Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Monday's Afternoon Update

Florida Legislature special session underway again

Florida lawmakers returned to the state Capitol today for their third special session of 2015. The Florida Legislature opened a 19-day special session to redraw 40 state Senate districts. This past summer the Senate acknowledged in court filings that it violated the state constitution by creating maps that benefit Republicans and incumbents. More from the AP and WUSF.

Sales & Marketing Advice
The art of creating a memorable (non-boring) business introduction - Part 2

The real purpose of an introduction is to quickly summarize how your business helps customers or partners. And, you should do this in a way that attracts the attention of your ideal target audience. A better way to think of it is -- you need to create an “irresistible invitation.” It’s time to create that perfect invitation. Read the full column from Ron Stein, here.

U.S. initiatives could help Puerto Rico's fiscal recovery and debt restructuring

While the United States is unlikely to provide a financial bail-out for Puerto Rico as the territory tries to restructure some of its $73 billion in debt, reports suggest the US Treasury Department is considering taking a more active role, Moody's Investors Service says, as the deteriorating fiscal situation leads to increasing pressure on Congress to take actions to stabilize the island's economy or finances. Read the story from Moody's, here.

Candidates make their pitch for Marco Rubio's senate seat

The race to succeed Florida’s U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is getting crowded, and some of those vying for Rubio’s chair are starting to make their case for the job. There are 13 men and women going for 1 open U.S. Senate seat. But, with gridlock in Washington, why would anyone want the job? According to candidates -- such as Democrats Pam Keith or Congressman Alan Grayson, or Republican David Jolly -- they believe they can change things. More at WFSU.

Small Business Advice
Live -- and work -- above your capacity!

Every manager and entrepreneur must be willing to give their full capacity. That said, how do you know right now if you are living up to your capacity? There is no magic bullet here, but the following three questions might help you figure this out:

  1. If I gave just a little bit more effort could I accomplish more?
  2. Are their barriers in my life that are holding me back from accomplishing more?
  3. What would it take for me to use more of my capacity in my company or organization?

Read the full article by Jerry Osteryoung, here.

dba Florida™
Judgment Liens

In Florida, if you win a lawsuit for money, you will receive a copy of the Court's judgment stating the amount of money the losing party must pay to you. Then, to collect your money, you should first obtain a judgment lien by recording a Judgment Lien Certificate with the Department of State. This article explains why obtaining a judment lien is a good idea and how you do it. » Full story, from Florida Small Business, is here.

Museum News
Museum of Florida History reopens, debuts colonial exhibit

The Museum of Florida History has reopened to the public after being closed for seven months as part of the renovation project on the plaza level of the R. A. Gray Building. With the reopening of the Museum comes the completion of a fascinating new permanent exhibit, Forever Changed: La Florida, 1513–1821. The new exhibit explores a dynamic period in history -- from the meeting and interaction of native and European cultures to Florida's adoption as a United States territory. » More about the new exhibit here.