Some Awesome Events and Awards: Our Latest List |  |
- Some Awesome Events and Awards: Our Latest List
- Small Business News Not To Miss For The Week Ending July 27
- 20 More Inspiring Places to Contemplate Your Startup
- In the Mailbag: The Entrepreneurs; Do It Marketing; Don’t Hire The Best
| Some Awesome Events and Awards: Our Latest List Posted: 27 Jul 2013 05:30 PM PDT Here’s our latest curated list of events, contests and awards for entrepreneurs and growing companies. To see a full list or to submit your own event, contest or award listing, visit the Small Business Events Calendar. Featured Events, Contests and Awards
The Big Awards started with a mission of recognizing real talent and performance. Real business people, those with experience and knowledge, judge the Big Awards. Request an entry kit today and submit your nomination by August 14, 2013.
INBOUND is a 4 day marketing experience that brings together thousands of marketers from around the globe for an annual event held in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Small Business Influencer Awards 2013 The 2013 Small Business Influencer Awards recognize the apps, organizations and people who have a strong impact on small businesses in North America. Now its 3rd year, the Awards are a coveted recognition for those who serve small businesses. Check to see who’s already been nominated, and nominate yourself, or someone or some organization or app you admire. No fee to enter. Twitter hashtag: #SMBinfluencer.
This conference brings together amazing women entrepreneurs, both on and off the stage. Hear real behind-the-scenes stories of success including JJ Ramberg, Sarah Endline, Janine Popick, and Pamela O’Hara. Expert keynotes and panel discussions include: Getting Funding for Growth with Kay Koplovitz & Peggy Wallace, Turning Ideas into Companies with Yao Huang, 5 Strategies for a Stronger Brand with Julie Cottineau, and a journalist panel on Pitching the Media. SEATING IS LIMITED. More Events
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This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends and SmallBizTechnology. The post Some Awesome Events and Awards: Our Latest List appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Small Business News Not To Miss For The Week Ending July 27 Posted: 27 Jul 2013 01:00 PM PDT
This week was packed with news signifying trends of importance to small businesses. Security issues were raised yet again. We have news of one of the biggest data breaches in recent history. Mobile devices continue to converge, as phones get bigger and tablets get smaller. Meanwhile, we have important developments in small business software, and we report on ongoing issues with online sales tax. (Does this affect your business?) The Small Business Trends editorial team puts the news into context for you. SecurityHackers allegedly steal 160 million credit card numbers. Small businesses beware. The largest data breach conspiracy ever prosecuted in the U.S. has caused untold million of dollars in damages. Though the organizations targeted this time were huge, don’t make the mistake of thinking your business is safe. MobileSmartphones keep getting bigger. The Lumia 625 is aimed at Europe, China, Asia Pacific, India, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. But it’s close cousin the Lumia 520 is now available in the U.S. Both could be starter phones for your business. Google unveils the new Nexus 7. It’s lighter. It’s thinner. It’s more powerful. It’s more expensive. But not by that much, actually. The early reviews are in. If you want to get your business mobile at a low cost, it may be worth the research. EcommerceThere’s a brand new eBay – same day delivery. Ebay Now, launched last summer, allows shoppers in select cities to buy products from their smartphone or PC. And they can have them delivered in about an hour. The service is now expanding with new cities and new features. Social commerce flourishes in India. One company leading the pack is enMarkit, according to Sramana Mitra, the founder of the One Million by One Million (1M/1M) initiative. Here’s more on how the site works and why it succeeds. Business SoftwareCloud and mobility touted at Sage Summit. The software company announced major strides in both areas as it moves to offer small businesses better tools. Check out coverage of #SageSummit from Small Business Trends founder Anita Campbell, who attended the event. Sage One gets enhancements. Here’s a better look at the new tools the company has to offer. Enhancements announced recently include invoicing, project management and accounting solutions in the cloud. Deluxe acquires VerticalResponse. The small business services giant has bought the email software marketing