This document contains links to the Web sites referenced in the textbook, as well as the
Exploring the Best of the Web exercises for each chapter. Scroll down to locate the appropriate chapter for your studies.
1

2
Chapter 1: Achieving Success Through Effective Business Communication
Page 2 www.liveperson.com
Page 19 www.mapnp.org/library/commskls/cmm_writ.htm
Page 26 www.lockheedmartin.com/about/ethics/standards/print.html
Page 27 www.mapnp.org/library/commskls/cmm_writ.htm
Page 27 www.albion.com/netiquette/index.html
Page 27 www.youcanworkfromanywhere.com
Page 27 www.city.grand-prairie.ab.ca/h_email.htm
Exploring the Best of the Web, p. 27
Check Out These Resources at the Business Writer’s Free Library www.mapnp.org/library/commskls/cmm_writ.htm
The Business Writer’s Free Library is a terrific resource for business communication material.
Categories of information include basic composition skills, basic writing skills, correspondence, reference material, and general resources and advice. Log on and read about the common errors in English, become a word detective, ask Miss Grammar, review samples of common forms of correspondence, fine-tune your interpersonal skills, join a newsgroup, and more. Follow the links and improve your effectiveness as a business communicator.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1.
How do the objectives of professional writing differ from the objectives of composition and literature?
Question 1 directions: Click on Writing Skills, and scroll down and read the section titled
Forget the Past.
2.
What is the purpose of feedback?
Question 2 directions: From the homepage, click on Big Dog on Communicating. Scroll down and read about Feedback.
3.
What are some basic guidelines for giving feedback?
Question 3 directions: Under Related Library Links, click on Feedback. Read the Basic
Guidelines for Giving Feedback.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, p. 27.
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about achieving communication success in the workplace.

1.
Netiquette Home Page, http://www.albion.com/netiquette/index.html
.
Learn the do’s and don’ts of online communication at this site, then take the Netiquette Quiz.
2.
You Can Work From Anywhere, www.youcanworkfromanywhere.com
.
Click on this site’s
Info and Tech Center and follow the links. Review the tips, tools, articles, ideas, and other helpful resources to improve your productivity as a telecommuter, mobile, or home-based worker.
3.
Internet Help, www.city.grande-prairie.ab.ca/h_email.htm
.
Learn the ins and outs of e-mail at the comprehensive site so your e-mail will stand out from the crowd.
3

4
Chapter 2: Communicating in Teams and Mastering Listening and Nonverbal
Communication Skills
Page 28 www.seic.com
Page 30 users.ids.net/~brim.sdwtt.html
Page 42 www.webex.com
Page 50 www.pixid.com
(inactive) Go to www.websterboards.com/products/wbp.html
Page 51 users.ids.net/~brim.sdwth.html
Page 51 www.vta.spcomm.uiuc.edu
Page 51 www.workteams.unt.edu
Page 51 www.3m.com/meetingnetwork
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 51
Building Teams in the Cyber Age
Self Directed Work Teams, users.ids.net/~brim/sdwtt.html
If you want to learn more about building effective teams, you can read many excellent books on the subject. But you might be surprised by just how much information on team building you can find on the Internet. One good starting point is the Self Directed Work Teams page. This site's designers are passionate about teamwork, and they want to make it easier for people to work effectively in teams. Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to better understand the site's purpose. Then explore some of the links to discover more about teams and teamwork.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. Do high-performing teams prefer dialogue or debate?
Question 1 directions: From the homepage, click on Sites on Team Basics and then on Core
Competencies of Team.
2. Which three major issues facing teams are most important to the assigned in-class teams in which you've participated?
Question 2 directions: From the Sites on Team Basics page, click on Essential Questions--
Pointer. Read through this list of the major issues facing teams.
3. What aspects of teamwork are the team assessment questions measuring? Take this test (using your experience on a school or work team) and submit your answers. What response do you get?
Which areas do you think are most important for your team to focus on?
Question 3 directions: From the homepage, click on Sites on Skills/Steps and then on Assess
Your Team-leader.

5
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 51
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about achieving communication success in the workplace.
1.
Teamworks: The Virtual team Assistant, www.vta.spcomm.uiuc.edu/ , is a Web site dedicated to providing support for group communication processes and teams.
2.
Center for the Study of Work Teams, www.workteams.unt.edu/ , has many links, articles, and research reports on the subject matter of teams.
3.
3M Meeting Network, www.mmm.com/meetingnetwork , has dozens of articles and tips on how to run effective meetings
— from the basics to advanced facilitation skills.

Chapter 3: Communicating Interculturally
Page 52 www.sheraton-hawaii.com
Page 64 www.culturalsavvy.com
Page 69 www.sonymusic.com/world
Page 69 www.ibm.com
Page 76 www.altavista.com
Page 76 www.culturalsavvy.com
Page 76. www.usatrade.gov
Page 76. http://windowontheworldinc.com
Page 76 www3.travlang.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 76
Improve Your Cultural Savvy
Joyce Millet & Associates, www. culturalsavvy.com
Do you understand the importance of being cultural savvy? It’s the secret to an international competitive advantage. Log on to this website where you’ll find country reports, cross-cultural training programs, business and cultural tips, and links to interviews, profiles, articles, books, and more learning resources. Avoid culture shock by developing your ability to understand the traditions, assumptions, etiquette, and values of other cultures as well as your own. This site is your business and cultural guide to Asia and the Western World.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1.
Why should you avoid humor when communicating with people of a different culture?
Question 1 directions: From the homepage, click on Tips and then on Using Humor. Read the advice.
2.
Every culture has its own business protocol. What should you know about a culture’s business protocol before you transact business with that culture?
Question 2 directions: From the homepage, click on Lifestyle, then on Business & Home. Read
More to find out if you business is cultural savvy, and click on Business Protocol.
3.
What are some examples of cultural gift-giving taboos?
Question 3 directions: From the homepage, click on Articles ant them on Gift Giving Savvy.
Read the tips.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 76
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about intercultural communication.
6

