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Senior Writer

Julie Rains

Mortgage-free homeowner, business enthusiast, really busy mom.

Latest articles by Julie Rains

The Senior Resume for High School Students

Resumes aren't just useful for job seekers — they're also great for college-bound students. Learn (and why!) to build a resume for a high schooler.

How to Run Your First 5K

It takes more than just a training plan to run a 5K — especially if you're just getting into fitness. Here's how to make sure you do it safely and happily.

How to Express Condolences Without Saying Something Stupid

Do you feel awkward when you try to express condolences? Try these techniques to show your sympathy.

How to Find Free (or Cheap) Health Resources

From preventive screenings to primary care, you can find free or inexpensive healthcare thanks to these websites, clinics, and other resources.

5 Reasons People Resist Change

Before you can help employees and colleagues overcome resistance to change, be sure you understand why they prefer the status quo.

Why Brand Image Is Important to the Tiniest of Businesses

Many small business owners overlook -- or avoid -- brand building. Too often, that's a critical mistake.

3 Killer E-commerce Website Features

Make the effort to add features to your ecommerce site that meet customer needs, and you'll build a site that satisfies user needs and meets your sales goals.

How to Give Thoughtful Gifts on a Scrooge-Like Budget

If you have a lot of gifts to give during the holidays, it can be tough enough to give personal gifts, let alone stay on budget. Use these tips to do both.

How to Be Less of a Grump at Work

If your work life has transformed you into the office grump, take steps to change how you work. You'll improve your outlook and perhaps your bottom line.

Lessons In Leadership From Andy Bernard Of The Office

If a timid bumbler like The Office's Andy Bernard can lead a team to success, then surely anyone can.

Quick, Easy, and Festive Cream Cheese Appetizers

Whether you want something salty or sweet, for ultra-quick, delicious appetizers, try one of these 16 no-bake cream cheese ideas.

How To Claim Your Online Identity and Keep It Relevant

Online services such as Google Places and Yelp include details about your business whether you ask them to or not. Here's how to claim those listings as your own.

Sweetening the Deal on Small Business Saturday

On Small Business Saturday, American Express offers small businesses a chance to boost sales. Some small businesses are boosting that opportunity with promotions of their own.

25 Ways to Communicate Better Today

Getting your point across (and understanding the points that others are making) is one of the most important skills you can master. Learn how to do it better.

4 Genuine Ways To Execute The Brand Promise

It's not enough to develop a brand promise. To be successful, your company has to live up to it.

Great Ways to Improve Your Resume Today

If you're applying for jobs, these quick and easy resume changes could make a big difference in whether or not you land an interview.

Making Your Web Presence Both Local and Global

Think globally, act locally. Or is it think locally, act globally? With some planning, both can be true for your online identity.

Customer Service Mistakes You’ll Never Recover From

Gaining customers is hard work. Make sure you aren't losing them through preventable customer service blunders.

9 Reasons People Don't Do What They Are Supposed to Do

Managing staff is rarely easy. Here are 9 distressing employee-management situations, and what you can do to correct them.

5 Reasons Your Customers Aren't Using Your Website

Make it easy for your customers to get what they want from your website or your competitors will.