Aug
29
Career planning: destiny by design
By JOHN LANKFORD
In geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. This theory is also applicable to life. The challenge most people face is in developing a plan to help connect their past with their future. To assist you on your journey, I have created a mini workbook.
Years of coaching and training successful business people and athletes have led to this tested and true system. The only rule is this: Write all of your answers in a journal (or series of journals) dedicated to this work. A journal can be a beautiful book that represents your future, or a simple binder. Keep an open mind. Take your time on each section. Be honest with yourself and have fun. Self-examination is the tool to help you control your own destiny and find the right career!
Aug
29
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Editorial & Guest Columns, Trends, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
‘Whatever it takes’ doesn’t work anymore
“There ain’t no rules around here. We’re trying to accomplish something.” –Thomas Edison
The once-admired philosophy of so many great men chasing goals with unencumbered inhibitions has become the bane of today’s risk-taking CEOs. It has become the stuff ethics scandals are made of.
This once-attractive fire, ready, aim attitude is at the crux of so many fraudulent, criminal and immoral activities.
Today’s challenge is to fiercely compete, aggressively win and increase profits – but do so without jeopardizing compliance boundaries, legal limits, and everyday ethics.
Aug
15
FPL’s solar gets eclipsed
Filed Under Going "Green", Technology, Trends | Leave a Comment
State gives Sunshine Energy program a shiner
By BOB MASSEY
Editor
When the state pulled the shades permanently down on Florida Power and Light’s (FPL) solar energy program, it ignited a firestorm of controversy – and fueled outrage from customers.
The debacle also invites a cautionary tale about businesses whose concepts require an enormous outlay of marketing to sell their long-range success.
It also broaches two questions: Was the Sunshine Energy program truly a failure? And, with it gone, what does the future hold for renewable energy in the state of Florida?
It depends on who you talk to.
Aug
15
Will fed pay tomato losses?
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
What do tomatoes and spinach have in common?
U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) hopes nothing.
He has introduced legislation to compensate tomato growers who suffered more than $1 million in losses, thanks to the recent Salmonella scare – initially attributed to tomatoes, but later found to be jalapeño peppers. An attempt by spinach growers failed last year to receive compensation for losses after the feds recalled fresh spinach in 2006, following an outbreak of E. coli.
“The FDA’s warnings about tomatoes devastated the $1.3 billion tomato industry,” Mahoney said in a news release. “We need to ensure that all impacted tomato growers and packers are compensated for their losses to protect domestic food production.”
Mahoney’s proposal seeks to cover $100 million of that.
Aug
15
High gas prices fuel online shopping
Filed Under Technology, Trends | Leave a Comment
STAFF REPORT
The economy is down, consumer confidence is low and customers just aren’t buying. Right? Apparently not if you’re an e-tailer.
That’s according to a report released late last month by research firm eMarketer. The document highlights a number of recent consumer polls indicating shopping in cyberspace is on the rise.
In a June survey, Nielsen reported that 11 percent of consumers in United States are increasingly doing their shopping online – thanks to rising gas prices.
Aug
15
Are you in violation of new federal rules?
Filed Under Business Builders, Editorial & Guest Columns | Leave a Comment
By CARRIE KERSKIE
Guest Columnist
Identity theft is an epidemic that has been plaguing our country. Each year, it results in billions of dollars in losses to businesses and individuals. As an antidote, FACTA is forcing you, the business owner, to take action.
By law, it is now your responsibility to protect the personal identifying information of your employees and clients.
The best way to do this is through written policies and procedures. If you don’t currently have a written identity theft prevention program in place, you will most likely be required to implement one by the fall. Read more
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