company for $27 million in cash. Anita Campbell has details. TaxesMore states add the affiliate nexus tax. The tax is a problem for small businesses that serve as affiliates in affected states. Many have seen their affiliate agreements cancelled as a result. Small businesses that sell through affiliates have had to discontinue their affiliate programs in various states. But an alternative in the form of a federal law could be difficult for other e-commerce businesses to comply with. ServicesOffer incentives for better leads. Incentivibe shows you how. Launched last year, the company helps business sites split the cost on pricey prizes. They give visitors an incentive to sign up for your email updates or newsletters. Collaborative tools for your business. Simon Berg, CEO and Founder of Ceros, a cloud based platform for brands, talks with Brent Leary in our one-on-one interview series. Want to know more about how to tell your company’s story? Social MediaYou can now put your Vine videos on WordPress. The popular looping video service meets the popular blogging platform. The new integration will make it easier to show Vine on your business website. Follow the simple directions here. Caught in the act. Twitter used fake tweets to promote a new advertising product … but used real Twitter profiles. Worse yet, Twitter hadn’t bothered to obtain the users’ permission and some of them thought the apology was lacking. Brouhaha ensues. Could Facebook’s Graph Search really change everything? In the world of online business, a few things seem constant. One is the ultimate importance of Google. This article looks at how Facebook’s growing Graph Search might alter that reality. Do you think Facebook’s search will seriously challenge Google? TrendsBusiness leaders need social media ,too. In fact, a new survey says it may help you improve your brand image and connect better with customers and investors. If all this stuff is important to you, (and we don’t know any businesses it isn’t important to!) keep reading. This new business model is child’s play. No really. Some parents are hiring consultants to teach their children how better to share crayons, be at ease and play with other children. The goal of these play date consultants is to get children ready for highly competitive school environments. Some readers think the idea is ridiculous, but if customers are willing to pay …. We’ve all heard small businesses create jobs. But that’s only half the story, it turns out. Scott Shane, Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Case Western Reserve University shares this interesting trend. ManagementBetter business through …exercise? That’s right! The American Medical Association is suggesting that concern over your employees’ fitness could be good for business. Here’s a report from journalist Rieva Lesonsky, who covers employment issues for Small Business Trends. It’s the toughest franchise opportunity around. But it also remains the most popular. Our franchise correspondent, Joel Libava, looks at the franchise food industry’s enduring popularity with entrepreneurs. But he also shares some of the real challenges of this business model. A handbook for millennials. If you haven’t hired one yet, you probably will soon. That may be one reason The Gen Y Handbook: Applying Relationship Leadership to Engage Millennials by Diane Spiegel is an important book. Associate Book Editor Pierre Debois reviews it for readers. News via tablet, Shutterstock The post Small Business News Not To Miss For The Week Ending July 27 appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| 20 More Inspiring Places to Contemplate Your Startup Posted: 27 Jul 2013 09:00 AM PDT If you’re looking for inspiration to contemplate visionary ideas and generate creativity when considering a startup business, taking some time to get away from it all could be just what the doctor ordered. Taking a short break helps to provide clarity and generate insight. After all, there’s no room for brilliant new ideas when one’s mind is cluttered from the information overload we tend to experience in today’s modern world. Below is a slideshow presentation of 20 various destinations where you might actually find that valuable creativity, energy and inspiration you seek. (You can also view it as a single page and view 15 more places to dream a little dream.) 1. Taj MahalWhat’s gets those passionate juices flowing more than a love story? Buried in the Taj Mahal are Shah Jahan, emporor in 1631 and his 3rd wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their 14th child. Although inspired by grief, the love story that surrounds the Taj Mahal can evoke inner passions and get your creative juices flowing to create your own masterpiece of love and passion.
