Topping the News This Week: Snapchat Hacked, Privacy Remains An Issue

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• Topping the News This Week: Snapchat Hacked, Privacy Remains An Issue
• 50 Small Business Shopping Destinations to Visit
• Start the New Year Right by Attending An Event, and Learn!
• “Overbooked” Serves as a Fascinating Guide to the Travel Industry

Topping the News This Week: Snapchat Hacked, Privacy Remains An Issue Posted: 04 Jan 2014 04:00 PM PST Don’t miss any of the top stories or trends important to small business owners and entrepreneurs. The Small Business Trends editorial team has you covered with this roundup of our top news for the week: Online Privacy Snapchat gets hacked. It’s another privacy issue. The popular photo and message sharing site sees the personal information from about 4.6 million of its members exposed. The worst part is that the company was apparently warned ahead of time. Privacy online revisited. Comedian Jack Vale plays a prank on random strangers by finding out how much he can learn about them just by looking at their social media accounts. Some may find this more disturbing than others. But check the tips on better online privacy. Investment & Finance Less regulation for VC investment sought. Hey, but don’t hold your breath. The Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act H.R. 1105 did pass the U.S. House. But with resistance from the White House and other quarters, it may not get much further. Examples of the mobile lending trend. A lender serving online sellers, a company supplying financial products to credit unions and a peer-to-peer lender are among many who have entered the mobile lending space. It will be interesting to see what this means for small business. Tech Trends HP Chromebook’s charger replaced. Concerns were raised last month about the charger overheating — and melting according to some complaints. But it seems sales of the device can now move forward with  a new charger. These glasses want to beat Google. The company is called Athere Labs and, at last report, they had raised almost $83,000 out of a needed $100,000 to create two pairs of new smartglasses. They are the Athere One and the company’s “Developer Kit.” Both should be out later this year. AllThingsD is no more. It’s truly the end of an era. The iconic tech news site is no more. Tech guru Walt Mossberg and journalist Kara Swisher move on to a new site called ReCode.net. Small Business Trends publisher Anita Campbell has more. Green Business This bed and breakfast is amongst America’s greenest. Kurt Kessner and Alline Anderson, owners of Milkweed Merchantile Eco Inn and Organic Cafe, have found there is a market for environmentally friendly business. Every small business owner can probably learn something from their story. Employment & Entrepreneurship The truth about self-employment. You may have heard about the rebounding economy. And employment is coming back as well. But that doesn’t include the one kind of employment probably most important to the health of entrepreneurship. Scott Shane has more. Last Year’s Top Stories Did you check out our top stories of 2013? On the eve of the new year, Anita Campbell took a moment and looked back at the stories most important to the small business community. We’d love to hear if you have any to add. Top Trends for 2014 A checklist for startups in 2014. It’s another year and another opportunity to start a small business. Nellie Akalp gives you a checklist of what you’ll need to start your company this year. Top franchise trends in the new year. Maybe you don’t want to start a business from scratch. That’s OK. Our franchise correspondent Joel Libava has a run down of the big franchise trends for 2014, too. Read on to learn more. WordPress website trends for the new year. And finally if your business is online and your website uses the WordPress platform, you won’t want to miss this. It’s the top WordPress website trends you’ll need to know for the coming year. Megan Totka gives us the details. Couple Reading News Photo Via Shutterstock The post Topping the News This Week: Snapchat Hacked, Privacy Remains An Issue appeared first on Small Business Trends.

