Monday's Afternoon Update

Tech companies are connecting with push for new jobs

Naples is far from a Silicon Valley in California or a Tech City in London. It doesn't have Facebook, Twitter, Google or Apple. Yet, there's a growing technology sector that's driving innovation and creating jobs in Naples — and across the region. More at Naples News.

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Business Advice
Motivating ourselves to sell more is only half the battle

Ron Stein

In this week's column, Florida Trend's business coach Ron Stein highlights way you and your company can inspire more sales.

"Selling has its ups and downs. Yet, every day we need to pick ourselves up and get motivated to sell more of our offering. But, driving ourselves forward is only half the battle. You must move others too, no matter if you’re a solo entrepreneur or the executive of a large enterprise." Full column...

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Bright Futures scholarships cover less tuition

Business Profile Bottled Ocean When Nemours Children’s Hospital opens at Lake Nona this fall, the pediatric patients, visitors and staff can relax to the sight of fish swimming in a colorful coral-filled aquarium. The 1,500-gallon tank — 16 feet long and 10 feet tall — is another outsized project of Bottled Ocean. » More about Bottled Ocean. » Official site.

Across Florida, college freshmen are signing up for classes. Many are bringing Bright Futures scholarships to help pay their way. But some of them are experiencing sticker shock when they see what the scholarships don’t cover. Read more at StateImpact Florida.

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When working with relatives, plan for the unexpected

Family owned businesses, when run correctly by the right family members, can be wildly successful. But when they’re dysfunctional, family businesses can be a real nightmare for everyone involved – and even destroy families and their financial well being. More at the Miami Herald.

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Column: How to deal with an angry customer

Issues with angry patients are common in medical practices. Whether it is too much paperwork or a long wait time, there are a number of factors that can increase a patient’s frustration and incite their anger. Whether it is a patient or another kind of customer, the best and most effective tactic for dealing with an angry person is to show empathy for their situation. More advice from Jerry Osteryoung.

Trends in education Schools replace cafeterias with trendy cafes If you think it's uncool to buy your lunch at school, you probably haven't stepped inside one of the new dining facilities inside Palm Beach County schools. Out are the old institutional cafeterias where fried chicken, mashed potatoes and peas are doled out in assembly line fashion. They are being replaced by stylishly decorated eateries resembling upscale mall food courts that offer lots of tasty options. » Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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