The DVD rental choice has boiled down to Blockbuster vs. Netflix. When looking at what solution is best for you, consider the following:
The Netflix value proposition: Netflix is the granddaddy and the originator of the DVD rental / all you can watch plan. It works like this – when you sign up for Netflix you then have access to over 100,000 DVD titles. You simply find the DVD you want and put in your rental queue. You can put as many movies in your queue as you want. If your first selection is not available then they ship you the next DVD in the queue. As you return the movies you watch, Netflix simply sends you the next DVD in your queue.
Netflix has 3 different plans available. The price of the plans depend on how many movies you want to have out at the same time. The lowest cost option allows you to have one movie out at a time. The more you pay per month – the more movies you can have out at the same time.
The good news is you can watch as many or as few movies per month as you wish for the same price. So if you watch 20 movies per month, the rental price for movie is very inexpensive. On the other hand if you only watch 1 movie per month the rental price per movie can be very expensive.
Netflix is now offering streaming movies for now extra charge. This works this way. Netflix “streams” or downloads the movie to your TV to watch instantly. They include this feature at no extra charge.
Here is the big downside to streaming. The first thing you are going to need to purchase is a special DVD player that allows you to receive the Netflix stream. These DVD players do play regular DVD’s and Blu-Ray DVD’s as well. But since you probably already own a DVD player it will need to be replaced with a new one with this capability.
The second thing you will need is a high speed internet connection. The higher the speed, the higher quality the viewing of the movie. If you have dial up, do not even consider streaming as it will not work. In testing a 1 meg DSL connection was barely enough. Also, depending on your internet speed, others will not be able to surf the net at the same time.
Lastly, the majority of movies are not available via streaming. It is usually a hit or miss proposition. The more profitable / popular the movie was, the less chance you will find it available for streaming.
The Blockbuster Difference:
As far as renting DVD’s via the mail. Blockbuster works almost identical. However. Blockbuster does have several advantages over Netflix.
Returning movies. As with Netflix, you can mail back the DVD’s when you are done watching them. However if you have a Blockbuster in your town you can actually return the DVD directly to the store and pick up your next DVD from them directly – avoiding any delay in watching your next movie. This is especially beneficial over the weekends since you will not get any mail on Sundays.
In the streaming area - Blockbuster allows almost every movie available to be downloaded. You can also purchase movies that you download.
Any key Blockbuster benefit is that you can download their movies to a standard Tivo / DVR device. So you do not need to purchase a new DVD. You can also schedule the download of the movie. Therefore you can get by with a slower internet connection as well as avoiding any impact to other internet users in your home.
Bottom line is Blockbuster makes it much easier and convenient to rent, watch and purchase DVD’s of all types.
20100105
Report: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe to get hybrid option
After the resounding sales flop of the Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor hatchback, you'd be forgiven for assuming MB wouldn't want to toe the entry-level waters again any time soon. According to Inside Line, though, the success rival BMW has had with its 1 Series Coupe has prompted Mercedes to rethink a new two-door version of its latest C-Class.
The discontinuation of the CLK and the emergence of a new, larger E-Class Coupe means that there's space in Mercedes' lineup for a smaller, entry model that would do battle with the aforementioned 1 Series as well as the slightly larger 3 Series and the Infiniti G37.
Naturally, we can expect a couple of DOHC V6 powerplants, in this case utilizing direct injection for added power and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The efficiency leader, though, would surely be the rumored hybrid coupled up with a naturally aspirated V6. Interestingly, reports indicate that we may also see a smaller V6 with twin turbochargers designed to battle the 300-horsepower BMW 135i and a range-topping AMG model with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8.
Running Your Business Effectively
Nothing is worse than knowing that your new business may be failing all because somewhere along the way, you have managed to mismanage it. In this day and age, many small businesses are struggling to make ends meet due to the economy. Therefore, it is even more important than ever that we learn to recognize the signs of trouble.
