A new service from AwayFind lets you ignore your inbox without worrying that you're going to miss an important message. It's one of those ideas that seems so obvious, you're left wondering "why didn't someone think of this already?" With the new service and its optional web browser plugin, you're able to configure alerts for critical, "can't miss" email messages and can choose to have those alerts sent to you via instant message, Twitter, SMS text message or even a phone call. Sponsor AwayFind 2.0 The new service, dubbed AwayFind Orchant, is an expansion of AwayFind's core product, an email alerts service that helps you deal with the very real-world problem of information overload. With the original product, AwayFind 1.0 ( previous coverage ), people who email you are directed to your AwayFind contact page where they can fill out a brief form describing the nature of their emergency. Those who do so will be rewarded by having their message actually reach you, either via text message or via an email to another inbox, even though you're away from your primary email account at the time. However, that auto-responder, while nice to have, put the burden on those contacting you to make sure their message was read. It also allows any person to reach you, even if you don't consider the message urgent or important. (Case in point: you would be surprised how many PR professionals decided to use the AwayFind service to pitch me "urgent" news about some startup!) With the new service, you are back in control. You designate which emails are important. This configuration takes place during the setup process where you specify filters similar to those you already use to sort messages into folders or labels in your inbox. With these filters in place, you're telling AwayFind how to identify which messages are important to you. For example, you could filter for any message from your boss, messages containing the word "urgent" in the subject, messages sent to a specific email address, messages sent to your project team from the team leader, etc. You can then specify what actions AwayFind should take in order to alert you. You can choose to be contacted via IM (AIM, MSN, Yahoo Messenger and Google Talk are supported), Twitter, another email address, a SMS text message or a voice phone call. You can also configure other options, like which auto-responder template to send when a message matches a specific filter. You can even specify if there is someone who shouldn't get your auto-response while everyone else does - perfect for playing hooky without the boss catching wind! Web Browser Plugin Brings Filtering to the Inbox Itself All of this configuration is done from AwayFind's online service but you can also configure settings from the place where you spend the most time: your inbox. This is where the Firefox plugin comes into play. After installation of the plugin , a small arrow appears next to a contact's name in an email message. When clicked, you're provided with options so that you can set up a filter for that sender instantly, including how you want to be notified (Twitter, IM, phone, etc.). Requirements and Future Plans At the moment, the new service supports Gmail and Google Apps accounts, all IMAP accounts (think me.com , mac.com , aim.com , etc.), Hosted Exchange 2003, 2007 and 2010 accounts (assuming Exchange Web Services is supported, which is usually the case), and in the near future, full Yahoo support will arrive. The web browser plugin only works in Firefox right now but a Chrome plugin is just weeks away. Plans for an Outlook plugin are in the works, too. Also, in the case of Gmail/Google Apps, the plugin uses oAuth which means that it doesn't need to request your password. However, for the other connections you'll need to provide your password plus your account settings where applicable. This service is currently in private beta, but we have 500 invitations to give away. Just click here to sign up . Discuss
Novell is providing the first glimpse of Pulse, its new real-time collaboration service. The new service will eventually fully integrate with Google Wave . This version does not include Google Wave as part of its service. But there is an expectation that eventually the integration will serve as a federated platform that may serve as the basis for new open-source collaboration efforts. Novell is releasing the service initially to analysts and participants at BrainShare , its user group meeting next week in Salt Lake City. Each person will get to invite one new user, Novell will provide a fuller release in the next few months. A release at the end of the year will include OpenID as a core aspect of the platform. Sponsor The service resembles platforms that we see emerging. It has a real-time activity stream. People may create their own groups within an activity stream. Groups may also be created with external communities such as partners or customers. Pulse will be available as a SaaS or on-premise. The service includes a co-editing feature, much like you see in Google Wave. Novell Pulse looks like a vilable alternative for the companies and government organizations that want a platform they can modify without concern about proprietary constraints. Still, it is clear that Pulse is in its infancy with a host of features needing integration. We question how many people may use the service simultaneously. Google Wave has received criticism for its inability to handle large numbers of simultaneous users. Novell says it will see how many people the platform can handle. Of note is that the beta is so limited. It will essentially only be open to a very limited subset of the market. Perhaps it will spread through invites. We'll see. Its open-source roots make Pulse most compelling. The approach fits with the company's roots. Novell sees an opportunity to federate with Google. The larger question will come down to how well the integration works with Google Wave. Discuss
Businesses are only as strong as their customer base, and the same is true for web based businesses and their audience of only visitors and clients. Many people don’t understand that maintaining and online audience is constant work, and if you can’t figure out a creative way to stay in touch with your online customers and prospective customers, you’re going to lose their business.
Many people are searching for the right marketing techniques that will keep the interest of their audience members without annoying them or making them feel like they are constantly being sent promotional materials that just end up in the recycling bin.
One of the most successful marketing tools that online business owners have turned to is email advertising. This is a tactic that will reach your online audience right where they are: surfing the internet. It also eliminates waste and doesn’t take more than a click to delete if they’re not interested.
There are many reasons why choosing email advertising is a smart decision for online business owners that want to make the most of their advertising dollars. First of all, this type of advertising makes determining your ROI very easy, through link tracking and reception rates.
If you think that email advertising might be the method for communication that you’ve been searching for, you have to find a marketing service that will allow you to create the dynamic email advertisements that you need without charging you an arm and a leg to send them.
The best email advertising companies will offer you several levels of participation, so that you can try out the service without committing to a large investment in emails that might not work out. Start with a number of emails that represent just a fraction of your customer base, and after a week or so, compare the number of sales in that group to the sales in the rest of your base. If you notice an increase amongst the email recipients, you might want to try a larger round.
No matter which email advertising company you choose, be sure that they offer targeted distribution, meaning that they will help you to tailor your email announcements and product sales to people who are likely to respond favorably to them.
Snail mail is a thing of the past, so why are you still sending flyers about your business through the mail? Increase your sales and brand awareness with email advertising. Click here to learn more.
