I’ve never been particularly a neat person - but sometimes I look at my desk and just think “things are out of control.”

I’ve visited other entrepreneurs or start-up CEOs and have seen pretty much the same exact thing - my guess? THIS is what Entrepreneur desks are like…

A) Messy
B) Messy
C) O So Messy…

But still, ask me to find anything and I’ll find it in 10 seconds (me brain knows where it is).

I also just bought a cool little gadget - a Flip Video Camera, so here’s my first shooting.

For the next 60 seconds, you’re a humble guest in what I call my office…

More where that came from later…

Popularity: 60% [?]

So, in an effort to continue doing my “CEO” reviews of different airlines, today I’ll review United Airlines. Just in case you’re interested, I’ve reviewed the following airlines so far:

Qatar Airways
Northwest Airlines

For United, I actually booked through US Airways (where I have a ton of miles) and again, was lucky to get the First Class upgrade for free. However, the flight was being operated by United Airlines.

The First Class here was ‘OK’ - I don’t have anything too good or too bad. The seats are NOT leather and are a bit smaller than even the Northwest ones were. My biggest 2 complaints here would be:

1. Seats not wide enough
2. No food (we were on a red-eye so it didn’t matter as much)

However, I was impressed with…

1. 100% on-time (down to the minute)
2. Friendly staff and willing to help
3. Check-in process - NICE, got to skip ALL lines (including security).

Overall, not bad - going across the country, the prices are about 100% more, sometimes 200% more. Given that, not sure if a 5 hour flight is worth paying THAT much for, but if it’s free - no big deal!

Popularity: 41% [?]

Just a fun and useless post, between Thursday and Friday night, I ended up staying up straight a total of 44 hours without any sleep (maybe 30 minutes in a plane, but that was not really sleep).

During this time, I spoke for 90 minutes at a conference and I traveled across the country, I also wrote my entire 90 minute presentation from scratch…

I’m writing this after having had a great 8 hours of sleep, but honestly, last night had I wanted, I could have kept on going.

My record is 56 hours - I did that last September when our company launched a major product and we had a “melt down” to say the least.

I’ve heard before that when you stay up very long, you go through phases and that after a certain time you’re not actually tired any more - you get “focused” but maybe a bit slow. I think I can agree with that…

What about you? What’s the longest you’ve stayed up without any sleep?

Popularity: 35% [?]

Sorry I missed Friday for a post but I’ll make it up the next week, I have a TON to talk about (really, I have no idea how I’m going to get it all out - I’ll try mulitple smaller/quicker posts).

The reason I missed Friday is because I was flying around all day. I had to make 1 stop to speak at a conference and then immediately leave to fly across to country to another conference that I’m just attending.

To do all this, I used Northwest Airlines and I found a perfect picture to describe I feel about this airline so far (to the left)…

Thanks to my Delta miles, I was able to get upgraded to First Class all the way around for free (if I had paid for this, I’d be even more mad). Overall, the planes were old and dirty. The seats were not leather. There was no entertainment center (even for a 5 hour flight).

When I tried to get into the “Club/Lounge” - they said it was only for International First Class passengers (what the hell is that?).

I don’t know if I’m spoiled after my experience with Qatar, but this was just not up to par.

I’ve now flown First Class in United, Delta, US Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and hands down, Northwest is worse than all of them by a LARGE margin.

If you can avoid Northwest, I would.

The ONLY impressive thing about Northwest is their HUB in Detroit - I’ve never seen a terminal like that, very impressive. But, if your planes suck, what’s the use of a good hub?

Popularity: 48% [?]

Everyday something about Google continues to surprise/amaze me. Besides the fact that there stock is getting slammed right now because of flat numbers, lack of growth, etc… What really shocked me was the recent salaries the two Google founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page and the CEO Eric Schmidt just took.

Google’s stock is sitting from a high of above $747 to now only $450, nearly a $300 drop - yet still, Sergey, Larry and Eric have the NERVE to take such outrageous salaries?

What did they take?

$1 flat - that’s right, their salaries were just $1.

But, before you feel bad for them, know this - both the founders are still worth close to $13 Billion EACH and the CEO is worth just over $4.3 Billion…

So, yes, if I was worth that much, I’d take $1 as a salary, but for now - please give me my money! 

Source of content - VentureBeat.com

Popularity: 55% [?]

BRING IT ON!

I just applied, I was actually just scrolling the site and it showed up so I took about 15 minutes of my time to apply - heck, why not?

Entrepreneur Magazine picks two “Entrepreneurs of The Year…”

1. Entrepreneur of the Year: Must have less than 100 employees in 2007 and more than $3M in revenues.

2. Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Must have had less than 5 employees in 2007, more than $500,000 in revenues.

It’s the same application though - I guess they automatically shuffle you one way or the other. Guess which one I’m shooting for?