When you have the initial idea to start your own company, don't be fooled into thinking that it will be easy from the get go. There are many things to consider. For instance, do you know how many employees you will need versus how many you will actually be able to hire? What is a fair price to pay someone based on their qualifications and skills to do the type of job that you will be hiring them for? Before you even consider whether or not to hire someone, it would be in your best interest, as well as the best interest of the company to make sure that you do your homework and figure out wages and budgets. By having a budget ahead of time, you will better be able to see how having employees will affect the growth of your company.
Another thing to consider when you are trying to run your own business is to make sure that you are hiring employees you can trust. In order to do this most effectively, you will probably have to pay a fee to an agency of some sort in order to run a criminal history background check. After all, how would you feel if you knew that you had just hired someone who had committed a felony a year ago? In addition to criminal background checks, some employers also choose to do drug testing/screening. For this, usually, the employee is responsible for the fee up front. Some employers, if they decide to hire an employee, will reimburse the difference.
Regardless of whether it is your first time running your own business or if you are a seasoned veteran, make sure that you take the proper precautions so that you don't make common mistakes. It is important to remember that the little mistakes can quickly add up into bigger mistakes- mistakes that could cost you your business. If you are unsure of where to start, ask around, attend a seminar, take a class or watch a video. There are usually plenty of classes related to entrepreneurship that are available through colleges and/or online. You can also find meet up groups where people meet at a public location to discuss business ideas, etc. Simply check your local listings online to make sure.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your business. Although you may be anxious to get things started, you don't necessarily want to rush into things either. When you rush, you often run a higher risk of making mistakes that may be costly in the end. Instead, take your time and figure out the details of your plan for action. Come up with backup plans for backup plans in the event that something goes awry. For instance, if you've only hired two employees, and suddenly those two employees decide to jump ship, where does that leave you. If at all possible, come up with a contract as well as list of what will be expected, etc. Plan ahead to save yourself time for the hiccups that are an inevitable part of the business structure.
When you have the initial idea to start your own company, don't be fooled into thinking that it will be easy from the get go. There are many things to consider. For instance, do you know how many employees you will need versus how many you will actually be able to hire? What is a fair price to pay someone based on their qualifications and skills to do the type of job that you will be hiring them for? Before you even consider whether or not to hire someone, it would be in your best interest, as well as the best interest of the company to make sure that you do your homework and figure out wages and budgets. By having a budget ahead of time, you will better be able to see how having employees will affect the growth of your company.
Another thing to consider when you are trying to run your own business is to make sure that you are hiring employees you can trust. In order to do this most effectively, you will probably have to pay a fee to an agency of some sort in order to run a criminal history background check. After all, how would you feel if you knew that you had just hired someone who had committed a felony a year ago? In addition to criminal background checks, some employers also choose to do drug testing/screening. For this, usually, the employee is responsible for the fee up front. Some employers, if they decide to hire an employee, will reimburse the difference.
Regardless of whether it is your first time running your own business or if you are a seasoned veteran, make sure that you take the proper precautions so that you don't make common mistakes. It is important to remember that the little mistakes can quickly add up into bigger mistakes- mistakes that could cost you your business. If you are unsure of where to start, ask around, attend a seminar, take a class or watch a video. There are usually plenty of classes related to entrepreneurship that are available through colleges and/or online. You can also find meet up groups where people meet at a public location to discuss business ideas, etc. Simply check your local listings online to make sure.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your business. Although you may be anxious to get things started, you don't necessarily want to rush into things either. When you rush, you often run a higher risk of making mistakes that may be costly in the end. Instead, take your time and figure out the details of your plan for action. Come up with backup plans for backup plans in the event that something goes awry. For instance, if you've only hired two employees, and suddenly those two employees decide to jump ship, where does that leave you. If at all possible, come up with a contract as well as list of what will be expected, etc. Plan ahead to save yourself time for the hiccups that are an inevitable part of the business structure.
