Lifestyle Trends

Simple steps that can help to build a small business brand

The excitement of owning your own small business is matched only by the challenge of making sure people know about it. From the day you hang out your shingle - often a digital shingle these days - you're faced with an uphill battle to build recognition. The good news is that it takes just a few simple steps and some dedication to build a brand around your business. Read More

How to add 'green' to even the most paper-based office

Are you looking for a way to make your graphic design job a little more "green"? While you usually have no trouble with colors, going green in a career field like graphic design may seem like a challenge. You may be surprised to learn there are a variety of really simple things you can do to make your office, and your designs, more eco-friendly. Read More

Demystifying massage: How to choose what's right for you

Massage is no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Growing public awareness of massage's benefits for alleviating a number of health problems - from stress to arthritis pain - and greater availability of services have made massage therapy accessible and affordable to a much broader spectrum of consumers than ever before. Read More

College students: Take 5 steps to jump-start your career

Each year a new crop of students graduates from colleges and universities, and joins the millions of unemployed across the nation in seeking work. To prepare for life after graduation, there are steps college students can take to bolster their appeal in the job market. Read More

Women are going back to school, but not in the classroom

While many parents already take an active role in their children's education, today more and more moms are going back to school themselves, particularly in the tight economy. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that women were on track to surpass men in earning advanced degrees. And they are increasingly doing so online, at a significantly lesser cost than the average brick-and-mortar institution. Read More

Entrepreneurs: Try these new marketing techniques to reach customers

There is a hidden message in all of the headlines about the economic difficulties over the past couple of years: salespeople's jobs have become harder than ever. Many businesses have suffered or shut down completely because customers aren't buying with the same enthusiasm they used to - whether those customers are everyday consumers or part of a business-to-business chain. Read More

Ten great ways to create a more productive workspace

The average person's day can be inundated with a laundry list of workplace and personal to-dos. Combine that with the fact many workloads have expanded due to more than two thirds of workforces cutting resources in 2009, and things can really get stressful. Overall, many workers don't feel they are truly productive day in, day out. Read More

Smart and convenient solutions for busy consumers

Today's shoppers are more active than ever, and when you're on the go, you probably attempt to keep your schedule as simple and concise as possible. Because time is invaluable these days, keeping errand-running narrowed down to the minimal amount of time and energy needed allows for more time on your business, with your family or enjoying a bit of "me-time." Read More

Do you need extra auto insurance for the business equipment in your car?

Here's a question that comes up often for people who do a lot of driving as part of their job. Do I need extra insurance for the laptop, copy machine and other equipment I carry with me in the car? Read More

Riding the social media wave: a user's guide to Web-based communication

People use social media for a variety of reasons. What role does social media play in your life? What role should it play? Read More