Michelle Tillis Lederman

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Feel awkward when you network? Try these tips to make it feel more organic and even fun. Many people network with the intention of trying to sell a business leader on their product or service, whether to get seed money or to try and create a partnership. Because of this, networking events may end up feeling awkward and uncomfortable when it's all about the hard sell. However, networking doesn't have to feel like you're "schmoozing." Business leaders can use these events to make real connections and build solid foundations for future business relations, all without pitching an idea. Below, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members offered their best advice for making networking more natural and fun to build long-lasting connections. 

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An exceptional leader is defined both by the accomplishments of their organization and their personal characteristics that contribute directly to that success. A business leader may be defined by the work their company does or the goals it accomplishes, but their individual status as a great leader comes down to the characteristics they possess that set them apart from others.  Leading a successful organization requires that leaders are able to effectively handle any circumstances the business may encounter, but this isn’t the only quality that matters. Below, 14 members of Newsweek Expert Forum each share one characteristic that is critical in a great leader and how that trait influences their ability to effectively lead.

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Taking the time to understand client needs can guide efforts to reconnect and maintain connections with customers. After a customer has paid for and received a product or service, it's natural for them to disengage if a business isn't working to actively hold their attention. The natural instinct for some entrepreneurs may be to leverage every communication channel available to pull the customer back in, but these efforts may have the opposite effect of pushing the customer further or completely away. That’s why it’s important to stop and take a moment to think about the situation from the customer’s perspective. Developing a better understanding of customer needs can aid in determining the best path forward for reconnecting or maintaining a connection. To help, a panel of experts from Newsweek Expert Forum each share one effective strategy for reengaging inactive customers.

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Prioritizing the development of leadership skills helps build organizations that can last long term. Business leaders today can no longer rely solely on the skills that have always brought organizational success. Instead, as the world continues to change significantly, the focus for leaders must be on strengthening existing skills and continually developing new skills to be able to build connected teams and long-lasting organizations.  To help deepen understanding of what skills will be needed in the future, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum each share one skill that business leaders should actively work on to level up their leading abilities.

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Minor workplace disagreements left unchecked have the potential to quickly become completely unmanageable. Workplace conflicts are an inevitable part of working with people. As such, leaders need to have a proactive plan in place for handling these conflicts when they arise between employees. Disagreements left unchecked increase the chances of a conflict escalating, negatively impacting the culture of the company and creating a toxic environment as a result. To help leaders deal with workplace disagreements before they spiral out of control, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum share how to effectively de-escalate and mediate workplace conflicts when they arise.

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In order to maintain credibility in the face of obstacles, leaders must learn to embrace honesty and vulnerability. In the face of a setback, such as layoffs or a deal falling through, a leader’s next actions make all the difference for employees. Leaning on the support of employees and, in turn, supporting employees is critical for building and maintaining leadership credibility and the trust of your team when things go south. Moving away from the image of a powerful, all-knowing leader can be difficult, especially when the weight of the organization is on your shoulders. To help leaders boldly face and address business mishaps, 16 members of Newsweek Expert Forum shared steps that business leaders should take to rebuild trust with their team after a setback.

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Actively meeting the needs of employees can inspire respect for leaders while also having a direct impact on the business's bottom line. Being a great leader requires more than delegating tasks to employees and meeting business goals. Each individual employee within an organization has different needs, and the role leadership plays in meeting those needs and empowering employees to contribute their expertise can have a direct impact on a business’s bottom line.  Though all leaders aspire to be someone worthy of guiding others, the challenge is ensuring each action taken signifies interest in and commitment to the well-being of employees. To help, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum offer recommendations for how those in power can earn the loyalty of those around them and become leaders people will want to follow.

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The wide adoption of technology for communication is proving that there is a considerable need for virtual networking tools. The connections built between people can create bonds that drive success for both individuals and organizations. Though the formation and maintenance of these connections has been completely transformed over the past year and a half, the strength of those bonds still holds true. The wide adoption of video conferencing software like Zoom has shown that regardless of the obstacle—be it a global pandemic or a considerable distance—there is a great need for more virtual options in the world we live in today.  Expanding the ways in which people can connect in an increasingly digital world means that the future of connecting may be uncertain, but examining the changes that have taken place so far can offer valuable insight. Below, 13 members of Newsweek Expert Forum members share their expert predictions on how networking will look in the future and how leaders can begin preparing for changes now.

