Featured Stories

Virginia Grant, Executive Director of Gainesville Black Professionals, Inc. sits down with marketing professional, John Bacon. Sales and marketing is vital for the growth of any small business or brand.  Sales in a company refers to the interpersonal interactions, the meetings, the calls, the presentations and ultimately “closing the deal”.  Sales is building relationships with...

November to February is considered film award season where the stars come out to be recognized for their achievements of the past year. The glittering gowns, the red carpet, globes of gold and those fabulous gift baskets backstage. But how about the stars on your team? When was the last time your business or organization...

Today, it’s generally accepted that when a customer is seeking information on a company their first inclination is to visit its website. Then why is it that in 2017, 35% of small business owners indicated they believed their business operations were too small to warrant a website? As they say, if you’re not growing you’re...

In business, relationship marketing is a process within the sphere of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The focus is long-term, including customer acquisition; development, service, and maintenance. Sustaining these activities can be quite an undertaking, especially for start-ups and small firms. However, having an attitude of serving the customer and helping solve problems is paramount to...

We are now two months into 2018.  By March 1st, 41 business days will have passed which leaves 212 business days remaining in the year.  That’s 1,696 business hours left to grow your company and hit your goals for 2018. Have you set aside time to prospect for new customers?  It’s one thing to set...

Growth is the goal in selling, whether you are selling cars, real estate or insurance.  Successful sales professionals typically generate new revenue by growing their client base and market share. Growth is a process that can be mastered.  But how can you develop a dynamic sales growth plan? New York Times bestselling author Dr. John...

SharpSpring, Inc., a global provider of cloud-based marketing technologies, recently announced the launch of two pivotal features: SharpSpring Social and a new Content Calendar. These social media management features provide SharpSpring users with a comprehensive solution to manage their entire digital marketing strategy from one place. By fully integrating social media management with marketing automation,...

Not all patients with Type 1 diabetes have access to the health care resources that can optimize their treatment. Now, researchers at the University of Florida Diabetes Institute and Stanford University have been awarded a $1.6 million grant by The Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to study ways to improve access to...

Drury Hotels Company has opened a new Drury Inn & Suites property in Gainesville, Florida. The new hotel features 180 rooms and more than 2,800 square feet of flexible meeting space. “Florida continues to be a top destination for business travelers and vacationing families, and we are pleased to continue to serve these groups by...

How do you market one of America’s biotechnology hotspots to the world? Develop and execute a comprehensive and diversified economic development strategy that includes measurable goals, incorporates actionable steps, and leverages key regional assets. This is what the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce did in 2015 when it built upon previous momentum and launched the...