SMB Tech Roundup: Data Security, Résumé Clichés and Onward to 2011

On Tuesday, LinkedIn decided to sit us all down for an honest heart-to-heart. The buzz words we’ve been using in our LinkedIn profiles, they told us, are a bit much. The company released a list of ten phrases that are overused across millions of profiles, such as “innovative,” “motivated,” “results-oriented” and “dynamic.” Topping the list was the phrase “extensive experience.” Our own Mike Melanson covered the announcement, advising readers that perhaps it’s time to start avoiding these phrases.

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Also on LinkedIn’s company blog this week, they reminded users why maintaining unique passwords across sites is really important, especially in the wake of Gawker’s recent security woes. The business networking site was kind enough to identify which of its users might be at risk as a result of the Gawker exploit and email them with a reminder to change their passwords.

Speaking of online security issues, VentureBeat had a timely post on Wednesday outlining how companies can protect their data in this new “Wikileaks world.” Check out ReadWriteWeb’s security tips for SMBs for more ideas.

Now users of Web form-building app Wufoo can accept recurring payments from those forms, thanks to a brand new integration with Chargify. This is ideal for companies who sell any kind of subscription or otherwise need to charge customers on a periodic basis. Chargify is the first automated recurring billing solution to be baked into Wufoo, but it joins good old fashioned PayPal, Authorize.net and Google Checkout on the ever-growing list of Wufoo integrations.

Small businesses are optimistic about the near future, according to a survey released this week by Ebay. It found that 72% of SMBs were expecting increased sales this holiday season and that 60% are generally “optimistic” about the future as 2011 approaches.

Looking to grow your business in the new year? Google announced its going to give growing small businesses a hand by matching the first $100 in AdWords spending a company does up until February 15. Customers who spend that much will be given a $100 credit for more ads. The “Big Small Business Plan” as they’re calling it, is available now for existing AdWords customers, but newbies have to sign up for the service by December 31 to qualify.

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