Writing grants is often a critical part of gaining funding for any nonprofit organization's mission. Strategic grant writing aligns the needs of a nonprofit with funding sources, whether foundations, government agencies, corporations, or individuals. The Skye introductory-level course offers a guide to the basics of grant writing.

What behaviors and traits do successful entrepreneurs share? Research at Harvard Business School by Lynda Applegate, Janet Kraus, and Timothy Butler suggests that of eleven dimensions of entrepreneurship, founders (successful entrepreneurs) commonly excel in five key areas. The following infographic outlines those dimensions.

Stephen Palmer is a Lead Business Analyst at MultiPlan and a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). He has a long career in business analysis and project management. Palmer is a study group facilitator and coach for the Boston chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). He has also been a panelist at Project Summit & Business Analysis World in Boston, both in 2014 and 2015.

Skye Learning is thrilled to feature Stephen Palmer as a subject matter expert for Skye’s Introduction to Business Analysis course!

Organizations are increasingly concerned about the loss or theft of electronic information, known as a data breach. Data breaches that result from unauthorized access by individuals within an organization have also become more common. These types of breaches, or data leaks, are commonly called insider threats. Insiders pose a unique challenge because they know how systems are configured, how to defeat these systems, and how to cover up any evidence.

When speaking in front of an audience, you want to feel prepared, relaxed, and confident. But in the days and moments before delivering a speech, even the most prepared individuals can struggle with stage fright and nerves. How can you manage those anxious feelings? Research shows that speech anxiety can be greatly reduced through the practice of simple relaxation techniques,such as deep breathing and visualization. Check out our latest infographic for tips on delivering a great speech.

Keisha O’Marde is Head of Human Resources at Symmons Industries. She has earned her SHRM-CP^® and PHR™ certifications and has an M.A. in workforce development and training. She has also worked domestically and internationally for organizations ranging from small start-ups to mature and global companies.

With her many years of experience in HR and her PHR certification, O’Marde is an excellent contributor to Skye’s aPHR™ Exam Prep Course.

A leader's loud, energetic communication style may be deemed charismatic by one group of workers, while another group might find that leader's approach to be over-the-top. For women business leaders, charisma is even more difficult to define and assess, and it can often be mislabeled based on stereotypes. Women who show charisma by being gregarious and expressive might be categorized as "chatty" or "emotional," while a calmer and more nurturing woman leader might be criticized for being too "motherly." Leadership charisma is a complicated concept with no single set of guidelines. But, the majority of workers would agree that a charismatic leader, regardless of gender, commands the room.

Erika Wentworth has spent over 15 years as an educator, writer, editor, and digital curriculum designer. Currently, she works with nonprofits and education technology leaders as an independent curriculum developer and consultant.

Skye Learning is excited to feature Wentworth as a subject matter expert in the Certificate in Online Learning, available now on Skye!

This week, Skye Learning is excited to spotlight Ronald Couming, an expert in search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing. He’s also a subject matter expert who appears in numerous courses within Skye’s Certificate in Digital Marketing.

Couming is CEO and Founder of RCS Online Solutions, which helps business owners and entrepreneurs find, convert, and retain clients. He also hosts a weekly radio show called Internet Marketing and Business Solutions with Ronald Couming. Learn more at RCS Technology Solutions.

This week, Skye Learning is excited to spotlight Deb Pontes, an Agile Transformation Coach at Fidelity Investments. Pontes is a subject matter expert for Skye’s Integrating Agile Into a Waterfall Environment

Pontes has significant experience as an Agile Coach, Scrum Master, project manager, and program manager. She’s passionate about innovation-based change as well as making information easily consumable and readily available. Pontes is an OSA-Certified Trainer and co-author of the OpenSpace Agility Handbook™.