You’re Probably Not Rich Enough to Opt Out of the Internet | WIRED

December 4, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

LAST MONTH AT the Techonomy conference in Half Moon Bay, California, a group of technologists explored the ethics of developing web services in the age of artificial intelligence. How much do people really understand about the information they’re giving up in return for a service, an audience member asked, and can they choose not to give up that data?

The question was met, at first, with a quizzical silence. Data is the fuel that makes the Internet work. Without it, online services aren’t as personal, or as useful. Then someone on the panel remarked that, of course, a user has to give up data, but it’s her choice. She could choose, instead, to opt out.

But could she? Can anyone?

4 Reasons Your Business Has Stopped Growing | Inc.com

December 3, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Running a company that exclusively serves the small business market has provided me with countless opportunities to get inside the head of small-business owners.

Many of these small-business owners are essentially in the process of launching a startup. They’re bootstrapped, hustling for every dime of revenue and trying to unlock the secrets to consistent growth.

The harsh reality is that a lot of startups launch, have a little success early on, but then simply stop growing. I’ve come across countless business owners who seem to make the same mistakes over and over again when it comes to growth. Here are four to avoid.

Areas of the Law that Every Start Up Should Be Aware Of | The Startup Magazine

December 2, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

You have an innovative, perhaps even ground-breaking idea. Maybe you are also lucky enough to have a co-founder or have secured substantial investment and are about to go ahead with the start-up dream….but STOP. Do you know the legal implications or requirements that you should be taking heed of? Unbelievably, many young businesses move forward founding a business without consulting a solicitor. Simple mistakes that were made in the early days can become the very reason that yours business fails; Peterborough based law firm Taylor Rose offer to cast some light on the shadowy areas of the law that you should be aware of!

The Science Of Why Scarcity Makes Us More Creative | Co.Exist

December 1, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The rise of mass consumption has driven worldwide economic growth for decades. But does it help our creative growth?

According to a new study, the answer is no. When we stop buying new things, we look at what we already have in new ways and come up with new uses for products we own. In other words, scarcity drives creativity. When we aren’t surrounded with ready-made solutions to problems, we have no trouble coming up with our own.

This finding may surprise precisely nobody working in any artistic field. This make-do-and-mend mentality is the way our grandparents—and in some cases parents—approached the world, ranging from jam-jars used as drinking glasses to cigar-box guitars.

E-tailers: Minimize the Impact of DIM Charges over the Holidays | Get Entrepreneurial

December 1, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

By now, you are probably aware of the dimensional weight charges implemented by big shipping carriers UPS and FedEx back in January. Under these changes, packages less than 3 cubic feet are subjected to dimensional weight pricing, also referred to as DIM pricing and DIM charges. DIM pricing calculates shipping costs based on a package’s volume— or how much space it occupies— in relation to its weight.

DIM charges, which have been applied to air shipments and larger ground parcels for a while, are now being applied to smaller ground parcels due to the increase in e-commerce sales. The continued popularity of online shopping has led to a steady increase in the volume of packages handled by carriers like UPS and FedEx, resulting in higher operating costs for these carriers. According to Alan Gershenhorn, UPS executive vice president and chief commercial officer, dimensional weight pricing “enables us [UPS] to more appropriately align rates with costs which are influenced by both the size and weight of packages.”

Michael Sawitz From Fast Start Studios

November 30, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The 10 Commandments of Marketing from Seth Godin | Page19

November 24, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Seth Godin is a household name around the world. His books—on everything from how ideas spread to the post-industrial revolution—have been translated into 35 languages. But you might first have heard of him on his blog, which you can find by simply typing “seth” into Google.

Let’s run that back: you can find Seth Godin’s blog just by typing “seth” into Google, meaning his, of the millions of pages out there, is the first thing to come up in one of the world’s most powerful search engines. Logical conclusion: this guy obviously knows a thing or two about marketing.

But why go with two when you can have 10?

Tax Scams are Once Again on the Rise | Small Biz Trends

November 24, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Tax scammers are again at work and your small businesses could be vulnerable just like other consumers. Authorities insist calls from scammers claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service are on the rise around the country.

Just in case you are not aware of this tax scam, it works on fear and intimidation by the criminals. They call their victims and leave a menacing message on voice mail stating you have a warrant for your arrest because of a tax violation. When you call the number to find out what it is all about, the ruse continues to play out until they talk you into sending them money.

Here’s what you need to protect your business and yourself.

25 Inexpensive Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Co-Workers | Business News Daily

November 23, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start preparing for the office holiday party. Maybe you’re just looking to spread a little holiday cheer, or maybe your office throws a big Secret Santa gift exchange every year — either way, shopping for your co-workers is not always easy.

If you’re not sure what to get your co-workers this year, don’t worry. Here are 25 fun, unique and totally work-appropriate gifts that your co-workers will love. And the best part? Every item on this list is $20 or less.

Stop Kidding Yourself About Your Selling | All Business

November 18, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

All salespeople know how to sell. Sometimes, though, they sell themselves on ideas that just aren’t sound. It’s time to stop kidding yourself about your selling.

Sales Truth #1: Know who is and who is not a true prospect.

Start by being honest with yourself about who is and who is not a true prospect for you. Unless you are going to change something about your product, your process, your delivery, or you, you can expect the same results you’ve gotten in the past.