The 7 Best Ways to Brainstorm

The SCAMPER technique will lead you to an innovative product or service.

The Two Mad Skills You Need to Land the Job You Want Now

While recruiting process seek to eliminate bias, candidates are taking control by making themselves impossible to ignore.

Struggling to Stay Connected as Your Business Grows? Try This 1 Weekly Habit

As your business grows it can be hard to stay connected to your team. This one weekly communication habit can help.

These Are the 10 Cities Where Your Startup Is Likeliest to Succeed

Austin ranks best overall, but Atlanta and Boston have the highest startup survival rate.

Saturday, June 29, 2019

Use This 5-Word Phrase to Say No to Urgent Requests (Without Insulting Your Co-Workers)

You can't stop what you're doing every time one of your tasks floats to the top of someone else's priority list.

Why Summer Is The Best Time For Salespeople

You can buy into the complain game that there are "bad times" to sell or you can seize the opportunity that's in front of you.

Want to Be More Productive Next Week? Invest in These 5 Relationships This Weekend

At some point, we'll have an off week where nothing seemingly goes our way. The weekends are a time to reset. Use your key relationships at this time.

What We Can Learn About Leadership from This Remarkable Couple Who Planted an Entire Rainforest

Salgado, along with his wifeLlia, had an idea that would drastically change a major environmental problem and with this idea evolvedpowerful leadership lessons.

Here's How Will Smith, Michelle Obama, and Nike Earn the Attention and Loyalty of Fans and Customers

Automated digital marketing is both effective and scalable. But there is a degree of magic of engaging with your customers live.

4 Things You Should Do to Deal With Difficult Customers Without Losing Your Cool

Every entrepreneur deals with difficult customers. How you choose to respond determines whether they will suck the life out of you, or become customers for life.

Google Pixel 3a or iPhone 7: Here's Which One is the Best Low-Price Smartphone

After almost two months with the Google Pixel 3a, I compared it to the only entry-level phone from Apple to pick the best low-cost mobile device.

Cardi B Didn't Always Make Money Moves. She Wants You to Learn From Her 3 Biggest Business Mistakes

Cardi B is a powerful, successful woman leader. Her business acumen is hard-won and well worth it. Startup founders and executives take note.

5 Features Every Business Traveler Should Look for in an Accommodation

To be most efficient when traveling for business, be on the lookout for these hotel or accommodation features.

This Must Be the Most Compelling and Worthless Ad in a Long Time

Going viral doesn't do you any good if no one knows what the ad is supposed to be.

How to Access Airport Lounges When Traveling for Business

Business travelers who want to use airport lounges don't need to be flying first class for access.

How to Manage the One-Day Business Trip Like a Pro

Yes, you can maximize the one-day business trip to your advantage (and it doesn't have to be stressful).

Thursday, June 27, 2019

5 Mistakes to Be Very Careful of When Running your Company Twitter Account

After setting up your company account, you might be tempted to make these very serious mistakes.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Embodies Greatness, Historically and Now

Say what you will about equal pay for equal play. These badass ladies have won 3 of 7 Women's World Cups, and they're on a mission for number 4.

Longtime Design Chief Jony Ive Is Leaving Apple to Start His Own Company

Ive, who has overseen the design of everything from Apple's products to its retail stores, is leaving to launch his own company.

Why Personalization Works: From Cake Selfies to Curated Shopping Carts

It's no secret that human beings like being in control, and customization and personalization caters well to this desire.

The Top 5 E-Commerce Conferences for 2019 and 2020

Want your slice of the multi-trillion dollar e-commerce pie? Learn everything (and meet everyone!)you need to know to launch, grow and plan for your IPO at one of these can't-miss events.

The Biggest Problem With Compliance-Based Learning in the Workplace

It's great when you're in school studying to pass a test; however, it's not enough to advance and grow your career.

Time to Leave Your Job? There Are 3 Ways to Tell

This simple exercise will help you decide if it's time to move on.

4 Unique Ways to Engage With Your Customers Via Snail Mail

Here's why companies of all kinds should be using direct mail to build closer connections to customers

3 Hidden Hiring Costs Your Team Might Be Overlooking

In today's tight labor market, hiring is more challenging than ever before. Learn key tips for your team to hire more efficiently and reduce associated costs.

An Under-Screen Camera is the Holy Grail of Smartphone Design and It's About to Become a Thing

Chinese smartphone design company, Oppo, unveiled its front-facing camera technology that lives under the display.

Tech Giants Are Using Children's Online Data Like It's 1999 (or '98, To Be More Precise)

As consumers become more privacy-aware, the use of children's data is an extinction-level mistake waiting for its day in court.

You Will Soon Be Able to Pickup Amazon Packages at 1,500 Rite Aid Pharmacy Locations

The e-commerce giant also is seeking other partnerships with retailers to bolster its new 'Counter' service.

What Jon Stewart's Impassioned Speech to Congress Can Teach Us About Doing the Right Thing

Sometimes doing what needs to be done in business isn't always obvious. Here's how to spot those not-always-obvious right things to do.

There Are Major Consequences to Giving Employees Autonomy If You Allow These 8 Things to Happen

The surprising dark side of granting autonomy can be avoided -- the effort is 1000 percent worth it.

3 Ways to Keep Sidebar Conversations From Sidetracking Your Meetings

Building culture shouldn't come at the expense of productivity. Keep your meeting on track using these three simple strategies.

Rocket Dollar CEO: It's Riskier to Work at a Startup Than to Start One

Henry Yoshida is the CEO and co-founder of Rocket Dollar. He explains how trust and transparency helped his company survive its earliest days.

