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Featured Employee
Laura Crampton may have graduated from the University of Oregon with an English major, but that didn’t stop her from becoming an expert in telecom! Since then Laura has been in Telecom project management and she enjoys learning the ins and outs of carrier products and processes.
At Netstar Laura’s primary responsibilities are provisioning and project management. She enjoys working with customers because she knows they have the same goals – getting the projects done smoothly and quickly. Laura works from her home office in Portland, Oregon.
When she’s not putting out fires for customers Laura enjoys cooking and dabbles in sewing. For inspiration she has a picture of Martha and Alexis Stewart over her desk. But worry not, her office manager (her cat, Robin) keeps her on task during the day while she sleeps with one eye open in a basket by Laura’s desk.
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We hope you’re enjoying the sun this summer! Between breaks for popsicles and DQ Blizzards, we have been working hard to improve our services, train new team members, and deliver better knowledge and service.
As always, please let us know if there’s anything you need help with or anything we can do to improve your telecom experience!
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Do-It-Yourself Telecom Savings Tip
Did you know your carrier’s contracts might be automatically renewing?
Although auto-renewing contracts may sound like a convenience for you, be forewarned! Auto-renewal clauses keep your rates static, even if they are out of date and likely higher than current rates. Check your contracts to see if there are auto-renewal clauses, and let your carrier know that you do not want to auto-renew. This way, you can negotiate better rates at the end of your contract.
One of our customers recently auto-renewed one of their T1 contracts at $900 per month, while the current rate for the same T1 actually stood at $550 per month. When Netstar took over we helped get them back on track.
Remember that Netstar is always available to help you negotiate new rates. Contact us if you need help or any additional information.
Click here to find out how we can help you save more.
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A Website Face Lift!
We’re excited to announce that our new website, www.netstarinc.com, is up and running! Take a look, and tell us what you think. Just be sure to read our great new customer testimonials and check back often for updates. A special thanks to HD Fowler Company, Puget Sound Pipe and Supply, Mutual of Enumclaw, Selland Auto Transport, AllpakTrojan, Speedy Glass, and Kennedy & Associates for their great testimonials. We always love hearing from our customers; if you have a testimonial to add, please contact Annie Cheng.
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*Tweet* *Tweet*
Follow Netstar on Twitter! If you want more tips for savings, information on new technology, and more frequent updates, this is where we’ll be posting. We’d love to connect with you online! |
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Product Knowledge: MPLS
MPLS is a cloud networking technology similar to Frame Relay. It is currently the WAN network technology of choice. Desirable features include:
- IP based technology
- “Any to any” connectivity;
- A price not determined by distance;
- Allowance for quality of service (QOS) guarantees.
QOS is one of the primary factors in using MPLS because it allows you to prioritize specific data types such as video, voice, or high priority applications.
If you have an existing Frame Network or are looking to network your sites together, MPLS is a technology worth talking about. Contact us for more information.
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Managing Conflict in the Workplace
 Promoting healthy communication and proactive problem solving with your customers is essential to bettering your business. However, it is equally important to note that the success of your company also depends on effective internal communication and conflict resolution. Carol Bowser at Conflict Management Strategies improves productivity by examining and managing workplace tension and conflict, before they become serious problems. Utilizing her background in Employment Law, Carol works with organizations to prevent costly legal repercussions that result from not addressing conflicts early on. By building trusting environments and engaging employees, she works to increase employee retention and satisfaction. Furthermore, Carol provides invaluable insight into what your employees may perceive to be unfair, and how to prevent costly workplace tension and conflict.
Check out www.managingconflict.com or call 253.219.5532, and discover how Carol can help you maintain a positive work environment and prevent future problems.
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Negotiation Rules! 
Jeanette Nyden was featured in our February newsletter as a key player in Netstar’s successful negotiations. This week, Jeanette published her new book, Negotiation Rules! Check out this excellent read and find out how you can learn about missed opportunities and misconceptions in the negotiating arena.
As a special note, we are proud to announce that Mary Pat Cheng, Netstar Vice President, contributed to Jeanette’s advisory board, and now has been published in the new book’s testimonials!
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Lather on the sunscreen, enjoy the sun, and don’t forget to call us if you have any questions or want help saving on your telecom expenses!
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Sincerely,
Annie Cheng
Netstar, Inc.
Tel 425.865.9811
Fax 425.865.0159
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