There’s already myriad online services available for businesses. But recently, both GoDaddy and Linksys announced new offerings that could potentially benefit small business users.
Read about these tech innovations and more in this week’s Small Business Trends news and information roundup.
Technology Trends
GoDaddy Launches Cloud-based Servers, Applications for Web Developers
GoDaddy, once known for the eccentric antics of its former CEO, Bob Parsons, racy TV commercials and cheap domains, is entering a new era of respectability, refashioning itself as a major player in the cloud computing industry.
Linksys Offers New Wireless Networking Without Costly Hardware
Wireless network services have now become a must for almost all businesses. Whether it is a coffee shop, a book store or large corporation, having wireless access gives employees and customers access to the Internet or company networks right away.
Want a Writing Gig? John Hunt Publishing Might Be Looking for You
If you’re a writer looking for a way to publish your next business book, you might be interested in an opportunity with JHP Business Books, part of the John Hunt Publishing Company. Currently, JHP Business Books is looking for proposals from business authors who can provide a unique perspective on topics like marketing, management, finance, leadership, motivation and more.
Don’t Touch That Dial! SmallBiz America Radio Revamps Its Platform
SmallBiz America Radio , an Albuquerque, N.M. podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs founded in 2005, is making a change. In an interview with Small Business Trends, David Wolf, CEO of SmallBiz America, says that he’s taking the company in a different direction– as a content marketing management company.
Autonomous Introduces Affordable Smart Desk for Standing or Sitting
While digital technology has introduced many benefits into today’s personal and professional lives, at least one aspect has been detrimental. The sedentary lifestyle promoted by working every day in front of a computer can have a long term negative impact on your health.
Economy
Carl’s Jr. Flees California Over High Taxes
U.S. politicians often profess a desire to champion small businesses — and businesses in general. The economic development and job creation they bring are important. But what promotes small businesses often promotes larger ones too — things like lower taxes and fewer regulations. And the reverse is also true. High taxes and too many regulations can cause businesses to flee.
Management
Georgia Governor Vetoes Religious Liberty Bill After Business Backlash
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (pictured) today vetoed the controversial religious liberty bill that had been passed by Georgia lawmakers on March 16, 2016. That veto came after nearly two weeks of increasing opposition by business leaders. The legislation would have allowed faith-based organizations to deny services to those who violate their religious beliefs.
Marketing Tips
Plonked: Search Engine That Means Business
If Google and LinkedIn had a child, it would be Plonked, a newly-minted search engine designed to discover, analyze, and connect searchers with businesses for the purpose of building a sales pipeline, securing venture capital, or finding employment.
Retail Trends
Costco Eyeing Expansion to Offer Small Business Benefits
Costco is expanding its business centers, stores aimed specifically at its small business customers, showing an increased commitment to this segment of its base. The retail giant recently added a new center in Westminster, California, its twelfth business center in North America. The chain also maintains two similar business centers in the U.K.
Will 2016 Be the Year of Digital Wallet Adoption?
Consumer use of mobile devices to shop both online and in-store is pushing merchants to adopt the use of digital wallets. The term describes electronic devices and programs used to make payments for purchases digitally, without presenting a physical credit card, debit card or cash. Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay are all examples of digital wallets.
Automotive Insights Report Launched by Bing
Whether you own a small auto dealership or are trying to sell the company van, there’s no way to ignore online and mobile marketing these days as two critical channels for connecting with customers.
Small Biz Spotlight
Spotlight: Zyrobotics Creates Inclusive Educational Products
Not all kids learn the same. But Zyrobotics wants to make sure that all kids have the opportunity to learn in their own way. The company uses innovative technology to create educational technology for children that is truly inclusive. Read more about the company and its offerings in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.
Social Media
How to Use New Facebook Reactions for Emotional Content Ideas
The world’s biggest online social network recently launched a feature offering more insight into your followers’ emotional reactions to content. The new Facebook Reactions allows users to do more than just “like” the posts that show up on their feeds. Now, they can choose to share more specific reactions.
Exploring Video Social Network Trends
Video-to-video communications is about to become as ubiquitous as voice in the very near future. This is possible without any difficulty using fixed Internet access, but there are still some hurdles to overcome with wireless broadband. When 4G LTE and 5G networks are fully deployed however, video will be as standard as voice on mobile.
Beyond Periscope: Powerful Live Streaming Platforms From YouTube and Facebook
If you stream live on Periscope, chances are you’ve got a wish list of enhancements you want, and you wanted them yesterday. Small Business Trends spoke with Ryan Steinolfson and took a closer look at YouTube, which already has a number of active new functions available to its live broadcasters, including monetization.
Startup
What FounderDating Is All About
Recently, I received a request to join FounderDating. The request came from someone I respect in the business world so I decided to check it out. Interesting concept, FounderDating is set up to connect entrepreneurs with potential partners and advisors.
More Women and Minorities Now Own Restaurants, National Restaurant Association Says
In a recent report released by the National Restaurant Association, women and minority-owned restaurant businesses have grown phenomenally between 2007 and 2012 in 48 states. Women-owned restaurant businesses grew three times faster than the overall restaurant industry in the 5-year period, increasing by 40 percent.
Taxes
21 Percent of Small Business Owners Still Filing Taxes on Paper Forms, Manta Reports
Most small business owners dread the tax season. Yet to save money, many entrepreneurs attempt filing taxes on their own and end up making costly mistakes in the process. Two recent polls by online small business service directory Manta have found 21 percent of small business owners file taxes on their own, without help from tax software or an accountant.
Intuit Announces Rise in Online TurboTax Use Among Americans
Intuit announced its fiscal 2Q16 results and posted revenues of $923 million, up 23 percent over last year. An important highlight was the growth in the sales of online TurboTax units to 12 percent versus the comparable prior-year period. And Intuit reports self-prepared e-filings increased approximately 3 percent, while assisted e-filings decreased 5 percent over the same period.
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