The application is pretty easy - although they really should offer more insight on how MUCH they want you to write in the short essays. You basically give some general business information, then you fill out a few questions:

1. Have you owned previous businesses? (briefly explain)
2. Briefly explain how have you impacted your industry?
3. Briefly explain how you have impacted your community?
4. Briefly explain how you have impacted your employees?
5. Briefly explain how you have impacted your customers?

I wrote about 200 words or so per question and think I had pretty good answers! Anyways, go apply, even if you make the Top 10, they give you pretty good publicity…

Popularity: 38% [?]

So as you know a few days ago I made a post about how much I loved traveling Qatar Airways when I was going to my secret “bat cave” location. I’ve now safely arrived back in the U.S. and this time I got permission from the Qatar staff to take pictures…

Funny story on that, I initially just started sneaking around taking pictures - I quickly realized the potential risk of that. Let’s think about it…mysterious guy taking pictures in a brand new Islamic airport - hmmm … any potential security problems?

Anyways, the staff was very nice and encouraging me to take as many pictures as I wanted - so here they are!

I got automatically upgraded to FIRST CLASS!

Yes, there IS a difference between Business Class and First Class and boy was it some difference! I can barely afford Business Class (was more of a personal treat to myself), so I have never even thought about First Class. What happened was that on the first leg of my flight, apparently there was tons of room left in the first class.

Qatar Airways was nice enough to just upgrade me automatically - they didn’t even tell me until I ENTERED the plane…imagine my surprise when THIS was what I walked up to

It’s basically my own little cabin, just missing a door, but that seat goes 100% flat and turns into a bed - the table is a big table (you’ll see why they need such a big one in a minute). They actually have shelves and places for me to put things.

Here are some more pictures from the first class cabin on the first leg of the trip…

A view of the seat next to mine…

This was the entire cabin, allll to us!

Unfortunately this was a short flight, but they still served breakfast - Crossant, Fruit, Omelette, Lamb, Potatoes, Juice and there was even more…

This flight was just over 3 hours and then we landed in the “Business Terminal” - this is a terminal fully dedicated only to First and Business Class passengers. If you remember on my last post, I mentioned it was like walking into a Ritz Carlton, well, now I bring you PROOF…

The Most Comfortable 5 Hour Layover I’ve Ever Had…

For 5 hours here is a list of the amenities I had access to:

1. Full buffet
2. Any drink I want, including the boos
3. A “small” shopping area - they need to work on this.
4. Full business center - free internet and computer access
5. Nursery - don’t have any kids though
6. Video game room - this was definitely fun
7. Prayer rooms - in case needed

and…even more impressive…bring a change of clothes if you want:

8. Full showers with towels and everything - talking about getting fresh!

Here are some pictures from the Doha, Qatar terminal…

This is the main lounge to enter the Business/First Class Terminal…

This is where you enter either Business Lounge or First Class Lounge

An example of the decor in the airport…

Entrance and Look Into Business Lounge

Full buffet of snacks - maybe could have tasted a bit better…

For some reason, trees INSIDE the airport

Just half of the lounge sitting area…very comfortable

I played Formula 1 for some time…

These are just a few pictures of the entire lounge - I still felt a bit weird taking too many pictures, so I didn’t take that many. But, it really was a very comfortable and friendly environment. Typically you have to sit on those hard plastic chairs for hours and it just plain sucks - but not in Doha, Qatar.

The 2nd Leg of My Flight - Business Class…

I was hoping that I may get upgraded here too, but it seems on the plane coming to US, they actually only have business class, but either way, it’s just as comfortable so I really didn’t care.

Here are some pictures of the way their business class seats look…

LOTS of space and a big 13″ TV

They start serving you within 2 minutes of you coming on-board…

Seriously, if you’re traveling internationally and have a chance to take Qatar, I highly recommend it from the business class perspective.

I have family members who have gone economy class and enjoyed the experience as well, I did get a chance to peak back there and after being spoiled in business class, one cannot imagine how it’s even possible to fly economy…I guess I’ll find out the next time I fly - I don’t think I can afford to keep living the “CEO Lifestyle” - not until we sell the company or have some HUGE revenue influx

Popularity: 100% [?]

I’ll make a public confession today…

“I’m an extremely lazy person.” There I said it.

So lazy actually that I never took the few minutes to just add my “mileage” number to all the flying I do. Even with hotels, I would never take the time to sign-up for their loyalty club.

Here’s what changed me one day…

The backstory is that I use the Delta AMEX credit card ever since we started the company, why? I have no idea, I don’t really like Delta. So, in other words, because of the credit card I’ve been accumulating hundreds of thousands of miles over years and barely ever used them.

I have not flown Delta in over 5 years, I just recently used some miles to send my parents on a vacation (that was the only time I used the points).

Anyways, recently I had to take a trip and Delta came out to really be the only flight that was available so I booked it. Well, a day before the flight, I stepped out of my lazy mode and decided to take a minute to add my “mileage number” to get whatever credit I could get.

I logged into Delta and put the mileage number in on the net and all of a sudden the page refreshed and it showed that I had automatically been upgraded to first class. I actually freaked out thinking that they had just charged me some rediculous money (traveling first class within US is retarded, it’s too expensive)!

