Frequently Asked Questions

What is IMN|Unlocked?
IMN is a cost-effective lead generation solution for technology VARs. It helps you generate leads and nurture valuable relationships through a professional monthly publication co-branded and distributed to your contacts.
How is IMN|Unlocked different from other email-based lead generation solutions?

Other email-based lead generation solutions require you do one of two things:

  • Create your own newsletter templates using an email marketing toolset and develop or find your own content on a regular basis.
  • Pay high premiums to sponsor an established third-party publication—along with diverse other advertisers.

Both of these methods favor companies with deep pockets who have hefty advertising budgets or the resources to develop content and publish newsletters. They’re not suited to small businesses.

In contrast, IMN|Unlocked delivers a co-branded publication on your behalf through an automated process. You have almost no work to do, and because the publication is supported in part by non-competing advertising, your annual subscription is very modest compared with alternatives. It is especially modest considering the results you can achieve.

Which target markets does IMN|Unlocked support?
Today, IMN|Unlocked supports three target markets: Network Security (through Network Security Unlocked) and Virtualization (through Virtualization Unlocked). Other segments will be supported in the future.
Does IMN|Unlocked generate new contacts for me?
No, IMN|Unlocked distributes a targeted publication to your current contacts. But you may find that you obtain new contacts when recipients forward the information to others in their professional network.
What do my contacts receive?
On a monthly basis your contacts receive a publication targeted to their interests. It contains two cutting-edge articles, one or two ads from non-competing companies, and a brief message from you with your contact information. The publication also includes a strong call to action—a “Request a Meeting” button. When the contact requests a meeting, your Sales Leads report will alert you to follow up.
Why should I adopt a publication from IMN?
IMN is the recognized expert in content sourcing and content management for e-marketing. Our content strategies have been honed over nearly a decade and regularly deliver results for our clients. IMN|Unlocked brings the advantages of IMN’s extensive experience to a larger number of technology VARs, including small businesses.
Can my contacts opt out?
Yes, and IMN will manage the opt-outs for you each month. It’s very important to us to respect your contacts and deliver value to them. All emails follow established best practices for email marketing and comply with CAN-SPAM regulations. In practice, IMN publications have very low opt-out rates.
Will my contact list be secure?
Yes. IMN protects your valuable business information and uses your contact list only for your IMN|Unlocked program.
Where does IMN obtain the content?
As the expert in content-driven email marketing, IMN acquires articles from thought leaders your contacts want to hear from—the analysts and bloggers who follow technology currents, identify trends and share their unique perspective on the most recent developments.
What do I need to provide?
You provide your logo, your personal message and your contact list. From time to time you may want to add new contacts to the list to ensure they hear from you.
What systems, software or technical help will I need?
You need only an Internet connection. There’s no software to install, no infrastructure to manage and no need for IT involvement.
How many leads will I receive?
Your results will depend on the number of contacts, the nature of your specific market and offerings, and numerous other factors. VARs who replace an existing newsletter with IMN email marketing have achieved impressive increases in response rates. We think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results and find IMN|Unlocked to be a highly cost-effective solution that provides a fast return on investment.
What have other VARs experienced with IMN e-marketing programs?
Though IMN|Unlocked is a new program. IMN has extensive experience managing other e-marketing programs oriented to technology providers and VARs. In a recent survey of VARs participating in IMN programs, over 30% attributed as much as $50,000 in business to our e-newsletter; perhaps equally important, their sales pipelines are filling up. Over 22% had deals between $10,000 and $50,000 AND over 10% have deals valued between $100,000 and $200,000. That’s an impressive return on investment. Over 33% were able to close an average deal of over $20,000 within the first six months.
When will the publication go out? Is there an established schedule?
When you first log into your IMN|Unlocked account you can choose the date your e-newsletter is sent. All subsequent e-newsletter mailings will follow the schedule selected. For example, if you select to have your first e-newsletter sent on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, then the next e-newsletter will be sent on the 3rd Tuesday of the following month. In any given month you may choose a different date within that month to mail. If no date is selected, then the first e-newsletter will be mailed automatically five days after you first log in.
What reports do I receive?
You receive a Sales Leads report one, three, and seven days after your mailing, containing two types of information: sales leads, the contacts who requested a meeting with you, and warm leads, contacts who expressed significant interest in the publication material and therefore may be open to discussion about your solutions. These reports help prioritize your sales efforts, but exactly how and when you follow up is up to you.
How does IMN|Unlocked help build relationships?
Most VARs can’t take the time to reach out to ALL their contacts on a regular basis, but doing so can help remind them of your products and services. What’s more, delivering a professional publication that contains valuable information will show your contacts that you care about them and want them to have the latest information. It also positions your company as an expert and thought leader. All of these perceptions will help you retain customers and keep your prospects warm. When they are ready to buy a solution, they will be more likely to turn to your company.

Pricing/Policies

What is included in the annual IMM|Unlocked service fee?
The annual service fee includes mailing to your contacts once every month. You have access to the easy-to-use IMN|Unlocked web interface, great editorial content (two new articles every month) and unlimited free email support.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No, but you must consent to the Terms and Conditions.
Do I have to commit for a certain period of time?
Yes, you are obligated to commit for one year (12 sends).
How is IMN|Unlocked priced?
You pay just $1,800 per year to have a leading-edge publication sent to your customers and prospects every month.
Does the price depend on how many customers and prospects I have in my database?
No. The annual service fee remains the same regardless of how many contacts you send to.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you choose not to renew your service, you must send an email to sales@imninc.com anytime prior to the end of your annual term containing your username and the IMN|Unlocked publication that you are not renewing.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
Is my credit card information stored in a secure environment?
Yes, your credit card is immediately encrypted and stored in a different database from all other data.
How do I update my credit card information?
To update your credit card information, log in to your IMN|Unlocked account. In the upper right menu, click "Account Settings". From Account Settings you will see "Update Billing Information", and from there you can add or update your credit card information.
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged on the date you signed up and will be billed annually thereafter.
What happens if my credit card expires?
You will be notified via email 30 days prior to the pending expiration date of your credit card and instructed to log in to your account to update your credit card information. Subsequently, you will be notified 7, 14, and 21 days after the first reminder. Upon expiration of your credit card, your account will be closed within 4 weeks unless the credit card information is updated.
Will I be notified if my credit card expires?
Yes, we will send you an email when your credit card expires, requesting you to login to IMN|Unlocked and update your credit card information.
Who do I contact with questions regarding charges on my account?
For questions regarding billing on your account, login to your IMN|Unlocked account, and click on the "Contact Us" link located in the upper right menu, and select "Billing Question".

System Requirements

Supported Browsers
We recommend the following browsers for most compatibility with IMN|Unlocked.
  • Mac: Firefox 1.5 or greater
  • PC: Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater, Firefox 1.0 or greater