I love Netflix. I think their service is fantastic, prices fair, and their integration across a variety of hardware choices is top notch. It’s one of those monthly fees I have no problem paying even when I don’t consume very much in a given month. I’ve followed their ascent to greatness burying Blockbuster in the process, and also paid close attention to the realities they have begun to face with increasing operating costs. It was just a matter of time before the major studios demanded a bigger piece of the pie. And of course it was just a matter of time before those operational cost increases effected their pricing structure.

I’ve always thought $10 bucks or so a month for unlimited streaming AND 1 DVD out a month unlimited was a terrific deal. So much so that I could never understand how they were making any money. So when Netflix recently announced they were raising their prices, I wasn’t really that fazed by it. In fact, I was expecting it. But boy did Netflix drop the ball on their communication strategy.

Straight from their announcement:

By offering our lowest prices ever, we hope to provide great value to our current and future DVDs by mail members.

and

Now we offer a choice: Unlimited Streaming for $7.99 a month, Unlimited DVDs for $7.99 a month, or both for $15.98 a month ($7.99 + $7.99). We think $7.99 is a terrific value for our unlimited streaming plan and $7.99 a terrific value for our unlimited DVD plan.

Really Netflix? I know there are plenty of people in the world that you might think this would fly with, but most people can read between the lines. This isn’t about offering added value or choice, it’s about you having to raise your prices because the studios are increasing your operational costs.

Netflix does a lot of things right, but not being open and transparent about their subscription changes are currently hurting them as they are taking a beating in the public’s eye. What Netflix should have done was just been open about the increase in operational expenses they are experiencing due to the studio’s demands, and that in order to continue to provide the same level of service, they have to pass some of those costs on to their customers.

People understand that the prices of things go up. It’s a part of life. Sure they would have still experienced some backlash, but nowhere near the level if they had just come out and had not try to hide it behind silly statements like the ones above.

Transparency and authenticity always reign supreme when it comes to communicating to your audience, and when you don’t, people tend to call bullshit. Netflix is learning that the hard way.

I’ve had a hell of a time writing regularly on my blog, and I finally decided to get a little help in the matter by subscribing to Chris Brogan’s Blog Topics.  At first the idea of actually paying a nominal monthly fee for access to some blog topic ideas seemed silly, but word on the street seemed pretty positive on the quality so I decided to give it a spin.  Time will tell if I find the value high enough to continue the subscription, but I already found an idea I really liked in the following post.

I spent some time thinking through 10 quality sentences, and the exercise was a really good one for me in that it forced me to assess where I’m at in my life with some things.  It also forced me to be honest enough with myself to admit some opportunities for myself.  I definitely recommend you to give it a try yourself and if you do, leave your link in the comments so I can take a look.

That being said, here we go!

1. As much as I’m able to see things through, I’m very much more an idea guy.
2. I’m fiercely competitive personally/professionally and while I lose gracefully, it never sits well with me.
3. I’m extremely generous, sometimes to a fault.
4. I’m not an emotional person outwards, but definitely internally.
5. The occasional time alone is necessary, but I always prefer spending lots of time interacting with others socially and in business.
6. One of my favorite things in the world is to make others laugh, but I don’t take advantage of it as much as I should.
7. I always need something in my life to look forward to, or I feel like something is missing.
8. I can and love getting in front of a room of countless people and speaking/performing, but I’m terrible at networking events.
9. I’m definitely a procrastinator, but do my best work under the gun anyway.
10. I’m typically embarrassed & humbled by praise, but deep down love it to death.

Every once in awhile I experience something that I feel compelled to share even if it strays from the subject matter of my blog.  Especially when the information doesn’t quite exist.  That’s what happened to me last week when I realized late in the game that I had misplaced my passport 2 days before my trip to SES Toronto.  Oops.

I immediately turned to the web to see what my options were.  I learned that the birth certificate & drivers license wouldn’t get it done so I either had to find a way to get a replacement passport or no trip for me.  Surprisingly, it is possible to get a passport on the same day, but it requires jumping through quite a few hoops.  So here is my step by step process that you can take to get yourself a same day passport.  It’s not a guarantee, but if you take these steps, you have a good shot.

1. First step is to find a passport agency that you can get to.  Without one of these you’re out of luck.  Visit this page to see where the nearest agency you can get to is.
2. Once you have your agency identified, call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment ASAP.  Take the earliest appointment you can get, because then it’s more likely they will be able to get your passport created before they close.  Obviously if you have more then one day to work with, you have some flexibility here.  However if you need it that same day, your only shot is most likely an early morning appointment.  Be sure to write down your confirmation #.  You’ll need this when you arrive.
3. Okay, here’s where I messed up a bit.  Save yourself the time and waiting longer in line by having whatever forms you need filled out and printed prior to arriving.  Depending on your situation, you may need to fill out a few forms.  You can access them here.  You can fill out online and print, or print and fill out by hand.  Regardless of your situation, you’ll need to fill out the DS-11 Application for a Passport.  I had lost mine so I had to also fill out the DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.  You can get these forms at the office and fill out there, but you’ll lose valuable time.
4. In addition to the forms, you will need to bring your state issued birth certificate, not a copy and it has to be issued by the state you were born in.  You’ll also need your drivers license.
5. You’ll need 2 passport photos in hand at the office.  Honestly, the easiest thing to do here is to just go to a Walgreens, or some local drug store that does these.  It’s quick and easy, and you’ll ensure the proper requirements are met.  If you are ambitious, you can do this yourself by following these directions.
6. You’ll need a check, money order or credit card on hand.  For same day passports expect a fee of around $195 (that’s what I paid).  It is quite a bit more then a normal process, but when you’re desperate, it’s not too bad.  Especially considering their are quite a few websites that are actually charging 3x this much for similar services.  DO NOT use these services unless you do not have access to a passport agency.  You’ll be paying way more then necessary, and will actually not be able to get your passport as quickly as you could.
7. You need to print out your travel itinerary showing that you are traveling out of country soon.  This is important as without this, they will not expedite your passport as quickly as you need it.
8. Try to get to the agency 15 minutes before your appointment.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Be nice!  It sounds silly but the reality is the people behind the counter are pretty much the ones who can and will dictate whether they will accommodate you.  Seems crazy but it’s true.  Be nice, conversational, and you’ll have a good shot of getting what you need as long as you bring everything required.
9. If they are able to accommodate your same day request, expect to either stick around all day, or come back to pick your passport up.  I checked in at 9am, and my passport was ready for me at 3pm.  Most of these offices will not let you use your cell phone or laptop there, so be prepared if you plan on waiting.