1.
Country Commercial Guides, at www.usatrade.gov
, contain helpful information on foreign marketing practices, trade regulations, investment climate, and business travel for a number of countries.
2.
Window On The World, http://windowontheworldinc.com
, has many tips of conducting business around the world, including resourceful country profiles.
3.
Travlang, http://www3.travlang.com/ , can help you learn a foreign language. Check out the site’s translating dictionaries and learn a new word in a foreign language every day.
7

8
Chapter 4: Planning Business Messages
Page 78 www.homedepot.com
Page 90. www.howstuffworks.com/instant-messaging.htm
Page 95. www.ksquared.net/~key/ieft-bingo.cgi
Page 95 http://fooz.com/bingo
Page 95 http://funnies.paco.to/bingo
Page 104 www.howstuffworks/com/instant-messaging.htm
Page 104 www.pepsico.com
Page 105 www.garbl.home.attbi.com
Page 105 www.basic-learning.com/wbwt/tips-index.htm
Page 105 www.learnthenet.com/english/section/email.html
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 105
Learn How Instant Messaging Works www.howstuffworks.com/instant-messaging.htm
No doubt the Internet has changed the way we communicate. But do you understand how all this electronic stuff works? Fret no more. Log on to Marshall Brain’s How Stuff Works website and learn all about instant messaging and why the future of this form of communication is very bright indeed. In fact, try using it next time you want to hold a virtual conference or collaborate on a project with teammates. You’ll see why instant messaging is becoming a valuable tool in the workplace.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1.
What are the key advantages of instant messaging?
Questions 1 directions. From the homepage, click on How Introduction to How Instant
Messaging Works and read the articles by following the page links at the bottom of each article.
2.
What is the difference between a chat room and instant messaging?
Questions 2 directions. From the homepage, click on Bulletin Boards and Chat Rooms, and read the article.
3.
Is instant messaging a secure way to communicate?
Question 3 directions. From the homepage, click on Take Aim and Fire, and read the article.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 105
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about achieving communication success in the workplace:

9
1.
Learn more about the writing process, English grammar, style and usage, words, and active writing at
Garbl’s Writing Resources Online, www.garbl.com./ .
2.
Improve your organization and learn how to write better by paying attention to the sound advice and writing tips at Writing Better, an electronic Handbook for Amherst Students, www.amherst.edu/~writing/wb_html/wb.html
.
3.
Discover how e-mail works and improve your e-mail communications by following the steps at About. Internet for Beginners
—
Harness E-Mail, www.learnthenet.com/english/section/email.html
.

10
Chapter 5: Writing Business Messages
Page 106 www.weather.com
Page 136 www.weather.com
Page 139 owl.English.purdue.edu
Page 138 www.sec.gov
Page 139 owl.English.purdue.edu
Page 139 www.webgrammar.com
Page 139 www.wolinskyweb.com/word.htm
Exploring the Best of the Web, 139
Compose a Better Business Message
Purdue’s Online Writing Lab, owl.english.purdue.edu
At Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (OWL) you’ll find tools to help you improve your business messages. For advice on composing written messages, for help with grammar, and for referrals to other information sources, you’ll be wise to visit this site. Purdue’s OWL offers online services and an introduction to Internet search tools. You can also download a variety of handouts on writing skills. Check out the resources at the OWL homepage and learn how to write a professional business message.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions
1.
Explain why positive wording in a message is more effective than negative wording. Why should you be concerned about the position of good news or bad news in your written message?
Question 1 directions: From the homepage, click on Handouts, Professional Writing, and
Business Letters: Subordinating Negatives in Good News and Neutral Messages. Read the handout.
2.
What six factors of tone should you consider when tailoring your message to your audience?
Questions 2 directions: From the homepage, click on Handouts and Professional Writing,
Revision in Business Writing. Scroll down to the section on tone.
3.
When revising your message, what elements should you focus on first? Why?
Questions 3 directions: From the homepage, click on Handouts and General Writing Concerns.
Under the heading Revising/Editing/Proofreading, click on and read about Higher Order
Concerns and Lower Order Concerns.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 139
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about writing business messages.

11
1.
Write it right by paying attention to these writing tips at Bull’s Eye Business Writing
Tips, writing-reading.com/tips-index.htm
.
2.
Looking for the perfect word? Try Word Play at www.wolinskyweb.com/word.htm
, where you’ll find links to more than 30 helpful sites including Acronym Finder, Book of
Cliches, Oxymorons, Rhyming Dictionary, and Word Frequency Indexer.
3.
Maximize your e-mail effectiveness by visiting A Beginner’s Guide to Effective E-Mail, www.webfoot.com/advice/email.top.html
.