13 Super Helpful Slack Tips to Make Your Team More Productive

From notifications to threads, here are thirteen ways to get the most out of Slack.

It's Not Your Job to Save Your Customers Money. Here's How to Overcome the Anxiety of Pricing

Many small business owners struggle with charging what they're worth. These four tips can help you talk about your price with confidence.

There Are Many Types of Coaches. Here's How to Find the Right One

Most professionals see benefits in having a coach to help them develop and improve. The difficulty is selecting the right one.

Wayfair's Lame Response to Employee Walkout Shows Zero Emotional Intelligence

Faced with hundreds of protesting employees, furniture retailer sends a check to the Red Cross.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Price of This Shockingly Boring Item Mirrors Bitcoin in the Weirdest Way

The only reason you shouldn't "hodl" this commodity too is that it gets way too soft.

4 Ways I've Learned to Make Time for Friends While Working Full-Time

It's incredibly difficult to keep up with people as your career progresses. But these four tips will help you maintain strong friendships and a busy career at the same time

ReviewTrackers Raises $10M To Help You Keep Track Of When Someone Says Something Bad About Your Business

ReviewTrackers, Yelp, Facebook, Foursquare, OpenTable, Yahoo, Google, Signal Media, Podium and Zen City

According to a New Study, You Need to Do This 1 Thing to Boost Workplace Ethics

Helping your employees integrate their home lives with their work lives is key to curbing unethical behavior.

Obsessing Over Metrics Is Killing Your Business. Here's What to Do Instead

Fifteen percent of Americans use health apps to track disease symptoms, but new research says tracking your symptoms actually makes you worse.

Failure Is Necessary for Growth, but Only In These 3 Instances

Failure is necessary. But we're taught to fear it. Here is why you shouldn't.

14 Books to Fuel Growth During the Dog Days of Summer

Summer may be a "lazy" season, but that doesn't mean you have to abandon all hopesgrowth. Here are 14 books to push you during the dog days of summer.

4 TED Talks to Help You When You Feel Creatively Stuck

Every entrepreneur gets stuck at some point. You want to idenitfy what's causing it, and then move forward boldly to make changes.

How I Bounced Back After Losing My Mother and Half My Business

After losing her mother, The Press House founder Dawn Kamerling suffered another loss--in her company. Here's how she found strength through it.

Connecting Moms Made Brandless a $500 Million Company. Can the Same Strategy Work With Plant Parents?

Tina Sharkey makes green products. Eliza Blank sells green plants. Their businesses thrive when their customers talk.

This May Be the Most Hilarious Shark Tank Pitch of All Time

The co-founders of Haven, a lock company, went on 'Shark Tank' hoping to prove the traditional deadbolt couldn't stand up to intruders. They didn't exactly prove their point.

Toy Story 4 Is a Good Film, But an Even Better Lesson in the Challenges of Creativity

The fourth installment of the beloved Toy Story franchise is a great family movie, but it symbolizes something far more important for Pixar and Disney.

Please Stop Reading Off Your PowerPoint Slides. Here's What to do Instead

Nothing kills a presentation faster than reading off a deck of slides. Follow these 3 rules instead.

Ask Yourself These 5 Questions Daily and Your Emotional Intelligence Will Skyrocket

Five questions, five opportunities to make emotions work for you, instead of against you.

3 Tools For Entrepreneurs to Build Your Network Before You Need It. And You Will Need it.

Entrepreneurs need to make sure their network is both deep and broad. To do this, connect other founders; speak at events; and be available to help.

Is AI The Solution To Boost The Creator Economy Value?

An honest look at how we can rely on AI technology to support creators and artists.

3 Ways to Help Your Team Accomplish Their Professional Goals

If your employees don't see a career path at your company, they'll make tracks. Here's how to help them develop a plan for professional development.

3 Things You Need a Crash Course in Before Launching Your Startup

Actually, it is what you know. If you want your startup to succeed, start by brushing up in these 3 areas.

Warren Buffett Says This Is How You Can Instantly Spot a Great Leader

The Oracle of Omaha says if you're hiring someone without this leadership trait, you want them lazy and dumb.

Big Tech, Tax Rollbacks, and the Minimum Wage: Where the Democratic Candidates Stand on 6 Big Business Issues

Twenty of the 23 Democratic candidates for President will highlight their proposed policies during two scheduled debates on June 26 and 27.

Bill Gates Just Revealed His Biggest Mistake Ever (And It Cost Microsoft a Stunning $400 Billion)

In a recent interview with venture capital firm Village Global, Bill Gates said that his biggest mistake at Microsoft cost his company $400 billion.

16 Great Books for Anyone Who Wants to Get Ahead in Life

Anyone who's serious about self-improvement, leadership and succeeding in life is a reader.

The 5 Best Ultraportable Laptops for Getting Work Done Remotely in 2019

Offering a combination of power, portability, and features, these five laptops are worth considering if you work remotely.

How Jen Rubio's Rolodex of Famous Friends Helped Her Grow Away Into a $300 Million Business

For first-time founders, there are a lot of unknowns. Jen Rubio of Away says to ask for help--and do so relentlessly.

How to Know in 5 Minutes if You Should Hire Someone

There's no time to waste on job candidates who aren't qualified or won't fit into your company. If you want to speed up the interviewing process, ask the right questions and watch out for these red flags.

Monday, June 24, 2019

What's Worse than an Open Plan Office? Hint: It Rhymes With "Blot Desking"

Extensive peer-reviewed science reveals that these "flexible work arrangements" are a huge and horrible mistake.

So, You Want To Get Paid To Speak. Here's how.

