Abstract:
The various embodiments of systems described herein result from the realization that results from online searches and inquires about companies can be strategically aggregated to report to businesses additional information regarding potential buyers, potential investor&#39;s or employee&#39;s interests, and/or whether or not a follow up call is required. The system and method described herein further provide for businesses to register and list their businesses on a company search code index listing whereby each company is assigned a unique company search code index for additional review of the company&#39;s profile. In doing so, a user/investor/potential employee can research the company&#39;s profile using the search code index and communicate his/her interest in the business through the system and method disclosed herein.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part non-provisional patent application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/454,855, titled “System and Method for Authenticating a User&#39;s Authorization to Receive Streamed Content Using a Wireless HDMI Dongle,” filed Mar. 21, 2011; U.S Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/467,243, titled “System and Method for Managing and Monitoring Content Distribution and Access,” filed Mar. 24, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/525,262 titled “System And Method For Conducting Company Searches Using Company Code Index” filed Aug. 19, 2011 all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronic systems, apparatuses, and methods, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and various other disclosures related to conducting company searches and lead generation over the Internet using computer generated searchable code index. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many companies advertise on the Internet and pay substantial amounts to optimize searches for their business with the various third-party search engines. Although certain statistical information is reported by the search engines, e.g. numbers of clicks, views, searches, etc., it is well known that the number of hits do not always translate into real business opportunities as there is no comprehensive system or method in place that allows the companies being reviewed to necessarily directly correlate a particular online “inquiry” with the need for feedback or follow-up. Thus, it would be helpful for businesses being reviewed to be informed of potential leads from viable business inquiries based on online searches. It would also be helpful if individuals conducting business research are able to target, e.g. reputable companies, for a follow-up review based on an online inquiry. 
     Notwithstanding the obvious need for businesses and prospective customers to connect with each other, companies are restricted in their marketing efforts, e.g. “do not call” legislation prohibits companies from telemarketing. Additionally, companies desire to maximize their leads and to reserve their prospecting efforts for those individuals or corporate entities that have a viable potential for doing business. Much of the lead generation tools that currently exist in the prior art determine value prospects based on data mining techniques of user&#39;s searches and/or purchasing habits. However, the current lead generation tools do not have the ability to refine the process to determine the seriousness of the prospective customer for doing business. The system and methods described herein satisfies these long felt needs in a new and novel manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The various embodiments of systems described herein result from the realization that results from online searches and inquires about companies can be strategically aggregated to report additional information regarding potential buyers&#39;, investors&#39; or employees&#39; interests, and/or whether or not a follow up call is required. The system and methods described herein further provide for the registration and listing of companies on a searchable index listing whereby each company is assigned a unique company search code index displayable on at least one third-party search engine for additional review of the company&#39;s profile and/or searches. In doing so, an individual, purchaser, investor or potential employee can research the company&#39;s profile using the searchable code index and communicate his/her interest in the business through the system and method disclosed herein. 
     The system and method for conducting searches and lead generation comprises of: at least one server; an index code database in electronic communication with the at least one server; a search index module comprising of computer executable instruction code executable by at least one processor; and the at least one processor comprising of computer executable instruction code executable by the at least one processor and operative to perform any one or more of the following: activate the search index module to receive the at least one company&#39;s registration information to be displayed as a searchable code index on an index listing; convert a name of the least one company to the searchable code index; interface with at least one third-party search engine to receive the at least one third party&#39;s search engine&#39;s request and simultaneously search the index code database using the third-party search engine&#39;s search request to retrieve electronically, results comprising of one or a plurality of companies previously registered with the index code database identifiable as being responsive to the third-party search engine&#39;s search request; display simultaneously with the third-party engine&#39;s search results, the results of the index code database search as an index listing comprising of the at least one or more searchable code indexes based on prior registration information obtained from companies previously registered with the index code database; and determine the level of review of the at least one company&#39;s profile and generate a lead generation form to include a key indicative of the type of lead. 
     The computer executable instructions are further operative to determine at least one eligibility condition for registerability of the at least one company; retrieve the at least one company profile from the electronic index code database for display as a searchable code index; and to transmit the completed lead generation form with the key indicative of the type of lead to the server so that it can be published to the company whose company profile was reviewed. 
