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Abstract

Methods for introducing information services to potential customers. The information services can provide Internet access, value-added telephone services, and the like. As a non-customer or, in other words, a potential customer, issues a communication request to a customer of the information service, the potential customer is allowed to access certain features of the information service. The communication request can be a telephone call directed to a customer. For example, as the potential customer holds while waiting to speak with a customer, the potential customer can browse the Internet using a telephone interface. The potential customer is also informed how he or she can become a subscriber or the information service. As the potential customer interacts with the information service, the potential customer's interaction is tracked and stored in order to customize the information service to the particular potential customer during a subsequent interaction. Potential customers can also access the information service in other situations, including when a current customer sends e-mail to a potential customer, places a telephone call to the potential customer, or submits to the information service a contact database listing the potential customer as a contact.

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First Claim