Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 28, 2011

A few weeks ago we posted our First Look review of the Kindle Fire.  In it we explained that despite some obvious UI and design flaws, we still found the Fire to be a useful addition to our computing toolbox. A few days after we released our review, usability guru Jacob Nielsen released a scathing review.  His conclusion - Amazon's  Kindle Fire offers a disappointingly poor user experience.  This caused a bit of stir on the Internet as Kindle supporters and naysayers

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Forms 127

Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 21, 2011

We at Smallbizlabs hope 2011 was a good year for you, your family and your small business.  We're looking forward to 2012 and are optimistic that the small business economy will continue to improve. Happy Holidays to all.

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Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 20, 2011

Those old enough to remember the movie The Graduate will no doubt remember the "plastics" scene.  It takes place at a college graduation party for the lead character  - Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman.  Braddock, who is totally lost about what to do next with his life, is getting career advice from the friends of his parents.  At one point a man walks up to Braddock and says "Plastics. enough said", and walks away.

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Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 14, 2011

Social entrepreneurs create organizations that operate like a business, but with a social mission.  This makes them different from the traditional non-profits, with the main difference being they attempt to create organizations that scale and become financially self-sustaining instead of relying on a non-stop stream of donations. It's an exciting, growing field and a key reason the non-profit sector managed to grow through the Great Recession.   The Wall S

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Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 13, 2011

It's the time of year when everyone is making predictions for the next year.  One of my favorite sources for consumer trends is JWT Intelligence and they've released their 2012 trends list. Their 10 consumer trends for 2012, with our clarifying remarks where needed, are: Navigating the new normal :  Continued cost-sensitive consumers.

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Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 12, 2011

I've had the Amazon Kindle Fire long enough for a first look review.  Despite a sometimes confusing user interface and a few other problems (for example, it's hard to plug in), I like it and already use it more than my iPad (which I also like).   My favorite features are the 7 inch screen form factor and the way it's optimized to work with Amazon's content and shopping services.  I also like the price ($200) and free access to movies and TV shows for Amazon Prim

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Small Business Labs

DECEMBER 1, 2011

There's a growing number of online marketplaces designed to connect people who are willing to pay for small tasks to be done with people willing to do them.  Think of them as eBay's for chores, small jobs and other personal and business tasks.  Examples include: Coffee and Power : is a new marketplace with 2nd Life founder Philip Rosedale at the helm and funding from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and VC firm Greylock Partners.  The goal of the marketplace is allow people to buy

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