Online business directory with predefined search template for facilitating the matching of buyers to qualified sellers
First Claim
1. A method for searching businesses in an electronic business directory database, said method comprising the steps of:
- identifying at least one search criteria, the at least one search criteria defined through research about businesses in at least one category of business;
obtaining business directory data for at least one business listing, the business directory data comprising a business name, address and telephone number;
developing at least one category attribute representative of the at least one business listing to facilitate categorical classification of the at least one business listing, the at least one category attribute comprising hours of operations, specialty services, detailed product and services, and special promotions;
dynamically deriving at least one search template in response to a search request received from a user, the at least one search template comprising at least one field representative of the at least one category attribute;
using the at least one search template to electronically search the electronic business directory database to identify at least one business for the at least one category attribute; and
submitting a request for proposal to at least one identified business.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method to provide buyers with information that supports the selection of qualified vendors and service providers at the precise time they are prepared to make a purchase. To accomplish its function, the system includes three core elements: (1) a data retrieval system that makes it easy for ready and willing buyers to find and contact qualified businesses; (2) a proprietary electronic database with enhanced information regarding local businesses; (3) an electronic distribution network that employs live, enhanced directory assistance (EDA) operators via telephone as well as the World Wide Web, and simplifies the connections between motivated buyers and qualified sellers. Buyers are able to search the database of businesses to find the most qualified providers of goods/service that match their unique criteria. Sellers can use the service to better promote their offerings to a market that has moved beyond window shopping and that is ready to buy.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for searching businesses in an electronic business directory database, said method comprising the steps of:
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identifying at least one search criteria, the at least one search criteria defined through research about businesses in at least one category of business;
obtaining business directory data for at least one business listing, the business directory data comprising a business name, address and telephone number;
developing at least one category attribute representative of the at least one business listing to facilitate categorical classification of the at least one business listing, the at least one category attribute comprising hours of operations, specialty services, detailed product and services, and special promotions;
dynamically deriving at least one search template in response to a search request received from a user, the at least one search template comprising at least one field representative of the at least one category attribute;
using the at least one search template to electronically search the electronic business directory database to identify at least one business for the at least one category attribute; and
submitting a request for proposal to at least one identified business. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for searching businesses in an electronic business directory database, said system comprising:
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a data retrieval system operative to allow ready and willing buyers to find and contact qualified businesses based on at least one business category attribute, the at least one business category attribute comprising hours of operations, specialty services, detailed product and services, and special promotions;
a database coupled to the data retrieval system, the database for storing business directory data including enhanced information regarding local businesses;
an electronic distribution network coupled to the database, the electronic distribution network for facilitating connections between motivated buyers and qualified sellers; and
means for submitting a request for proposal to at least one qualified business. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification