Economists: future deficits top U.S. fiscal problem

The biggest fiscal challenge facing the U.S. is the size of projected deficits in the 2020s and 2030s, according to a survey of business economists. The National Association for Business Economics surveyed 220 of its members in July and August. The survey found that members were more concerned about the size of deficits in the next two decades than current deficits or deficits over the next 10 years. More at the AP.

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Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
Do customers trust you as much as you think?

Have you ever wondered if your prospects trust you? It’s probably the last thing you think about during the marketing and selling process. After all, your company jumps through hoops for customers and always takes an honest approach to business. Yet, it’s worth taking a step back to see how your audience views you through their eyes -- just to make sure. Read Ron Stein's full column.

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The sunshine economy: Retail

Business Profile RegisterPatient RegisterPatient had been selling its online patient interaction tools to individual physicians and practices, but its investors had bigger things in mind to take advantage of rapidly emerging opportunities in health information technology. To go after large health IT and hospital network customers, the board decided to bring on someone with experience growing a health IT startup company. » Full story from the Gainesville Sun

South Florida is home to both the biggest outlet mall in the United States (Sawgrass Mills) and the shopping destination generating the highest sales per square foot in the world (Bal Harbour Shops.) The reality of retail is a reflection of two of our most important industries; real estate and tourism. More at WLRN.

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Small Business Advice
Smart managers keep an eye on the competition

Competition is tough, but it can also benefit you if you know how to make the most of it. No one has cornered the market on great ideas, so watch your competitors closely, and when you see them doing something you can legally do as well, go for it. Read Dr. Jerry Osteryoung's full column.

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Electric bicycle company off to speedy start

In June, ProdecoTech moved into larger manufacturing space in Oakland Park, where it designs and assembles the motorized bicycles. The owners already have plans to expand those operations. ProdecoTech is gearing up to outpace the competition, particularly in the 18-year-old to 25-year-old demographic, said ProdecoTech's chief executive Robert Provost. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Entertainment Business Theme parks push for more creativity Theme park consultants say attractions need to be more detailed in the age of video games, smartphones and 3-D TVs. And of course, parks aren’t just competing with home entertainment; they’re competing against each other for guests’ time and money, especially in the Interstate 4 corridor through the Orlando area. The rise of the Internet means everyone is a critic — several theme park fan blogs are devoted to dissecting the geeky details of each new attraction. » Read more from the AP

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