmington, NC called North Eats South. Run by two “food experts,” they invite individuals to not only seek their advice, but to also rate the restaurants. The review site is unique from others in that it is officially politically incorrect! They do not hold anything back, tell the truth, and KNOW the difference between chopped steak and filet mignon. Check out the site at www.northeatssouth.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,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kim Kuzan
Marketing Director, NeoNexus

NeoNexus Corporation