Taj Mahal, India Photo via Shutterstock 2. Rio de JaneiroA city that throbs with life, Rio has a lot to offer to any discerning traveler. Attractions include Cathedral São Sebastião, Chinese Belvedere, the Sugarloaf Mountains, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Samba City and Ipanema Beach. There's a great deal you can explore. The sights, sounds and colors of Rio could inspire your next startup.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Photo via Shutterstock 3. VeniceIf you are looking for a holiday destination that blends the old with the new then Venice is the right place for you. Explore churches and other historic buildings, old bridges, monuments and piazzas. Revel in the artistic and cultural vivacity of the city while you think about your new business venture.
Venice, Italy Photo via Shutterstock 4. StonehengeStonehenge, a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, believed to be built anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC is a world renowned location long considered a fascinating spiritual destination. If you’re seeking spiritual replenishment and something to inspire intrigue and deep contemplation, Stonehenge can most likely grant that to you.
Stonehenge, England Photo via Shutterstock 5. BhutanIf you are looking for an adventurous break then Bhutan, set in the majestic Himalayas, is where you should head. Kayaking, hiking, trekking, mountain biking and fishing are all activities you can try in this little kingdom. The adrenaline rush might be all you need when getting set to launch your startup.
Bhutan Photo via Shutterstock 6. SamarkandIf you are looking for a holiday with a touch of history, then Samarkand with its many monuments is just the place for you. Explore the Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda compound and the Gur-Emir by day. Spend the evening thinking about your startup while you dine out or visit museums and galleries.
Samarkand Photo via Shutterstock 7. Dunnottar CastleUsed as a set for Franco Zeffirelli’s 1991 film of Hamlet, Dunnottar Castle Scotland gives visitors a sense of history and calm. Standing tall on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea, the castle is the right spot for a short, inspiring break while contemplating that next big venture.
Dunnottar Castle Photo via Shutterstock 8. Easter IslandHere you can visit the The Moai of Easter Island, ancient monolithic statues that date back to 1250 and 1500 which are believed to be the living faces of diefied ancestors. Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is known as a place of peace and power and you’ll surely find plenty of stunning vistas to inspire visionary ideas there.
Moi, Easter Island, Chile Photo via Shutterstock 9. WaterfordThe ancient Viking city of Waterford is a destination for the adventurous. Take a look at some incredible crystal, then enjoy Light Opera Festival and enjoy the cuisine while you mull your next business idea.
Waterford, Ireland Photo via Shutterstock 10. ParisParis, a destination where contemporary meets traditional and romance and color have true meaning, is the perfect getaway for the modern entrepreneur. If you are seeking inspiration, then Paris, with its pulsating nightlife, quaint cafes, stores and beautiful people, is just the place to visit.
Eiffel Tower, Paris Photo via Shutterstock 11. Gold CoastThe Gold Coast, Australia is the destination for you if you love beaches. Amid huge theme parks and lush green hinterlands, there's a good sprinkling of nightlife to inspire you. Who knows which place might give you that brilliant business idea?
Gold Coast, Australia Photo via Shutterstock 12. GoaThe sun kissed beaches and sleepy villages of Goa, India are the place for you if you are laid back. A relaxing break filled with the color and spice of this Indian coastal state will certainly inspire your next business venture.
Goa, India Photo via Shutterstock 13. Royal National ParkIt's not just about wildlife. That's what a visit to the Royal National Park, New South Wales will show you. Take a walk, cycle, surf or go on a picnic to the beach or rainforest. There's no doubt you will come back relaxed and rejuvenated with a plan for your startup.
Royal National Park Photo via Shutterstock 14. WellingtonOriental Bay, Wellington's nearby beach community with an urban feel, gives you the opportunity to rest and relax. If you want some quiet time, then you will find it at galleries and art museums. Your next business idea might just come from the vibrant cultural scene?
Oriental Bay, Wellington Photo via Shutterstock 15. WanakaKnown as "the place" for skiing and snowboarding, Wanaka, New Zealand is where you should head if you like winter sports. There's a lot to do year round, so get ready to hike, fish and skydive as you prepare to launch your next startup.
