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Monday's Afternoon Update

Half of older workers plan to retire later

Older Americans, stung by a recession that sapped investments and home values, but expressing widespread job satisfaction, appear to have accepted the reality of a retirement that comes later in life and no longer represents a complete exit from the workforce. More at the AP.


Sales and Marketing Advice
How to create great content when you run out of ideas and time

Content comes in many forms and some will work better than others for your business. A content strategy and plan will help you sort that out. But where do you start and how will you find inspiration and time? Read Ron Stein's full column.


Business Profile

Dreams Recycled

dreams recycled
Fresh off a divorce, Orlandostay-at-home mom Tiffany Beverlin had a dream one night about unsuccessfully trying to sell her 2.5-carat engagement ring.

As she slept, she says she literally dreamt up the idea for her business: an online website where divorcées can sell the toxic assets of their past relationships, using the money from selling diamonds or wedding gowns to finance their new dreams.

» Full story from the Orlando Sentinel

» Dreams Recycled site

Mortgage Investors Corp. lays off nearly 500, stops making new loans

Mortgage Investors Corp. is laying off nearly 500 workers, including 256 in its St. Petersburg, Florida headquarters. The company will stop making new loans effective today. Bill Edwards, chairman of MIC, blamed the near-shutdown on federal regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act that are going into effect Wednesday. His company, one of the biggest refinancers of home loans for veterans, doesn't have the technological capacity to comply, Edwards said. More at the Tampa Bay Times


Miami to NY hedge funds: We’re ready for you now

Miami hopes to lure hedge funds out of New York with an updated twist on a familiar message: Come south for warm winters, zero state or city income tax and -- finally -- a downtown worthy of Wall Street’s elite. More at the Miami Herald.


Small Business Advice
Leadership consists of four essential elements

It is amazing to me that so many people think of themselves as great leaders, but do not demonstrate leadership qualities. Being an owner or a boss does not make you a leader. True leadership is not about the position you hold, but the attributes you display. Read Jerry Osteryoung's full column here.

Out of the Box
V2 Cigs: Florida company’s sales are smoking hot

v2Electronic cigarettes — or e-cigs — are puffing along in the United States and one Miami company, V2 Cigs, has taken advantage of this fast-growing market to become the third-largest e-cig vendor in the country in less than five years.

» More from the Miami Herald

See also:
» E-cigarettes win fans but science still assessing safety