Data processing: financial – business practice – management – or co – Automated electrical financial or business practice or... – Operations research or analysis
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-29
2001-05-22
Trammell, James P. (Department: 2162)
Data processing: financial, business practice, management, or co
Automated electrical financial or business practice or...
Operations research or analysis
C705S014270, C705S014270, C705S026640, C705S027200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236975
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of data processing and more particularly to a system and method for profiling customers for targeted marketing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Businesses have a need to market their products and services to potential customers. Currently, some of them rely on non-targeted advertising systems such as mass mailings to a general geographic area. However, this approach lacks the ability to target specific potential customers for specific products or services.
Alternatively, some businesses purchase previously compiled statistical data. However, the data obtained by this method is limited in that the research is typically based on small samples of the population and is typically historical data. Thus, the data is generalized and does not give the businesses any information regarding the desires or needs of specific potential customers.
Still other businesses conduct surveys through telemarketing or other types of research companies. Although telemarketing may be used to sell products and services to willing customers, this approach requires businesses to contact all potential customers without any knowledge as to the likelihood that any particular one will purchase a specific product or service.
Therefore, a need has arisen for a new system and method for profiling customers for targeted marketing that overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of prior art systems and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for profiling customers for targeted marketing is provided which substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with prior systems and methods for marketing.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of compiling customer data using an on-line interaction between a customer and a survey system is provided that supplies the customer with questions, receives responses, and stores data associated with the responses. A relative situation display is then provided to the customer that graphically illustrates data associated with the customer's standing in a selected peer group. Later, the customer is provided with the opportunity to adjust his or her actual situation to a hypothetical situation. After receiving and processing the data associated with these adjustments, hypothetical situation information is displayed that graphically illustrates the standing of the customer within the selected hypothetical peer group such that the customer can see the effect of the adjustments.
An important technical advantage of the present invention is that a business may obtain information from customers that allows the business to target its marketing efforts for specific products and services to specific customers who are more likely than the general population to purchase those products and services. One important aspect of the present invention is that the customer is encouraged to provide data to the customer survey system because the customer is provided with interesting and useful information in exchange for that data, such as relative and hypothetical situation information and information relating to setting and achieving goals.
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Aarant Marjorie L.
Boe Barbara J.
Hamrick Julia M.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Ignite Sales, Inc.
Tesfamariam Mussie
Trammell James P.
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