Chris Birk's blog

White Papers: Tell (and Sell) Your Story

Discover why these plainly named documents can be your most powerful marketing tools.

Good Press: 6 Steps to Writing Killer Op-Eds and Commentaries

Don't get caught in a press-release rut; behold the power of the op-ed.

8 Job-Getting Tips from a Guy Who's Hired 500 People in the Past 5 Years

August Nielsen hires people. Lots of them. He's waded through a sea of resumes and rejection letters, and his advice could help you land your next job.

What QE2 Could Mean for Ordinary Americans

A second round of quantitative easing, or QE2, could have a real and significant impact on households nationwide. Learn why some Americans might soon have to do more with less.

Giving to Charity is Great. But How Do You Pick One?

The holiday season is crucial for charities nationwide. Find out how to pick the right charity for you and ensure your donation goes to those who really need it.

6 Ways to Earn Extra Holiday Cash

With all the gifts you'd like to buy, the most wonderful time of the year can be expensive. Here's how to pick up some side cash to fatten your wallet this holiday season.

Retail Therapy: The Benefits of Shopping

"Retail therapy" — shopping to help you feel better — is typically viewed with scorn. But some recent findings suggest that shopping can make you happy...if you do it right.

Smart Web Design Will Boost Your Brand Building

The web isn't the only avenue for developing and building a successful brand, but it's increasingly becoming the most important for an array of businesses big and small.

Portfolio Ailing? Take a Peek at Asian Markets.

If you haven't been paying attention to Asian stock markets, you could be missing out on a vital tool for making money.

How an Exact Match Domain Can Launch a Successful Business

To say that entrepreneurs need a good web domain is to trade in marketing cliché, but here’s a different way to think about domains: as a crucial first step.

5 Ways to Boost Credibility and Conversions

Self-promotion is a crucial step to sustained success. There are simple ways to promote your business without coming across as a self-important egomaniac.

The Case for Expensive Shoes

Many cost-conscious consumers cling to a short list of must-haves that are worth purchasing no matter the price. High-quality shoes should make the cut every recession.

Startup Capital with Fewer Strings: A Look at Royalty Based Financing

An infusion of capital can breathe new life into a fledgling business, but there’s often a concern that investment capital means losing control of your vision. Meet a concept that’

5 Expenses to Ditch After Age 30

Thirty is just a number, but there are several types of expenses that we should probably ditch upon hitting the Big 3-0.

Summer Clearance Cornerstones: 5 Things to Buy Before Autumn Arrives

The apex of back-to-school anxiety, Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer. But it’s the start of a fleeting, beautiful season for students of saving: summer clearance.

The Power of Real People: Using Customer Profiles to Sell Your Story

In-depth profiles of your real customers are valuable promotional materials. Learn how to identify customers to interview and how to best share their stories.