There's all sorts of advice about how to be a better speaker, but advice about how to be a professional speaker is pretty dismal. Here are 8 steps to building a sustainable business as a professional speaker.

3 Reasons Turning Off Your Devices and Opening a Book Will Improve Your Productivity

Entrepreneurs lead busy, stressful lives. Leaving everything behind and losing yourself in a read can be a great shot in the arm.

Harvard Psychologists Reveal the Real Reason We're All So Distracted

Research reveals that "mind wandering" is often the hidden source of distraction. Here are 3 ways to shift back to being fully present and engaged.

How to Know When It's Time to Change Your Company's Name

Changing the name of your business can be daunting -- but it can also boost your bottom line. Here's how to be sure a name change is the right move.

Should I Call a Therapist or a Life Coach?

There's a lot of confusion about the difference between therapists and life coaches.

5 Startup Costs Most Entrepreneurs Forget to Plan For (Until It's Almost Too Late)

Before you finalize your startup plan, make sure you include some less obvious (but all too real) expenses.

How to Build a More Inclusive Workplace Culture This Pride Month (and Beyond)

Some of the world's most interesting people are those out on the margins. Businesses can take the opportunity during Pride Month to bring everybody under what should be a very inclusive tent.

How to Deliver Employee Feedback Most Effectively

Use this four-part feedback formula to elevate employee performance.

5 Tips for Scheduling Meetings That Respect Everyone's Time

Employee engagement surveys show that unproductive meetings drive employees away. These tips will help you reverse that trend.

Want to be More Satisfied With Your Life? New Research Says to Do This for 2 Hours a Week

When you're satisfied in your life, you're more productive, a better employee or manager, and

The 1 Meeting Every Leader Needs to Make Time For

Why not find your team's strengths and weaknesses while making people feel validated, too?

Success is Hard Because You Overcomplicate It. Keep Your Strategy Simple with These 7 Questions

Entrepreneurs who overthink their strategy tend not to act on it. Keep it simple with these seven questions to grow your business successfully.

7 Surprising Things That Will Make Your Resume Stand Out From The Crowd

You have 7.4 seconds to make a good first impression--follow these tips to create a second-look worthy resume.

5 Questions to Ask Before Rebranding Your Business

Businesses owners often think that a new logo or website will fix their branding problems, but they won't.

5 Things Employees Wish They Had Time For

Employees often feel overworked. If their bosses didn't push them to max capacity, however, what would they do with the extra time?

Bill Gates Just Confessed His Greatest Ever Mistake (He Still Hasn't Got Over It)

Even if it's there in front of your eyes, you still may not see it because of how you think.

Tips for Taming Anxiety from the Remarkably Successful Co-Founder of SoulCycle

Do you find yourself suffering from anxiety? Consider these tips from SoulCycle co-founder Julie Rice.

Science Says the Most Successful Kids Have Parents Who do These 3 Things

The topic of parenting is widely studied by researchers, so there's plenty of advice for those who want to do the best job raising children that they can.

The 7 Business Books You Told Yourself You'd Read, but Actually Should This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to plan a trip and grab a few books. Here are seven that should be on every entrepreneur's "must read" list.

Friday, June 21, 2019

The 47 Reasons Why It's Smarter to Work From Home

For employers, work-from-home means higher productivity. For employees, it means a better quality of life.

How to Be a Better Problem Solver (and Help Your Team Get Better, Too)

A wise leader collects information and selects the critical few or the key priorities.

Inc. Uncensored: The Secrets of Successful VCs

In an all-interview episode, Inc. editors talk to Andreessen Horowitz's Scott Kupor, Schmidt's Naturals founder Jaime Schmidt, and Branson Zipline founder Craig Combs.

6 Ways to Prepare for the Gig Economy While Enhancing Your Current Career

Even if you feel safe today as a full-time employee, you should start thinking like a gig employee to assure your future.

You're Going to Need More Than One Great Idea

Product licensing expert Stephen Key shares his recipe for success.

This Expert CEO Shares How to Bring Employees Together, Even When They're Located Apart

With different cultures in different time zones, it's not easy to manage a company with locations across the world. This CEO has been doing it her whole career, and shares the secrets to her success.

These 4 Ancient Tips From Martial Arts Can Build Confidence in You and Your Team

Cultivating confidence can seem like a daunting task, but there are 4 strategies will help anyone who wants a boost.

This American Billionaire Is Joining the State Department. Why That's Good News for Entrepreneurs

Serial software entrepreneur Keith Krach is confirmed as the new Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment, among other positions. After building billion dollar companies DocuSign and Ariba, Krach is determined to use his transformational leadership to enhance American diplomacy and economic efforts.

The Right (and Wrong) Way to Introduce AI Into Your Marketing Execution

Artificial intelligence is an exciting development, but marketers should not rely on it too heavily.

7 Steps to a Cohesive Brand Content Strategy

Are you making the biggest mistake most marketers make? Here's how to avoid it.

Former WeWork Executives Are Suing the Company for Discrimination, Ahead of its IPO

The lawsuits against the co-working company range from gender and age discrimination to sexual harassment.

Tesla Just Unveiled a Video Game For Its Car and It's Proof That Elon Musk is Smarter Than the Rest of Us

The company unveiled its Tesla Arcade and is inviting even non-Tesla owners to experience it by visiting one of the company's showrooms this month.

3 Steps to Negotiate More Vacation Time

Don't let another summer pass without getting the long, burnout-busting vacation you've been dreaming of.

You Don't Have to Say Yes to Everything. Here's How to Focus on the Right Opportunities

An opportunity is good for you only if it engages the specific influence and growth you've consciously decided you want.