50 Small Business Shopping Destinations to Visit Posted: 04 Jan 2014 12:30 PM PST In many places, retail has become big box stores and moved to strip shopping centers and malls. But there are still communities across the United States that have thriving small business districts where local entrepreneurs abound. We’ve identified 50 of the standouts where you’re still likely to find many local businesses to support. We’ve created a guide by state to make it easier to plan to visit. CALIFORNIA Alameda [Image: alamedaca.gov] The Park Street downtown district of this Bay Area city features a historic theater surrounded by shops for everything from antiques and toys to fashion and home furnishings. Like other cities that support small businesses, it also hosts special events to encourage shopping.   Burlingame [Image: burlingamedowntown.org] Located mainly on Burlingame Avenue, the nearly 500 businesses of Burlingame, California's downtown district have formed a business improvement coalition. They host promotions and activities to showcase the city's small shops, restaurants, and other small businesses.   Glendale [Image: downtownglendale.com] Glendale is the fourth largest city in the Los Angeles area. Its downtown area features a number of independent shops mixed with other types of businesses along the Brand Boulevard corridor.   Hermosa Beach [Image: hbchamber.net] This small, beachside community is just over one square mile in size, but its downtown area and events like Fiesta Hermosa attract people from all over Southern California as well as tourists visiting the Los Angeles area.   Huntington Beach [Image: hbdowntown.com ] Huntington Beach features a downtown area with more than 12 miles of beach and over 250 different businesses including shopping, dining, and lodging. The business improvement district also hosts events like Miracle on Main Street throughout the Christmas holiday season.   Redondo Beach [Image: T's Toe Ring Gifts ] Located about 20 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles, this popular resort destination offers several different retail complexes including a harbor/pier area, a regional mall, and a mix of specialty shops and small businesses in Riviera Village on the city's south end.   Santa Cruz [Image: cityofsantacruz.com ] There are over 100 one-of-a-kind shops mixed in with bigger names in this city's downtown area. In addition to shopping, the city is also known for its music scene and a number of special events throughout the year including themed events like Santa's Scavenger Hunt during the Christmas season.   CONNECTICUT Middletown [Image: downtownmiddletown.com] The downtown business district of this historic town was named one of America's most romantic main streets by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2011. That's because the area features a quaint and historic atmosphere that includes small businesses like wedding boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and bed and breakfasts.   Greenwich [Image: greenwichchamber.com] This town features nearly 4,000 businesses, many of which are located in its Greenwich Avenue downtown district. The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce also hosts events and other promotions to support the town's business community.   GEORGIA Athens [Image: Downtown Athens] Downtown Athens features over 65 specialty retailers mixed with restaurants, art, and other types of businesses to complement the city's unique culture and thriving music and entertainment scene.   Midtown [Image: biketoursatl.com] Atlanta's Midtown area is known for popular attractions like its Botanical Garden, Contemporary Art Center, and multiple theaters. But there's also a vibrant shopping district with unique stores, galleries, and outdoor recreation.   Savannah [Image: savannahnow.com] This Southern destination is home to a historic downtown community with parks, tours, one of the country's most well-known arts colleges, and a variety of independent shops for everything from unique gifts and fashion and art and antiques.   ILLINOIS Bolingbrook [Image: bolingbrook.com ] The village of Bolingbrook includes nearly 600 businesses that are part of its local Chamber of Commerce. These range from big names to home-based businesses and include shops, restaurants, service providers, and more.   Evanston [Image: downtownevanston.org] Downtown Evanston promotes all of the shops in its business district with events and programs like its gift card promotion. Shops in Evanston range from one-of-a-kind boutiques to national retailers.   MASSACHUSETTS Beverly [Image: beverlymainstreets.org] This seaside community located along the North Shore of Massachusetts includes miles of coastline, diverse neighborhoods, and downtown area with plenty of choices for shopping.   