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Ideas for marketing on a small-business budget |
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Running a small business is a dream for many people, but those who do it know that you need to have dedication in addition to dreams. A great business plan is the first step to getting a business off the ground, but once it's launched, the real work starts. To give your business the best opportunities to succeed, you need to think creatively about how to get your message out to your customers. |
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What you need to think about when considering a career change |
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In this time of economic uncertainty, people of all ages are considering career changes. People are forced to explore other career options because of layoffs. Others seek a new direction as they experience declining satisfaction with a job they once found exciting. Professionals who have made successful switches to different careers offer advice to help others do the same. |
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Why you should consider a professionally designed logo for your business |
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While creating a logo might seem to some like a simple art project, it should be taken much more seriously. A good logo fosters the connection consumers have with your business and increases the visibility of your products and services. Therefore, you can run into a number of problems if you choose a logo design method that is less than professional. |
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Why learning online is an earth-friendly education option |
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Are you passionate about preserving the planet? Does it rub you the wrong way when others don't recycle? When offered paper or plastic bags at the grocery store, do you find yourself lecturing the bagboy about the benefits of bringing your own bags? There's nothing wrong with being green. Did you know that you can help the planet simply by earning your degree online? |
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Expert advice for starting a small business - even in this economy |
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Is it easier to climb Mount Everest than to start a small business in America today? More than 65 percent of Americans think so, according to a recent survey. Yet 70 percent also believe small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government, reveals the survey by Wakefield Research conducted on behalf of e-commerce platform Alibaba.com. |
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Could you be a creative director at an ad agency? |
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Are you trying to find a career where you can combine your creativity with your passion for being a leader? While there are plenty of jobs out there where you could use those skills, being a creative director will allow you to thrive on them. |
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Five things small businesses can do to make marketing pay off |
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In shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small business, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return. In fact, figuring out "what works" is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners. |
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Five tips for a safer business trip |
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It's easy to forget about safety when you're away from home, tied up with client meetings and power dinners. Unsuspecting travelers - especially those who are out of town on business -- make easy prey for criminals. With these simple business travel safety tips, you won't have to worry about leaving your home behind, or whether or not you'll be safe when you reach your destination. |
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Five must-use sites for a recent grad |
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The Internet has morphed from a luxury to a utility in the last two decades, and it is now the premiere way to establish oneself as a desirable job candidate. It can be the best tool for college graduates entering the workforce, if you're using the right websites. |
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Find the right ad agency position for you |
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Do you look forward to the Super Bowl, not for the football, but for the opportunity to dissect Madison Avenue's finest work? When you get a new magazine, do you first check out all the advertisements before reading the stories? It's okay to admit if you do. Your love for advertising would be a perfect fit at an advertising agency. |
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Health service administration a growing industry |
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The field of health care is undergoing rapid changes. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 16 percent growth at the national level for health services management positions from 2008 to 2018, so job prospects for those with proper training and experience, allowing for variances in local job markets, should generally be good. |
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What do IT professionals do when viruses attack? |
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Before computers even started making their way into people's homes, programmers were writing "viruses" that could cripple entire systems. Here is an inside look into what experienced IT professionals do when their networks are attacked by viruses. |
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Why you need to stand out at trade shows - and how to do it |
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Trade shows can be a bad news/good news proposition. The bad news? It might cost your business a bit to go. However, the good news is something that you can hardly put a price tag on. What will you get for your investment? Exposure, networking opportunities, new business, the chance to be seen as a major presence, and, depending on what industry you're in, press coverage. You could be seeing the benefits of going to a trade show for a long time to come. |
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Women's finances: Embrace the power of the purse |
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Every woman should have a healthy relationship with money, but the reality is that many women still heavily rely on men to handle their finances. Now is the time for women to break out of the traditional role and take action to gain financial independence. |
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Emerging careers in science and health care |
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Growth in technology is contributing to career options at an increasing rate. Ten of the 20 fastest-growing careers are health care-related, with 26 percent of all new jobs created falling into this category, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's "Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition." New career possibilities are opening for individuals with vocational training, college diplomas and advanced degrees. |
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The work starts when the job search begins |
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A record number of people are looking for work these days. If you're not one of them, chances are you know someone who is. These frustrating economic conditions make it easy to get discouraged. For anyone feeling stalled in their job search, a few simple steps could put the wind back in their sails. |
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Why business is the most popular undergraduate major |
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Whether you're thinking of heading to campus or enrolling in an online degree program, this list of most-awarded bachelor's degrees could help you plan your college education. If you're headed off to college soon, now's the time to think about concentration programs within the most popular major, and a look at how college students' choice of majors has changed over the years. |
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Smart and convenient solutions for busy consumers |
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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." |
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Five ways to get your local business listed online |
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As a small-business owner, with a small budget and limited resources, you may wonder: How can I boost my online visibility without spending a lot of time or money? And in a way that will actually bring business through the shop door? You need to learn about local Internet marketing. |
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Kids aren't the only ones headed to the classroom this fall |
