Richmond hotels still offering freebies

As hotels across the country downsize their staffs and cut back on freebies such as cookies at the front desk and 24-hour coffee, a handful of Richmond’s high-end hotels are dishing out the complimentary goodies.

Interns take financial message to the web

Virginia Tech student Ben Jones, 21, said he has made many financial mistakes in the past.  His grandmother once gave him a gift of $200. He spent it all in a day. “If I had put in the savings account … I’d be better off today,” Jones said. Now an intern at the Richmond-based investment firm Dorsey Wright and Associates, Jones and his fellow interns are reaching out to college students in a series of low-budget web videos to get 20-somethings to think about managing their money.

Pad the résumé, just not too much

Teachers love to tell their students that liars and cheaters never win. But when was the last time they updated their résumés? As local companies shed jobs by the hundreds, the job hunt is becoming more cutthroat by the day. Laid-off employees – or those who just want to be prepared – need to update résumés by putting the right spin on their experience. For some, that means embellishing facts with some window dressing and the occasional white lie.

Surf’s up, couch style

Talk about homestyle. One social networking site is providing travelers with a free alternative to staying in a hotel. That might be why about 10,000 people a week sign up to join CouchSurfing.com. The Couch Surfing Project matches people all over the world who have an extra couch or bed with someone looking for a place to crash. Usually it is a tradeoff: By becoming a couch surfer, you are encouraged to offer accommodations to other surfers, but you aren’t obligated to.The Couch Surfing Project matches people all over the world who have an extra couch or bed with someone looking for a place to crash. Usually it is a tradeoff: By becoming a couch surfer, you are encouraged to offer accommodations to other surfers, but you aren’t obligated to.

Read about it in my book

Blog schmog: Read about it in my book Writing a book remains a popular pastime and calculated strategy for local business leaders. For some, authoring a book – with or without a ghostwriter – is a way to demonstrate expertise and establish street cred to promote consulting. For others it’s a ticket to the speaking circuit, where fees can range from a $100 honorarium to more than $10,000. Still other entrepreneurs say they just want to share what they’ve learned and help budding business owners navigate the challenges they encountered.

Knowledge is Good

Ten days after the University of Richmond set the date for the first information session about next fall’s MBA program, the 40 available seats were already reserved.

Tattoos might still be taboo in Richmond offices

It used to be that you were considered different and rebellious (and maybe even dangerous) if you had a tattoo. You likely rode a Harley or in a drunken stupor let some friend with a needle leave an “I ♥ Mom” or an anchor on your bicep. Now, they’re as trendy as big hair in the ‘80s. And they’ve all but invaded the workplace.

Home builders anxiously wait it out

Anyone who has anything to do with putting up a house – electricians, plumbers, flooring contractors, painters – have all reacted to slower demand by cutting capacity. A Q&A with Gray Stettinius, president of the Home Building Association of Richmond. Perhaps no industry in Richmond has slowed down as much as homebuilding. Without more sales, there is just too much on the market to start fresh construction. And so builders have practically quit adding new homes.

What to wear: how about Richmond casual

Workers in Richmond are trading formal suits in favor of slacks, polos, button downs and skirts, a sign that even a conservative town is getting more casual. BizSense compiled a survey to figure out exactly what people are wearing to work these days. A sampling of 20 businessmen and women (several of whom are business owners) revealed that business casual is the most popular pick for office wear – and by a long shot. Seventy percent of respondents said that they rely on business casual as the sole uniform of choice. And 90 percent said that they opt for a combination of business casual along with either business formal or casual/active wear.

Selling Recess

From afar, it looks like gym class. Only the guy rolling the rubber ball towards home plate has a 5 o’clock shadow and beer gut. And the girl playing first base, wearing makeup and tight tube socks, just told her friend she’s f$*%ing awesome.

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