12
Chapter 6: Completing Business Messages
Page 140 www.turner.com
Page 144 www.profusion.com
Page 150 www.powa.org
Page 168 www.bloomberg.com
(Click on “Money” at the top of the page.)
Page 169 www.powa.org
Page 169 trainingpost.org/3-2-res.htm
Page 169 ccc.comment.edu/grammar (inactive) Go to
http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar
Page 169 englishplus.com/grammar
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 169
Write It Right: Rethink and Revise
Paradigm Online Writing Assistant (POWA), www.powa.org
Are you sure that readers perceive your written message as you intended? If you want help revising a message that you’re completing, use the Paradigm Online Writing Assistant (POWA).
With this interactive writer’s guide, you can select topics to get tips on how to edit your work, reshape your thoughts, and rewrite for clarity. Read discussions about perfecting your writing skills, and for practice, complete one of the many online activities provided to reinforce what you’ve learned. Or select the Forum to “talk” about writing. At POWA’s website, you’ll learn how to improve the final draft of your message.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. Why is it better to write out ideas in a rough format and later reread your message to revise its content? When revising your message, what questions should you ask about your writing?
Question 1 directions: Go to the POWA home page. Click on Revising, located on the banner at the top of the page. Read Global and Local Perspectives, then answer the questions.
2. Name the four elements of the “writing context.” Imagine that you’re the reader of your message. What questions might you ask?
Question 2 directions: From the home page, click on Revising; scroll down the page to Writer,
Reader, Purpose. Read the discussion and answer the questions.
3. When you revise a written message, what is the purpose of “tightening”? What is one way to tighten your writing as you complete a message?
Question 3 directions: From the home page, click on Revising. Scroll down the page to
Tightening, read the information and answer the last questions.

13
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 169
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about writing business messages.
1.
Take the fog out of your documents by visiting the trainingpost, trainingpost.org/3-2-res.htm, and following the Gunning Fog Index hotlinks.
2.
Produce flawless messages by reviewing the material at the Guide to Grammar and Writing, http://webster.commnet.edu/gram
3.
Need help with grammar? Visit the Grammar Slammer at englishplus.com/grammar/ and find out why it promotes itself as the complete English Grammar Resource.

Component Chapter A: Writing for the Web
Page 171 www.orbitz.com
Page 172 www.sas.com/corporate/community
Page 173 http://www.burpee.com/Burpee/GardenSchool/school1/class1/c1p1.asp?uid=
Page 174 http://se.yahoo.com
Page 176 www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-07-19-tires-no.htm
Page 177 www.vanguard.com
Page 177 www.att.com/foundation
Page 178 www.breadworld.com/sitecontent
Page 179 www.southwest.com
Page 180 www.cnn.com
Page 181 www.untied.com
14

15
Chapter 7: Writing Routine, Good-News, and Goodwill Messages
Page 184 www.unumprovident.com
Page 190 www.about.com
Page 214 www.bluemountain.com/eng3/business
Page 215 www.about.com
Page 215 www.learn2.com/05/0547/0547.asp
(inactive) Go to
www.globaltowne.com/aresume/thankyounotes.htm
Page 215 www.learn2.com/06/0622/0622.asp
(inactive) Now go to
www.stetson.edu/~rhansen/prguide.html
Page 215 www.learn2.com/06/0600/0600.asp
(inactive) Go to
www.resumeedge.com/professionals/careercenter/recommendations
Page 218 www.jambajuice.com
Page 221 www.lifesketch.com
(inactive) Go to
www.kodak.com/US/en/developers/pictFriendly/lifesketch.shtml
Page 221 www.landsend.com
Page 224 www.hawastsoc.org/deepsky/index.html
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 215
The Medium and the Message www.about.com
Choosing what to include in a message, deciding how to effectively express it, and selecting an appropriate format are all important considerations when you write. Explore About.com’s numerous links to sources of information on a variety of subjects. You can find tips on business writing with examples of letters, memos, and press releases. You'll find web-design ideas and help from numerous guides on many business-related topics. You can even get online help with setting standards for a company’s online communication.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. Both the chapter and this site offer guidelines for writing effective messages. List the “seven
C’s” that characterize good letters and memos. If you use clear language in a routine message, is it still important to restrict yourself to one topic? Why or why not?
Question 1 directions: Go to the About.com home page. Click on the Arts/Humanities topic area.
Then, under Writing/Publishing, select Technical Writing. In the Subjects list, click on Business
Writing, and then click on Letters. Next, click on Rules for Writing Letters. Read the information to answer the questions.
2. Even the best-run businesses sometimes disappoint their customers. Imagine that you have been asked to write a response to an angrily worded e-mail message that charges your company with fraud because a product ordered through the Web site has not arrived. Which of the ten
“secrets” of writing business letters do you think would be most useful in shaping your reply?
Question 2 directions: From the Business Writing page, click on Letters; then click on Ten

Secrets. Read the page.
3. Describe some similarities and some differences between a memo and a letter.
Question 3 directions: From the Business Writing page, click on Memos; then, under Memo
Writing, select "Memo writing is technical writing with its sleeves rolled up.” Read about the purpose of memos. Use that information and what you have already learned about letters to answer the question.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 215
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about writing routine messages.
1.
Learn how to write effective thank-you notes by reviewing the steps at www.globaltowne.com/aresume/thankyounotes.htm
2.
Polish your press release writing by following the steps at www.stetson.edu/~rhansen/prguide.html
3.
Turn praise into prose when writing letters of recommendation by following the steps at www.resumeedge.com/profesionals/careercenter/recommendations
16

