Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 11/25/2013

Gas prices soar, particularly in Florida

Gas prices jumped across the country in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. But nowhere did they soar as much as they did in Florida. Although Florida is usually well below the national average, it’s now one of the highest. More at the Florida Times-Union.

» How high are gas prices in your Florida city? (Also, where's the lowest-priced gas station near you?) Answers to both questions are here.

Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
Five effective, easy-on-your-budget marketing ideas

Activities such as content and email marketing require tireless dedication and lots of time. The same goes for social media and networking. These may not cost a lot of money but they sure will cost you time. And time is a luxury you don’t have. Read Ron Stein's full column.

More hotels rent pop-up office, work spaces

Corporate gift guide

Thank clients, employees with items that can be useful, fun

The holiday gift season is here and it’s a tradition that makes a big showing in business circles. Problem is, unlike the holiday party — for which attire instructions are printed on the invitation — the guidelines for giving go unpublished.

» Full story from the Miami Herald

These days, it's as easy to book office space at hotels as it is to book a room. A number of hotels are making use of unused space by renting it to travelers or even locals looking for places to work. Like pop-up restaurants before them, "pop-up offices" are now becoming more common in the hospitality industry. More at USA Today.

Small Business Advice
Promote the business trait that makes your company unique

What if your business provides standard products and services? How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd if everyone offers something similar? Remember, uniqueness is not just about products and services. It can be any attribute that allows you to differentiate yourself clearly from the competition. Read Jerry Osteryoung's full column.

5 Tax Rules for Year-End Bonuses

If 2013 has been a profitable year for your business, you may want to share your good fortune with your staff. Typically this is done by giving year-end bonuses. Before you cut a check, understand what these bonuses mean to your business and your employees as well as some alternatives to cash bonuses. More at the SBA.

Treasure Trends
Undiscovered shipwrecks

The Titanic exhibit, now at the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach, is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to undersea treasures. Dozens of sunken Spanish galleons remain undiscovered off Florida's coast, many hidden by centuries of shifting sands, yet holding tons of gold and silver worth tens of millions of dollars.