Grief Can Feel Unbearable When You're Trying Run a Business. Here Are 3 Ways to Cope

When dealing with grief, even the simplest tasks can seem impossible for a business owner.

What You Do in the Morning Can Increase Your Income

Studies consistently demonstrate that what you do when you wake up can have a direct effect on your income.

6 Ways to Get Rid of Workplace Gossip Instantly

Gossip destroys morale. One way to defeat it is through 'positive gossip.'

5 Traits of a Master Salesperson, According to Kevin O'Leary

Kevin O'Leary is the celebrity entrepreneur best known for being on 'Shark Tank.' Here are his 5 tips on how to become a great salesperson.

8 of America's Most Pet-Friendly Offices and the Dogs That Call Them Home

These companies ensure that their employees' beloved pets thrive during the workday.

According to This Well-Known Tech CEO, These 2 Qualities Make all the Difference in an Employee

SAP's CEO Bill McDermott shares his thoughts on his company's culture and what makes teams successful.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

7 Signs Your Product Designer is Underperforming

If you think good product designers are expensive, you should look at the cost of bad product designers.

What to Do When People Won't Stop Asking You to Volunteer

There are at least six power moves to make when pressure to participate is overwhelming.

This 1 Mindset Shift Is Key to Growing Your E-Commerce Business

When you run an e-commerce business your partnership with selling platforms like Amazon, Google or Facebook will drive your long term success. How you approach working with them matters.

2 Signs That Instantly Identify Someone With Bad Leadership Skills

The very traits we thought led to leadership success no longer hold true, according to research.

The 5 Disciplines of Leadership Excellence

Developing these areas will help you build consistent, repeatable excellence.

Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec: 6 Things You Must Do When You Travel

Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec breaks down his travel routine, and how he survives long hours on the road.

New Study Says If You Hire Salespeople, You May be Prone to Hiring Liars

Selling is part of industries including tech, finance, consulting, and more. Hiring practices must protect companies from the tendency to hire liars.

10 Years Ago, 'Sheer Blinding Magic' Launched Big Gay Ice Cream. Now, It's a Massively Popular Business

Pride Month marks the 10th anniversary of the company, whose eyebrow-raising name and kitschy, inclusive brand have won it legions of fans.

People Laughed When She Wanted to Take On a Common (but Totally Embarrassing) Problem. Now She Has a $400 Million Business

Suzy Batiz started Poo-Pourri with $25,000 and a goal to rid the world of bathroom odor. Her company is now worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

6 Fascinating Things You Didn't Know About Slack

With the popular workplace chat service going public, here are some little-known details on its backstory.

Slack Goes Public With a Reference Price of $26 Per Share. That's Probably Way Too Low

Slack will pay $22 million advisory fees. A traditional IPO could cost three times as much.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

The 1 Thing You Really, Really Need to Know About Price Negotiations

It's the most important part of any sales process and yet almost everyone does it exactly backwards, which means fewer sales, less profits, and more customer support hassles.

3 Keys to Supporting Your Wellness

You may not have the time (or the budget) for personalized spa treatments in Phuket, but that doesn't mean you can't make your wellness a priority.

How to Use Your Personal Brand to Build Trust in Your Startup

You can't expect your business to grow if consumers don't trust you. Show them that they can by boosting your personal brand in these three ways.

The 4-Step Process to Prepare Your Company for Global Expansion

Ready to go big instead of staying home? Here's how your business can travel without becoming the proverbial ugly American.

This 1 Part of Your LinkedIn Profile Is As Important as Your Cover Letter

Your LinkedIn summary story is as important as your cover letter. Yet, too many LinkedIn users rely on generic summaries that won't tell recruiters and would-be managers and clients anything about why you are perfect for the job.

Google Says the Best Bosses in the World Do These 10 Things

If your company can train and promote managers who do these 10 things, you'll build trust and inspire your people to become the best versions of themselves.

4 Ways to Deal With Burnout as an Entrepreneur

All entrepreneurs experience burnout at one point or another. The key is to catch it early, and work to prevent it in the future.

A 100-Year Google Study Will Reveal the Future of Work. Follow Their 4 Steps to Uncover It at Your Company

Google's People Innovation Lab is every company's dream. Get the 80 for 20 output with a lot less resources.

Draymond Green Is a Three-Time NBA Champion and Super Successful Entrepreneur--Here's How

Draymond Green is a three-timeNBA champion, a three-time NBA All-Star, player for the Golden State Warriors (won NBA championship in 2015, 2016, 2018)

Guy Kawasaki, Silicon Valley Marketing Guru and Venture Capitalist, Says These 4 Books Will Change Your Life

As one of the original members of Apple's Macintosh team in the 1980s, Guy Kawasaki sayshe survived working for Steve Jobs--twice.

How To Talk to Your Teenager About Money (Even If You're Not an Expert)

Here are the best lessons to touch on to help your teenager develop strong money skills.

3 Essential Steps to Keeping Your Mind Sharp

Cognitive decline and dementia affect large numbers of Americans later in life. Dr. Julia Samton explains the steps you should be taking now to keep your brain sharp.

6 Ways to Control Your Schedule At Work Without Resorting to 'No'

How to really help others at work without jeopardizing your own results and your career. Sometimes you just have to say no.

Think Your Small Business Can't Afford Polished Social Media? Actually, You Can't Afford NOT To Have It.

Technology is changing the way small businesses communicate with their customers. With the right plan, you can create dynamic, compelling social media content on a budget.

1 Simple Brain Trick That Can Help You Overcome Self Doubt Forever

Studies show that self-talk has a huge impact on your experiences. You just need to change a few words.

