“So, where should we go this time?” my favorite happy hour buddy, Jennifer asked as she packed up her laptop and grabbed her car keys. The work day was just about over and it was that time again….our weekly girls happy hour. Just then, my phone started to beep…a text message! It was from Modus Supper Club on 4th Avenue promoting their latest happy hour and drink special. Great timing… Let’s go! I could always go for one of their Yellow & Greens (gin, tonic, lemon, basil).

It got me thinking to how convenient these little text messages are, and how more people don’t take advantage of them. Maybe it’s because it’s my job to research these things for a living, but I sign up for mobile text alerts whenever I get the chance. I sign up for them whenever I book a flight to be alerted of flight status, gate changes…hey, they will even text your ride home from the airport and let them know if you flight is on time! I’ll also sign up for the text alerts at Ticket Master so I don’t miss an opportunity to buy concert tickets when my favorite bands come to San Diego. I know House of Blues in San Diego alerts their fans via text with concert updates, coupons, promos and menu specials. And last summer I even signed up for Starbuck’s Coffee Break text alerts. Once a week, around 10am, I’d get a text from my local Starbucks. “Time for a coffee break! Come on in to Starbucks for your free tall coffee.” Great!

With all the convenience text messaging has to offer, it amazes me that most of my friends actually fear it! They are afraid if they start giving their cell phone number out to commercial businesses, their personal phone will go the way of email…too much spam.

I’d like to know what you think about text messaging alerts from local San Diego businesses. Do you participate or are you are you afraid to? Tell me about it.

And while you are at it, let me know about any tech trends you’ve seen implemented by other San Diego restaurants or bars. I’ll feature the best ideas in my next blog post.