17
Chapter 8: Writing Bad-News Messages
Page 226 www.caponigro.com
Page 249 www.toolkit.cch.com/scripts/sohotoc.asp
Page 253 www.prnewswire
Under “Contents” on the right-hand side of the page, click on
“Search.” Then, scroll down to “Topical Search.” Under “Subject,” selected “Earnings
forecasts,” then click on “Search” to see a list of press releases focusing on earnings
forecasts.
Page 253 www.toolkit.cch.com/scripts/sohotoc.asp
Page 253 www.prnewswire.com
Page 253 www.businesswire.com
Click on “Financial Results” on the homepage.
Page 253 www.workforce.com
Page 253 www4.hr.com
Page 253 www.businesstown.com/people/Reviews.asp
Page 255 www.craftopia.com
Page 255 www.hsn.com/cs
Page 262 www.bluecrossca.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 253
Protect Yourself When Sending Negative Employment Messages
SOHO Guide, www.toolkit.cch.com/scripts/sohotoc.asp
A visit to the SOHO Guide can help you reduce your legal liability whether you are laying off or firing an employee or contemplating a companywide reduction in your workforce. Find out the safest way to fire someone from a legal standpoint before its too late. Learn why letter writing can work both for you and against you in these touchy situations. Discover why some bad news should be given face-to-face and never by a letter or over the phone.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. What should a manager communicate to an employee during a termination meeting?
Question 1 directions: Go to the SOHO Guidebook at CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit and scroll down to People Who Work For You. Click on Firing and Termination, and click on and read the material at the links provided.
2. Why is it important to document employee disciplinary actions?
Question 2 directions: Go to the SOHO Guidebook at CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit and scroll down to People Who Work For You. Click on Disciplining Your Workers and Documenting
Disciplinary Actions.
3. What steps should you take before firing an employee for misconduct or poor work?
Question 3 directions: Go to the SOHO Guidebook at CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit and scroll down to People Who Work For You. Click on Firing and Termination, What Business Practices,

18 and What To Do Before Firing.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 253
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about the bad-news issues human resources departments are facing today.
1.
Workforce magazine online, www.workforce.com
has the basics and the latest on HR issues such as recruiting, laws, managing the work force, incentives, strategies, and more. Read the current edition online.
2.
HR.com, www4.hr.com
, is the place to go to read about workplace trends, legislation affecting employers, recruiting, compensation, benefits, staffing, and more. Log on and learn.
3.
BusinessTown.com, www.businesstown.com/people/Reviews.asp
, has the latest lowdown on how to conduce a performance review.

19
Chapter 9: Writing Persuasive Messages
Page 264 www.languageline.com
Page 278 thomas.loc.gov
Page 295 thomas.loc.gov
Page 295 www.ftc.gov/bcp/conlnie/pubs/tmarkg/bandit.htm
Page 295 www.ftc.gov
Page 295 www.info-now.com/SMN/home.asp
Page 295 www.gmarketing.com
Page 297 www.hoteldel.com
Page 297 www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/Statistics/statsus.htm
Page 302 www.scrubadub.com/club.htm
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 295
Influence an Official and Promote Your Cause http://thomas.loc.gov
At the Thomas site compiled by the Library of Congress you’ll discover voluminous information about federal legislation, congressional members, and committee reports. You can also access committee homepages and numerous links to government agencies, current issues, and historical documents. You can review all kinds of regulatory information, including laws and relevant issues that might affect you in the business world. Visit the site and stay informed. Maybe you’ll want to convince a government official to support a business-related issue that affects you.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. What key ideas would you include in an e-mail message to persuade your congressional representative to support an issue important to you?
Question 1 directions: Go to the Thomas home page. Under Legislation, click on Bill Summary
& Status. Select the session of your choice (93-107), and then follow the online directions to select any bill on an issue you’re interested in. Skim the information; select the points to include in your e-mail message.
2. In a letter to a senator or member of Congress, what information would you include to convince the reader to vote for an issue supporting small business?
Question 2 directions: From the Thomas home page, under Committee Information, click on
House Committees. Look for the heading Small Business and click on Homepage. Read about current issues on that page, or click on Hearings to find other topics. Describe what points you would include in a letter urging support for your business needs. (To find out about issues taken up by the Senate, click on Senate Committees under the Committee Information heading on the
Thomas home page. Next, under Small Business, click on homepage. Note: the Hearings,
Roundtables & Forums section provides information on past and pending topics.)
3. When sending a message to someone who daily receives hundreds of written appeals, what attention-getting techniques can you use? How can you get support for a cause that concerns you

20 as a businessperson?
Question 3 directions: From the Thomas home page, use the House and Senate directories to reach a member of Congress. For House members, click on House Directories and then click on
Member in the Locating Member/Committee Web Site heading. Finally, click on the name of a specific House member to reach his or her Web site. To reach the Web site of a senator, click on
Senate Directories on the Thomas home page. Then click on List Senators Alphabetically. Select a senator from your state and write a sample message to appeal for help to support a cause that could benefit you as a businessperson.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 259
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about writing persuasive messages.
1.
Visit the Federal Trade Commission website, www.ftc.gov
, to find out how consumers can cut down on the number of unsolicited mailings, calls, and e-mails they receive.
2.
Check out the how-to and reference articles at the Sales Marketing Network (SMN), www.info-now.com/SMN/home.asp
, and learn what the FTC requirements are when using the word “free” in sales and marketing messages.
3.
Learn some aggressive sales strategies without going overboard from Guerrilla Marketing at www.gmarketing.com
.