Belmont [Image: wbcc.org ] This suburb of Boston is a primarily residential community that also features a unique shopping district, seasonal farmers market, and art scene.   Brookline [Image: brookline.com] This town features seven different shopping areas. The oldest is Brookline Village, which includes mainly independent shops and restaurants. The most popular shopping area, Coolidge Corner, includes a mix of independent businesses and national chains.   Natick [Image: natickcenter.org ] Downtown Natick is a historic community that features mainly creative type small businesses like art galleries, craft boutiques, and dance studios.   Newton [Image: newtonma.gov] This community, which is made up of 14 distinct villages, is home to Boston College and two other schools. The largest downtown area is located in the village of Newton Centre and includes mainly upscale shopping options.   Salem [Image: avalanchewear.com] Salem is known mainly for its spooky history, but the downtown area of this tourist town features a wide variety of shops, including but not limited to witch themed gift boutiques.   MARYLAND Bethesda [Image: downtownbethesda.com] Located just outside of Washington DC, Bethesda is known as a thriving urban environment with plenty of options for shopping and dining. The city's downtown area is home to more than 520 shops and plenty of events throughout the year.   Wheaton [Image: wheatonmd.org ] This downtown area is known for its clean and safe atmosphere, with shopping and other attractions like outdoor gardens, parks, and art associations.   MICHIGAN Ann Arbor [Image: visitannarbor.org] The home of the University of Michigan features a vibrant downtown area with trendy shops, theaters, restaurants, and more. Visitors can find a variety of art, music, vintage items, and more at the city's independently owned shops. Birmingham [Image: enjoybirmingham.com] This upscale community is home to a downtown shopping district that includes not only a selection of unique retailers and dining options, but also special shopping events like its Holiday Market.   Dearborn [Image: dearbornwestonline.com ] The west side of Dearborn features a vibrant downtown district along its Michigan Avenue corridor. But the city also has shopping and unique restaurants and other independent businesses in East Dearborn and throughout the rest of the city.   Grand Rapids [Image: marketgrandrapids.com] West Michigan's largest city prides itself on the unique businesses featured in its downtown area, located along the picturesque Grand River. Visitors can find everything from art galleries to one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques to independent bookstores.   Royal Oak [Image: downtownroyaloak.org] Visitors to this suburb of Detroit can enjoy many of the benefits of a larger city but with the charm and appeal of a smaller town. The city has more than 2,400 registered businesses, many of which are located along the Woodward Avenue downtown district that also hosts events and promotions for its small business shops.   NEW HAMPSHIRE Portsmouth [Image: portsmouthnh.com] This town, located along the Piscataqua River, is a central hub of one of New England's favorite shopping and tourist areas. The downtown area features classic brick buildings from the early 1800's that house a variety of unique shops and other destinations.   NEW JERSEY Caldwell [Image: caldwellmerchants.com] The small businesses in this historic town vary from small diners and restaurants to unique gift shops and home retailers. The city also features other tourist attractions such as parks and historic landmarks.   Montclair [Image: nj.com] Montclair features a number of destinations throughout the city, including the Walnut Street area where visitors can enjoy attractions such as jazz clubs and art galleries, and the South End shopping district, which features small shops and three neighborhood parks.   Ridgewood [Image: citizensforabetterridgewood.com] The Village of Ridgewood is small in size, but it is home to a historic district full of mom-and-pop shops as well as popular nationwide brands.   Millburn [Image: downtownmillburn.org] Downtown Millburn features a diverse blend of shops, theaters, and other attractions. Overall, there are about 500 commercial properties that make up the sophisticated downtown district.   Morristown [Image: morristown-nj.org] The commercial center of Morristown is full of shoppers and patrons on a daily basis, helping the host of independent merchants and other businesses succeed in the historic city.   