PBN.com is sporting a new, streamlined look. The revamped website features a simplified page design that offers readers easier access to Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts’ most comprehensive collection of business news. more

Dear Jeffrey, I am a huge fan. I recently had a WOW experience that completely coincides with your philosophy on customer loyalty versus satisfaction. Today, I received the following email from Amazon: more

Even though buying cycles seem to stretch out longer as buyers require more time to make decisions, salespeople are doing their best to close quicker. more

What’s the difference between you and all of your competition? more

I get a ton of emails from people seeking insight or asking me to solve sales dilemmas. Here are a few that may relate to your job, your life and, most important, your sales thought process. more

Despite its massive reach and wide adoption, Facebook remains baffling to many small-business owners. Facebook itself has never really understood small business, and hasn’t done a great job explaining how biz owners can use it to grow sales. more

David Easterbrooks, director of marketing and business development for Pare Corp., was recently named 2012 marketing professional of the year by the Boston chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. Easterbrooks has worked as a marketing professional at architectural, engineering and construction firms for more than 25 years. As a member of SMPS Boston, he has served as an educational speaker, committee member, president, vice president, treasurer and director of education. He is a certified professional services marketer and holds a B.A. in English from Rutgers University. more

Here’s a question I’m getting more often from business owners and startups: What’s the difference between “paid, owned and earned” media for marketing? And how do I use them together? more

Though holiday-season tourism in the state encompasses much more than December tidings, it still comes down to tying up a package with a nice, pretty bow. Only when you’re talking tourism, the package is a grouping of activities, attractions, eateries and hotels. more

Mike Doyle, one of the founders and current chairman of RDW Group Inc., the communications agency, has retired. Doyle is being succeeded, effective Monday, as chairman by the firm’s chief operating officer, James Malachowski. more