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Businesses face false closing reports on Google Places

Google Places has opened companies up to a new kind of mischief in which they can be marked as "permanently closed" on the website if enough people report the business is no longer open. Business owners can click another button to challenge the claim, but some owners say that feature takes a while or doesn't work at all. A Google spokesman said the company would introduce changes to prevent "malicious or incorrect labeling." The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (9/5), The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/You're the Boss blog (9/6)

Could trust be good for your health?

Those with the most money in a neighborhood tend to be the least trusting of their neighbors, according to a study by Eileen Bjornstrom of Missouri University. But the people who were more trusting also reported having better health. The Boston Globe/Boston Real Estate Now blog (free registration) (9/1)

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BBB: Beware of scams as you clean up after Irene

East Coast residents struck by Hurricane Irene may be anxious to get repairs under way, but it's important to be cautious in order to avoid getting scammed, says BBB's Howard Schwartz. He recommends getting at least three bids for any job, checking companies out and not automatically picking the lowest bid. And once you've selected a contractor, get the agreement in writing. ClipSyndicate/WTNH-TV, (New Haven, Conn.) (9/3)

How to save on gas and promote your business in the process

Driving less and limiting weight in vehicles are good ways to save on fuel but might not be practical for some businesses, Elizabeth Sile writes. To save money, companies should teach their staff efficient driving techniques and plan routes to avoid heavy traffic or numerous red lights. Driving slower can also save fuel and promote the business. "It's a billboard. We'd rather our guys drive a little bit slower to keep that billboard out there a little bit longer," said Christopher Jackson of College Hunks Hauling Junk. Inc.com (9/2)

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Recalls of breached SSL certificates raise Web-security doubts

Recurring security breaches involving SSL certificates has businesses looking for other ways to secure online transactions, writes Scott M. Fulton III. Security researcher Moxie Marlinspike has introduced a new notary system for online security that works with independent certificate authorities and minimizes the risk of being attacked by forgers. "Since there is no centralized authority that you must trust, you can choose and change your trust as you wish," said Marlinspike. ReadWriteWeb.com (8/31)

New York businesses press for quick hurricane-relief aid

After Hurricane Irene devastated small businesses in New York, Rep. Steve Israel is urging the federal government to expedite small-business loans. Many businesses in Rep. Israel's district on Long Island were damaged by the water and winds of the storm. Statewide, damage is estimated at $1 billion. The Small Business Administration offers many low-interest disaster loans that can help. The State Column (9/2)

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Trust is essential for cloud computing, European official says

Trust and security are key to the widespread use of cloud computing, which offers potential benefits such as cost-savings and data portability, said Neelie Kroes of the European Commission. Those interested in using cloud computing need to make sure the vendors they use offer secure technology, she said at a panel discussion. At the same discussion, Vivek Kundra, who served as the first chief information officer of the U.S., said governments shouldn't let security concerns get in the way of the adoption of the technology. ZDNet (Asia) (9/1)

Lenders and businesses "speed date" in South Carolina

South Carolina businesses looking for lenders took to "speed dating" at a recent workshop in Columbia. The state-sponsored event was meant to bring lenders "right to small-business owners," said Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. No word on whether any of the rapid-fire meetings between businesses and lenders resulted in any new relationships. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/In Charge blog (9/1)

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Research 9/11 charities thoroughly before donating

As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, beware of charities that are really scams, warns the BBB. Carefully research any charity before donating and don't ever pay over the phone, through wire transfer or by overnight courier. "It's vital for donors to understand what organizations are actually doing and research them as thoroughly as possible before giving," said BBB's Dale Mingilton. KMGH-TV (Denver) (9/1)

Banks have received $1.8 billion from Small Business Lending Fund

The Small Business Lending Fund has provided 50 more banks a total of $767 million, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The program has now enabled a total to $1.8 billion to be distributed to 130 banks. The money will encourage lending to small businesses, Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal S. Wolin said. United Press International (9/1)

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Trust in your instincts to navigate through tough times

When times get tough, people tend to get mired in analysis or negative thinking, but success requires trusting your instincts, writes the Washington Post's Dan Beyers, who found his work improved when he stopped trying to rely on a set formula. "It is easy to find reasons why not to do something. Riskier, to plow ahead, especially in this sluggish economy," he writes. But Inc. magazine's annual list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies reveals that some businesses have done just that, growing despite doubts brought on by the economy. The Washington Post/Capital Business (8/27)

Business wisdom picked up at the pawn shop

After 31 years in the pawn shop business, Money Mizer Pawn & Jewelry CEO Robbie Whitten says he tries to learn something new every day -- a strategy that helps keep him ahead of the competition and bring in new customers. Once the customer is in the store, Whitten treats them with respect, no matter how they look -- or smell. One shabbily dressed man spent $8,500 in cash on jewelry after he received polite and professional service. BusinessNewsDaily.com (8/26)

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Steve Jobs demonstrates the value of trust in leadership

Leaders such as Apple's famously difficult-to-work-for Steve Jobs demonstrate that leaders don't need to be perfect people -- but they do need to have the trust and respect of those who follow them, writes Dave Obee. "A true leader will set out a vision or a goal, and encourage everyone else to work toward the same end. A true leader will get things done by showing that the result will justify a bit of pain," he writes. Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia) (8/27)

3 rules for repairing your business' credit score

A good credit rating is important to keep a business afloat, Mary Goodman and Rich Russakoff write. Make payments on time and monitor your credit rating for errors -- then dispute any you find. Also, keep in touch with your creditors to show your dedication to paying down your debt, they advised. BNET/The Money Dept. blog (8/26)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
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BBB: Facebook security guide is overdue but welcome

Facebook has finally released a security guide, a 14-page document which covers such topics as how to protect yourself from a variety of scams and block fake accounts, writes the BBB's Alan Bligh. To find the "Own Your Space" guide, search for "facebook own your own space," he writes. Victoria Advocate (Texas) (8/27)

Community bank closures put the squeeze on entrepreneurs

Small businesses may have a harder time finding credit as smaller, community banks shut down. A study from Celent reveals a 43% decline in banks with under $100 million in assets since 1992. That means small businesses will need stellar credit ratings and solid financials to get loans from bigger banks. Many are turning to alternative sources of cash, including microlenders and peer loans. Entrepreneur.com/The Daily Dose blog (8/26)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
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BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace