Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Monday's Afternoon Update

Construction spending up in October

U.S. developers boosted construction spending in October at the fastest pace in more than four years, propelled by a surge in government projects. But spending on home construction and commercial projects both fell. More at the AP.


Your clients expect a good value - here's how to deliver it

Your prospects will buy from the company that they see as offering the highest perceived value. It’s an evaluation that weighs the difference between all of the potential benefits and the true cost of acquiring the product or service. There’s no easy answer to how your prospects perceive the value of your offering. Read Ron Stein's full column.


How Facebook boosted Small Business Saturday

Business Profile

Gulf Gate Village

gulfgate
When Gary Stern moved to Sarasota 13 years ago, he knew exactly where he wanted to open a unique storefront that would sell art and other goods from Africa: Gulf Gate Village.

The neighborhood is probably best known for its eclectic group of reasonably priced restaurants and nightlife, but a handful of small, locally owned retail outfits also have found their niche among the diverse offerings there.

» Full story from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Facebook isn't just about advertising. Companies, and specifically, small businesses, are using the platform to boost sales for their own businesses, and build brand awareness for Small Business Saturday, as they seek to cash in on the holiday shopping season. More at NASDAQ.


Small Business Advice
Remember to be thankful for employees, colleagues

Your staff spends much more time with you than with their families and it is so easy to forget this. This time of year it is important to just ponder how much your staff has given and sacrificed for you. Feeling this gratefulness is an important element both to being a great manager, but also to be a kind person. Read the full column from Jerry Osteryoung.


Health care premiums vary widely in Florida

Some Floridians will pay twice as much as others for similar insurance plans purchased on the federal HealthCare.gov web site, a USA TODAY/Gannett analysis of federal data shows. It all depends on where someone lives. More at Florida Today.

Out of the Box
Moonshine makes a potent comeback in Central Florida bars

moonshineMoonshine may be clear, but its reputation is still murky. For many, the name conjures images of backwoods entrepreneurs of the Prohibition era who transported and sold moonshine illegally. But drinkers today no longer need to go under the table to get their fix of the harsh, often potent, form of whiskey.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel