Method of doing business and associated apparatus

• US 20040034560A1
• Filed: 08/13/2002
• Published: 02/19/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Torrance Mathis
• Original Assignee: Torrance Mathis
• Inventors: Mathis, Torrance
• Application Number:
  US10/217,030
• Publication Number:
  US 20040034560A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0235 constrained by time limit or expiration date
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0252 based on events or environment, e.g. weather or festivals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices

Abstract

A method for diverting the attention of customers to an advertisement of a particular product or service. A series of motivational slogans are broadcasted for reception via television or radio, or otherwise disseminated at precisely 9:11 a.m. and 9:11 p.m. daily, in reverence to the September 11^th tragedy. After dissemination of the slogans, advertising material may be disseminated. The slogans may be electronically stored on a timepiece which includes an audio transducer. The timepiece, which includes a logo associated with a specific business or organization, is synchronized to output an audible version of the slogans.

Claims

1. A method of attracting and retaining a customer base comprising:

disseminating, at regular intervals, one of a series of motivational slogans in an audio or audio/visual format;

preceding and following dissemination of said motivational slogan with an advertisement or notice of a promotional plan.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein dissemination of said motivational slogans is accomplished by RF broadcast of a radio or television signal.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein dissemination of said motivational slogans is accomplished by audio announcement at a sporting event.

4. In an arrangement comprising plural computers connected to a digital computer network, said network carrying and routing digital information between said plural computers, said plural computers including at least one personal computer associated with at least one user, at least one motivational slogan generating computer associated with at least one provider of motivational slogans, said network being decentralized in that any pair of said personal and motivational slogan computers may communicate without said communication passing through any other pair of said personal and motivational slogan computers, said personal computer having a display device and at least one user input device, the display device being capable of providing a visual display based at least in part on the digital information delivered to the personal computer via said network, said displayed information including at least one visual link associated with one of said motivational slogan computers, said user being able to operate said user input device to select and activate said link in order to effect a network connection to said motivational slogan computer, a method of directing human attention to a specific message stored on said motivational slogan computer, said message capable of being transmitted over said network to said personal computer for display in audio or visual form, the method comprising:

generating a list of motivational slogans and preparing individual entries from said list for electronic storage on said motivational slogan computer;

storing said individual entries on said motivational slogan computer;

transmitting (highlighting) said visual link to (on) said personal computer at predetermined intervals;

transmitting one of said individual entries to said personal computer for display thereon in response to selection of said visual link by said user; and

,

transmitting said specific message to said personal computer following display of said individual entry.

5. A method of attracting and retaining a customer base for a retail or service oriented commercial entity comprising:

storing, in digital form, a series of motivational slogans on a wristwatch, said wristwatch having means for reproducing said slogans in audible form;

distributing said wristwatch to potential customers;

programming said wristwatch for announcements of one of said slogans at predetermined intervals;

discounting items or services for a specified time period, the period during which said items or services is discounted coinciding with the announcements of said slogans;

whereby the announcement of said slogan serves as a reminder to said potential customers of the time period during which said items or service are discounted.