3 techniques for networking at big events

Recently, I attended the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual Book of Lists event, held at Seattle’s beautiful Museum of Flight. It was a huge gathering, so I interviewed attendees for their insights on networking at big events.

Who was it that didn’t have much fun? Well, extreme introverts. Granted, most introverts probably didn’t register to attend in the first place. However, for those who braved the throngs of people, it was probably challenging to begin some new professional relationships.

I… …read more

9 top marketing ideas for real estate agents

Are you looking to increase the visibility of your real estate business?

In this article, we’ll look at nine of the top ways to market yourself as a real estate agent, and give you an idea of the costs associated with each.

1. Use a website builder

If you do not already have a website for your real estate business, then you are missing out. Lots of real-estate searches, especially in local areas, are now done online. With a good website, you can begin cashing in on that search traffic and bring… …read more

Exclusive: Franklin Street snares real estate veterans from CBRE

Tampa-grown real estate firm Franklin Street has snagged two veterans from real estate colossus CBRE Group Inc.

Clay Wommack, who specializes in office and industrial leasing, and Julie Palmer-Nicholson, who handles property management, have joined Franklin Street as directors in the office and industrial services group.

Wommack specializes in landlord and tenant representation of office and industrial properties. Palmer-Nicholson is in property management and will serve as Franklin Street’s director… …read more

Vinik’s plans create a sense of urgency to improve the TECO Line Streetcar

Unfortunately for the TECO Line Streetcar, Jeffrey Zampitella is an anomaly among downtown Tampa residents.

Zampitella, president of the SkyPoint Condominium Association, said he is such a passionate advocate for public transit and a walkable city that he finds excuses to take the streetcar whenever he can — and sometimes for no reason other than it’s there.

“I go out of my way to use it, because I just believe in the streetcar system,” Zampitella said.

He averages about six rides on the streetcar… …read more

Florida leading indicator continues upward trend in December

Florida’s leading indicator — a measurement of economic activity in the state compiled by Durham, N.H.-based e-forecasting.com — increased in December by 0.5 percent after an increase of 0.4 percent in November.

The December data is the most recent available.

Nine of the 10 components that make up Florida’s leading indicator had a positive contribution in December: unemployment claims, weekly hours in manufacturing, exports of manufactures, building permits, exports of manufactures, international… …read more

Kahwa Coffee goes far afield, announces newest location in Westchase

Continuing its aggressive expansion northward, St. Petersburg-based Kahwa Coffee will open its seventh location this spring in Westchase.

The 1,100-square-feet space — in the bottom floor of the Altis Highland Park apartment complex just north of Westfield Citrus Park mall — will feature indoor and outdoor seating.

Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Raphael and Sarah Perrier, Kahwa began roasting in St. Pete in 2005. It opened its first storefront on Second Street North in 2008, providing… …read more