Service firms grow at fastest pace since August

U.S. service firms grew at the fastest pace since August as new orders and sales grew, adding to other evidence that the economy is picking up after a slow start to the year. The figures come after a healthy jobs report on Friday also fueled hopes for an improving economy. More at the AP.

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Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida Business
Know how to handle know-it-all customers

You come across all kinds of people. Marketing and sales is a contact sport and your customer's temperament determines how that interaction plays out. Dealing with the customer who knows everything about anything can get complicated. Read Ron Stein's full column.

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Social media strategy boosts online furniture business

Profile Turning 37 million pounds of donated items into funds, and jobs At Goodwill Manasota, they call it the river -- the flow of donations that supports the organization and stays constant, like water running downhill. Goodwill Manasota generates about $50 million a year in sales from 18 stores, which include a dozen retail and clearance centers, two bargain barns, three bookstores and a specialty store. » Full story from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Heywood-Wakefield (www.Heywood-Wakefield.com), founded in 1897, is a historic furniture brand that closed its doors in the late 1970s. The company’s trademark was acquired by Miami entrepreneur Leonard Riforgiato in 1992. More at the Miami Herald.

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Small Business Advice
Fun in the workplace increases productivity

More and more companies are making play an integral part of each workday, as they know it really does pay off. LinkedIn’s employees play Ping-Pong or Foosball when they need to take a break, and one of Zappo’s core values is to “create fun and a little weirdness.” Read more from Jerry Osteryoung.

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Smaller banks embrace home loans as others step away

While many Southwest Florida community banks are walking away from the home loan business, other lenders consider residential mortgages a path to growth. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Entertainment Business Game on! As organizers planned eMerge Americas Techweek, the foundation’s inaugural marquee event now happening at the Miami Beach Convention Center, they focused on areas of local strength ripe for a tech turbocharge — such as entertainment. Accordingly, the conference agenda includes a number of speakers from the gaming industry. » Full story from the Miami Herald

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