Business

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

Is business networking modern man's greatest invention? That may be a stretch, but everyone agrees that it's the greatest career tool to come along in quite some time. But how do people in the business world use it effectively?

By Linda C. Brinson

When you hear that somebody's headed back to school, do you get visions of Rodney Dangerfield breaking out his "Triple Lindy" diving technique at the college swim meet? Don't be fooled -- almost 45 percent of Americans participate in continuing education each year.

By Jennifer Sellers

Employers looking for new hires usually seek candidates who know what they want. One way to stand out immediately is to start your resume off with a career objective, a brief statement that lets a company know what your professional goals are.

By Jane McGrath

Here's something you probably already suspected: Your boss didn't necessarily get to be a manager by being the best. Today, many companies hire prospects who fit into their system, then arm them with the tools to succeed. Think you have what it takes?

By Lance Looper

Are all great leaders born, or do they learn on the job? Many organizations are turning to leadership training to help foster best practices among management -- how can a program help you stand out?

By Meghan E. Smith

Whether you're still a student or an adult searching for a new path, you may have problems figuring out what your career plans are. Do you go for the money or follow your bliss? Career tests help you decide -- or help you discover a new path entirely.

By Ed Grabianowski

Professional development isn't usually required, but it can help you hone your skills and become more competitive in the job market. What program options are there for professional development?

By Lance Looper

From learning new skills to boosting salaries, there are plenty of reasons for teachers to invest in professional development. What kinds of training options are out there, and how do they differ from state to state?

By Laurie L. Dove

Remember when you could escape the proverbial rat race by packing up and going home for the day? Thanks to modern technology, you never have to leave the office again. Why? It's probably in your pocket.

By Dave Roos

Remote offices shouldn't feel remote. Fortunately, a wide range of technologies can help integrate branch offices with their headquarters. What does it take to get the job done?

By Jennifer Sellers

New communications systems like 3G and 4G networks and devices like smartphones can change the way we deal with data. But can they also save your business some big money?

By Jessika Toothman

If you're hungry for a Lums steamed hotdog or some Chi-Chi's nachos, too bad. Those chains no longer exist. Maybe that's bound to happen when, say, two guys from Minnesota with Scottish-sounding names try to open up a Mexican restaurant chain?

By Patrick J. Kiger

That golden icon is embedded in our brains whether we like it or not. Wouldn't it be good to finally know what it means, if anything?

By Jonathan Atteberry

Getting the idea for a new business is easy. Finding the cash to start it is something else. So where do you get some startup capital?

By Dave Roos

Starting a new business sounds great, right? From now on, you're your own boss. But if you aren't careful, you could run into trouble.

By Dave Roos

During an economic downturn, job seekers look for businesses that are likely to weather the storm. But is any business truly recession-proof?

By Dave Roos

Would you like some french fries with that McArabia, sir? Or a soda to wash down that -- porridge? The golden arches may look the same globally, but the menu sure doesn't.

By Susan L. Nasr

Who can forget all of the famous pitch lines, gizmos and unintentional hilarity packed into late-night paid programming? Infomercials are showy, earnest and often outright deceptive. What are 10 of the best?

By Stephanie Watson

If you can name the sandwich behind the jingle that starts, "Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese," then you already have one out of 10. What else makes the cut?

By William Harris

It's unlikely that your company's CEO knows your name, but you certainly know his or hers. What is it about the chief executive officer that strikes fear into so many employees' hearts? Is it paycheck envy, or something more?

By Jane McGrath

Most workers in the United States are paid by the hour, which means if they work more than 40 hours in a week, they get paid overtime. Does that make them work harder?

By Dave Roos

You already have plenty to do to keep your business running. How will you keep track of who gets paid and how much tax is withheld? What do payroll systems do?

By Dave Roos

What guarantees a company's success? Celebrity endorsements? A high influx of customers? Profitable stocks? Without a solid business model, any company can crumble into oblivion after riding the tide of good fortune.

By Jane McGrath & Jacob Clifton