Sunday, June 1, 2014

Crowd Acceleration Innovation is Exciting News!

Crowd Accelerated Innovation is exciting news. I remember seeing so many videos online of children doing athletic and musical skills a surprisingly high level. When I view videos such as the "child dancer video", it makes me think of my own level of skills at that age. I have always believed that the Internet is going to help evolve humanity in some way, shape or form. I’ve always imagined that the vast supply of information on the web would somehow connect us in a way that was never possible before. This is why when I watched this video I was completely blown away because the speaker and I shared the same perspective.

Innovators have always been the centerpiece for advancements in creativity. I’m not surprised to see them at the top of the list. Commentators provide the essential feedback for the innovators. When you log into YouTube, or Amazon, one of the most helpful tools to assist new buyers is reading reviewer and comments. The majority of us base our decisions on likes and dislikes, and comments of others. Trend spotters are actively searching for new trends, and they feel compelled to spread the work rapidly. Skeptics also play a huge role in the advancements of humanity. People who constantly search for the failures and solutions to problems often find them. It is valuable feedback for everyone when there is room full of corrective criticism.

I believe that the innovators benefit the most because they are able to reanalyze themselves and improve along the way. Cheerleaders matter because they spread the word together or separately, and they don't mind looking good doing it. Everyone starts to cheer when the cheerleaders are leading the way. The Mavericks are the ones who take the next step. They are making all the remakes, and sharing the initial idea, with there own creative spin. Then we have our Super Spreaders who creates viral trends. These elements add speed to our own evolutionary curve. It will be interested to see how the web video powers continue spread global innovation.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Netflix takes a Step Outside the Box

Every since the company started in 1999, Netflix has maintained a vision towards redefining how we consume our media. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings spoke about timing and opportunities back in 2011 during an interview with Fortune Magazine. He understood when he first founded Netflix that technology would eventually support a connection for live stream. So he first developed a DVD rental company to establish brand recognition and precedence. Hastings stated that the turning point happened in 2005 with the rise of online viewing platforms such as YouTube and Netflix. Streaming quality improved over the years and Netflix has not taken a step off the gas pedal since.

The key strategy for Netflix has always been developing good relationship with content providers. The success of the original DVD service is what catapulted Netflix’s success with online stream subscriptions in the first place. They established such a great reputation with their content providers that they were able to sign major contracts to secure exclusive licensing deals for streaming movies and TV shows online. Netflix has built an impressive portfolio including exclusive licensing deals with Disney, DreamWorks Animation, and Marvel nearly quadrupling their stock just last year in 2013.

It was Netflix CEO Reed Hasting’s supreme sense for timing and technology improvements that helped the company get started, while continually preparing themselves for their instant streaming business model. Over the past decade Netflix has encountered several stumbling blocks, including their ongoing debate regarding the monthly subscription cost. In 2011 Netflix separated the DVD and streaming services which infuriated many of their monthly subscribers, including myself. After Netflix lost many of their original subscriptions they refocused their attention towards creating original content.

Netflix has been known for being partners with content providers. Netflix would normally obtain the rights to license use and stream a variety of movies and Television shows. This process would result in Netflix releasing year old TV series, and limited Blockbuster films. That was the moment when Netflix decided to take a step out of the box. Since unleashing their recently celebrated original series House of Cards, and Orange Is the New Black. Both of which are brilliant. They have transformed Netflix into a direct competitor with many of the most prestigious cable channels offering high quality content.


Netflix burst onto the award scene last year for original content receiving fourteen nominations for the 65th Annual Primetime EmmyAwards. Most of the nominations went to standout series House of Cards, which was nominated for Most Outstanding Drama, with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright also nominated for outstanding lead actor and actress awards. Even though the cable channel giants such as HBO's Game of Thrones received 16 nominations alone, which HBO getting 108 total. It’s safe to say that Netflix is heading in the right direction, promising to both innovate and entertain.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Pearl Jam's Sustainable Business Practices

Welcome to the Showbiz Overdo. In today’s blog I will be discussing sustainable business practices in the entertainment business. I found a very inspirational article geared towards protecting our environment. Many leaders in our industry maintain fan communities and reach out to their followers through social sites. While basic communication is important when building a community. Grunge group Pearl Jam is taking it to the next level by establishing a conscious environmental music industry. They have dedicated themselves towards making a difference around the world.

Pearl Jam’s official fan community, The Ten Club has teamed up with UPS to create an eco friendly distribution process. UPS provides 100% recyclable boxes with tape free enclosures and soy based ink. All of the supplies for the project are also locally sourced. The boxes that UPS uses for them have official carbon neutral shipping insignias. Many successful brands in our history have stepped outside of the box and connected with their fans by demonstrating how much that they care for their community. Today one of the most efficient trends in business is creating an eco friendly service. Pearl Jam understands that their positive actions also influence their employees and fans to be more conscious about eco friendly materials.


The relationship that Ten Club has with their community is an extension of Pearl Jams relationship with their fans. Ten Club continues to improve their service because they constantly ask the right questions. They are always looking for opportunities to improve their customer service. They use their influencers to help push the eco friendly attitude towards their fans and followers. While many industry leaders today spend a lot of time in the media talking about their latest fashion trends, creative works, or their journey towards fame. Pearl Jam has dedicated an entire decade to provide a more eco friendly product for their fans.