Business

Podcasts have risen in popularity. New to the idea? Thepodcast.com offers this definition: “A podcast is talk radio, but on demand. It’s a series of spoken, audio episodes, often focused on a particular topic or theme.”

Though it has had recent downfalls, it is still the birthplace of the hashtag and is still a top-used platform.

Universities around the world are offering their courses online for free or partially free. Over the past five years, almost 800 universities have created more than 8,000 of these massive open online courses (MOOCs). Universities with offerings include Stanford, Duke, Rice and Harvard, to name a few.

The authoritative management style is fading. These days, many jobs involve knowledge work, where an employee’s main contribution is subject matter expertise. Consequently, a manager’s role is evolving into more of a “team leader” or “motivational coach.”

Professional networking is necessary for individuals and small businesses to get a foot in the door. In-person networking is effective for making connections. Nearly 100% of people surveyed by HubSpot said face-to-face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships.

A manager friend often says, “I can’t solve a problem if I don’t know about it.” That’s his way of encouraging colleagues to inform him of issues as they arise.

Should a “mental health day” count as a paid sick day? Last year, a viral tweet from a CEO showing support for taking mental health days put this topic in the spotlight.

The ability to adapt to rapidly changing work situations and the flexibility to overcome obstacles is a game-changer.

The recent changes on Instagram make it harder for marketers to engage their audiences. Rather than listed chronologically, posts are now based on the number of likes, comments, views, shares, saves and direct messages. High engagement signals to Instagram that the content is what people want to see.

Carla Worth is a local entrepreneur, mother of four and all-around Memphis Renaissance woman. She owns and operates Aunt Key’s Apothecary, a local house-cleaning service, and OAM Network, a well-known and thriving podcast studio located inside Crosstown Concourse.

Business leaders can be overwhelmed by the myriad of managing styles. Inc. reports it may be possible to narrow it down to two thinking patterns: management- and leadership-focused.

Memphis offers a growing number of options for fans of vegan cuisine, but one vegan business focuses specifically on sweet treats. Cassi Conyers, owner of Pink Diva Cupcakery, launched her business after noticing there was an untapped market for dairy-free desserts.

You (yes, you!) could help create community wealth today and become a history maker of tomorrow.

Not only did Memphis sisters Madison Boyd, 12, and Mallory Boyd, 10, develop their own business — a body care company for tweens and teens — they also recently pitched their company and landed a business deal on reality TV show “SharkTank.”

When starting their own businesses, Miranda Clark and Denise Greene experienced the challenge of overhead costs. Together they developed a solution: The Fruition Complex.

Allison Conley had no idea that attending a local workshop would be the catalyst for transforming her custom jewelry making hobby into a small business.

Fidelity Bank recently launched P.O.W.E.R. (Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized), a program designed to spur revenue growth of its women-owned business clients.

I’ve worked with entrepreneurs a long time. One was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, another was a motorcyclist with a ponytail. Despite stylistic differences, successful entrepreneurs always have a vision and a plan.

Start a page, build a following and promote for free. That was the old Facebook. Change is now here.

Mauricio Calvo, who has served as the executive director of nonprofit Latino Memphis for the past ten years, has been named Communicator of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s Memphis Chapter.

Kick off the new year with a little self-care by indulging in locally owned LATHA, a unique bath product company. Memphian Lisa Wheeler was searching for a new creative outlet when she founded LATHA.

Looking for a way to making a mundane outfit pop? Memphians and co-owners Kenya Adjekum Bradshaw and Rochelle Griffin paired purpose with style to create Gift Wraps for women.

Have you ever had a hobby you thought just might work as a business? Megan Mottley was once a professional writer who simply enjoyed baking and giving cookies to her friends and family.

Looking for a gift that gives back? Be Free Revolution is a great pick for anyone who loves jewelry.

Leadership Memphis has earned the Commitment Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee recognition program, administered by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence.

Sir Francis Bacon is credited with the aphorism, “Knowledge is power.”

“Women Who Won” by Bill Ellis is an invaluable compendium of inspiring and motivating examples of achievement.

According to Gallup, 70% of employees at U.S. companies feel disengaged.

In an effort to reduce financial pressure on students and improve retention and graduation rates, the University of Memphis has launched a new initiative with FedEx.

Is it getting harder to focus at work? Computer notifications, phone alerts and our growing habit of responding in real time to any communication makes concentrating nearly impossible.