Summit [Image: summitdowntown.org] The City of Summit and its community and business organization take pride in the downtown community, which features diverse shopping destinations, dining options, and special events.   Westfield [Image: westfieldtoday.com] The business district in this historic city consists of 18 blocks of small business shops and other businesses. The city supports its business by hosting contests, events, and other promotions to make shopping and visiting even more attractive for both residents and tourists.   NEW YORK Bronxville [Image: Bronxville Chamber of Commerce] The village of Bronxville is located in the town of Eastchester, just 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan. The downtown area features upscale shopping and special events throughout the entire year.   Mamaroneck [Image: Village of Mamaroneck] This primarily residential community on Long Island Sound is split in two by the Mamaroneck River. It features a small business district that is home to independent shops and restaurants and also hosts special fairs and events to bring visitors and residents out to the downtown area.   Mineola [Image: New York Times] The village of Mineola is located mainly in the Town of North Hempstead. It has a central railroad station, which makes traveling to and from New York City easy, so visitors can take advantage of the smaller businesses located in Mineola.   Mt. Kisco [Image: Wall Street Journal] Located in Westchester County, the Village of Mt. Kisco consists of just 3.25 square miles and fewer than 10,000 residents. But the small town is also home to unique small businesses that make it a popular destination.   New Hyde Park [Image: hydeparkchamber.org] This village is another small town that is relatively close to Manhattan. About 75% of the land is made up of residences, but the village also has an active Chamber of Commerce that supports its small businesses and economy.   Nyack [Image: nyack-ny.gov] Nyack's Main Street business district is located about 25 miles north of New York City. It includes historic landmarks, antique shops, cafes, and other independent businesses.   OHIO Cleveland [Image: cleveland.com] Even though Cleveland is one of the larger cities on the list, and features big city attractions like sports stadiums, museums and the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, it also contains more independent and quirky shops than you'll find in many major U.S. cities.  East 4th Street is home to excellent restaurants, including Lola Bistro, the restaurant of Iron Chef Michael Symon.   Westlake [Image: westshorechamber.org] Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie outside of Cleveland, the city of Westlake features a few different shopping areas including Crocker Park, home to unique shops, brick walkways, and year-round special events.   PENNSYLVANIA Ambler [Image: amblermainstreet.org] Downtown Ambler is a social, cultural, and business center that serves the city of Ambler and many of its surrounding communities. The businesses in this district consist of a historic theater, gift shops, restaurants, and more.   Bethlehem [Image: bethlehempa.org] This eastern Pennsylvania city known for its rich colonial and industrial history, along with its shopping centers and the small businesses making up its quaint downtown area.   Doylestown [Image: doylestowninn.com] This borough is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania about 27 miles north of Philadelphia. The small town is known for its quaint downtown area, which is home to independent shops, art galleries, antiques, and more.   Pittsburgh [Image: phlf.org] Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania, and while much of its shopping consists of well-known brands, there are also plenty of small retailers and shops located throughout the city's downtown district.   Radnor [Image: waynebusiness.com] Radnor Township is made up of eight separate communities, including Wayne and its popular downtown historic district, anchored by the Wayne train station, a cinema, and plenty of independent shops and other attractions.   SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston [Image: charleston-sc.gov] This downtown district is known for its historical landmarks and architecture, but also features a wide variety of shopping and restaurants, mixing upscale brands with independent local retailers.   TEXAS Austin [Image: downtownaustin.com] "Keep Austin Weird" is this city's slogan to promote all of its small businesses, including many located in its downtown district. Music, arts, and gift shops are mixed in with the city's famous restaurants and entertainment venues. The post 50 Small Business Shopping Destinations to Visit appeared first on Small Business Trends.