Chapter 10: Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information
Page 306 www.charleyssteakery.com
Page 310 www.hoovers.com
Page 310 www.census.gov/epcd/naics/naicstb2.txt
Page 310 www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml
Page 310 www.fortune.com
Page 310 dir.yahoo.com/business
Page 310 www.uspto.gov
Page 310 www.bea.doc.gov
Page 310 www.fedstats.gov
Page 310 www.stat-usa.gov
Page 310 www.census.gov
Page 310 www.bls.gov
Page 313 www.ipl.org
Page 314 www.ipl.org
Page 313 www.prnewswire
Page 313 www.businesswire.com
Page 316 www.alltheweb.com
Page 316 www.altavista.com
Page 316 www.ask.com
Page 316 www.excite.com
Page 316 www.fedstats.gov/search.html
Page 316 www.google.com
Page 316 www.hotbot.lycos.com
Page 316 www.looksmart.com
Page 316 www.lycos.com
Page 316 http://dmoz.org
Page 316 www.webcrawler.com
Page 316 www.yahoo.com
Page 316 www.c4.com
Page 316 www.dogpile.com
Page 316 www.infozoid.com
Page 316 www.ixquick.com
Page 316 www.mamma.com
Page 316 www.profusion.com
Page 316 www.zworks.com
Page 318 www.companysleuth.com
(inactive) Go to www.tracerlock.com
Page 319 www.ipl.org
Page 326 lme.mankato.msus.edu/Mankato/Mankato.html (inactive) Go to www.vuw.ac.nz/~agsmith/evaln/evaln.htm
Page 333 www.amazon.com
Page 334 www.microsoft.com/insider/internet/default.htm
Page 334 www.mapnp.org/library/research/research.htm
Page 334 http://usableWeb.com
21

22
Exploring the Best of the Web, 334
Check Out Materials at This Library 24 Hours a Day
Internet Public Library, www.ipl.org/
Start your business research by visiting the Internet Public Library. Visit the reference center and explore the Business and Economics Reference section. Got a question? There’s even a librarian on staff to help you. After all, librarians are one of your most important resources when conducting research.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1.
Select five companies and use the links provided to find contact information (address, phone, website, officers’ names, and so on) for each company. What kinds of contact information did you find at the company websites?
Question 1 directions: From the homepage, click on Reference, Business and Economics, and then Business Directories.
2.
Gather information about the U.S. Budget by using a one of the site’s directories: A Business
Researcher’s Interests. Why is using a directory such as this one an efficient way to obtain information?
Question 2 directions: From the homepage, click on Reference and Business and Economics.
Scroll down to A Business Researcher’s Interests and use the drop down box at the top of the page to select and click on General Business Technology Portal. Under the Business directory, follow the path to Economics, Economic Issues, National Debt and U.S. Budget
3.
Go back to the library’s main reference center and click on Reference.
Follow some of the reference links. How might these links help you when performing business research?
Question 3 directions: From the homepage, click on Reference and explore the links.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 334
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to improve your research skills.
1.
Visit Microsoft’s Complete Internet Guide at www.microsoft.com/insider/internet/default.htm
and take the web tutorial to improve your online researching skills.
2.
Brush up on your business research by following the links at the Basic Business Research
Methods webpage, www.mapnp.org/library/research/research.htm
3.
Find out what makes a website work and learn more about website design, speed, navigational structure, and standards at Usable Web, usableweb.com/ .

23
Chapter 11: Communicating Information Through Visuals
Page 336 www.bet.com
Page 351 graphicssoft.about.com
Page 363 graphicssoft.about.com
Page 349 www.altavista.com/sites/search/simage
Page 363 www.ita.doc.gov
Page 363 www.microsoft.com/office/excel/default.htm
Page 363 www.microsoft.com/office/visio
Page 363 www.symbols.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 363
Brush Up on your Computer Graphics Skills graphicssoft.about.com
Need some help using graphics software? Get started at the About.com graphics software website. Take the tutorials and learn how to manage fonts, images, and a variety of graphicrelated tasks. View the illustrated demonstrations. Read the instructional articles. Learn how to use the most common file formats for graphics. Expand your knowledge of the basic principles of graphic design. And master some advanced color tips and theory. Don’t leave without following the links to recommended books and magazines. Brushing up on graphic skills is a snap at this website.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1.
What are the four basic file formats for graphics?
Question 1 directions: From the homepage, click on Graphic Formats and then on File Formats.
2.
What are seven ways to create design contrast?
Question 2 directions: From the homepage, click on Digital Art Design and then on Design
Basics. Scroll down to Contrast, a Definition.
3.
What kinds of tools are included in diagramming software?
Question 3 directions: From the homepage, click on Illustration and then on Diagramming
Software for the PC (or Diagramming Software for the Macintosh).
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 363
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about creating charts, diagrams, and other visuals for written and oral reports.
1.
Become an Excel pro by reading the Tips and Tricks and How-to Articles at the Microsoft
Excel homepage, www.microsoft.com/office/excel/default.htm
. Click on Using Excel to get

started.
2.
Learn how to create effective diagrams at the Microsoft Visio website, www.microsoft.com/office/visio . Click on Using Visio to get started.
3.
Check out the worlds largest online encyclopedia of graphic symbols at Symbols.com, www.symbols.com
.
24

Component Chapter B: Communicating Through the Internet and Other Technologies
Page 364 www.learnthenet.com
Page 364 netforbeginners.about.com/internet/netforbeginners
25

