Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/19/2015

Business travelers are spending big again

During 2014, business travelers in the U.S. spent $292 billion, a 6.7% increase over 2013, according to a study by the Global Business Travel Assn., which projects business travel spending to jump an additional 6.2% to $310 billion in 2015. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida Business
Content marketing is powerful as long as you start with 'why'

Solid content will help get your website noticed. Yet, driving eyeballs to your website is just one piece of an effective marketing program. Content marketing is powerful, as long as you start with a “why." The purpose will determine the type of content and what it achieves. More from Ron Stein.

Bank seizures -- almost -- thing of the past

Around the State
Navy Federal

Virginia-based Navy Federal Credit Union keeps growing in Pensacola. The financial institution recently signed off on a $350-million second phase of its expansion and the creation of 5,000 more jobs.

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Friday nights have become a lot quieter in the banking business in Florida. Only one financial institution in the Sunshine State failed in 2014, the lowest total in seven years and another sign that the state's banking sector is well into recovery. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The Membership Economy is the new currency for business

Being a member requires a commitment (however small) or exchange that goes beyond the typical interaction between consumers and a business. That kind of commitment can be hard to find in a fast-paced world, but it is possible. More at Small Business Trends.

Small Business Advice
How to deal with difficult customer situations

In difficult situations, you need to give the customer options rather than demands. By allowing them to choose an option that works for them, you give the customer power rather than taking it away. More from Jerry Osteryoung.

Profile
Lorna Nagler

When Lorna Nagler visits a Bealls department store in Florida for the first time, she makes sure to greet every employee who's folding shirts or checking out customers. Nagler has been the president of Bealls department stores for four years now, and has taken the Bradenton-based company in a new, creative direction.