Julie Rains's blog

Cheap, Quick Homemade Breakfasts

Whether you're wide-eyed or totally groggy in the morning, there's a cheap, quick, at-home breakfast for you. Try one of these great morning noshes.

7 Mistakes Bosses Make That Drive Employees Crazy

Sometimes leaders and managers can't avoid these seven common pratfalls of bad bosses. But with some careful management, these stumbles don't have to hurt morale or productivity.

4 Lies Business Owners Tell Themselves

Optimism in business is essential, but so is realism. Are you lying to yourself about the state of your business?

Increase Sales by Narrowing Customer Choices

Your customers are adrift in a sea of choices. Steer them to the sale with the right selection and the right information.

4 Lessons from Netflix's Price Hike

Netflix's recent price increase offers a crash course in the right way -- and the wrong way -- to roll out a price boost.

50+ Ways to Have Free Outdoor Fun

From exploring nature and working out to reading, learning about history, and much more, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time outdoors.

7 Ways to Inspire Others

Firing and hiring are expensive, and you probably can't replace business partners and colleagues, but if you're willing to lead, and they're willing to improve, change is possible.

The 7-Year Mortgage: Take It or Leave It?

Could a seven-year mortgage be the perfect for thing for you, or put your homeownership at risk? Understand your options with this guide.

6 Common Blunders of Lousy Leaders

Everyone makes mistakes. But leaders who commit these six blunders aren't leading. They're failing.

10 Ways to Check Your Ego at the Door

Even though it's your business it really isn't about you. It's about your business.

Netflix Pricing Changes: What Now?

Netflix has raised its rates over 70% in the past year. As media prices keep increasing, there are other entertainment options (and concerns) to consider.

9 Business Lessons from the Roadside Stand

It's a vegetable stand parked in a wide spot on the road. How business savvy can its owners be?

Stupid Things to Put in Your Cover Letter

Crafting a compelling, convincing cover letter is not easy. Discover how to write a good one by learning what to avoid.

7 Business Lessons from Undercover Boss

Undercover Boss is more than a marketing tool for profiled businesses and broadcaster CBS. It's educational programming for entrepreneurs and small business owners.