26
Chapter 12: Planning Business Reports and Proposals
Page 376 www.dell.com
Page 380 www.bizplanit.com
Page 392 www.cos.com
Page 402 www.dell.com
Page 403 www.dell.com
Page 403 www.learnerassociates.net/proposal
Page 404 www.wsrn.com
Page 404 www.bigbook.com
Page 404 www.internet-prospector.org/company.html
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 404
Pointers for Business Plans www.bizplanit.com
What’s involved in a business plan? BizPlanIt.Com offers tips and advice, consulting services, a free e-mail newsletter, and a sample virtual business plan. You’ll find suggestions on what details and how much information to include in each section of a business plan. You can explore the site’s numerous links to business plan books and software; online magazines; educational programs; government resources; women and minority resources; and even answers to your business plan questions.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. Why is the executive summary such an important section of a proposal? What kind of information is contained in the executive summary?
Question 1 directions: Go to the BizPlanIt.Com home page. Click on Our Free Resources; then click on Virtual Business Plan. Next, click on Executive Summary. Click on Business Plan
Basics. Read the information and then scroll to page bottom and click on Common Mistakes to
Avoid. Read the suggestions for correcting mistakes.(Note: For more detailed information on executive summaries, follow the link at page bottom to BizPlanIt’s newsletter coverage of this topic.)
2. What is the product/service section? What information should it contain? List some of the common errors to avoid when planning this part.
Question 2 directions: From the Virtual Business Plan page, click on Product/Service. Click on
Business Plan Basics. Scroll down the page to read it; then click on Common Mistakes to Avoid.
Read the information on the page.
3. What type of business planning should you describe in the exit strategy section? Why?
Question 3 directions: From the Virtual Business Plan page, click on Exit Strategy. Then click on Business Plan Basics. Scroll down the page to read the information. (Note: For more detailed

27 information on exit strategies, follow the link at page bottom to BizPlanIt’s newsletter coverage of this topic.)
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 404
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about planning reports and proposals.
1.
If your report writing involves researching other companies, Wall Street Research network, www.wsrn.com/ , is one of the most comprehensive company information sites on the
Internet.
2.
Looking for a specific company, try SuperPages at http://www.bigbook.com
where you’ll find more than 16 million listings.
3.
Searching for information on a company or industry? Corporate Information, http://www.corporateinformation.com
, is a good place to begin your online research.

28
Chapter 13: Writing Business Reports and Proposals
Page 406 www.sandiegozoo.org
Page 410 www.corporateinformation.com
Page 436 www.annualreportservice.com
Page 439 home.sprintmail.com/~debflanagan/index.html
Page 439 www.purefiction.com
Click on “links.” Then, click on “Using the Internet for
Research FAQ.”
Page 439 www.spireproject.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 439
Research Before You Report www.corporateinformation.com
Research your competition at Corporate Information and find out what you need to know before you write your next report or proposal. This website has links to over 350,000 company profiles, data on 30 industries in 65 countries, and current economic information for over 100 countries.
You’ll also find research reports analyzing sales, dividends, earnings, and profit ratios on some
15,000 companies, current exchange rates for international currencies, plus the definitions of commonly used global company extensions such as GmbH, S.A., de C.V., and more.
1.
Select an industry of your choice from one of the listed countries and follow the links to reports, analyses, and data on that industry. What specific types of information did you find on that industry? How might you use this information when writing a report or proposal?
Question 1 directions: From the homepage, make your selections in the section titled “Research a country’s industry.”
2.
Read the online research reports for a company of your choice. What types of specific information is available in these reports? How might you use this information when writing a report or proposal?
Question 2 directions: From the homepage, make your selections in the section titled “Research
Reports.”
3.
What do company extensions GmBH, KK, LLC, OHG, SA, and SNC mean?
Question 3 directions: From the homepage, click on “List of Company Extensions.”
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 439
Review these chapter-related websites to learn more about writing reports and proposals.
1.
Researching Companies Online at home.sprintmail.com/~debflanagan/index.html
has terrific advice for finding company and industry information on the web. Take the tutorial.
2.
Learn how to find specific information on the web and validate what you find at Internet

29
Search FAQ, www.purefiction.com/pages/res1.htm
.
3.
The Spire Project, www.spireproject.com/ , claims to have a better way to find information on the web. Check it out.

30
Chapter 14: Completing Business Reports and Proposals
Page 442 www.corpdyn.com
Page 469 www.ixquick.com
Page 479 www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/aboutins/repsstudies/addition.html
Page 480 www.ed.gov/pubs/bbecho00/index.html
Page 480 www.ixquick.com
Page 480 www.learn2.com/06/0603/0603.asp
(inactive) Go to
www.sba.gov/starting/indexbusplans.html
Page 480 www.mapnp.org/library/writing cuestran.htm
Page 480 www.sba.gov/starting/indexbusplans.html
Page 484 stats.bls.gov/oco/ocoiab.htm
Page 485 www.internetindicators.com
Page 485 www.ecommercetimes.com
Page 485 www.business2.com
Page 485 www.zdnet.com
Click on “Tech Update.”
Page 485 www.harryanddavid.com
Page 485 www.normthompson
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 480
Preview Before You Produce www.ixquick.com
One way to learn how to write more skillfully and effectively is by reading other writers’ work.
Look at different examples of professional business reports, and skim their contents to reinforce what you’ve learned in this chapter about structure, style, and organization. Let ixquick.com work for you. Log on and enter the phrase “business reports” in the search window, then choose a report and review it.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. What is the purpose of the report you read? Who is its target audience? Explain why the structure and style of the report make it easy or difficult to follow the main idea.
Question 1 directions: Go to Ixquick Metasearch and first click on the About link to learn ways to use Ixquick. Go back and click on the Questions link to learn more. Now go back to the search window and enter the phrase “business reports.” View the results; choose a report and read it; then answer the questions.
2. What type of report did you read? Briefly describe the main message. Is the information well organized? If you answer “yes,” explain how you can use the report as a guide for a report you might write. If you answer “no,” explain why the report is not helpful.
Question 2 directions: From the selection of titles and descriptions, choose another report, read it, and respond to the questions.

