A shocking number of unpaid internships could be illegal

Legal experts are warning of a wave of unpaid intern lawsuits after a judge found that two Fox Searchlight production interns were not compensated legally. It turns out it is really hard to meet all of the legal requirements for an unpaid internship. More at Business Insider.

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Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
How to explode your marketing and selling productivity

As a business owner or executive it seems like you’ve got a million things to do everyday, not the least of which is operating your company. On any given day it’s the same -- company meetings, interruptions, emails and phone calls, the printer stops working, and a mountain of paperwork on your desk. Your attention is constantly pulled in all directions, making it difficult to focus on marketing and selling. Read Ron Stein's full column.

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Economic well-being of children slips

Business Profile Solar Impact Solar power was very much a niche market in early 2007 when Barry and Elaine Jacobson decided they would install solar panels themselves on their own home, making it just the 12th home in Gainesville to do so. Since the couple, both 51, started Solar Impact later that year, they have installed 170 solar projects on homes and businesses, providing about 6 megawatts of power — enough to power 500 homes. » Full story from the Gainesville Sun

Many families in the U.S. have been trying to raise children in the face of joblessness and homelessness. An annual survey released Monday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows the number of children living in poverty increased to 23 percent in 2011, after the recession. Read more from the AP and see the report.

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Small Business Advice
Without a smile, your staff is not ready for work

A smile is a valuable piece of the customer experience because it communicates things words cannot. A smile indicates warmth and kindness, whereas a frown or empty expression puts up a barrier between your company and your customers. At best, it sends the message that you just are not there for them. Read Jerry Osteryoung's full column.

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South Florida businesses profit from Miami Heat win

Miami Heat fans have been doing some last minute shopping ahead of the most anticipated parade in town, giving South Florida businesses a boost. More at NBC Miami and the Miami Herald.

Out of the Box Boca company uses faces, even body heat to deter hackers From the identity theft epicenter — South Florida — comes a possible solution to prevent hacking and information stealing. Using facial recognition and even body heat, a Boca Raton software company says it has come up with a better way to protect online identities and control access to computer systems. » Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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