BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo
Search Icon

Professional Development

Our Professional Development hub contains the guidance you need to sharpen your skills and level up your game. Whether you’re running your own business or advancing your career, these resources will help you take the next step on your professional path.

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Illustration of hands holding a cup of coffee
Article
A Coffee Connoisseur’s Guide to Pairing Tastes and Tasks
By Dan Ketchum | October 16, 2024

A curated selection of delectable beans and the office tasks they best accompany.

Cure for Burnout
Article
Why The Cure for Burnout Takes Self-Work, Not Only Less Work
By Antonio Ferme | October 16, 2024

A Q&A with Emily Ballesteros

Businesswoman
Article
CIO vs. CMO: Who Owns What?
By Jennifer Dublino | October 16, 2024

When considering tech purchases for marketing functions, your company may have a conflict between the CIO and the CMO. Who should be in charge?

Article
10 Principles of Success: Quotes to Inspire From Jim Rohn
By Sean Peek | October 16, 2024

Looking for entrepreneurial inspiration? Check out these quotes from motivational teacher Jim Rohn and other successful entrepreneurs.

person overlooking palm trees and a beach
Article
The Best Time of the Year to Take Vacation
By Jennifer Post | October 15, 2024

Don't waste your time off. Plan to make the most of your vacation without leaving a disaster at work.

Article
Is a College Degree Necessary for Success?
By Miranda Fraraccio | October 10, 2024

Not all education is completed in a school; on-the-job training can also lead to a successful career.

Article
Business Decision-Making: Gut Instinct or Hard Data?
By Sean Peek | October 10, 2024

When it comes to business, your decisions matter. But it's important to recognize whether your choices are based on intuition or emotions.

manager talking to colleagues
Article
How to Be an Inspirational Leader
By Sean Peek | October 09, 2024

Want to become a more inspirational leader? Here is what you need to do.

Article
How Important Are Job References?
By Skye Schooley | September 19, 2024

Employers often ask for job references before making a hiring decision. Here are tips on choosing the right people so you get that position.

Article
10 Key Considerations to Make When Selling a Business
By Sean Peek | September 17, 2024

Selling a business is a big endeavor. Here is what you need to consider before putting your company on the market.

Article
How to Take a Vacation as a Small Business Owner
By Laura Spawn | September 17, 2024

Small business owners need vacations to help them achieve a healthy work-life balance. Here's how to keep your business running smoothly while you're away.

Article
Better Than Coffee: 10 Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Mornings
By Jamie Johnson | September 17, 2024

Here are the best podcasts that business owners should listen to for daily inspiration and entrepreneurial advice.

Office workers
Article
Don’t Scare Employees With This Employment TRAP
By Skye Schooley | September 09, 2024

Find out what training repayment agreement provisions (TRAPs) are, whether they're legal and their advantages for employers.

Terry Szuplat in front of Air Force One
Article
Obama Speechwriter Terry Szuplat Wants to Change Your Next All-Hands Presentation [Full Q&A]
By Antonio Ferme | September 09, 2024

The author of Say It Well breaks down the art of persuasion for business leaders.

Article
Work-Life Balance: How to Set Manageable Boundaries
By Jamie Johnson | September 04, 2024

Here's how to achieve the work-life balance that works best for you.

Article
How Well Do You Handle Change? The Benefits of Being Adaptable
By Julie Thompson | August 29, 2024

How well do you handle change? The benefits of being adaptable in the workplace are innumerable. See the advantages and get adaptability tips.

happy office
Article
Forever a Student: 11 Types of Courses That Prepare You for the Future of Business
By Sean Peek | August 29, 2024

Whether your business knowledge is beginner or advanced, these professional development resources will take your expertise to greater heights.

businesswoman looking stressed as her boss stands in front of her
Article
Broken Pedestals: The Dark Sides of 10 Popular CEOs
By Julie Thompson | August 29, 2024

Learn about the significant missteps of seven once-popular business leaders.

We're Gonna Need Cake book cover
Article
Why Real Authenticity (Not the LinkedIn Version) Is “Messy” [Full Q&A]
By Antonio Ferme | August 22, 2024

Our interview with leadership coach and author Valerie Garcia

Article
5 Ways to Get Your Podcast Heard
By Sean Peek | August 08, 2024

Use these five tips to create a better podcast and stand out in this crowded market.

person reading a book
Article
Best Leadership Books for Small Business Owners
By Sean Peek | August 07, 2024

Building your bookshelf is an important step in building your business. These books can help you become a better leader for your company.

Article
Does Your Sex Life Influence Your Productivity? Oh YES
By Sean Peek | July 30, 2024

Feeling less than productive at work? Your sex life could be to blame. See how sex, productivity and even your income are linked.

Article
Why an MBA Degree Isn’t as Prestigious as It Once Was
By Jamie Johnson | July 25, 2024

An MBA isn't as popular or necessary as it once was. Find out why – and whether it's still worth it for your career path.

Article
17 Free Tools to Learn the Basics of Coding
By Scott Gerber | July 24, 2024

Coding might seem like a daunting, time-consuming and expensive skill to learn, but these entrepreneurs have learned the essentials with free tools.

Ambition Monster book cover
Article
Ambition Monster: Jennifer Romolini Talks C-Suite Burnout (Full Q&A)
By Rachel Brodsky | June 17, 2024

Former Condé Nast and Yahoo editor’s new memoir explores media-industry workaholism — and recovery from it.

Article
Quit Your Day Job for Your Startup: 5 Steps to Success
By Sammi Caramela | June 06, 2024

It can be scary transitioning from traditional employment to entrepreneurship. Here's how to make it easier and increase your chance of startup success.

The Whole Story book cover
Article
Whole Foods Co-Founder John Mackey Talks Selling to Amazon and What Excites Him Now
By Tess Barker | May 20, 2024

Our full Q&A with the legendary former grocery chain CEO and author of The Whole Story

Article
Top 5 Accounting and Finance Certifications to Get Ahead
By Kim Lindros | May 17, 2024

To grow your career in accounting or finance, consider boosting your knowledge and credibility with these certifications.

Toxic Leaders and Tough Bosses book cover
Article
What’s the Difference Between a Tough Boss and a Toxic One? (Full Q&A)
By Jane Meggitt | May 14, 2024

An interview with Toxic Leaders and Tough Bosses author Teresa A. Daniel

Article
6 Ways Yoga Can Improve Productivity at Work
By Chad Brooks | May 07, 2024

Incorporating yoga into the daily work routine increases productivity. Here is why regular yoga practice can help your business.