I called them up and the support rep says: “No sir, we just upgraded you for free because you are a Silver Medallion level flyer.” Basically my “credit card miles” had given me some elite status with Delta.

I was ecstatic! Thank god I took a few minutes to do this - my 5 hour flight across country would be so much more comfortable now.

Ok, so that was win #1.

Next, the day of my flight I went to check-in only to find out that the flight was delayed. Typically that is OK, but this time it meant that I would miss my connecting flight to Vegas, which would in-turn mean that I could not reach Vegas in time to MC an event our company was holding (uh oh, now I’m in trouble!)

To make matters worst, the only flight available was fully booked with almost 17 people on the stand-by list - in other words, I had NO chance of getting on it. Here’s where things take a turn…

I happen to mention to the lady (as I’m trying to sweet talk any way to get their on time) that Delta had recently upgraded me to first and now that would go to waste.

She proceeds to ask “Why did we do that?”
My answer: “I don’t know, some silver medallion thing…”

She gives me a big smile and says, “Oh! You’re Silver Medallion? <type type type> Done! You’re on the next flight sir…”

You can imagine my confusion and reaction - I went on to learn that because of my Silver Medallion level, they had just bumped me to #1 on the standby list (over 17 people) and that pretty much guaranteed me a seat!

I was able to get to Vegas on time and in class with a big fat comfortable first class seat.

Moral of the story? Take the points and mileage seriously - do dedicate yourself to one airline and try to use them as often as possible, same with hotels. To give yourself a boost, also get that airline or hotel’s credit card.

Do this and you too can travel like a king without having to PAY for it!

Popularity: 32% [?]

So I know I’ve been a bit “all over the place” recently, but what can I say - SUE ME! I got a lot to say and my head is running all over the place. Today, I thought I’d talk a bit about “traveling like a CEO.”

As you know I’m somewhere “international” in the world right now and of course I had to fly here. The last time I flew here I came via British Airways and just did the “Economy Premium” - which is nice, but not that much better than regular Economy.

As nice of a flight as British Airways is, I gotta say - it was one tough flight, I felt like a sardine and my body hurt after the long flight (no, I won’t tell you how long the flight was).

This time when I was coming, my travel agent really started to push “Qatar Airways” onto me and I really didn’t know what to think at first - had never heard of it. Also, honestly, the thought of going through an Islamic country scared me. No, I’m not racist or anything, but just with everything going on … it was really me just being naive.

I heard some good feedback from others and decided to try it and yes, I was decided to do Business Class this time. I couldn’t face the thought of being crammed in again.

I checked all the major airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, United, Air Emirates and others even - Qatar came out to being almost 40% less in cost!

It’s not “cheap” for business class, just far more reasonable than the others.

I did it, I landed here on the 12th and let me just sum up my entire trip in 1 word - “WOW!”

Let me describe my trip the best I can.

First, I reached the airport, there were no lines, I went straight to the desk and got checked in. Then, I was escorted to the “Virgin Atlantic” lounge (their partners) where I had a full meal, wine and a great couch with very friendly service.

Now for the flight…

I walked on and the leg room was un-heard of, the seats very comfortable and even a 13″ on-demand entertainment center (remember, this is business class, not economy - but even economy was nice). Their entertainment center (flight wide) is the best I have ever seen, they easily have over 100 movies including many languages, tv shows, games, even satellite tv coming!

The flight attendents are very courteous, nice and fast in getting you anything you want…yes, they’re also beautiful (hey, a little eye candy never hurt anyone). Overall my experience was amazing on the flight.

The seats go 160 degrees, which is basically a full flat bed, so for the first time I actually slept.

My only complaint on the flight? The food could have been better. But, they made up for it here…

The Most Amazing Flying Experience I’ve Ever Had…

The 5 hour layover lounge/terminal…again…WOW! They have a seperate terminal for their business/first class passengers and it’s literally like walking into a Ritz Carlton.

Here are all the amenities they offered in combination with amazing service and eye-candy

1. A video game room with PS3, PS2, foozball table - tons of fun to pass time.
2. A nursery - great for you parents with little ones.
3. A full “business center” - free internet, computers and even conference rooms at no charge.
4. A beautiful and comfortable lounge - free buffet, multiple free open bars, server service, smoking room - everything you really want.
5. Prayer rooms - in case you sinned on the flight, you can ask for forgiveness here

Tie that all together with the fact that you never have to wait in line and are always greeted my people in red suits who are just itching to assist you.

The second leg of the flight was just as comfortable and even had great food (indian food this time).

If you decide to use Qatar Airways, you can actually also get miles on United, US Airways and a few others. However, after doing tons of research, they have the best integration and relationship with US Airways (which is where I am now accruing my miles). I’ll talk about the importance of points tomorrow (I’ve learned you should not ignore them)!

Bottomline, Qatar Airways goes to many international destinations and is absolutely the best airline I have see thus far. Close your eyes and book them.

Popularity: 60% [?]