     In some embodiments, the computer executable instructions executable by the at least one processor are further operative to perform any one or more of the following: determine the length of time spent reviewing the company&#39;s profile during a review session; determine the number of additional related searches based on keywords within the company&#39;s profile; or determine the number of key strokes during a review session. Searchable code index comprises of any one or more of the following: company&#39;s initials, company designated searchable code index, or a random code generated searchable code index. As referenced herein, the at least one eligibility condition is selected from the group consisting of: third-party business rating; verifiable corporate registration and age of company, verifiable internet protocol address, and verifiable company URLs. 
     The type of lead is based on the level of review which measures any one or more of the following variables: time spent reviewing company&#39;s profile, number of additional related searches, and number of key strokes during review session. Once the level of review is determined the lead generation form automatically incorporates a key indicative of any one of the following leads: hot, warm or cold. 
     In some embodiments, the computer executable instructions are further operative to perform any one or more of the following: allow or refuse registration of the at least one company based on whether authorization is received from the server; or publish the lead generation form to the corresponding company whose profile was reviewed Inndex listing is displayed simultaneously with third party search results as either a column or a row. 
     Accordingly, the various embodiments and disclosures described herein solve the limitations of the prior art in a new and novel manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a system in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A-2D  shows a system in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  describes a method according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram representing an article according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-2D  show a system  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The system  100  for conducting searches and lead generation comprises of: at least one server  102 ; an electronic index code database  104 , in electronic communication with the at least one server  102  that is configured for storing at least one participating company&#39;s profile  106  thereon; a search index module  108  comprising computer executable instruction code  110  executable by at least one processor  112  that is in electronic communication with the at least one server  102 ; and the at least one processor  112  comprising computer executable instruction code  110  executable by the at least one processor  112  and operative to perform any one or more of the following: activate the search index module  108  to receive the at least one company&#39;s registration information  114  to be displayed as a searchable code index  116  on an index listing  118 ; convert a name  120  of the at least one company  122  to the searchable code index  116 ; determine at least one of one or more eligibility conditions for registerability of the at least one company  122  by the search index module  108  and/or the at least one processor  112 ; interface with the at least one third-party search engine  124 ; receive a third-party search engine search request and simultaneously search the index code database  104  and return at least one company&#39;s searchable code index  116  responsive to the third-party search request; display an index listing  118 , which includes the at least one searchable code index  116  for receiving search request of the registered companies profiles  106 ,  106 ′ via clickable search icons  126 ,  126 ′; retrieve the participating at least one company&#39;s profile  106  from the electronic index code database  104  for display as a searchable code index  116 ; determine the level of review of the at least one company&#39;s profile  106 ; and generate an electronic lead generation form  128  to include a key  130  indicative of the type of lead based on the level of review of the company&#39;s profile  106  or the receipt of at least one individual&#39;s contact information  132 , e.g. for follow up. The key  130  is indicative of any one of the following leads: hot, warm or cold. As used herein, “third-party search engine”  124  refers to application programs designed to search information on the world wide web, i.e. the Internet with displayable results as web pages, images, other information and the like. Exemplary third-party search engines  124 ,  124 ′ include but are not limited to YAHOO, BING, GOOGLE and the like. 
     Server  102  may be any kind of server, such as a content management server, a computer sever, a content delivery network server, a DRM server, a search index server, and the like. Server  102  may be a remote server and may be connected to the electronic index code database  104  and/or the at least one processor  112  via a network  131 , such as the Internet. 
     System  100  also includes an electronic index code database  104  as are well known and used in the arts, configured for storing inter alia index listing  118 , at least one company&#39;s registration information  114 , at least one company&#39;s profile  106 , and searchable code indexes  116 ,  116  for the registered companies  122 ,  122 ′ thereon. Company&#39;s profile  106  may include company registration information  114 , e.g. name, company&#39;s URL, address, email, state and year of incorporation, as well as any other pertinent company information such as contact information for the board of directors, description of goods and/or services offered, product rolls outs, product roll out dates and times, market opportunities, job openings, and or any other relevant company information deemed important for public disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, search index module  108  may comprise of a software aspect, such as a computer program that comprises of computer executable instruction code  110 , a hardware aspect, such as an integrated hardware module or discrete hardware module, or a combination of hardware and software aspects. In some embodiments, search index module  108  may be a dongle, including, but not limited to a USB dongle or an HDMI dongle, and may be powered via a USB, HDMI, or external power supply. Computer executable instruction code  110  may be any type of computer executable instruction code  110 , which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages. 
