Business

Business management explores how businesses are run and the issues they face. Whether you're an entrepreneur or are curious about different business models, these articles will answer some of the most common questions about the world of business.

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For many, there's nothing more intimidating than to try to argue salary with a potential or current boss. It takes a lot of confidence to go up to the person with power to hire or fire you and say you deserve more than you were offered.

By Jane McGrath

In theory, you could negotiate virtually every aspect of your employee compensation package, from salary to bonuses to health care. The reality is that you're probably too low on the totem pole to do so. If you're going to try, however, wait for the right time.

By Dave Roos

You just can't measure your compensation just by your salary. While that paycheck constitutes the majority of the reward for your efforts, you also need to consider fringe benefits offered by your employer. Did you know that the worth of those extras can total about 50 percent of your salary?

By Martha Barksdale

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An employee incentive is anything that is designed to reward peak performance in a workplace. It could be higher wages, a lavish trip or even the occasional piece of fruit. In other words, they're kind of like a motivational "carrot" for the worker.

By Tristin Hopper

Congratulations on your new sales job! Do you know how you'll be paid yet? Yes, you can actually choose how you'll receive your pay -- and getting a draw on your commission is just one of several ways to get paid.

By Marie Willsey

Signing bonuses are usually reserved for star employees, usually to entice them to jump ship. Do regular employees warrant signing bonuses, and under what circumstances?

By Dave Roos

Temp agencies provide workers to companies via on a non-permanent basis. They can open doors to new careers or just tide you over until you get a permanent job -- but how do you use them?

By Ed Grabianowski

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If you're looking for a job, sending out dozens of resumes each week can seem hopeless. But the hiring manager has a tough time sifting through all those applications, too. How can both potential workers and employers make the process easier? Employment agencies ease some of the burden.

By Jill Jaracz

Oh no! You've lost your job! If you're looking for help, you might do well to start at your local Employment Security Commission. Despite what you may think, these offices do a lot more than cut unemployment checks.

By Linda C. Brinson

It's hard to find a job these days, but once you get your foot in the door, try not to put it in your mouth -- at least, not right away. Here are some tips designed to help you make the right first impression on your first day at work.

By Dave Roos

Although bullies are often associated with childhood and schoolyards, the grown-up versions can cause just as much harm to workers on the job. What does workplace bullying look like, and why is it so hard to report?

By Joanna Burgess

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The corporate world has come to realize that people accomplish far in groups that they do alone. That said, workplace teamwork has to be done carefully in order to be effective. What can companies do to improve teamwork at the office?

By Stephanie Watson

For anybody who had to endure uniforms in high school, an official dress code may seem like an outdated corporate relic. But a dress code isn’t just arbitrary sets of rules; it's seen as a meaningful component of a well-run company.

By Tristin Hopper

Communication is as easy as breathing, but doing so with coworkers can be tricky. Someone could misconstrue a friendly e-mail, micromanage employees to death or even commit a cultural faux pas. Luckily, we'll show you how to avoid these missteps.

By Stephanie Watson

Conflict is inevitable. The trick is to manage it so that it doesn't get too far out of hand. There are many ways to do this -- the one you choose may depend entirely on your environment.

By Nathan Chandler

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Getting started at a new job can take some getting used to, but working in a virtual office has an entirely different set of challenges. How do you adjust to the differences?

By Stephanie Crawford

Want to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company? Maybe you'd just like to move up a couple of rungs on the corporate ladder. No matter the level of career achievement you have in mind, it will take goals and a plan of action to make your dreams a reality.

By Caitlin Uttley

Rising to the top of any organization takes more than just skill or ambition alone. A combination of the two -- with a good dose of research and hard work to back it up -- will help put you in a position to succeed. Are you ready to take your career to the next level?

By Colleen Cancio

You used to fit right in at the office -- until you got that big promotion. If you think that your coworkers want to celebrate with you, you may find yourself thinking again.

By Dave Roos

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If you think that going back to school for an MBA will make you a millionaire, think again. It's true that MBAs make more money than those who only have undergraduate degrees, but the fact is, some MBAs are better than others.

By Marie Willsey

If you think that entrepreneurship is a one-man show, think again. Even the most successful CEOs had some help on his or her way to the top. Everyone needs a sounding board and confidante in the business world -- and that's just what a mentor provides.

By Dave Roos

Who wants more money? We all do, right? Now that you've paid your dues and proven you're an asset to your company, it's time to be rewarded. But before making your case for increased compensation, check out these tips to help you cash in on your career.

By Craig Haggit

Looking for a job is a full-time job -- and it's usually much more stressful than a normal job. But one of the best things you can do with your time is to increase your professional value. One great way to do that is by learning another language.

By Jane McGrath

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Employers usually give their workers longevity raises to reward their hard work and long tenures on the job, but the economic downturn may put an end to the practice for good. What's a longevity raise -- and why are they doomed?

By Marie Willsey

What hard-working employee doesn't like a refreshing COLA every now and then? But we're not talking about soda pop. Cold, hard cash trumps a cool, break-time soft drink when these "cost-of-living adjustments" put some change in your pocket to help wash down the rising expenses of day-to-day life.

By John Kelly