Start the New Year Right by Attending An Event, and Learn! Posted: 04 Jan 2014 09:30 AM PST Why not start out the new year right?  Make it a point to build your skills and those of your team.  Attend an event and figure out how to accomplish more in your business — and do things better.  Below is our first list in 2014 of events, contests and awards for small businesses, solo entrepreneurs and growing companies.  Every item on this list is curated by the editorial team of Small Business Trends, for the highest quality and relevancy. 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 Mentoring Roundtable For Entrepreneurs January 9, 2014, Online If you are a serious entrepreneur, register to “pitch” and sell your business idea to Sramana Mitra, founder of 1M by 1M. Expect your pitch to be seen by a larger audience of potential customers, investors, media and entrepreneurs. You’ll gain straightforward feedback, advice on next steps, and she’ll answer any of your questions. Others can register to “attend” to watch, learn, and interact through the online chat. FREE.  Register here. Affiliate Management Days San Francisco 2014 March 19, 2014, San Francisco, CA AM Days is the must attend event for affiliate managers who are responsible for their company’s affiliate marketing strategy, management and operations. Whether you have an existing affiliate program or you are creating a new initiative, AMDays offers you valuable insight into how other online retailers are successfully implementing and managing their affiliate programs. Topics include: Affiliate program set up; Affiliate recruitment techniques; Affiliate marketing fraud; M-commerce; and much more. Hashtag: #AMDays ICON14 by Infusionsoft April 23, 2014, Phoenix, AZ #ICON14 is the eighth annual conference for small business, hosted by Infusionsoft (previously called Infusioncon). Over 3,000 attendees expected. Confirmed speakers include Seth Godin, JJ Ramberg and Peter Shankman. Hashtag: #ICON14 Discount Code smallbiztrends (Get an extra $100 off) More Events Aspen Global Investment Forum January 06, 2014, Aspen, CO Google Analytics Grand Tour: Roadmap to Collecting, Reporting and Analyzing Data January 07, 2014, Uniontown, OH Consumer Electronics Show 2014 January 07, 2014, Las Vegas, NV Using Contract History & Forecasts to Develop a Government Contracting Strategy January 07, 2014, Chicago, IL SYMPOSIA::2014 Conference for Women Entrepreneurs January 10, 2014, San Francisco, CA Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Creating What Will Be January 13, 2014, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Kick Off The New Year: Business & Entrepreneur Networking Mixer January 14, 2014, New York City, New York/USA Connection Points: Networking with Women in Tech January 15, 2014, Chicago, IL Small Business Expo 2013 – Miami January 16, 2014, Miami, FL Road Map to HIPAA Compliance – Webinar January 16, 2014, Online Is Certification Right for You? January 21, 2014, Online Take Action. Get A SLAP: Create A One-Year Growth Plan For Your Business January 23, 2014, Online Outlook Tips for Finance Professionals January 28, 2014, Online Business Plan Writing Clinic January 29, 2014, Chicago, IL HIPAA Compliance: Managing the Business Associates Relationship ‘Safely’ Webinar January 29, 2014, Online Mastering the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules January 30, 2014, Online Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) February 10, 2014, Las Vegas, NV Small Bytes & Apps February 22, 2014, Cambridge, MA 18th Annual North American Shared Services & Outsourcing Week March 12, 2014, Orlando, FL Conversion Conference West 2014 San Francisco March 17, 2014, San Francisco, CA More Contests and Awards SBA’s National Small Business Week Awards Deadline January 17, 2014, Online DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award February 03, 2014, Online This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends and SmallBizTechnology. The post Start the New Year Right by Attending An Event, and Learn! appeared first on Small Business Trends.