     Search index module  108  may be a software module or a hardware module and is configured to receive at least one participating company&#39;s registration information  114 , wherein the at least one company&#39;s name  120  is converted to a unique searchable code index  116  to be displayed on an index listing  118  via a clickable search icon  126 . Search index module  108  also authenticates company&#39;s registration information  114  and may be used to communicate relevant information to the server  102  for compiling statistical information for reporting or advertising purposes, registration information  114  for fee collection purposes, pirated content tracking purposes, user experience customization services, collect subscriber information, e.g. subscriber demographics, geographic location, and the like. In some embodiments, search index module  108  may contain a unique subscriber identification module, wherein said module may be a software module or a hardware module, which may be used in the registration authentication process. 
     System  100  also includes at least one processor  112  in electronic communication with the at least one server  102 . Processor  112  may be any type of processor, such as, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a video processor, a front end processor, a coprocessor, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, and the like. 
     Processor  112  also includes computer executable instruction code  110 , where the computer executable instruction code  110  are operative to perform all the necessary functions for the system  100  and methods disclosed herein. Computer executable instruction code  110  may be loaded directly on the server&#39;s processor  112 , or its storage means  134 . 
     Storage means  134  may comprise of a storage device and may include memory, such as, but is not limited to, read-only memory, such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppy disks, and the like, read and write memory, such as a hard drive, floppy disc, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, solid state memory, such as solid state hard drives, flash memory, and the like, and random access memory. Storage means  134  may be used to store information, such as index code database  104 , which may store the index listing  118 , company&#39;s registration information  114 , company&#39;s profile  106 , internet protocol addresses, eligibility conditions, search results and the like. 
     Computer executable instruction code  110  is operative to perform any one or more of the following: activate the search index module  108  to receive the at least one company&#39;s registration information  114  to be displayed as a searchable code index  116  on an index listing  118 ; convert a name  120  of the at least one company  122  to the searchable code index  116 ; determine at least one of one or more eligibility conditions for registerability of the at least one company  122  by the search index module  108  and/or the at least one processor  112 ; interface with at least one third-party search engine  124  to receive the at least one third party&#39;s search engine&#39;s request and simultaneously search the index code database  104  using the third-party search engine&#39;s search request to retrieve electronically, results comprising of one or a plurality of companies  122 ,  122  previously registered with the index code database  104  identifiable as being responsive to the third-party search engine&#39;s search request; display simultaneously with the third-party engine&#39;s search results, the results of the index code database search as an index listing  118  comprising of the at least one or more searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ based on prior registration information obtained from companies  122 ,  122 ′ previously registered with the index code database  104 ; and determine the level of review of the at least one company&#39;s profile  106 ; and generate an electronic lead generation form  128  to include a key  130  indicative of the type of lead based on the level of review of the company&#39;s profile  106  or the receipt of at least one individual&#39;s contact information  132 , e.g. for follow up. 
     Searchable code index  116  may be an acronym or the shortened form of the company&#39;s name  120 . In some instances the shortened form may not be available e.g. because of a prior registrant and as such the searchable code index  116  may be derived by a computer random generator algorithm executable by the search index module  108  to create a unique searchable code index  116  for the participating company  122 . In some embodiments, the search code index  116  may be supplied by the company, e.g. at registration. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  show a system  200  in accordance with one embodiment. The processor  112  is configured for activating the search index module  108  to receive the at least one company&#39;s registration information  114  to be displayed as a searchable code index  116  on at least one third-party search engine  124 ; convert a name  120  of the at least one company  122  to the searchable code index  116 ; determine at least one of one or more eligibility conditions for registerability of the at least one company  122  by the search index module  108  and/or the at least one processor  112 ; interface with at least one third-party search engine  124  to receive the at least one third party&#39;s search engine&#39;s request and simultaneously search the index code database  104  of registered participating companies profiles  106 ,  106 ′ using the third-party search engine&#39;s search request to retrieve electronically, results comprising of one or a plurality of companies  122 ,  122  previously registered with the index code database  104  identifiable as being responsive to the third-party search engine&#39;s search request; and display simultaneously the results of the index code database search as an index listing  118  comprising of at least one or more searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ based on the prior registration information  114  and/or company profiles  106 ,  106 ′ obtained from companies  122 ,  122 ′ previously registered with the index code database  104 . 
