Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/20/2015

Florida insurers prepare big rate hikes

More people now have health insurance. That’s a fact and attributed to the mandate that people have insurance or get taxed for going without it. But there are winners and losers in the market. More at Flagler Live.

Sales and Marketing Advice
The crucial first rule of marketing and sales

How do you stop wasting time on people who seem like buyers, but will never buy from your company? The answer for many businesses has been to qualify leads with a simple formula: Budget, Authority, Need and Timeframe -- known as BANT. More from Ron Stein.

U.S. Rep. David Jolly enters race for U.S. Senate

David Jolly, the former congressional aide who surprised much of the political world 15 months ago by winning a special election for a Pinellas County congressional seat, is running for U.S. Senate. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

Proximity to Disney helps Kissimmee become 'vacation-home capital'

If DT Minich's vision is successful, Kissimmee will be known as the "Vacation Home Capital of the World" — complete with pro athletes and corporate executives popping in for stays at sprawling, richly appointed mansions. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Small Business Advice
It's important to set goals for your staff -- here's how to do it

I am continually surprised by how many businesses do not set any goals for their employees. Without goals, there is no accountability, and employees will just do what they think you want or, even worse, put forth the minimum effort required just to keep their jobs. More from Jerry Osteryoung.

Business Profile
The big gamble

Patrick McEnany is the CEO and co-founder of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. The company is betting its future on a drug called Firdapse, which is used to treat a rare neurological disease called LEMS.

» More from the Miami Herald

Florida's Best Companies To Work For 2015
'We throw them right in'

Prospective employees learn about the company ethos at Squaremouth within seconds of walking in the door. Job interviews are sometimes conducted by having everyone in the company sit down in a circle and ask questions of the candidate.