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Countless adults are returning to the classroom, both online and on the ground, to pursue their education. Whether they're returning to adapt to changes in the economy, are looking to move ahead in their current role or are making the time to pursue the degree they've always wanted, heading back to school to compete in a knowledge-based economy can mean a lot of adjustment and some new experiences. |
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The 5 most popular graduate degrees |
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In 2006 to 2007, the last year for which statistics are available, institutions of higher learning in the United States awarded nearly 605,000 master's degrees. The vast majority of those awards were concentrated in five subject areas. Here are the most popular fields of study among master's degree recipients. |
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New hope for old malls |
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There is new promise for the nation's malls. A fixture throughout America's cities and towns for decades, the conventional mall is in a state of decline. It is possible to rethink yesterday's malls with a creative vision that will return them to their prominent place in communities and realize lasting social, cultural and economic value. For example, just this summer, the former Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif., was transformed into a new center that, while operated like a mall, feels and functions like a part of the city. |
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Five things job-seekers can do to stand out from the crowd |
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If you're a job-seeker in today's tight employment market, you know what a challenge you're up against. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced worker who has been affected by the economic downturn, you know that employers who post job openings are flooded with applications, making it difficult to stand out in the crowd. |
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Nonprofits leaning on individuals and corporations in tough times |
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A new study released by the Corporation for National and Community Services reported that the number of volunteers in America rose 1.6 million in the past year. The dramatic increase ultimately demonstrates that people are contributing to their communities at an increasing rate, even during financially challenging times. |
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First impressions matter most: the importance of a memorable logo |
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You wouldn't go into a job interview wearing shorts and a T-shirt. You know better than to show up an hour late to meet the parents of your future spouse for the first time. That's because you realize the importance of first impressions. For businesses, logos are often the first thing people notice. Therefore, it's important your logo makes a memorable first impression. |
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New grads play to their strengths on job hunt |
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Fresh from school with diploma in hand, new graduates face a daunting new reality on the job hunt. It's a rough transition to make, especially in a tough job market, so they need to use every advantage to gain a foothold. |
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Refresh your resume for optimum performance |
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Is your resume working for you? There's never been a better time to take a close look and make sure it is. With today's high rate of unemployment, many Americans are competing in a tight job market. Will your resume grab the attention of a prospective employer? |
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What you need in your new business start-up kit |
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Few times are more exciting than when you're just about ready to launch your new business. The potential and possibilities seem almost endless, but it can be nerve-wracking too. You may have been planning your foray into business ownership for years, but in the weeks before you take the big leap, you need to make sure that you're truly ready to handle the business that will be coming your way. |
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Social media: The best advertising money can't buy for your small business |
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Used to be, a diligent small business owner with a great idea and plenty of gumption could grow a business through word of mouth alone. In many ways, that's still true. Yet today, much of the "word of mouth" conversations and recommendations, which can make or break a business, are happening online, not face to face. |
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Career-changers finding opportunity in booming day spa industry |
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Even though the economy appears to be climbing out of recession, unemployment rates remain alarmingly high. Yet some industries continue to prosper, offering plenty of opportunity for career-changers and qualified job seekers. The day spa industry is an example of a "luxury" industry that has continued to do well despite the recession. |
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The rise of camera phones, Internet photography and civilian photojournalism |
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It's safe to say that the Internet and electronic technology have completely revolutionized the way our society uses photography. Taking a picture has always been the way to freeze time and capture important memories, but never before has it been so unbelievably easy to record those moments and share them with people in every corner of the world. |
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Job opportunities booming in health care |
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Many Americans are evaluating career directions and considering other options in today's competitive job market. One industry consistently reported as growing is health care. Even if patient care does not appeal to you, you should not disregard looking into health care opportunities because not all health care workers are directly involved in patient care. |
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E-mail marketing: reaching the masses through one mouse click |
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Buying advertising can be expensive and creating the ads can also be a time-consuming and difficult process. While there's no doubt that advertising and other traditional marketing efforts can be helpful in growing your client base, knowing what options are available and which are the most effective can often be the biggest challenge to a small business owner. One of the best options, and one of the most underutilized, is e-mail marketing. |
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Ways to stay productive when working from home |
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Working at home usually entails setting your own hours, setting your own earning potential and spending more time with your kids, spouse and family. If you telecommute or own your own business, there are a few essential things that every stay-at-home worker must have. Use this checklist to determine how to best organize your lifestyle when working from home. |
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Want to know you can land a job after graduation? Try massage therapy |
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Students earning a diploma in professional massage therapy have excellent chances of landing a rewarding job in their chosen field upon graduating. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor's 2009-2010 Occupational Outlook Handbook states that employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent through 2016, faster than average for all occupations. |
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Preparing the work force America's economy requires |
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America does not have the work force necessary for the economy it has and needs. That was the conclusion of the Commission on the Future of Higher Education in 2006. In order to reach the competitive level called for, greater attention must be given to the 54 million adults who have some college, but no degree. |
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Where to find education benefits for military family members |
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The men and women who serve our country in uniform are eligible for a number of educational benefits in exchange for their service. It's only fair: they offer their blood, sweat and tears to defend the nation, and the nation contributes resources to help them become better soldiers, or re-join the civilian world. However, service members aren't the only people making sacrifices on behalf of the military: their family members do as well. |
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Personal branding: A new focus in job searching |
