Mark Caro of the Chicago Tribune wrote an article Tuesday detailing his recent experience after watching “The Adjustment Bureau”, the latest film put out by Universal:

“The politician played by Matt Damon doesn’t initially remember the phone number that the dancer played by Emily Blunt gives him in “The Adjustment Bureau.” That’s strange, because I sure did. It’s 212-664-7665. In fact, I repeated it in my head for the rest of the movie: 212-664-7665. 212-664-7665. 212-664-7665. Once home I called it.”

So was there anyone on the other end of the line? Nope, according to Marc, “No Answer”.

Seems like a wasted opportunity to me.

Why not offer those who do call the phone number something special? Direct them to a website where they can get the inside scoop on the movie, watch deleted scenes or print out a coupon for a discount on the DVD. Do something!

Universal had the chance to get people talking about their movie for a different reason and they missed it.

And aside from the marketing aspect, here at Grasshopper we’re just mad they are wasting a 212 phone number! This guy’s over here selling his for $1 million and the movie studio is just letting theirs sit there. Come on!

For those of us who still have a home phone (or remember the days before cell phones), you know that when you call a local number, you simply dial seven digits. You have an area code but how often do you dial it? Probably never. That’s going to change.

With cities across the United States running out of local numbers, many areas are requiring you to dial the area code every time you make a call.

Oklahoma just implemented 10-digit dialing March 5th. They will be launching a new area code April 1st in a town that already has one (this is called an area code overlay). A person with a 918 area code could theoretically live next door to someone with the new 539 area code. To avoid misdialing and confusion, all 10 digits will be required.

The same thing is happening in Alabama. With 256 area codes running out, a new area code will be created for that same location.

10-digit dialing is nothing new for residents of Oregon, Connecticut, Maryland or West Virginia but for the rest of us, we may want to get used to it.

Has 10-digit dialing come to your area? How has it affected you?

There’s been a lot of talk about number porting the past two weeks with Google’s announcement that they will begin doing so for Google Voice users. This is exciting news for individuals using Google Voice and it’s great for us because it brings headlines to a feature that we often forget to talk about!

Most people know that Grasshopper has toll free and local numbers available to buy but they might not know we also have the ability to transfer numbers, also called number porting.

Why port your number?

For businesses that already have a phone number, it can be much easier to transfer it than to get a new one. You don’t have to change your contact info, create new marketing materials, print new business cards, modify your website, etc. Porting your number can save you time and money (two extremely valuable things).

Can I port toll free numbers?

You sure can. Port toll free numbers and the majority of local numbers (check here to see if you can port your local number). Plus, you have all rights to the number. Your phone number will always be yours, even if you decide to change providers.

How much does it cost?

Grasshopper charges a $30 one-time fee to port in your number. However, for those signed up on the Grow or Max plans, number porting is included.

Be sure to check out our FAQ page or Support section for more info on number porting.

Learn more about the differences between Grasshopper & Google Voice.

Over at Grasshopper Group there’s a great post on how to stick to your 2011 resolution of starting a business. We included several tips including “Think big”, “Think small”, “Keep your resolution every day” and finally, “Hold yourself accountable”.

One of the tips under “hold yourself accountable” is to actually do something for your business. Doing something or even buying something tangible can help motivate you and make the process more real.

Below we’ve outlined a few low cost actions that can help you get your business going this year:

1. Register a Business Name

You’ve probably thought about what you would call your business a million times. Now it’s time to take action and actually register it. You want to make sure it’s available and also protect it. Here are a couple of resources to help you:

• Registering Your Business Name
• Steps to Registering a Business
• Register Your Business

2. Create a Logo

A website can be an expensive way to start, so let’s begin with a logo. You may not be a designer but there are a number of freelancers out there who can help and aren’t terribly expensive. Check out 99designs.com, Logoworks, Logo Design Guru or ask around, you may know someone.

3. Purchase a Domain Name

A good domain name is imperative. It will go in your emails, on your business cards and more importantly, its how potential customers will find you. A good domain name should be short, describe your business, be easy to remember and a .com. SEOMoz has a great post, “12 Rules for Choosing the Right Domain Name” you can check out.

As for domain providers, there are a number out there including the most popular GoDaddy, Network Solutions & Yahoo.

4. Get a Phone Number

Starting out you will most likely use your cell phone the majority of the time. But let’s be honest, your current voicemail message probably doesn’t really sound all that professional for a business. Plus, do you really want to put your cell phone number on all of your business materials? No.

A dedicated business phone number is a great way to go and it’s cheap. You can lock down a toll free or local number for $9.95 a month, which includes call forwarding, voicemail boxes, custom greetings and more. You can still get your calls on your cell phone but no one else has to know that.

5. Print Business Cards

You don’t have to print a ton of them but why not get a few? It’ll feel good to see your name and company on a real business card and can act as a motivator. You can get them fairly cheap from a company like VistaPrint or PrintingforLess.

Make it happen

This year, don’t just say you are going to do it, go do it. Starting a business is a big endeavor so focus on doing one thing at a time. Make 2011 the year you stick to your resolution!

The first thought that comes to your head when you hear the term “virtual phone system” is probably not “local numbers.” You’ve heard us talk all about the benefits 800 numbers offer, but what about local numbers? They can do more for your business than many people realize.

• Local numbers make your customers feel more connected to you.

  Clients often prefer to deal with businesses in their own locale. An 800 number may make your business seem too impersonal or large. Customers can have the convenience of making a call to a local number as opposed to an 800 number or an unrecognizable area code.

• More than one number

  Depending on your business size and needs, you may need more than one local number. For example if you run a business out of Massachusetts that is partially in Boston and partially in Western Massachusetts, you may want both a 617 and a 508 number for your customers. If you’re doing business in multiple cities across the country, having more than one local number is a good idea too to give your business a multi-city appeal.

• Outside international calls

  International callers often cannot dial toll free US 1-800 numbers, but can dial local numbers. This is beneficial for your company if they conduct a lot of international business.

• Same great features!

  If you have a local number you would like to keep, Grasshopper can easily port it. And with a local number comes all of the same great features like unlimited extensions and custom greetings.

Our own company is an example of having both a toll free and local number. We have a direct 617 Boston area code for local and international customers and an 800 number for customers who prefer toll free. Search for available local numbers!