Sheryl Sandberg sweats Netflix’s culture, plus-size bloggers lose their edge, Forbes lists America’s most promising, how to retrain your brain with Tetris, a DIY abstract art kit with a twist, online dating meets big data, hackers give the Fed a Super Bowl surprise… This week’s notable news and tantalizing tidbits for young treps:
1. The Netflix way is the best way? Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg recently described Netflix’s culture manifesto as “the most important document ever to come out of the valley.” Hmph, so it’s kind of a big deal? If you’re short on time, TechCrunch lays out the highlights. (TechCrunch)
2. Fatshion Police: Naturally, we’re all hot and bothered about next week being Fashion Week and all. But here’s a look at how the oft uninvited plus-size bloggers became a hit, and — now that companies like H&M are starting to cater to fuller-figured women — how they’ve lost some of their edge. (BetaBeat)
3. America’s got promise: Forbes recently released its second annual installment of America’s most promising companies. Tech unsurprisingly dominates the list, but this bird’s eye view at bourgeoning business can be a helpful tool to judge your startup’s relevance. (Forbes)
4. Online dating and YOU: As masters of efficiency, entrepreneurs often turn to online dating, but how many have used the opportunity as an experiment in product marketing? What product? You. That’s exactly what Amy Webb, CEO of Webb Media Group did with incredible results. (Mashable)
5. Positive thinking, courtesy of Tetris: For entrepreneurs thinking positively is mission critical. If you think you can’t, you won’t. Learn about positive thinking and how to rewire your brain by understanding the bizarre neurological phenomenon called The Tetris Effect. (Life Hacker)
6. Love as art: Abstract painter and entrepreneur Jeremy Brown has found success in his ‘Love is Art’ business, selling kits to capture your intimate moments on canvas. With a tarp, a little body-friendly paint and… you get the idea. Just think of the funny/awkward dinner-party conversations! (Fast Company)
7. Remaking in Motor City: The U.S. manufacturing industry was born in cities like Detroit, but the years have been unkind to the American assembly line. Still, savvy entrepreneurs smell fortune in the rubble. Meet Shinola, the watch, journal, bicycle maker and unabashed new Motor City local. (Core 77)
8. Hacktivists snub the Super Bowl: While most of us were gulping down hot wings and beer on Sunday, the hacktivist group Anonymous was busy hacking into the Federal Reserve. While we can’t blame the group for the half-hour power outage during the big game, one must wonder could this set off the world’s first real digital war? (Reuters)
9. Amazon bucks, here we come! Microsoft points, Nintendo points and now Amazon Coins. Wired explains why certain companies are choosing to create their own currencies, highlighting the finer points of spending psychology, profits and convenience. (Wired)
10. Paying attention: With so many distractions it’s easy to accept ‘continuous partial attention’ in your workplace, but it could be killing your team’s productivity. (C’mon, stay with us…) Here are some tips for focusing your mind and holding your attention. (Phew, that wasn’t so hard!) (LinkedIn Today)