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When even small decisions can have a big impact on your business, removing bias is a critical step in the decision-making process. To be an entrepreneur is to expect change. The business world is rarely static, and leaders who are able to meet obstacles head-on and create solutions are better able to survive long term. This is why decision making plays such an important role in a successful business.  When time is limited and decisions have to be made, an objective approach can help ensure the best conclusion is reached. However, considering how big of a role people play in business and how often emotions can take over, remaining objective can be a challenge. Here, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum share strategies for letting go of assumptions and approaching the decision-making process with an unbiased view.

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Establishing and maintaining a robust network of authentic connections is the key to finding new opportunities. It takes time and effort to ensure the establishment of an authentic relationship. The same is true in business where remote and hybrid operations over the past year have made networking essential for finding new opportunities.  With social media and virtual meetings being more widely used, we’re no longer limited to just the traditional means when it comes to interacting with other people. However, business leaders must be careful to not make the mistake of thinking that continually building new connections and sustaining contacts virtually with their network is supposed to be all about business. Here, five members of Newsweek Expert Forum share tips on how to build genuine relationships in a virtual environment.

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Business challenges can be difficult to face, but they can also provide an incredible learning experience for company leaders. Every difficult situation and mistake offers an opportunity to learn something valuable for the future. This is especially true for business leaders, who deal with challenging situations on a near-daily basis. Amid these tough decisions, it can be hard to discern the “right” path. However, each step forward and challenge faced is another lesson learned. Below, 13 members of Newsweek Expert Forum share the significant business challenges they believe can become a great teaching experience for leaders. Here's why they think these situations are such excellent teachers. 

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A company's core values are the most important part of its culture and ethos. As a leader, it's your job to enforce and live those values every day. The modern employee and consumer want to know that companies care about more than just sales and profit. People are more motivated to work -- and consumers are more likely to patronize a brand—when they believe a company's values align with their own. As a business, messaging about your core values should come from the top and be enforced within your culture every day. Below, 15 members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their tips for strengthening a company's core values and making sure that they are enforced. Follow their recommendations to ensure your team and your customers know exactly what you stand for.

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Actively connecting with disengaged customers could make all the difference in encouraging repeat business. Smart business owners know that it costs less to keep a satisfied customer than it does to acquire new ones. That's why it’s so important to focus on repeat business and customer loyalty. To do this, you’ll have to invest in your current customers and find ways to continuously engage them. But what do you do if a customer is disengaged or goes inactive for a while? If you’re unsure how to solve this issue, follow the advice of these Newsweek Expert Forum members. Below, 13 of them shared tips for organizations that want to connect with unengaged or inactive customers in the hopes of earning their business again.

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Strong leaders project confidence, so it's important to have strategies for building it within yourself. When you're in a leadership position, your team will reflect your actions. If you are negative and worried, your team will be as well. Conversely, if you project strength and stability, that will be mirrored in your employees.  To build your confidence, you need to practice the right strategies and habits. That's why 11 members of Newsweek Expert Forum offered their best tips for becoming a more confident leader. 

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Instead of reacting to changes in your industry as they’re happening, take a proactive approach to prepare for problems before they arise. The business landscape is ever-changing, with consumer and market trends shifting regularly. If businesses are not prepared to act on these changes, they will be forced to simply react -- often belatedly or without sufficient consideration. To avoid this outcome, it’s wise for leaders to stay on the pulse of industry trends and take action appropriately. Below, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum share seven steps leaders can take to be more proactive about solving business problems.

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Breaking down a goal into manageable steps can help reduce pressure and increase productivity. Perseverance is one of the most important traits for a business leader to possess. Even in hard times or when others might give up, a leader must remain committed to their organization and its vision, and take the steps necessary to achieve it. If you’re a business owner tasked with accomplishing a goal that seems overwhelming or challenging, you may struggle with finding the motivation to stick with it. To help, 14 members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their tips for committing to tough goals and seeing them through.

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If you want your business and your team to keep growing and evolving, you need to have breakthrough conversations that get you to the next level. Initiating and fostering the exchange of ideas is essential for moving a business forward. It can be tricky to encourage these discussions to happen organically. However, if done right, sparking these “breakthrough” conversations can lead to the next innovative breakthrough for your business. The best way to create a safe and open dialogue for teams, business partners and other industry leaders starts with your willingness to create it as a business owner. Below, 11 members of Newsweek Expert Forum each explain one key factor in opening up your business to these breakthrough conversations.