Stress and Driving
Driving is stressful enough as it is without having to add more pressure to your situation. There are so many things to remember such as when to use your turn signal, when to look over your shoulder, the proper reaction at a four-way stop, etc. These are all things that most of us do without even thinking twice about it, but which can be extremely stressful for someone who is just starting out as a new driver.
Think back to when you had your first driving lesson with either your mother or father. What were some of the key points that they told you back then that you still remember? What about your first driving lesson that you took at your high school when you were jammed into the back seat of the driving instructor's car with three of your friends? What were the key points that you absolutely had to follow, otherwise you would risk having the instructor embarrass you by slamming on the breaks?
Driving should not have to be something that stresses you out. There are many people who hate driving and avoid it at all costs simply for the fact that driving makes them feel stressed out. However, this doesn't always have to be the case. In fact, there are several things (good habits if you will) that we can begin to practice form a young age so that when the time comes for us to be behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, it will already be ingrained into our subconscious. The first thing is to remember to always use your turn signals. Not using your turn signals is the number one thing that you will hear me gripe about all of the time because that's just it: it happens ALL OF THE TIME where I live in North Carolina. However, it isn't only North Carolinian's who don't seem to get it when it comes to using your indicators in your car. Rather, the situation has become so bad that various other states within the United States have begun to seek out other measures of “gently” reminding drivers to always signal before changing lanes.
In New York, when you first get onto the major highway leading to the Verrazano Bridge, there are electronic signs that actually flash a message across them, reminding drivers of two things: 1) always buckle you seat belt and leave a safe distance in between the road ahead and 2) Always use your turn signals before you change lanes or merge into traffic. People belittle this gesture, but it has actually saved more lives than anyone can even begin to imagine. For example, the other day, I was driving on the road when it was raining and in front of me, I noticed that there was a driver in the far left lane who looked like he was about to merge into the center lane (where I was), and then there was another driver in the far right lane who also looked as if they were going to merge into the center lane. Before anything could happen, I immediately slowed down a a preventive measure.
Sure enough, both vehicles tried to merge into the center lane (without signaling at all), and for a millisecond, the one vehicle put on their indicator as a sort of afterthought. If it hadn't been for one of the drivers looking over at the last minute an quickly maneuvering out of the lane, there would have been a serious accident!
Think back to when you had your first driving lesson with either your mother or father. What were some of the key points that they told you back then that you still remember? What about your first driving lesson that you took at your high school when you were jammed into the back seat of the driving instructor's car with three of your friends? What were the key points that you absolutely had to follow, otherwise you would risk having the instructor embarrass you by slamming on the breaks?
Driving should not have to be something that stresses you out. There are many people who hate driving and avoid it at all costs simply for the fact that driving makes them feel stressed out. However, this doesn't always have to be the case. In fact, there are several things (good habits if you will) that we can begin to practice form a young age so that when the time comes for us to be behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, it will already be ingrained into our subconscious. The first thing is to remember to always use your turn signals. Not using your turn signals is the number one thing that you will hear me gripe about all of the time because that's just it: it happens ALL OF THE TIME where I live in North Carolina. However, it isn't only North Carolinian's who don't seem to get it when it comes to using your indicators in your car. Rather, the situation has become so bad that various other states within the United States have begun to seek out other measures of “gently” reminding drivers to always signal before changing lanes.
In New York, when you first get onto the major highway leading to the Verrazano Bridge, there are electronic signs that actually flash a message across them, reminding drivers of two things: 1) always buckle you seat belt and leave a safe distance in between the road ahead and 2) Always use your turn signals before you change lanes or merge into traffic. People belittle this gesture, but it has actually saved more lives than anyone can even begin to imagine. For example, the other day, I was driving on the road when it was raining and in front of me, I noticed that there was a driver in the far left lane who looked like he was about to merge into the center lane (where I was), and then there was another driver in the far right lane who also looked as if they were going to merge into the center lane. Before anything could happen, I immediately slowed down a a preventive measure.
