Articles By Caroline Cloutier

Speech, Speech! Seven Tips for Delivering an Impromptu Address

Caroline Cloutier — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:50:51 -0500

Uh, oh! Your boss just asked you to deliver an important speech, and you only have five minutes to prepare. Before you consider booking it to the nearest bathroom, check out these seven quick tips for delivering an impromptu address. And, relax!

Managing a Long-Term Project: A How-to Guide

Caroline Cloutier — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:38:06 -0500

You've just been asked to manage a long-term project. An impossible task, right? Wrong! Learn key strategies to ensure that the project stays on course and meets - and exceeds - clients' expectations.

Maxed Out: How to Properly Evaluate Business Credit Cards

Caroline Cloutier — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:08:42 -0500

With so many different credit cards out in the market, how are you supposed to select the best one for your business? According to financial experts, you first have to do your homework. Read on to learn how to navigate the money maze and read between the lines of credit card lingo.

Virtual Reality: Confessions of a Virtual Assistant

Caroline Cloutier — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:50:04 -0500

Have you ever considered becoming a virtual assistant (VA)? If the idea of being your own boss, working out of your home, and leaving the confines of your cubicle seems promising, then a career as a VA might just be for you. But before you jump on the virtual bandwagon, learn five necessary traits for those working in this field.

Forming Partnerships - What to Consider when Going into Business with Friends

Caroline Cloutier — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:21:38 -0500

Are you considering joining forces with a friend to create a business? Be careful! This can be a disaster waiting to happen. Learn what you need to consider before making the jump.

Meeting Etiquette 101: The "Dos" and "Don'ts" of Meeting Manners

Caroline Cloutier — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:12:52 -0500

You've been there: You're sitting in a meeting when it happens - a BlackBerry goes off, and a woman drops her fork and starts scrambling around to find it. If these scenarios seem all too realistic, you're not alone. Learn the top "dos" and "don'ts" of meeting etiquette to ensure that these situations are problems of the past.

Is Self-Employment for You?

Caroline Cloutier — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:45:49 -0500

If you're considering going into business for yourself, it might be time to take a good hard look at your strengths and weaknesses. Being self-employed can be tough. You need to know that it's the right thing for who you are and what you want out of life. We'll help you evaluate the pros and cons.

How to Demotivate Your Team in 6 Simple Steps

Caroline Cloutier — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:55:14 -0500

Sure, most managers want to motivate their teams. But if they aren't careful, they can just as easily demotivate them. Here, we go over six simple ways to ruin your team's motivation and completely discourage them. Take a look and then...avoid these things at all costs!

Improve Your Professional Life: Learn a New Skill

Caroline Cloutier — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:42:47 -0500

If you're feeling stagnant in your career, it might be time to expand your horizons. Nothing sparks professional improvement like learning a new skill. We have some basic strategies to help you open your mind and grow your professional opportunities.

Effective Techniques for Group Problem Solving

Caroline Cloutier — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:04:20 -0500

Working in an office means dealing with problems. Being an effective office worker means finding solutions. So, how do you coordinate with your team to generate smart solutions to complicated problems? Follow our simple technique for successful group problem solving.