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Because of their quiet nature, introverts often face greater challenges getting ahead in their careers. But Nancy Ancowitz, author of “Self-Promotion for Introverts,” says introversion can actually be an advantage. In this podcast, Ancowitz explains how introverts can harness strengths such as listening and research and gain greater visibility at work.
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Continue reading Self-Promotion for Introverts | Useful Commute podcast...

So Google (GOOG) plans to team up with the NSA to investigate the recent cyberattacks emanating from China. This is probably the first of many such arrangements, as the nature of hacking against American businesses has fundamentally changed in the last few years.

Continue reading Google Cyberattack Opens the Door to Big Brother in U.S. Business...

It can be difficult to ask for help, especially if you like to solve problems on your own or if you’re afraid of appearing weak. Learn how you can ask for assistance or guidance from your manager without looking stupid.

Continue reading How to Ask for Help Effectively | Leila's House of Corrections...

As the Toyota-recall scandal grows, the company doesn’t just face the deep embarrassment of recalling most of its most-popular cars. The Japanese auto giant has made some key mistakes in managing the crisis that could cost it even more than the brand black-eye it’s getting from its mechanical problems.

Continue reading Toyota Recall Aftermath: The Japanese Automaker's Big Disconnect...

1. Even though Toyota is recalling millions of its cars for accelerator pedals that either stick or become trapped beneath floor mats, the car maker is still sticking with an ad slogan that unintentionally calls to mind rapid acceleration. What is the slogan?

A. Toyota: Clear the Road
B. Toyota: Driven at the Speed of [...]

Continue reading The Weekly Biz Quiz: Runaway Toyotas, the Stone Age iPad, and More!...

Equator Estate Coffees & Teas, a specialty coffee roasting firm in San Rafael, Calif., is guided by the belief that quality leads to sustainability. Co-founders Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell partner with farmers who practice sustainable land stewardship in developing countries. In addition, Equator uses a coffee roaster that burns 80 percent less natural gas than a traditional roaster, and a composter that turns coffee waste into fertilizer.

Continue reading Coffee Roaster Brews Up Eco-Friendly Cup...

Blogs have been chattering recently about whether Amazon (AMZN) or Walmart (WMT) will dominate Internet retailing in the future. But what some analysts forget is this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. A close look at the two companies’ audiences reveals some interesting possible ways the competition between these two may play out.
Growth in e-commerce — [...]

Continue reading Demographic Differences Are Key in Amazon-Walmart Online Battle...

Analysts are playing their sad violins for debt-saddled Blockbuster (BBI). This week, the departure of Carl Icahn from its board cast a melancholy shadow on the company’s future prospects, along with the company’s recent downward revision to its forecast for 2009 earnings. Throw in the subplot of Netflix’s unexpectedly strong results and upstart store-kiosk rental chain Redbox’s rapid growth, and Blockbuster seems scripted for a tragic end. But there’s still hope for a turnaround story here.

Continue reading How Blockbuster Could Find a Happy Ending...

Atul Gawande, author of “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right” explains how checklists aren’t just rigid, restrictive recipes for getting things done. In extremely complex situations, like modern surgery and emergency flight landings, checklists are incredibly effective. In fact, they’re increasingly necessary in business as more and more individuals are required to complete [...]

Continue reading Using Checklists to Prevent Failures | Harvard IdeaCast...

The government has been directly and indirectly supporting the newspaper industry for centuries. But a new university study has found that that support is fading fast.

Continue reading Free Market Newspapers Fighting for Government Subsidies...