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Career development professionals are creating new strategies to help clients increase the chances of getting noticed among the throngs of job applicants vying for positions. Personal branding is the process of distinguishing the essence of an individual's relevant career attributes and communicating them consistently throughout the resume and interview. |
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How to add 'green' to even the most paper-based office |
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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. |
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When heading back to school, make sure your degree is flexible |
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Earning a degree, and then finding a job you like where you can put your degree to good use isn't easy to accomplish these days. Which is why working on a degree with plenty of flexibility is so important - you will be able to market your talents in many different industries for many different job qualifications. |
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How to answer job interview questions and be prepared |
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Job interviews can be filled with anxiety if you are not prepared for the questions and the answers. Preparing for your job interview is a lot more than updating your resume and getting a haircut. Doing your homework is critical to your success. To prepare for a job interview, here are a few questions you should be expecting. |
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Entrepreneurs: Try these new marketing techniques to reach customers |
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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. |
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Small businesses get credit boost from new fund |
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With many traditional credit sources continuing to keep a tight rein on lending, many small business owners simply do not have access to conventional means of credit. The good news is that small business owners are increasingly able to access alternative and innovative sources of financing, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). |
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How online education can help working parents |
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Whether you're a single parent or married, raising kids who are healthy, happy, educated and disciplined is a full-time job. As a parent, you have to give up doing things you want to do for yourself in order to make sure your kids have your undivided attention whenever they can. Fortunately, parents who want to return to school now have more opportunity to do so, thanks to the flexibility and convenience offered by online education outlets. |
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College students: Take 5 steps to jump-start your career |
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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. |
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In the service and wondering what's next? A degree can help get you there |
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Are you in the service right now, considering your options following your military career? Serving our country is a noble cause, and one that creates not only a sense of loyalty, but also an abundance of opportunities in the form of leadership development and educational paths that can lead to fulfilling civilian and military careers. |
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Demystifying massage: How to choose what's right for you |
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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. |
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See where a medical assistant career can take you |
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If you've ever thought about pursuing a career in the health care industry, now is the time to make it happen. Health care is expected to gain 3.2 million jobs before 2018 - more than any other industry - according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Health care is one of the most diverse industries and employs people with all different educational levels. One of the most dynamic positions you can pursue is that of a medical assistant. |
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A good website is a necessity for any business, large or small |
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If you run a successful mom-and-pop shop, outstanding service, great customer relationships and word-of-mouth marketing are your trademarks. As we become more reliant on the digital world, it's important to connect with your customers in meaningful ways through the use of technology. The best way to do that is through your website. |
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How to make the most of your interview |
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With the economy slowly healing after the financial crisis of 2008, competition for jobs is at an all-time high, making interview skills a vital tool for applicants. Here are tips to help communicate the skills you possess that will set you apart from the others. |
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Ten great ways to create a more productive workspace |
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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. |
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How an idea becomes a movie |
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"I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill." We've all seen the "Schoolhouse Rock" episode that explains how a bill becomes a law. In fact, many of us base our entire understanding of U.S. politics on that three-minute cartoon. In many ways, the making of a movie is just as complicated as the journey a bill takes to become a law. |
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Attention authors: 4 reasons to go with an indie publisher |
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Due to advancements in technology like digital cinematography cameras and internet distribution, artists in both the movie and music industries have been producing their work independently for decades now. Now, in that same independent spirit, writers also have the freedom to bypass the traditional conventions of publishing to achieve their goal of becoming a published author. |
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Simple steps that can help to build a small business brand |
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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. |
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Can the Internet help define, close the generation gap? |
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The Internet is a great equalizer, giving all who use it virtually the same access to a vast vault of information, from the relevant and vital to silly minutia. Yet how we use the Web and behave in the digital world varies greatly, depending on our age, familiarity with digital media and other demographic factors, a new survey reveals. |
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Five tips for effective resume revision |
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Re-writing your resume? It never hurts to sharpen up your curriculum vitae (CV), which offers potential employers a first glance at your qualifications and experience. Whether you needed a job yesterday, or are just beginning to mull over pursuing a new position sometime, there are five things you'll want to take on board when revising your resume. |
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Why online learning could work for you |
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There is a very good reason that online education has become popular in recent years. The traditional classroom setting just doesn't suit the needs of many of today's students anymore, as they are demanding more flexible options and versatility. |
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Women are going back to school, but not in the classroom |
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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. |
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What you need to know to become a veterinary technician |
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The American Veterinary Medical Association's 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook states that nearly 40 percent of all U.S. households include at least one dog and 32.8 percent own two cats. That's a lot of patients receiving care from the veterinary community. If you have ever thought of working with animals as a career, you can follow a well-defined professional path. |
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Going back to college? Chase your passion, not a paycheck |
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Given current economic conditions, it's no surprise that many people are considering going back to college either to pursue a more advanced degree in their field or to change fields altogether. There is a process you can follow to be smart about returning to college. |
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