     The index listing  118  is displayed simultaneously with the third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′. In some embodiments, the index listing  118  is displayed as a plurality of columns  204 ,  204 ′, to the right or to the left of the third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′. In other embodiments, the index listing  118  is displayed as a row  206  (not shown) at the top or bottom of the third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , an exemplary third-party search engine&#39;s search request for “JOBS” returned third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′ as displayed. In conjunction with the third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′ are columns  204 ,  204 ′, of the index listing  118  representative of the index database  104  search results using the third-party search engine&#39;s search request. The index listing  118  comprises of searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ of previously registered companies  122 ,  122 ′, searchable via clickable search icons  126 ,  126 ′ that are responsive to the third party search engine&#39;s search request. In some embodiments, the index listing  118  is published in graphics and/or audio. 
     In this manner, both individual job seekers and companies  122 ,  122 ′ can target their search results such that job seekers are now made aware from the display of the third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′ of companies  122 ,  122 ′ listed in the index listing  118  that are responsive to the search and have a stronger likelihood of having potential jobs for the individual job seeker as the third-party engine&#39;s search results  202 ,  202 ′ and the searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ of previously registered company profiles  106 ,  106 ′ are synchronized such that only searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ that have potential fruitful results, e.g. responsive to the search request for “JOBS”, will be displayed in the index listing  118  based on the keyword search as entered (“JOBS”) on the third party search engine  124 . 
     If an individual, e.g. a potential purchaser, investor, employee or otherwise has an interest in for example a follow up call after reviewing the company&#39;s profile  106 , the individual may request a call by completing an online lead generation form  128  as shown in  FIG. 2D . The computer executable instruction code  110  of the search index module  108  and/or the processor  112  are operative to determine the level of review of the at least one company&#39;s profile  106 ; and generate an electronic lead generation form  128  to include a key  130  indicative of the type of lead based on the level of review of the company&#39;s profile  106  or the individual&#39;s contact information  132 . The server index module  108  is configured to publish the lead generation form  128  to the corresponding company whose profile was reviewed. Accordingly, companies  122 ,  122 ′ now have a clearer assessment of the level of interest of the candidates requesting follow up based on the key  130  generated on the lead generation form  128 , which readily provides an immediate visual indicator as to the type of lead depending on the level of review of the company&#39;s profile  106  and/or verifiable individual contact information  132 . 
     It is understood that the index listing  118  is created using all registered company profiles  106 ,  106 ′ that have qualified for registerability with the system  100  and method. Participating companies  122 ,  122 ′ may register by completing an online electronic form providing for the electronic receipt by the server index module  108  or the processor  112  of the company&#39;s registration information  114  and/or a more extensive company&#39;s profile  106  as shown in  FIGS. 2B &amp; 2C . Company registration information  114  may also be provided to the server  102  through any other means, including, but not limited to, digital delivery or computer readable medium delivery. 
     The processor  112  and/or the server index module  108  may include computer executable instruction code  110  configured to determine at least one eligibility condition for registerability of the at least one company  122 , which may include verifiable company registration, e.g. company name  120 , ratings from third-party business verification sites, e.g. Dunn &amp; Bradstreet, Better Business Bureau and the like, verifiable internet protocol address, verifiable URLs and the like. Computer executable instruction code  110  may also be configured to display the registered company&#39;s searchable code index  116  on the index listing  118 ; review company company&#39;s registration information  114  for meeting eligibility criteria for registerability; determine company&#39;s registerability status; notify company  122  of registerability status as well as notify company  122  of an individual&#39;s request for follow up and the like. 
