How Black Friday came to be, Mark Cuban opens up a can of whoopass on Facebook, making a good first impression, why digital first aid matters, DIY or die… This week’s notable news and tantalizing tidbits for young treps:
1. The branding of Black Friday: A century ago, the term referred to the market crash of Sept. 24, 1869, which was caused by two financiers’ failed attempt to corner the gold market. Today, it’s the biggest shopping day of the year. Go figure. (Businessweek)
2. Mark Cuban ‘dislikes’ Facebook: Mark Cuban talks about why he’s downgrading his companies’ emphasis on Facebook. (Blog Maverick)
3. Digital first aid: The first 24 hours after a disaster are critical. See how some companies are getting digital aid to first responders and people in need. (Txchnologist)
4. Ditch the thunder grip: With the help of social scientists, we can make better first impressions. Here’s a hint: stand tall and lose the handshake. (Wired)
5. Silicon Prairie: the New York Times discovers that fast-growth startups are in the Midwest too. (New York Times)
6. Content, meet commerce: Ride the coattails of these fashion websites, apps and services and see how you can improve online user experience. (Business of Fashion)
7. DIY or die? A small jewelry startup merges direct sales with the web – adopting the motto “DIY or die.” Of course, an enterprise software debacle ensues. (Pando Daily)
8. From the trenches: Navy SEAL combat veteran and co-founder and CMO at Internet Marketing Inc, Brent Gleeson draws parallels between SEAL training and business leadership — and what separates the good leaders from the great ones. (Inc.)
9. Time out! Think: Being an entrepreneur is demanding. Even still, angel investor Mark Suster offers insight into avoiding getting “sucked into ‘do’ mode” and provides tips for making time count. (Both Sides of the Table)
10. Waste not, want not: It may be too late for Thanksgiving, but the other holidays are fast approaching. Agriculture scientist Dana Gunders offers tips to getting the most out of holiday meals while limiting wasted food. (Eatocracy)
