FlexJobs Reveals Top Freelance Gigs, Papa John’s Franchisee Gets Jail


FlexJobs Reveals Top Freelance Gigs, Papa John’s Franchisee Gets Jail

From top freelance opportunities to cautionary tales about withholding pay, this week’s Small Business Trends news and information roundup has something of interest to every type of entrepreneur. Keep reading for the top headlines in this week’s small business news.

Employment

Looking For Freelance Work? These 30 Companies Are Possibilities

The freelance economy is complex and ever-changing, but one thing is certain — freelancers are now a thriving force that is changing the way businesses hire. According to a new landmark survey commissioned by Elance-oDesk and Freelancers Union, there are more than 53 million freelance workers in the U.S. alone. That’s about 34 percent of the entire workforce.

Franchise

Papa John’s Franchise Owner Gets Jail Time for Withholding Pay

A Papa John’s franchise owner tried to make a buck off his employees’ backs, and now he is paying the price. Abdul Jamil Khokhar, the owner of nine Papa John’s Pizza locations in New York City along with BMY Foods, has pleaded guilty to not complying with the state’s labor laws, which is a misdemeanor, and to filing false business records, a felony.

7-Eleven Introduces Discounts to Recruit Veterans as Franchise Owners

There’s always plenty of talk about getting veterans back into the workforce after their tours of duty are over. And resources for veteran entrepreneurs also abound. The iconic mini-market 7-Eleven is going a step beyond that. 7-Eleven proposes that many returning vets would make excellent small business owners.

Interviews

Relocating? Get The Low-Down On a City From Locals on Telepor.me

Periscope’s home page tells you what it’s for: To “explore the world through the eyes of somebody else.” Serial entrepreneur Ray Garcia introduces a time-saving enhancement while staying true to Periscope’s main purpose. Garcia develops digital marketing strategies for brands like HP, Panasonic, Epson, Honeywell, and more. Ranked in Klout’s top 0.

Marketing Tips

Meet Aabaco Small Business (the Reincarnation of Yahoo Directory)

The Yahoo Small Business Directory is no more. It’s now part of Aabaco Small Business. Aabaco — whatever that means — is a company owned (for now) by Yahoo and attempts to reach the Yahoo Small Business Directory now direct users to the Aabaco site. Before Google was a household name, many people found their way around the Web by way of the Yahoo Directory.

Product Lists

Best Gadget Gifts for Geeks, Top Picks for 2015

Tech gadgets can make great gifts for business partners, clients, and tech savvy team members. And with plenty of new innovations being released each year, there are lots of new gadgets to choose from for the people on your 2015 holiday gift list. For the really tech savvy geeks on your holiday shopping list, check out the list of gadget gifts below for some unique gift ideas.

Retail Trends

B2B Deals During Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Abound

The holiday shopping season is an opportunity for individuals to save on the products they need most. But it can be a great opportunity for small businesses to save as well. To make the most of the season, it can be beneficial to look into the sales and discounts that other businesses are offering on days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

Small Biz Spotlight

Spotlight: Sustainable Living Provides Easy Access to Green Products

These days, it seems like almost every business is looking for ways to be more sustainable. That sustainability can lead to long-term savings and improved brand perception, among other benefits. That’s why Sustainable Living was formed. The business helps both businesses and individuals create more sustainable practices and find more eco-friendly products.

Small Business Operations

Time and Expense Tracking Apps: 27 Solutions

The easiest way for a small business to lose money is through sloppy time and expense reporting. In our fast-paced always on the run world, spreadsheets and shoeboxes just won’t cut it anymore. If you’re using either to collect information on these two key business metrics, then you should check out this list of time and expense tracking apps and solutions below.

FCC Overreaches on Fax Rules, NFIB Says

Some regulations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which oversees not only broadcasting but now some aspects of phone and other communications, may make a lot of sense. But others leave small business owners and small business groups scratching their heads or even crying fowl. Portions of a ruling on unsolicited faxes definitely fall under the latter.

Social Media

Webmasters in Uproar Over Missing Twitter Share Counts

Twitter has removed share counts across the board. That’s the number that tells readers of your websites how many times a link has been shared to the social site. The Twitter share counts have been gone since Nov. 20 but reactions — mostly negative — are still filtering in. And those who are upset are using Twitter, of course, to express their frustrations.

Google and Twitter Team Up with #SmallBizSquad for Business

One of the busiest shopping seasons is here and to help small businesses make the most of it, Google and Twitter have teamed up. The two companies have formed #SmallBizSquad to provide useful tips and resources to help businesses win big this holiday season.

Startup

3 Great Ways to Bring Your Business Online

It’s essential for all small businesses to have an online identity in today’s digital world. Whether you’re a successful small business or about to start one, bringing your business online may be the best thing for it. The advantages the Internet offers are exponential and can help a small business not only get off the ground, but thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Are Too Many People Starting a Non-Employer Business?

In 2013, the number of American businesses without employees per thousand people rose by 0.4 percent to hit a record of 72.72 non-employers for every thousand residents, Census Bureau data reveal. In the same year, average sales at these businesses nudged down by 0.2 percent — about $80 (in 2011 dollars) — to $44,357.

Taxes

Tax Scams are Once Again on the Rise

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.

Papa John’s via photo by Shutterstock

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