     Once the company  122  is registered on the index listing  118 , it is available for review and optimized searching. In some embodiments, the system  100  and method disclosed herein may be activated for searching and lead generation by launching an application  206  (not shown), e.g., which may be accessible as an embedded link in results shown for the at least one third-party search engine  124  or via a downloadable application. In either embodiment, an individual may launch the application  206  (not shown) and click on the clickable search icon  126  and/or the corresponding searchable code index  116  to review the company&#39;s profile  106  as registered and may request additional information or a willing assent for a follow up call by providing his/her individual contact information as shown in  FIG. 2D . Referring back to  FIG. 2A , the clickable search icon  126  includes a magnifying glass shaped search icon  126 , which allows an individual to initiate the search and obtain search results based on the company&#39;s profile information  106  as designated by the adjacent searchable code index  116 . In some embodiments, no clickable search icon  126  is displayed, but rather a review of the company&#39;s profile  106  is available by clicking the searchable code index  116  itself. 
     In either embodiment, the search index module  108  has computer executable instruction code  110  configured to track variables determinative of the type of lead based on the level of the review and/or identity of verifiable individual contact information  132 . Variables being tracked include but are not limited to: the length of time expended in reviewing the company&#39;s profile  106  during a review session, number of additional related searches based on keywords within the company&#39;s profile, number of keystrokes within any given review session to determine whether the search is active or latent because of session time out or computer sleep mode. As shown in  FIG. 2D , in some embodiments, the type of lead is determined solely on verification of the individual&#39;s contact information  132 , e.g. the President of the United States, or a President of a multi-national corporation, wherein the computer executable instruction code  110  authenticates the individual&#39;s contact information  132 . In that event, when the President requests a follow up call by completing an electronic lead generation form  128 , the key  130  is indicative of a hot lead even if the other measured variables indicate a minimal level of review. In some embodiments, the key  130  may include a plus sign to indicate a hot lead a minus sign to indicate a cold lead and a wavy symbol for warm lead. It is understood that the key  130  may comprise of any visual indicator that is well known and used in the arts. 
     Methods 
       FIG. 3 , shows a block diagram depicting a method  300  for conducting searches and lead generation comprising using at least one processor  112  with computer executable instruction code  110  stored thereon and configured to perform any or all of the following: activate the search index module  108  as previously described herein to receive the at least one company&#39;s registration information  114  to be displayed as a searchable code index  116  (step  302 ). 
     As previously discussed, system  100  includes at least one processor  112  in electronic communication with the at least one server  102 . Processor  112  may be any type of processor, such as, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a video processor, a front end processor, a coprocessor, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, and the like. Processor  120  includes computer executable instruction code  110 , where the computer executable instruction codes  112  are operative to perform all the necessary functions for the system  100  and methods disclosed herein. Computer executable instruction code  110  may be loaded directly on the server&#39;s processor  120 , or its storage means  134  such as, but not limited to, computer readable media, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a solid state drive, a flash memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and the like. The computer executable instruction code  110  may be any type of computer executable instruction code  110 , which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages. 
     Method  300  further comprises the computer executable instructions  110  configured to convert a name  120  of the least one company  122  to a unique searchable code index  116  (step  304 ). The searchable code index  116  may be derived from an acronym of the company&#39;s name  120 , a suggested searchable code index  116  as provided by the company  122  or a random generating module that converts a company name  120  to a unique, computer generated searchable code index  116 . 
     Method  300  further comprises the computer executable instruction code  110  configured to determine at least one of eligibility condition for registerability of the at least one company (step  306 ), which may include e.g. third-party business rating, e.g. Dunn &amp; Bradstreet, Better Business Bureau and the like; verifiable corporate registration and age of company, verifiable internet protocol address, and verifiable company URLs and the like. In some embodiments, depending on the company  122  meeting certain eligibility requirements that are verified, e.g. verifiable company name  120 , e.g. Microsoft, the other eligibility requirements may not apply. 