That’s it.  I successfully was able to get my passport on the same day using these steps.  If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I will respond.  And if anyone else has experienced something similar or different, would love to have you share.  Good luck!

This week’s post is not my normal fare, but while on the surface it may not seem social media focused, it does have a social media spin.  Let me explain. 

I was in a coffee shop a few days ago and was listening to a local artist and as I sat there, I started thinking to myself how I don’t promote myself as much as I probably should.  I thought, boy, if I had some slick business cards with my personal brand, it sure would be nice to leave one with this artist and even the coffee shop in case they ever wanted to have some social media or digital marketing consulting done.  Something so simple, yet I was not armed with “ammo” I needed to leave my lasting impression with two potential clients.

I immediately raced home and started my plans to re-think my blog design, but more importantly, creating a compelling business card that I could always have at my disposal.  That’s where Printingforless.com came in.

I’ve used Printingforless.com in the past and have always been very satisfied with the entire experience.  The bottom line is that Printingforless.com GETS IT.  They get service, they get price, they get quality of product.  They nail just about everything, and they do it VERY well.  I’m thoroughly impressed with their operation, and they easily get my vote for best digital printer EVER.

For a mere $85, I’m getting 500 business cards, 2 sided, 4 color print delivered.  That’s a great deal.  Not to mention that they have worked with me to get the file I provided right despite my own errors in formatting.  They are patient, responsive, and a delight to work with.  They have a great team based approach to projects (I got to work with Team Big Sky this time around), and I’m still amazed at how quickly they work, how responsive they are, and no matter the roadblocks I have created in getting it right, they don’t charge anything additional to get it right.

They’re website is easy to use, and you can quickly and easily see what your projects will cost in real time as you change/update your selections.  The only feedback I have is that they consider spicing up their web design a bit.  The site looks a little 90′s and could use a fresh Web 2.0 update to bring it up with the times.  I’d also infuse social media a bit more into their site and service (wink, I’m here if you need me PFL!).  But hey, nitpicking here.  I’ll take the experience as is any day.

Take my word for it, they are the real deal, and an absolute must for any printing project you have today or in the future.

Click here to check out Printingforless.com.

When I changed focus on my blog towards a professional approach my traffic went up considerably.  Makes sense considering most people are more interested in issues and discussion regarding social media rather then my life.  But every once in awhile, I experience something that warrants the occasional life reflection post.

My wonderful wife has always been about the most generous and genuinely caring person I’ve ever met.  She’s very passionate about helping others, and demonstrates this repeatedly through donating time, money and efforts towards numerous causes.

Jen asked me a few weeks ago if I was interested in a date night while her parents were here.  Of course I was down for it.  Two words….Olive Garden.  Oh yea, romantic feast here we come (jealous????).  However my wife had other plans.  This date night involved actually serving dinner.

The Interfaith Association of Northwest Washington is a homeless shelter that provides emergency shelter and other services to homeless families.  What makes them unique is that they are one of the very few shelters that actually keep families together rather then separate them.  You see, most homeless shelters are forced to separate parents and children for a variety of reasons.  The fact that this one actually fights to keep them together I thought was extra special.

My wife had been participating in a monthly event where she joined a few others to serve dinner to the families and I had always been meaning to go as well.  I think for many people it can be much easier to ignore or set aside the challenges and unfortunate situations that exist in our communities.  This time however I wanted to see it first hand, and help out as best I could.  And it ended up being exactly what I needed.

Go to a homeless shelter, or any worthwhile cause, and it humbles you.  It makes you put your trivial “problems” into perspective.  And for me, it left me asking myself the same question my wife told me she asks herself when she leaves.  What else can I do to help?

The fact is, Jen nor I are going to solve the homeless problem in our community.  But for this one night, we put smiles on the faces of moms, dads and children that are suffering.  The things we can take for granted like a special cooked meal go such a long way.

For the past 6 months I’ve been trying to find the best ways to make use of my time; trying to find a job, trying to start a business.  But for a few hours on a Monday night, I finally felt like I was making really good use of my time.

I guess Olive Garden will have to wait.

For more information about this very special homeless shelter you can visit their website here, or their Facebook page here.

And if you are so inspired to do so, you can donate to the shelter.  Believe me, they can need and appreciate it.