“Overbooked” Serves as a Fascinating Guide to the Travel Industry Posted: 04 Jan 2014 06:30 AM PST Few books have put together an overview of the evolving travel business as solid as “Overbooked: The Global Business of Travel and Tourism” by Elizabeth Becker. Becker has written two previous nonfiction books: one on Vietnam (“America's Vietnam War”) and one on Cambodia (“When the War Was Over”). While the travel industry seems a far distance from war, this book is actually a good extension of the author’s background as a researcher. In fact, the author spent five years preparing the material that eventually appears in “Overbooked.” The resulting work gives an overview of an industry that serves an estimated one billion travelers a year. And since the travel industry attracts a fair number of entrepreneurs and small businesses, I picked up a review copy of the book via Netgalley and found it to be a solid read.   It will spark the imagination both of the travel enthusiast and of the entrepreneur seeking inspiration and entrance into the industry. See The World and How Its Countries Have Marketed Travel The author divides the book into several segments including the rise of consumer tourism, and the impact on culture and the environment. For example, the opening chapter examines the history of the modern travel industry. Traditionally, travel had been seen as a frivolous pursuit.  But Becker examines how several factors over the years have contributed to its increasing popularity and demonstrated its economic value. Specifically, Becker covers the start of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, which maintains industry stats. She also examines the influence of the book “Europe on $5 a Day” by American GI Arthur Frommer which promoted affordable travel options for the first time, noting: “What Frommer had discovered was that tourism was becoming an industry and needed to be reduced to its parts for consumers — book a plane, find a hotel, eat some meals, go on a sightseeing tour — and he was more than happy to act as that go-between with his guidebooks, making a small fortune in the process.” Becker presents her examples and case studies briefly enough to fit the busy entrepreneur, but with enough detail to provide a detailed economic overview. And this porridge-just-right approach is ideal for helping entrepreneurs interested in understanding the needs and dynamics of the market. At the same time, Becker seasons her research with personal experience. The result is much more than mere regurgitation of facts. A must-read is the chapter on Cambodia titled “Getting It Wrong.”  It discusses the country's missteps in developing tourism following the Vietnam War. Doing her research, Becker met Dith Pran, a local journalist who would later be a key figure highlighted in the movie “The Killing Field.” The book notes: "When war broke out in 1970, these former tour guides, hotel clerks and drivers were hired immediately by foreign journalists who needed help translating the language and the country…For them, the temples at Angkor – one of the most elegant wonders of the world – symbolized their country at peace, at its best .… The zenith of their life as tour guides was the day in 1967 that Jacqueline Kennedy came to Angkor, ‘fulfilling a childhood dream.’” More historical and economic context abound as Becker explains how tourism was seen after a United Nations peacekeeping mission intervened in 1993: "The U.N. anointed a joint government that includes some brilliant officials, some incompetent officials, many corrupt officials, all working in an atmosphere of mistrust. They did agree on one matter – tourism would be essential to their recovery…. Cambodia's timing couldn't have been better. Tourism was gaining the respect of economists and development experts. Over the last two decades it has become the second-largest source of foreign exchange, after oil, for half of the world's poorest nations." Some approaches to promote tourism were more successful than others.  Countries and cultures ranging from France to Dubai are explored. You'll read about protecting culture within the Dubai chapter.  She also includes a fascinating history of the cruise industry. Ecotourism:  Real or Just Marketing Talk? A chapter on ecotourism is also extremely educational. Readers may not be aware of the part Costa Rica has played in development of the ecotourism industry. Becker uses her Costa Rican experience to highlight what should constitute responsible ecotourism, including provision of employment opportunities for locals and efforts to preserve the natural environment. You'll read Becker's observations about how small business is included in sustainability plans: "Back on the ship the crew had organized a display of local handicrafts for sale in what they called the "global marketplace". On sale were baskets handwoven from native grasses by indigenous women; jewelry crafted by local artists; and blouse and shifts sewn by nature seamstresses …. This was straight out of the how-to list for responsible ecotourism. The Company offers the means for local small entrepreneurs to develop and sell sustainable products that are based on the area's nature, history, and culture." And then there are her points about the controversial practice of “greenwashing” for marketing.  Complexity arises when entities make claims without much to back them up.  For example, hotels can certify as green, yet overlook community involvement or habitat needs.  Becker writes how the tourism industry is “filled with confusing claims of environmental stewardship based on little more than changing towels less frequently and therefore saving water.” The final segment of the book presents China as a new opportunity for the travel industry and the United States as a traditional marketplace. This is one of the better books on the travel industry. Just as “Broke USA” highlights the pawn shop industry, “Overbooked” takes an in-depth look at travel. And it provides valuable details sure to make any business plan better. Read it to make your travel agency or travel-related business savvy about the travel industry, or to get background if you plan to enter the travel industry. The post “Overbooked” Serves as a Fascinating Guide to the Travel Industry appeared first on Small Business Trends.

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