If you haven't already, you will soon realize that Google Places pages are no more. Last week, Google announced its exciting merger between Google Places and Google+, resulting in what they are calling "Google+ Local" or "Local+". This integration is one step in Google's effort to creating an entirely social experience for the consumer- a goal they have been working towards for quite a while now. A more versatile local search and social media channel (think Facebook meets Yelp), Local+ has generated a lot of buzz in the last week since its introduction. Let's explore what's new in Google+ Local and see how this affects the business owner.

If you are a small business owner and you are apprehensive to Yelp, you're not alone. To many, the internet itself is a beast that small business owners just don't want to face, ready to swallow them whole much like Amazon.com has made many small bookstores need to rethink their traditional business model and marketing plan. Don't worry though, Yelp is a happy smiling Monster like Mike from Monsters Inc. Started in 2004, Yelp is an urban online directory that allows visitors to find, talk about, and then review local businesses from restaurants to hair salons. The scary part?

Apple sold 37 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, an intimidating number that propelled the iPhone back to its number one ranking in the league of smartphones. The iPhone 4S' new feature, Siri, can be accredited for this sudden craving for the desirable smartphone...but why?