3 Steps to Transform Any Gathering From Meh to Meaningful

We crave genuine connection and real conversation, yet the way we plan events usually discourages both.

Bringing Empathy to Business Could Be as Simple as Sharing Dinner

Empathy directly relates to companies' financial performance. Here's how leaders can cultivate it -- and inspire a compassionate and successful culture.

Target Brings a White Collar Benefit to Retail--Even for Part-Time Employees

It's a perverse rule of business--the more money you earn the more benefits you get, leaving those with the least resources the least help. Target is changing that.

WeWork Has an Office Design Business. Take a Look at One of Its First Customers

Healthcare startup Oscar recently hired the firm to build its new New York City headquarters.

How This Entrepreneur Built a 7-Figure Business Out of a $45,000 Blunder

Paying an unexpectedly large bill for a shipment gone awry was not how Tonya Dalton planned to launch her business.

5 Situations When Contributing To a Savings Account Is the Best Financial Move

Sometimes investing in stocks or property isn't the best decision. Here's how to tell.

Guest Shark Matt Higgins Reveals His Biggest 'Shark Tank' Pet Peeves

Investor and 'Shark Tank' guest judge Matt Higgins has heard his fair share of pitches -- both good and bad. Here are the tactics that drive him crazy.

Even Brené Brown Gets Nervous With Public Speaking. Here Are Her 3 Tricks for Calming Nerves

Public speaking, whether a presentation to your manager or C-Suite or a startup pitch for investors, is nerve-wracking. Bren Brown says to do this.

This Radical Update Might Be the Best Feature of the Next iPhone, Even Though You'll Hate it at First

While it's just a rumor at this point, here's why removing the Lightning port in favor of USB-C on the next iPhone would be the best move for everyone.

Monday, June 17, 2019

A Cryptocurrency Is About to Be Used Around the World, and It's Not Bitcoin

Use of the third-biggest crypto would be virtually invisible, but very real nonetheless.

7 Things Every Leader Should Say to Make Employees Feel Appreciated

Your team works hard every day; acknowledge their efforts sincerely and often.

Hundreds of U.S. Businesses Urge Trump Not to Expand China Tariffs

The White House has threatened to impose tariffs on an additional $300 billion worth of products.

Watch: An Exclusive, 360 Tour of Lockheed Martin's Innovation Lab

The Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation conducts experiments in communications, logistics, surveillance, defense and homeland security. The Center provides both a physical and virtual portal into the vast network of Lockheed Martin laboratories, research centers and engineering facilities.

4 Pitfalls of Poor Business Travel Planning

Business travel can be rewarding, yet it comes with pitfalls that make the trip stressful. Here's 4 common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

In His Commencement Speech at Stanford, Apple's Tim Cook Urged Graduates To Do This 1 Thing

AppleCEO Tim Cook said in his commencement speech at Stanford University that the tech industry is becoming known for the belief that "you can claim credit without accepting responsibility."

VC Fred Wilson on 'Secrets Of Sand Hill Road'

You could teach an MBA or undergraduate course on capital raising for entrepreneurs with these three books.

4 Ways to Make Meetings Shorter

Most teams have to meet to keep work moving ahead, but that doesn't mean you should spend all day in there.

Target Suffers Pair of Outages and It's a Reminder We're All Just 1 Technology Fail Away From Chaos

After a series of outages affected Target Stores worldwide, we're reminded that we're increasingly dependent on technology for our daily lives. Here's what happens when it fails.

Richard Branson: You Don't Have to Quit Your Job to Start a Business. I Didn't

Can't go all in on your dream? That's probably a good thing, according to the Virgin founder (and science).

Avoid a Costly Trademark 'War of Words' With a Strong Trademark. Here's What You Need to Know

Your brand means everything to you. Have you protected it with a strong trademark? Here's what small business owners need to know.

LinkedIn's Top Interview Questions to Assess Soft Skills Are Here (You Can Use Them Too)

Don't wing it. Use these pre-made questions from LinkedIn to standardize interviews and assess soft skills objectively.

How to Stay Sane When Your Boss is a Micro-Manager

Someone constantly telling you what to do, and how to do it is demotivating, demeaning and kills productivity.

These are The 4 Most Powerful Words You Can Use to Influence People

Help your customer understand what you expect from them by using these four magic words

This Drum Company Has Hardly Changed Since Lincoln Was President. Now It Serves the World's Best Musicians

The former toymaker Noble & Cooley once sent its drums into the Civil War. Now it sends them onto concert stages and into studios with some of the world's most discriminating musicians.

All 50 U.S. States, Ranked By How Fun They Are. (Sorry, West Virginia)

Of all the rankings on all the Internet, this is probably the one you don't want your state to rank last on. But somebody has to.

Sunday, June 16, 2019

The 8 Types of Out-of-Office Messages, and How to Choose the Right One for You

There is a surprising variety of OOO messages but the best ones might be just the facts -- or none at all.

Time Is Money: How to Become a Time Billionaire

Wealth isn't just dictated by the amount of money in your bank account; it also has to do with how you spend your time.

Here's How Much Sleep You Need to Be Productive at Work, According to Science

You know how much you're supposed to get. Here's how much less productive you are when you don't get enough.

Saturday, June 15, 2019

3 Reasons to Keep Your Day Job While Growing an E-commerce Business

Growing a side hustle into a full-blown business takes time. There is great value in keeping your corporate day job while you're expanding your e-commerce business into a success.

This New iPadOS Feature Is Easy to Miss, But It's a Killer Productivity Tool

Among the many improvements for your iPad, Apple's announcement last week includedan easy-to-overlook feature that will superchargeyour productivity.