Wanaka, New Zealand Photo via Shutterstock 16. Buenos AiresOften referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is has a bustling live theater industry with many theaters and productions and also features several symphony orchestras and choral societies. One stop on this destination that you may find inspiring to creativity and vision is the Teatro Colón, an internationally rated opera house, and El Ateneo, a book store voted the second most beautiful in the world.
Buenos Aires Theater Photo via Shutterstock 17. PatagoniaAncient history abounds in Patagonia, Argentina as witnessed in The Cueva de las Manos, a world famous site in Santa Cruz that is a cave consisting of hundreds of hand drawings believed to date from 8,000 BC. You can take in endless, awe inspiring views in the Los Glaciares National Park and there, you may find the peace and tranquility it provides as a renewing source of energy.
Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia Photo via Shutterstock 18. DublinTake the uncharted route with Dublin County. The detour from Dublin City will give you glimpses of the sea and panoramic views. With a wide range of cultural attractions, Dublin County might be the place to seek inspiration for your startup.
Dublin, Ireland Photo via Shutterstock 19. BarcelonaThere's a lot to do in Barcelona but the best way to enjoy its beautiful Mediterranean coastline is a helicopter ride or a ride in a hot air balloon. Who knows? Your next business idea could come while you take in the magnificent view from the sky.
Barcelona, Spain Photo via Shutterstock 20. Hong Kong ParkThere's a lot you can do here while enjoying the beautiful setting. Join one of the free guided bird-watching walks held every Wednesday, visit the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware or drop in at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. Time and space to think and be inspired are all around.
Chi Lin Nunnery, Hong Kong Photo via Shutterstock The post 20 More Inspiring Places to Contemplate Your Startup appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| In the Mailbag: The Entrepreneurs; Do It Marketing; Don’t Hire The Best Posted: 27 Jul 2013 06:00 AM PDT Here are some recent business books for entrepreneurs and business owners in our mailbag. Pending doing full reviews, we’ll give an up close look at each: The Entrepreneurs: Success and Sacrifice
These entrepreneurs are not the super-rich or super famous. You won’t find Bill Gates or Larry Page or Mark Zuckerberg in this book. What you will find are 22 real-life stories of success, from business owners who could have been you or me. And that’s why this book is so inspiring – because we can relate to them. The profiles are about entrepreneurs who overcame the odds — from being high school dropouts, to getting laid off, to being fifty-something with few good prospects. One started his business in his parents’ kitchen. Another overcame hard times — so hard that the bankruptcy papers were on his desk waiting to be signed, when he suddenly got a large customer order that saved the business. Kip Marlow is a successful entrepreneur himself, who founded the Entrepreneurs Club Radio. The profiles are culled from his radio interviews. You can’t help but but be inspired by this book.
Everything is put in front of you in a way to get to take action. The information is broken up into a lot of sections (77, just like the title says), and presented in lists of tips and techniques so that you can consume it easily. Along with marketing strategy and planning, there are tips about positioning, messaging, social media, referrals, lead generation, and quite a bit of sales-related marketing advice. Written by David Newman and published by Amacom, it also has a number of contributors. At the end is a 21-day launch plan, broken down into what you can do each day. Don’t Hire the Best: An Essential Guide to Building the Right Team
The book is contrarian in a number of ways. Bhaduri says don’t hire the “best” person. Hire the “right” person for the job. Most companies focus on what’s on a resume. However, great academic credentials and performance in one’s current job are poor predictors of success in a job, he says. Bhaduri believes that personality factors matter, a lot. Cultural fit matters. Much of the book presents case examples of personality profiles and the analysis of how they might fit in certain types of roles, or might not be sited. This is not a step-by-step hiring guide, but rather a thoughtful book for those who would like a fresh approach to assessing job candidates. The post In the Mailbag: The Entrepreneurs; Do It Marketing; Don’t Hire The Best appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
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