Sure enough, both vehicles tried to merge into the center lane (without signaling at all), and for a millisecond, the one vehicle put on their indicator as a sort of afterthought. If it hadn't been for one of the drivers looking over at the last minute an quickly maneuvering out of the lane, there would have been a serious accident!
20100104
Strategies to Network a Business in the New Decade
The rules keep changing every year for all small business owners across the country. In contrary to popular belief, owning and running a business is far more complicated due to the vast competition in the marketplace. Because of this, it is imperative to consistently and methodically update your brand strategies and development. Let me state this in a simpler fashion: you got to market your brand with current technology and remain present in the public eye. Enter the new wave of social media available to everyone who has access to a computer and the internet (over 30% of the overall world population). Without going into much statistical detail we must know that current and future generations of consumers worldwide will look into instant media to make decisions.
In order to successfully deliver your brand to new and existing consumers you must understand and budget for, brand development through web and social media. And that’s just a fact. Have you noticed that about every company, established or not, has a website? A social web page?
This is an exciting new face of business, being able as a consumer to interact with the brand of your preference almost instantly.
So, going back to the small business owner who needs and wants to reach a brand new audience, needs to seriously consider the following:
1.- Website – is the main portal for your business. Is your store front on Main St. where shoppers will research you during on and off hours, and will make a decision whether they like you or not. The sole purpose of a website is to present the list of services or products a company offers, price information and other important information such as hours of operations, availability and whether your business is the best they can get or not.
2.- Social Media – as important as a website. Every major business and celebrity now uses social media in one way or another. Facebook and Twitter are the hottest places to communicate between two or more parties almost instantly. Consider using such services to your advantage and to create new leads for your service or product. Remember that using such outlets has to be done in a conservative fashion, since abuse is not tolerated.
3.- Video Media – A new method for accurately and consistently promote your business to the world. Many outlets offer free hosting of your videos on their sites for your prospect clients to see. There are professionals that can shoot, edit and create custom videos in an affordable fashion.
4.- Newsletters – Keeping in touch with your previous and existing customers is a good business practice. This is why newsletters are a good idea. Instead of forgetting previous clients and transactions you keep them in the loop by informing them of company news, special offers, sales and other important information that may lead them to buy from your company again. Nowadays is easier and more convenient to read emails instead of placing calls.
These are a few strategies that will undoubtedly raise the stake for your business in the competitive marketplace.
In order to successfully deliver your brand to new and existing consumers you must understand and budget for, brand development through web and social media. And that’s just a fact. Have you noticed that about every company, established or not, has a website? A social web page?
This is an exciting new face of business, being able as a consumer to interact with the brand of your preference almost instantly.
So, going back to the small business owner who needs and wants to reach a brand new audience, needs to seriously consider the following:
1.- Website – is the main portal for your business. Is your store front on Main St. where shoppers will research you during on and off hours, and will make a decision whether they like you or not. The sole purpose of a website is to present the list of services or products a company offers, price information and other important information such as hours of operations, availability and whether your business is the best they can get or not.
2.- Social Media – as important as a website. Every major business and celebrity now uses social media in one way or another. Facebook and Twitter are the hottest places to communicate between two or more parties almost instantly. Consider using such services to your advantage and to create new leads for your service or product. Remember that using such outlets has to be done in a conservative fashion, since abuse is not tolerated.
3.- Video Media – A new method for accurately and consistently promote your business to the world. Many outlets offer free hosting of your videos on their sites for your prospect clients to see. There are professionals that can shoot, edit and create custom videos in an affordable fashion.
4.- Newsletters – Keeping in touch with your previous and existing customers is a good business practice. This is why newsletters are a good idea. Instead of forgetting previous clients and transactions you keep them in the loop by informing them of company news, special offers, sales and other important information that may lead them to buy from your company again. Nowadays is easier and more convenient to read emails instead of placing calls.
These are a few strategies that will undoubtedly raise the stake for your business in the competitive marketplace.
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