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The Naples Daily News, in partnership with the Naples Chapter of SCORE, a volunteer organization that provides counseling to small businesses, conducted a panel discussion among some of the area’s most prominent business leaders.
The discussions centered on the outlook for businesses, post Hurricane Irma. While Irma dealt the state a temporary blow, it's back to business as usual according to panelist, Leo Ochs, the Collier County Manager. However, the loss of September revenue, no insurance coverage, or capital reserves for the unexpected will undoubtedly impact some small businesses.
O
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The way we do business has changed dramatically in the last five years. This includes new ways of branding, marketing, and selling.
In order for your business to succeed now and in the years to come, you need to understand how to position your business to thrive and flourish in this new economy.
That's why we have invited ten business experts in Collier County to share their outlook on the future of small business. They will present the business opportunities in major sectors to help you grow your business now and in the future.
Ten experts will speak for 5 minutes each, highlighting the
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Many people think marketing is an art. I have always thought that marketing is more of a science. There are probably many good recipes but here is mine.
Determine who your target customer is.
You can sell to anyone, but make sure you aim your marketing and advertising efforts to your target customer. Describe what this person or company looks like. The more in depth you target, the easier it is to figure out how to get to that customer.
Who is your competition?
Your competition is easiest to find through the Web, the phone book, trade organizations, and various advertisers. List them and pay
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Lately, I've been asked this question from several people who recently retired:
"I am not sure where to volunteer my time. The thought occurs to me that perhaps I should start a small business. Am I asking for trouble or should I follow my instincts?"
You have reached another milestone in life. Retirement is a major lifestyle change. You no longer have to punch a time clock and no one is coming to you for advice and counsel. You have nothing but time on your hands and no idea how to spend it.
At this juncture, I can’t resist the impulse to put in a plug for SCORE, a national organization of
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A leader is a rather amorphous figure to describe, but is easy to recognize due to their commanding presence.
Each leader has different strengths and skill sets. Most leaders are charismatic and eloquent speakers, but those are just examples of the many skills required.
Expectations of a Leader.
As a leader, there are four basic qualities expected:
- A purposeful or meaningful message of importance and a direction for the future,
- Integrity and trustworthiness,
- An optimistic viewpoint, and
- Positive actions and results.
The methods and tactics a leader uses to deliver these expectations are what
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Sometimes doing business with people outside the U.S. involves customs and practices much different than what we are accustomed to in this country.
In fact, the old adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is often appropriate if you really want to strike a deal.
However, there are times that doing as the Romans do is not appropriate and may even be illegal in the U.S.
I remember as a young executive working for Exxon in the early seventies, I struck a deal with two businessmen from Greece who were our agents to sell chemical products at ship stores for use on oil tankers and cargo vessels
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Sometimes doing business with people outside the U.S. involves customs and practices much different than what we are accustomed to in this country.
In fact, the old adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is often appropriate if you really want to strike a deal. However, there are times that doing as the Romans do is not appropriate and may even be illegal in the U.S.
I remember as a young executive working for Exxon in the early seventies, I struck a deal with two businessmen from Greece who were our agents to sell chemical products at ship stores for use on oil tankers and cargo vessels
![](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/d7_migration/09/2016-10-03_1401.png?itok=45yj-XqO)