Cyber Monday is the New Black…Friday

By | Published November 25, 2009

Gift list: Check. Web sites loaded: Check. Coffee: Always checked. All systems go for Cyber Monday. 

 

If you’re opting out of the Black Friday 4 a.m. wake up calls, mall crowds and parking lots, but still after holiday bargains, the spike in online shopping the Monday after Thanksgiving – yes, Cyber Monday – probably represents you.  But instead of requiring you to get into your car and fighting crowds all day, Cyber Monday asks only one thing of you – an Internet connection.  

 

Obviously, a fast and reliable Qwest High-Speed Internet® connection is our suggestion, but here are some other suggestions for your online shopping extravaganza: 

 

  • Safety first: protect against hackers and other schemes by securing your wireless settings and your firewall settings, updating your anti-virus and anti-malware software (Qwest High-Speed Internet customers receive anti-virus protection at no additional charge), going directly to official Web sites instead of clicking on links and only visiting Web sites you trust. Don’t forget to fully log off of secure sites.
  • Make your list and check it…well, you know: have your gift list written out in front of you and organize based on product type, like electronics, home furnishing, clothing, toys, etc., so you don’t have to jump back and forth between store Web sites.
  • Lock and load your Web sites: organize the Web sites you plan on visiting based on how you organize your gift list.
  • Pay to play: however you plan to pay for your purchases, whether credit card, debit card or gift cards, have them ready and in front of you. Be sure to check future statements for double or wrong charges.

 

Lots of savings out there, and even we are getting on the bandwagon. Qwest is holding its first Cyber Sale…but we couldn’t wait till Monday.  

 

Starting Friday, Nov. 27 and going through Dec. 1, qwest.com shoppers who purchase Qwest High-Speed Internet with Windows Live 7 Mbps speed tier or higher will be rewarded with a $50 check. No form to fill out and they’ll receive their check automatically – pretty sweet. Visit www.qwest.com/cybersale for details. 

 

Happy shopping! 

 

~TechnoMonica

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Connecting the Economy’s Growth Engine

By | Published November 9, 2009

There are a lot of eyes on a particular sector of the economy – one that makes up more than 99.7 percent of all employer firms and has generated 64 percent of the net new jobs over the past 15 years[1]. That sector? Small business. 

 

In light of some of the economic news today, you might know someone who may be considering starting their own business. Maybe even you’re starting to think of becoming your own boss. 

 

Whether it’s a home-based business (which accounts for 52 percent of small businesses[1]) or a small business with several employees and locations, it is mission critical to stay connected to customers, potential customers and employees with the right communications services.  

 

But those can be complicated, right? From the right Internet connection speed to e-mail exchanges to Web hosting to Web sites – there’s a lot to think about. Then, how do you use it all? What’s the application? 

 

That’s where we come in. Some people might be surprised to learn that Qwest has been serving small businesses for more than 100 years, while other providers are just dipping their toes in the water. Couple our expertise with our strategy to help owners focus on their business – not just their business technology – and you’ve got the start of a beautiful partnership.  

 

Here are a few things we’re doing to help small business owners use communications services – especially the Internet – to the fullest, without getting bogged down: 

 

    • A new Qwest® Small Business Twitter page at www.twitter.com/qwestsmallbiz that shares important small business tech news, tips and advice.
    • A brand-new IT solution that packages all the services a small business needs, like phone service, high-speed Internet service, Web hosting, Web design templates, an up to 10-page Web site, Microsoft® Exchange e-mail addresses and more. Check it out at qwest.com/smallbusiness.
    • Qwest High-Speed Internet® value-adds include free automatic online backup and other cool features – check out the full list here.

     

    What do you think? Would you be overwhelmed trying to connect a small business? Would these initiatives help?

 

[1] Small Business Association Office of Advocacy. “Frequently Asked Questions.” Updated September 2009. http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/sbfaq.pdf 

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