Insights

Qualities that make good leaders

By Kevin Yanik, Managing Editor   What’s the one thing you must have to be a leader? Is it commitment, competency or compassion? How about confidence or courage? Those are all good traits of leaders, but one can’t be a leader without a follower. That was one of the messages Karl H. Watson Jr., former president of Cemex USA, delivered to those who attended the recent Young Leaders Conference of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Cemex is a...

5 steps to a smooth summer internship program

By Diane Sofranec, Managing Editor Internships are a win-win for the students who land them and the companies that offer them. While interns gain valuable professional experience, the companies they work for get a unique opportunity to mentor workers who are about to launch their careers. But that’s not all. An intern can bring a fresh perspective to your company’s way of doing business. Students with technological skills and social media savvy can share their knowledge and enthusiasm with employees...

Why positive feedback is good for your company

By Diane Sofranec, Managing Editor “Great job.” “Amazing work.” “I wish I could clone you.” When was the last time your boss told you you’re an asset to the company? If you know you’re good job at your job because your boss tells you so, consider yourself lucky. Positive feedback makes you feel valued. But your company benefits, too. Here’s why. Positive feedback sends the message that you’re modeling correct behavior. If you know you are completing your tasks as...

7 career tips you can learn from the CIA

  Your workplace and the CIA aren’t so different after all. Here’s how America’s first NSA director-turned-CIA director advanced his career—and how you can do the same.   By Bethany Chambers, Digital Operations Manager Gen. Michael V. Hayden, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), recently released an insider’s look at national security in the form of the 400-page career retrospective “Playing to the Edge: American Intelligence in the Age of Terror.” The book, which Hayden says can’t be...

6 ways to ensure your webinar will attract an audience

By Diane Sofranec, Managing Editor Webinars are an excellent lead-generating tool because every person who signs up must disclose their name and contact information. The trick is attracting an audience. A successful webinar hinges on many factors: compelling topic, engaging speakers, targeted and timely marketing. It IS possible to offer a webinar your audience will want to attend. As you plan your next webinar, ask yourself these 6 questions: 1. Did I choose an interesting subject? A hot webinar topic...

5 reasons you need YouTube

By Diane Sofranec, Managing Editor If your company has Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, you may think you’ve got social media covered. But if you don’t regularly upload videos to YouTube, you’re missing out. Here are five reasons why YouTube is a social media platform you simply can’t ignore. 1. YouTube has more than 1 billion users worldwide. No surprise here. Everybody knows YouTube is the site to visit when you want to watch a video. In the United States,...