The most misused word in sales will surprise you. It’s “value.” more

“That’s all I can stands. I can’t stands no more!” When Popeye the Sailor says that, a can of spinach appears out of nowhere, he pops it open, and downs it to gain amazing strength. From there he beats up Bluto and rescues Olive Oil. more

In this age of social media and digital everything, you can’t afford to be a website weakling. If your competition has a killer online presence, and you don’t, you lose. Today’s consumers look online more than ever before. Even business owners who think they don’t really need a “best in class” website are missing more than they think. more

The digital world is changing rapidly with profound implications for how small businesses are found online, in search, on mobile devices and in social media. Here’s my list of some of today’s key digital trends with the greatest potential impact: more

It seems society is loosening up. The Internet, music, movies, book titles, TV, and texting have created an “openness revolution” not matched since the ’60s. more

Social media has already had a huge impact on businesses both large and small. But according to the latest projections from the research firm International Data Corp. (IDC), there’s a lot more change coming. IDC analysts expect the coming year to be pivotal for social media in business with (among other things) a new emphasis on using social to grow profits, not just gather followers. more

For the residents and office workers in Providence’s Empire district, 2012 has been a year of highs and lows. more

The biggest leap for Cathy Demain Mann was going out on her own after 10 years of working for someone else. “The back-up support – with everything at your fingertips – was gone,” said Mann, the owner of Creative Impressions Inc. more

It’s Saturday night around 6 p.m. Early dinner for Jessica, Gabrielle and me. more

Every salesperson knows the job is tougher than ever. It’s not for the faint-hearted or those who feel the world owes them a living. At the same time, salespeople recognize the importance of having an extra edge, of standing out from the crowd. more