How Far Should You Push Yourself? Precisely This Far, Says Science

Entrepreneurs can think they're invincible. There is, though, apparently a limit.

American Airlines and United Failed To Hit Their Targets. There Was 1 Stunning Difference That'll Surprise Passengers

Customers look at airlines from one perspective. How those airlines incentivize their managers, however, might surprise.

13 Ways to Spot a Creep and What It Says About Your Judgment, According to Science

Get this wrong and it negatively affects hiring decisions, relationships, and your social behavior.

Why Laziness is Not Why You Procrastinate (Your Emotions Are)

Overcoming procrastination isn't so much about completing tasks. In reality, it's about something much more personal.

Dads Offer Unexpected Business Advice

Dads have a lot to teach you about life and growth. If you're looking carefully, they have some smart business practices you should follow, too.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Elon Musk's Management Advice Is So Freakin' Brilliant That I Threw Away 37 Business Books

Musk is as innovative as a management theorist as he is an inventor and business owner. Who knew?

Elizabeth Warren Wants to Dole Out $7 Billion in Grants to Minority Entrepreneurs

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren proposed new legislation Friday aimed at closing the startup capital gap in America.

Why Perks and Benefits Don't Make a Winning Culture

Every business leader looks for signals that turn culture into their competitive advantage. Many required actions are counter-intuitive.

10 Online Businesses You Can Start NOW

10 Online Businesses You Can Start NOW: No startup capital required.

These 6 Companies Found Unique Ways to Help Employees Pay Off Their Student Loan Debt

With the national student debt at an all-time high, these companies have taken it upon themselves to help their workers dig out.

New Abortion Laws Could Hurt States' Local Economies and Startups. Here's Why

Prominent companies and founders have condemned the laws. But that's just the beginning.

The Trump Administration's Newest Health Care Rule Could Shake Up Small Business Benefits Nationwide

The rule makes health reimbursement arrangement plans more accessible to small businesses beginning in 2020.

New Report Says Facebook Has a Secretive Blockchain Project, With Uber, Visa and MasterCard On Board

Uber, MasterCard, Visa and other big companies have reportedly signed on to Facebook's blockchain efforts

How to Improve Customer Relationships With Brand Authenticity

Be open, honest and true with your customers to foster strong relationships.

Here are the Top 5 iPhone Accessories for Dad This Father's Day

Whether Dad is a certified tech-expert, or has no idea what the difference is between WhatsApp and SnapChat, these are the best iPhone accessories this Father's Day.

Ethics Is a Bigger Issue for Early Stage Companies, Study Finds. Here's Why

Maturing companies take risks, partner and experiment, but they do one key thing to keep control.

6 (More) Simple Ways To Be an Exceptional Leader

How exceptional leaders differentiate themselves from great leaders comes down to just a few, simple qualities.

The Common Thread Between Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship Will Inspire You

This Father's Day, I take a close look at how fatherhood actually plays out for the employees in our startup.

The Perfect Father's Day Gift? Paid Paternity Leave

Parenting is the job of parents, not only mothers. As more women continue to work after childbirth, companies need to offer paternity leave.

Daymond John Thinks You Must Do These 5 Things To Be Successful

Daymond John is the celebrity entrepreneur best known for being a judge on 'Shark Tank' and founding the clothing company Fubu.Photo Credits:Eric McCandless / ContributorPatrick Harbron / Contributor

The Death of Vanity Metrics: Blessing or Curse?

Vanity metrics look great on paper, but are often viewed as elementary data meant to cater to the ego.

Google Now Says It Isn't Trying to Kill Your Ad-Blockers. It Just Wants Them To Respect Your Privacy

After an outrage from developers and users, the company now clarifies that it isn't opposed to ad-blocking extensions, but it still plans to move ahead with changes that make it harder.

Uber and Lyft Suggest New Benefits for Drivers, But Still Want Them to Be Classified as Contractors

Uber and Lyft have are considering offering new benefits such as a base pay to workers, but onlyif the companies can continue labeling them as independent contractors.

Positive Leaders: 7 Traits of Emotional Intelligence They Practice Daily

This week, consider building up your emotional intelligence in any of these seven ways.

The Founder of Drone Racing League Explains Why His Company Succeeded Where Others Failed

The Drone Racing League is the global professional circuit for drone racing. Founder Nicholas Horbaczewski re-tells how his company pioneered a sport where many others had failed.

5 Reasons Apple's Product Announcements are so Much Better Than Everyone Else's

At Apple's recent developer's conference, there were five lessons for anyone who gives public presentations.

Here's Why Reporters Don't Respond to Your Emails

For companies and entrepreneurs interested in the media relations part of public relations, they must get to know the reporters who cover their industry. That's how to build relationships with reporters.

Check Out the Lavish Pet Perks at America's 12 Most Dog-Friendly Companies

Want your fur baby to be welcome (and pampered) at work? Get a job at these companies.

Why Startups and Local Communities Are Making Controversial Abortion Laws a Business Issue

Prominent companies and entrepreneurial celebrities have condemned the laws, which are already taking a toll on startups and business communities in certain states.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

How the Blockchain is Disrupting Marketing

The Blockchain marketing technology landscape is expanding daily.

Billionaire Goes Rogue, Admits Public Policy Not Public Schools Destroyed the Middle Class

Venture capitalist Nick Hanauer points out the obvious: Low wages create and sustain poverty, not lousy schools.

This Might Be The Real Reason Millennial Workers Seem Entitled

Student debt is contributing to the impression thatMillennials act entitled. Here's how to turn their pressure to earn into pressure to learn.