     Method  300  further comprises the computer executable instruction code  110  configured to interface with at least one third-party search engine  124  to receive the at least one third party&#39;s search engine&#39;s request and simultaneously search the index code database  104  of registered participating companies profiles  106 ,  106 ′ using the third-party search engine&#39;s search request to retrieve electronically, results comprising of one or a plurality of companies  122 ,  122  previously registered with the index code database  104  identifiable as being responsive to the third-party search engine&#39;s search request (step  308 ). For example an individual initiates a search request on a third-party search engine  124  for “JOBS” and because of the interfacing, the index listing  118  is displayed as part of the search results, which will allow the individual to review the company&#39;s profile  106  in more depth. In this manner, both individual job seekers and companies  122 ,  122 ′ can target their search results such that the job seekers are now made aware contemporaneous with the third-party results of companies  122 ,  122 ′ listed in the index listing  118  that are responsive to the search request and may have a higher potential for available jobs as the third-party search engine search request and the index database search of company profiles  106 ,  106 ′ are synchronized such that only searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ that have potential fruitful results, e.g. jobs, will be displayed in the index listing  118  based on the keyword search as entered (“JOBS”). 
     Once the individual reviews the company&#39;s profile  106  the review is measured such that when the individual requests a follow up call by completing the lead generation form  128 , the lead generation form includes a key  130  that provides an immediate assessment of the type of lead  128  based on the level of review. The server index module  108  is configured to publish the lead generation form  128  to the corresponding company whose profile was reviewed. Accordingly, companies  122 ,  122 ′ now have a clearer assessment of the level of interest of the candidates requesting follow up based on the key  130  generated on the lead generation form  128 , as the key  130  readily provides a visual as to the type of lead depending on the verifiable individual contact information  132  or the level of review of the company&#39;s profile  106 . 
     Method  300  further comprises the computer executable instruction code  110  configured to display simultaneously the results of the index code database search as an index listing  118  comprising of at least one or more searchable code indexes  116 ,  116 ′ based on the prior registration information  114  and/or company profiles  106 ,  106 ′ obtained from companies  122 ,  122 ′ previously registered with the index code database (step  310 ). 
     Method  300  further comprises the computer executable instruction code  110  configured to determine the level of review of the at least one company&#39;s profile  106  and generate a lead generation form  128  to include a key  130  indicative of the type of lead (step  312 ), i.e. hot, warm or cold lead. In some embodiments, the key  130  may include a plus sign to indicate a hot lead a minus sign to indicate a cold lead and a wavy symbol for warm lead. It is understood that the key  130  may comprise of any visual indicator that is well known and used in the arts. 
     In some embodiments, method  300  further comprises allowing or preventing the registration of a company  116  based on the selection criteria for registering with the index listing  118  and/or whether any aspect of the company&#39;s registration information  114  and/or profile  106  can be authenticated as. In this manner, fraudulent company registrations will be avoided. 
     In some embodiments, method  300  further comprises allowing or preventing the registration of an individual requesting a follow up contact from a company  116  based on whether the individual&#39;s electronic address can be authenticated as belonging to the individual. As such, frivolous requests can be denied access to the system  100  and method  300 . 
     In yet a further embodiment, method  300  may comprise collecting a fee from the registration by a company  122  or by a user of the system  100  and method  300 . In some embodiments, collecting a fee from an end user may be a prerequisite to allowing the content to be published in visual, audio, graphic, video or any other format. 
     Hardware and Operating Environment 
     This section provides an overview of example hardware and the operating environments in conjunction with which embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be implemented. 
     A software program may be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer-based system  400  to execute the functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement and perform the method  300  disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively the programs may be structured in a procedure-oriented format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms, such as application program interfaces, or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. Thus, other embodiments may be realized, as discussed regarding  FIG. 4  below. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram representing an apparatus  400  according to various embodiments. Such embodiments may comprise a computer, a memory system, a magnetic or optical disk, some other storage device, or any type of electronic device or system. The apparatus  400  may include one or more processor(s)  404  coupled to a machine-accessible medium such as a memory  402  (e.g., a memory including electrical, optical, or electromagnetic elements). The medium may contain associated information  406  (e.g., computer program instructions, data, or both) which, when accessed, results in a machine (e.g., the processor(s)  404 ) performing the activities previously described herein. 
     The principles of the present disclosure may be applied to all types of computers, systems, and the like, include desktop computers, servers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, microcomputers, and the like. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to the personal computer. 
     While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Accordingly, while the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.