Today's roundup starts with positive news from U.S. economists and includes stories about using Google+ and understanding what on earth American Idol has to do with CRM.
Don't worry (as much) about a new recession
According to Phil Izzo of The Wall Street Journal, a forecasting survey of economists reveals that the chance of a recession has fallen. The Journal surveyed 52 economists "in November—not all of whom answer every question—put 1-in-4 odds that the U.S. will experience a recession in the next 12 months, down from a 1-in-3 chance they were seeing two months ago." And exhale.
Love it, hate it, have no clue what it is—whatever camp you fall in, The New York Times Bit's blog has declared the social networking program is here for the long haul. But why, when so many people are already ready for the next bright shiny object? "Detractors don't realize one very important point: Google does not see Google+ as a separate product; to the company, Google+ is the product," writes Nick Bilton. Does this mean it's time to actually sit down and spend some time working on your Google+ profile? Maybe.
For those who have served, sometimes life back home can be a struggle—specifically when it comes to employment. Enter the franchise industry. Entrepreneur's Daily Dose writes that while the industry has long recognized veterans as ideal franchise owners, they will be employing a new campaign in order to get more involved. "The IFA says its new campaign, dubbed 'Operation Enduring Opportunity,' is in response to President Barack Obama's call to the private sector to offer opportunities to veterans, who now face high unemployment."
And you thought CRM software couldn't be fun
If you're a fan of American Idol and CRM, you will be crazy for the latest installment of the idol series—CRM Idol: The Open Season 2011. According to Small Business Trends, the competition was created to help "identify innovators in the CRM industry." This year's competition saw over 60 competitors from all over the world. So who took the prize this year? Get Satisfaction, who featured its anti-hero, JarGon in its winning video, writes Susan Payton.
Do you have the next great idea? It might be time to apply for a free Startup America Success Kit. The initiative, started earlier this year, was designed to help future entrepreneurs secure help for their programs. Do you think your for-profit startup or for-profit rampup might qualify? Take a look here.