31
3. Drawing on what you know about the qualities of a good business report, review a report and describe what features contribute to its readability.
Question 3 directions: From the selection of titles and descriptions, click on your choice. Skim the report, assess its qualities, and write your answer.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 480
Review these chapter-related websites to learn more about completing reports and proposals.
1.
Plan your way to profit by learning how to write effective business plans at The Business
Plan: Road Map to Success, www.sba.gov/starting/indexbusplans.html
.
2.
Looking for the perfect transitional word? Cues and Transitions for the Reader, at www.mapnp.org/library/writing/cuestran.html
, has some recommendations to help you.
3.
Develop a better business plan by following the advice at the Small Business Association website, www.sba.gov/starting/indexbusplans.html
.

32
Chapter 15: Planning, Writing, and Completing Oral Presentations
Page 499 www.ukans.edu/cwis/units/coms2.vpa/vpa.htm
Page 514 www.nasa.gov
Page 514 www.att.com/speeches
Page 515 www.ukans.edu/cwis/units/coms2.vpa/vpa.htm
Page 515 www.toastmasters.org
Page 515 www.govesiebold.com
Page 515 www.public-speaking.org
Page 515 www.learn2.com/06/0694/0694.asp
(inactive) Go to
www. speechtips.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 515
Speak with Flair www.ukans.edu/cwis/units/coms2/vpa/vpa.htm
The Virtual Presentation Assistant offers abundant resources with related links to other websites that contain useful articles, reviews, or supplemental materials for planning presentations. You can also connect to popular media and library pages with worldwide research information. You’ll find examples of presentation types, suggestions for selecting and focusing your topic, tips on audience analysis, delivery, using visual aids, and various other guidelines to help you prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation. If you need inspiration, check out this site.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. Suppose you have been asked to prepare an oral presentation discussing a business issue currently in the news. How could you use what you’ve discovered at the VPA site to help you select a topic? How could you use this site to find additional information or supplementary materials related to your presentation?
Question 1 directions: Go to the Virtual Presentation Assistant home page.
Under Contents, click on Selecting Your Topic. Read the advice on choosing a topic, then click on News/Current
Events. Next, click the Yahoo! News—top stories heading. Then, click Business, click on More
Business Headlines and select an article to read.
2. According to this website, what factors should you consider when analyzing your audience?
Question 2 directions: From the VPA home page, click on Analyzing Your Audience.
3. What topics or information will entice you to return to this site or its links? (If you don’t find the Virtual Presentation Assistant useful, explain why.)
Question 3 directions: From the VPA home page, click on Researching Your Topic; then use the links to visit the Internet Public Library and the American Communications Association.
Investigate some of the resources available at these two sites.

33
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 515
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to enhance your oral-presentation skills and knowledge.
1.
Take the free Public Speaker’s Online Tutorials and read some online articles about public speaking at the Gove-Siebold website, www.govesiebold.com
.
2.
Visit the Advanced Public Speaking Institute, at www.public-speaking.org
, and read the online articles to be the best public speaker you can be.
3.
Learn to prepare, write, and polish your oral presentations at SpeechTips.com, www.spechtips.com
.

34
Chapter 16: Enhancing Your Oral Presentations with Electronic Slides and Overhead
Transparencies
Page 516 www.allbeegreen.com
Page 540 www.3m.com/meetingnetwork/presentations
Page 528 www.microsoft.com/education/?ID=PptTutorial
Page 528 www.iupui.edu/~webtrain/tutorials/powerpoint2000_basics.html
Page 528 www.education.umd/edu/blt/tcp/resetpp.html
Page 528 www.quasar.ualberta.ca/edpy485/course/pptutor.htm
Page 528 www.computertim.com
Page 528 www.zdnet.com/community
Page 528 www.creativepro.com
Page 528 www.thefreesite.com
Page 528 www.dailywav.com
Page 528 www.wavcentral.com
Page 528 www.thefreesite.com
Page 528 www.download.com
Page 528 http://powerpoint.35mm-slides.com/goodbad.html
Page 528 www.colormatters.com
Page 528 www.techtv.com/dash/animationtipis (inactive) Go to
www.indezine.com/products/powerpoint/ppflash.html
Page 528 www.flashgeek.com/tutorials/index.html
Page 528 www.presentationpro.com
Page 528 www.onlineuillinois.edu/lynnward/realmedia/realmedia/index.htm
(inactive)
Go to www.calstatela.edu/centers/celt/fitsc/demonstrations/realpresenter/real_presenter.htm
Page 528 www.aspstreet.com/tools/print.taf/id,639 (inactive) Now go to
www.iddl.vt.edu/fdi/2002/hotfoot.htm
Page 528 www.microsoft.com/office/powerpoint
Page 528 www.presentersuniversity.com
Page 528 www.zdnet.com/help/specials/powerpoint/stories/1103.html
Page 536 www.3m.com/meetingnetwork/presentations
Page 540 www.microsoft.com/office/powerpoint
Page 540 www.kumc.edu/SAH/OTEd/jradel/effective.html
Page 540 www.presenteronline.com
(inactive) Go to www.netster.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 540
Look Smart www.3m.com/meetingnetwork/presentations
Visit the presentation center at 3M and follow the expert advice on creating and delivering effective presentations. Find out why a bad presentation can kill even the best idea. Did you pick the right colors? Is your presentation too long? Too wordy? Find out why a strong template is the key to positive first impressions. Review the five tips for better presentation. Download some

35 templates and look smart. Log on and learn the secrets from the pros. You’ll be glad you did.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1.
What three questions should you answer for a successful presentation?
Question 1 directions. From the homepage, click on Creating Presentations and then on Answer
These Three Questions for a Successful Presentation.
2.
What common PowerPoint pitfalls should you avoid?
Question 2 directions. From the homepage, click on Creating Presentations and then on For
Better Presentations Avoid PowerPoint Pitfalls.
3.
What are the two common causes of presentation paralysis?
Question 3 directions. From the homepage, click on Delivering Presentations and then on
Presentation Paralysis is an Easily Preventable Hazard.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 540
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about creating effective slides for oral presentations.
1.
Save time with PowerPoint tips and tricks at the Microsoft PowerPoint homepage, www.microsoft.com/office/powerpoint .
2.
Take the online tutorial at the KU Medical Center, www.kumc.edu/SAH/OTEd/jradel/Effective_visuals/VisStrt.html
, and learn how to design effective visuals.
3.
Develop better presentations with the helpful advice at Presenters Online, www.presentersonline.com
.