Will Dropbox's New Redesign Keep Me As A Customer...Or Drive Me Away?

dropbox, microsoft, google, slack, zoom, adobe, microsoft office, microsoft teams, microsoft onedrive, onedrive, google g suite, g suite, google cloud, google drive, cloud, drive, salesforce

She Had One Would-Be Acquirer Leave Her at the Altar. But Then Unilever Came Knocking With $500 Million

Founder Victoria Tsai says her San Francisco-based skin-care startup Tatcha was inspired by modern-day geishas in Japan.

How To Avoid Killing Your Business By Cutting Out This Toxic Trait

In order to thrive, employees need trust and encouragement from upper management. Employee development and growth contribute to the productivity and momentum of the company as a whole, and micromanaging can be the source of stagnation.

How to Align Your Personal Goals With Organizational Goals and Excel at Work

Any goal you set at work must ladder up to one of the company's stated higher-level goals. Here's how to figure out what you should be working on.

Facebook Wants to Do Something Totally Unexpected: Pay You for Your Data

The company plans to pay someusers for access to information about everything they do on their smartphone, including the features and other apps they use.

The New Billion-Dollar Reason Why Northern Virginia Will Be the Next Tech Startup Hot Spot

Virginia Tech's new Innovation Campus, in addition to Amazon's HQ2, is expected to attract new talent to the area and boost funding for local companies.

The Best Way to Manage Cash Flow Proves Elusive: Survey

The Best Way to Manage Cash Flow Proves Elusive, According to Kabbage Survey

These Are the 25 Best Dog-Friendly Companies in the United States (Surprise: Amazon, Uber, and Google Are on the List)

If you work for Amazon, Airbnb, Uber, Salesforce, Google, or other companies on Rover's list,National Take Your Dog to Work Day can be every day.

How to Create an Irresistible Value Proposition

Show your current customers and potential leads what you're working on.

How to Create Mental Space

You do not have to go on vacation or to the spa. Here's how to find everyday peace.

Dropbox Just Announced a Major Redesign That You're Going to Love Until You Realize it Has A Fatal Flaw

The company's latest update brings much-anticipated integrations with productivity software, but there's a cost that affects how you control your personal information online.

4 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder

There's no need to power through when you can use your brain and glide.

You Should Do Less For More Impact, According to the Innovators

Pyer Moss founder Kerby Jean-Raymond and business guru Jim Collins both know one thing: Genius takes time. Here's why you should put quality over quantity

Want to Be a Great Manager? Research Says Do This, and Your People are 3 Times as Likely to be Engaged

The manager/employee relationship is sacred. It's critical to leadership, development, success, productivity, work/life balance, and joy at work.

The 4 Questions You Need to Answer in Everything You Write

No matter what you write -- blog post, marketing copy, media pitch, LinkedIn article -- you need to answer certain questions for the reader.

Nest Just Sent Out This Email and It's a Reminder of Why People Just Don't Trust Google

Nest is now sending marketing emails for Google products, in the surest sign that it is officially dead as an independent brand and product.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

This 1 Feature of iOS 13 Tells You Everything You Need to Know About Why Apple is Different Than Google or Facebook

This 1 Feature of iOS 13 Tells You Everything You Need to Know About Why Apple is Different Than Google or Facebook

How To Get The Board You Need As Your Company Grows

How To Get The Board You Need As Your Company Grows. And the right board changes as you grow

This is the Top Workplace for Working Parents, According to a Survey of Over 400,000 (Hint: It's Not Google)

Being a successful leader at work depends on a quality work/life balance; companies that support working parents are more productive and happier.

How Big Ass Fans Used Transparency to Keep Every Employee on Board During the Recession

Carey Smith is the founder of Big Ass Fans, a company that manufactures fans for massive spaces. In 2017 he sold the company for $500 million.

Why Facebook's Biggest Problem Isn't Fake News or Privacy, It's Mark Zuckerberg

Despite a series of scandals and increased regulatory and congressional pressure, the biggest problem facing Facebook is that of its true believer founder and CEO.

Sometimes Technology IS the Problem

The Wall Street Journal thinks employees who reject new technology are a problem. The real problem is poorly-designed bloatware that makes work miserable and damages employee health.

Here's Why Just 1 Percent Improvement Should Be Your Biggest Goal

The Japanese practice of Kaizen helps factories run better. It works for self-improvement too.

How to Tell an Employee Their Work Is Low Quality (and Get Them Back on Track)

Subpar assignments can set the company back. Here's how to give proper feedback that'll set the right expectations.

This LGBT Certification May Help Your Business Land Major Contracts. Here's How to Get One

LGBT certifications can help business owners get contracts with Fortune 500 corporations that have supplier diversity and inclusion programs.

When a Job Candidate Asks, "How'd I Do?"

This closing question puts interviewers on the spot -- and not in a good way.

Jeff Bezos Just Made This Powerful Statement About What Amazon Plans to Deliver Next

During a fireside chat at the reMARS conference, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos elaborates on the company's plans to launch a massive network of satellites to deliver broadband internet to the world.

Why Being a Leader Is the Wrong Goal

Switching your attention to this one area is the easiest way to become the person you want to be.

This Has Been a Top Employee Motivator for over 46 Years

Employee recognition is key for unlocking Generation Z loyalty and performance. Here are the three things managers must communicate when recognizing employees.

Every Entrepreneur Wants More Time and Money. These 6 Best Practices Could Make That Happen

Small businesses often lack in documentation and other best practices, citing time as the issue. But, these 6 best practices save time and money.

The Obamas Just Announced They're Building a Business Empire On 1 Simple Thing (You Can Too)

The former first couple announced a Spotify podcast deal symbolic of a potent way to build a successful business.

