“Netflix and the Future of the Entertainment Business” offers a fascinating look at Netflix’ strategy moving forward as outlined by Reed Hastings.
One thing that stood out in the presentation is how the company currently offers only one content type…
...So you’d expect Netflix to aim to expand into those other content types, right? But actually, the company’s strategy is to stay focused and avoid going into those other areas (see second bullet point below):
The whole thing is worth a clickthrough. Actually, I think it’s the first time I’ve ever made it through an entire one of those online slideshow things.
Octavio Corral
on 14 Jun 10That “boring”company slideshow is inspiring. Makes me want to work for them!
pwb
on 14 Jun 10Is Netflix ever going to be available on Apple TV? That would be aTV’s killer app.
Scott
on 14 Jun 10Reed Hastings is a brilliant guy and great business role model.
Nick Campbell
on 14 Jun 10@pwb They show the apple symbol and the android symbol in the collection of logos on their innovation slide (19) so it’s very possible they are looking at how to stream on apple TV but I doubt that would be a killer app since they already are on iTunes enabled devices and other boxes as well and Tivo is still around. Heck, Google TV is coming into the fold.
I think the best part though is the comparison to a Motorcycle. That analogy shows how well they understand their place in the market compared to others such as the rental chains.
David Andersen
on 15 Jun 10I think the slideshow nicely illustrates why it is important to pay attention to your competitors and why a rational level of paranoia is prudent.
John Beckett
on 15 Jun 10Nice to see a big company keeping focused on their strengths rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Brian Armstrong
on 15 Jun 10Nice to see a company that clear “gets it”. Rare to see a business presentation that thought out and willing to tell it how it is without painting a facade.
Elgin Lam
on 15 Jun 10This is how great companies stay great!
Too many big behemoths want to be everything to everyone and sometimes lose their core competencies and the traits that once made them great.
I once worked in a software company that had more modules than developers.
AdamV
on 15 Jun 10I love how Netflix elbow dropped Blockbuster with innovation. I went into a BB store a few months ago and was reminded why I stopped renting. Anything good is gone, heaps of bad films, teenage staff never acknowledging you’re there even during the check out process, annoying people in the parking lot then you have to return the film. Darn those annoying people!
Eventually everything will be streamed. Netflix, Hulu, Googgle TV are the first steps to the “single box”. You buy a box and you purchase addons like Netflix, Comcast, etc.
In 20 years the face of in-home media will be transformed. Do you have a house phone? I don’t.
AdamV
on 15 Jun 10part2- the “box” will just be your tv, or wireless hub :)
Rob Colburn
on 16 Jun 10I enjoyed it, except… Movies and TV Shows are different things.
Rachel
on 17 Jun 10Really impressive that they are #1 in online customer satisfaction. But when you consider the level of detail they put into their system, it’s not surprising. If you have to call in about an issue and are logged in to the site, you can get a code to type in before you’re connect to a service rep.
By entering the code, you can bypass the awkward spelling of your name and verifying account information routine that other customer service systems subject users to. I wonder why more sites aren’t doing this.
This discussion is closed.