36
Chapter 17: Searching for Employment and Preparing Employment Messages
Page 542 www.rei.com
Page 547 www.bls.gov/oco
Page 549 www.acinet.org
Page 549 www.monster.com
Page 549 www.ajb.dni.us
Page 549 www.hotjobs.com
Page 549 www.nationjob.com
Page 549 www.headhunter.net
(Company merged with CareerBuilder) www.careerbuilder.com
Page 549 www.4work.com
Page 549 www.net-temps.com
Page 549 www.careerbuilder.com
Page 549 www.monstertrak.com
Page 549 classifieds.yahoo.com
Page 549 www.yahoo.com
Page 549 www.dbm.com/jobguide (inactive) Go to www.rileyguide.com
Page 549 www.advisorteam.com/user/ktsintro.asp
.
Page 565 www.careerbuilder.com
Page 578 www.careerbuilder.com
Page 578 www.provenresumes.com/reswkshps/electronic/scnres/html
Page 578 www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/coverletter/coverletter.html
Page 578 www.learn2.com/04/0437/0437.asp
(inactive) Go to
to www.businessweek.com/careers/content/nov2001/ca20011113_7790.htm
Page 579 www.careermag.com
Page 579 www.fool.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 578
Post an Online Résumé www.careerbuilder.com
Your résumé is like a letter of introduction: it should make a good first impression. It must be organized, error-free, and in an appropriate format. In today’s electronic business world, you should know how to prepare a résumé to post on the Internet or to send by e-mail. Learn this and more by logging on to CareerBuilder.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. Before writing a new resume, make a list of action verbs that describe your skills and experience.
Question 1 directions: Go to the CareerBuilder home page. Click on the Getting Hired tab at the top of the page. Next, click on Résumés, and then on the How to Guide. From the guide, click on

37
Résumé Writing Tips. Scroll down the page and read the information—especially the section on action verbs. Choose the verbs that describe your achievements.
2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of chronological and functional résumé formats.
Do you think a combination résumé would be an appropriate format for your new résumé?
Explain why or why not.
Question 2 directions: From the Resume Writing Tips page, click on Formatting. Read the descriptions of chronological, functional, and combination résumé formats. Click on at least one example of each type of format and look over the sample résumé.
3.
List some of the tips you learned for preparing an electronic resume.
Question 3 directions: From the Formatting page, click on Electronic Resumes and read the information provided.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 578
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about writing résumés and cover letters.
1.
Find out what happens when résumés are scanned at Proven Résumés, www.provenresumes.com/reswkshps/electronic/scnres.html
.
2.
Learn how to produce cover letters with brilliance, flair, and speed at So You Wanna Write a
Cover Letter?, www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/coverletter/coverletter.html
.
3.
Take measures to ensure that your e-mail résumé arrives intact by following the helpful advice at www.businessweek.com/careers/content/nov2001/ca/20011113_7790.htm
.

38
Chapter 18: Interviewing for Employment and Following Up
Page 580 www.microsoft.com
Page 587 www.job-interview.net
Page 605 www.monster.com
Page 605 www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/aceinterview/aceinterview.html
Page 605 www.learn2.com/09/0957/0957.asp
(inactive) Go to
www.job-interview.net
Page 606 www.web100.com
Exploring the Best of the Web, page 605
Planning for a Successful Interview www.job-interview.net
If you have not interviewed recently (or ever) for a job, do you have an idea of the kind of questions you might be asked? How can you prepare for an interview so that you'll appear knowledgeable about the job and confident in your skills? At Job-interview.net you’ll get advice and ideas to make your next interview successful.
Follow the navigational directions to answer these questions.
1. What are some problem questions you might be asked during a job interview? How would you handle these questions?
Question 1 directions: Go to the Job-interview.net home page. Click on Job Interview Tips under the Interviewing Help heading. Scroll down the page to Job Interview Tips and Strategies and click on Sample Questions. Scroll down the page to the heading Questions and read the sample questions.
2. Choose a job title from the list and read more about it. What did you learn that could help during an actual interview for the job you selected?
Question 2 directions: From the home page, under Mock Job Interviews, click on Practice Job
Interviews. Scroll down the page and click on the job title of your choice. Then, read the position description and the practice interview questions.
3. Developing an “interview game plan” ahead of time helps you make a strong, positive impression during an interview. What are some things you can practice to help make everything you do during an interview seem to come naturally?
Question 3 directions: From the home page, click on Job Interview Success Keys under Job
Interview Success in 7 Steps. Skim the information in each of the seven steps. Then go back and read Step 2 more carefully, especially the section on practice interviews.
Exploring the Web on Your Own, page 605

39
Review these chapter-related websites on your own to learn more about interviewing for jobs.
1.
Get over 2000 pages of career advice at Monster.com, www.monster.com
, and talk to career experts in your choice of industry or profession.
2.
Learn how to prepare for and handle yourself with care during a job interview at SoYou
WannaAceAJobInterview, www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/aceinterview/aceinterview.html
3.
Follow the steps at www.job-interview.net
, and be prepared for your next job interview.