Want a Raise? Here's How To Make Asking Your Boss For a Raise Extraordinarily Easy

Even if you deserve a raise, asking for one can be challenging--and uncomfortable. Here are tips to help you get past that.

Caterpillar Takes on a California Coffee Shop Over Caps and T-Shirts

Another small business faces a crazy legal challenge from a big company that should know better.

Want to Get an Investor's Attention? Pandora Co-Founder Tim Westergren Has 3 Tips

The successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist has sage advice for founders looking for funding.

The Easiest Thing Bosses Can Do to Support Parents at Work: Talk More About Your Kids

"Secret parenting" makes it harder for everyone to juggle work and family. Time to bring your kids out of the closet.

Twitter Demands Your Attention, Not Necessarily Your Tweets

Businesses and entrepreneurs should be on Twitter, even if it means never tweeting. By monitoring conversations in Twitter, businesses can keep up with trending topics as well as what's going on with competitors and what journalists are writing about.

Amazon's Vendor Purge and FedEx Cancellation Prove 1 Thing: Startups Need to Watch Out

The e-commerce giant has long touted itself as a friend to small businesses. That could soon change.

Are You Winging It With BYOD? Formalize Your Policy ASAP

Have workers conducting business on their personal devices? What you need is a BYOD policy that's airtight and beneficial for both employer and employee.

Sunday, June 9, 2019

A Guide to Amazon and Google's Antitrust Vulnerabilities

The DOJ and FTC with investigate big tech antitrust practices. Google and Amazon should be the most worried. Here's why.

Harvard Research Says You're 40 Percent More Likely to Get a Promotion If You Do This 1 Thing

Managers, employees, CEOs, and startup founders all get or grant promotions. Your career & financial advancement depends on rising in the ranks.

How to Stay Sane When Dealing With Someone With a Low Emotional Quotient (EQ)

It's challenging to live and work with people who don't understand their own emotions and those of others.

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Here's How 'Transformational' Leaders Deal with Team Conflict

Transformational leaders help teams come together and break through conflicts and barriers. They create individualized learning experiences, often without even knowing it.

Is a Big Layoff Coming? Take this Quiz and Find Out

If you see these red flags, you should either brush up your resume or get your startup ready to launch.

Women, Stop Doing Housework and Start Writing Instead

In fact, people of every gender need to make important work a priority.

5 Reasons You Should Definitely Wear Your Apple Watch Upside Down

You probably had no idea you could flip your Apple Watch around, but now that you know, here's why you absolutely should.

The CEO of Hilton Just Made a Stunning Admission About the 1 Thing He Doesn't Do in Hotels

I always thought this was something people knew they were supposed to do. But the CEO says he doesn't.

This Successful Executive and Spinner of Yarn Understands the Value of Quality Communication

Whatever type of business you're in, communication is essential. This expert explains how he's used communication to define and strengthen his company.

What a One-Day Digital Detox Does For Your Brain (It's Pretty Amazing)

The Internet is an amazing tool but neuroscientists believe it can reprogram your brain to be less effective. Fortunately, much of that damage can be repaired with even a short period of time without access to consumer electronic.

5 Keys to Winning the Support You Need for Your Next Breakthrough Idea

Having a breakthrough idea or cutting edge technology alone does not equal business success - you need personal innovation capital

Amazon Says Its Drones Will Be Making Deliveries Within Months

The e-commerce giant's new drones use computer vision and machine learning to navigate landings.

Building a Mental Health Care Technology Company

This industry is both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding.

How to Run a Successful In-Person Retreat for Your Remote Team

Meeting in person is one of the most effective ways to encourage team building and create connection on a remote team, but you need to follow these tips.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

5 Ways To Build a Company Culture That Promotes and Retains Women and Minorities

Diverse teams are more innovative, ship better products, and make more money for your company

Do You Know How to Structure Long-Term Plans? Start Here.

Goals are only as attainable as the plan to get there. Here's how to construct a clear, realistic blueprint to keep you and your team on task and on time.

Do Not, Under Any Circumstances, Start a Business Email This Way

There are only two words you should be writing when starting any business email

The 4 Things My MBA Prepared Me For at Work (and the 1 Thing It Didn't)

If you're considering an MBA, you may find it helpful to understand what it will (and won't) prepare you for after graduation.

Will Business Lose Its Cookies Over These New Privacy Laws?

Privacy is finally all the rage, but governments and businesses alike still have a lot to learn.

Trade Shows Are Becoming More Inventor-Friendly

Thanks to a shift in focus and the growing popularity of open innovation.

5 Critical Things Female Founders Need to Launch a Successful Startup

The number of women-owned business has more than doubled in the past two decades, and the trend is showing no sign of stopping. If you're ready to join the ranks--and make your own idea a huge success--tap into these essential sources of support and inspiration.

Peloton, WeWork, and Postmates Are Coming Down the IPO Pike Next

Now that Uber's massive IPO is out of the way, the next wave of unicorns may be ready for their turn.

Want Your People to Be More Productive? Have Them Take a Nap Every 90 Minutes

To grow faster, boost your productivity. How? Energize and focus your people on the right things at the right time.

How to Use Slack Without Losing Critical Business Productivity

The workplace collaboration app doesn't always deliver the efficiency and productivity it promises. Here's how to curb your worst impulses while using it.

How Tim Westergren Steered Pandora From 'the Brink of Shutting Down' to a $3.5 Billion Exit

The entrepreneur and venture capitalist will discuss his two eventful decades helming the music service at Inc.'s Fast Growth Tour in San Francisco on Thursday.