expert panel

Regardless of industry, affordable AI solutions can be found for businesses of all sizes. Artificial intelligence can empower a business to streamline and optimize workflows, but adoption can come with challenges outside of the adjustments to various internal processes. In addition to the time and effort it takes to implement efficient AI solutions, the financial commitment is also an obstacle for small businesses determining whether AI is a feasible option. If one knows where to start, AI can be an affordable endeavor for businesses of all sizes. To help, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum share how small businesses can approach adopting artificial intelligence without investing too much time and money into big data or programmers.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

Investing more time into nonbusiness critical endeavors can positively impact an entrepreneur's skills and business. Pursuing professional development has always been a valuable practice for continuously growing and developing business skills. Despite the benefits, however, some entrepreneurs are still reluctant to take steps toward investing in their own development. For them, any time and effort not spent on business-critical tasks may be seen as unimportant when compared to work that directly impacts and drives business.  However, entrepreneurs need to rethink their current beliefs about professional development if they are truly interested in growing their businesses and enhancing their own skills for future success. To help, 15 members of Newsweek Expert Forum shared recommendations on how entrepreneurs can take action and start investing in their own professional development.

expert panel

A business's culture directly influences relationships within the workplace. The work culture of a business has a direct impact on the ability of the organization to last long term. Besides the benefits on the business side, a positive work environment enhances the relationship between leaders and current and prospective employees, leading to increased retention and employee loyalty. However, the challenge comes with building and preserving this kind of company culture. To help, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members shared their recommendations for how business leaders can build and maintain a positive work culture.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

Search engine optimization is critical for any business that wants to be found online—and it doesn't have to be expensive to address it. In today’s digital age, putting effort into search engine optimization (SEO) is necessary to help your company stand out online. Improving your SEO boosts the organic traffic on your website, rather than relying on paid searches. Your rankings increase and your website becomes more visible on search engines, making people more likely to visit your website.  Effective SEO requires a clear, well-thought-out strategy to reach your target audience, but it doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. Below, 10 Newsweek Expert Forum members provided their top tips for ramping up a company’s SEO without the big cost.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

Leaders that are unable to keep up in a changing business world are at risk of falling behind. The business world moves fast, and companies that aren’t able to keep up run the risk of falling behind. Building a sustainably successful company requires that leaders understand just how much the business can and will change over time. While leaders are well aware that flexibility is a key part of doing business, it doesn't mean that they will be able to tap into that ability the moment they encounter a business challenge. To help, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members share strategies leaders can use to develop their ability to adapt quickly and ensure that flexibility is built into the foundation of their organizational culture.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

If you're concerned about meeting fatigue among your remote workforce, try these strategies to ensure each virtual gathering has a clear purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted work culture in several lasting ways, including the growth of work-from-home arrangements. As companies begin to embrace smaller physical office locations and the workforce's ability to work from home, the road and other places, new challenges arise. Between a constant flow of meetings and life distractions, employees can easily start to burn out and feel "Zoom fatigue." One way to address this is by ensuring every meeting held is intentional, purposeful and engaging for all attendees. Below, members of Newsweek Expert Forum share insights for how they believe leaders can improve meetings and make sure each one held is worthwhile.

expert panel

Test your product with real users to work out the bugs and prepare for your official launch. When you’re launching a new product, one of the best ways to make it more effective is by running user tests. Many companies rely on user testing to better understand what their customers need and how they can improve their products for their users. To help you improve your user testing techniques, nine members of Newsweek Expert Forum shared their approaches to implementing smarter user tests. Follow their advice to stay in sync with your users and their feedback and improve your product prior to launch day. 

expert panel

Without strict boundaries, working from home can leave employees with no real barrier between their personal and professional life. With some employers opting for remote or hybrid operations, the workplace no longer looks like what it used to. There are innumerable perks to telecommuting, but moving the workplace to within one’s home brings with it challenges for both employees and employers. Not having to leave home to work means no commute—and no real barrier between your personal and professional life.  Luckily, there are strategies to combat the tendency for employees to overwork and to instead maintain a healthier work-life balance. Below, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members offer expert advice on different strategies business leaders can use to prevent the trend of employees working harder and longer due to telecommuting.

expert panel

To survive in business long term, leaders must be able to respond and adapt to sudden changes. Nothing is ever certain in business. The products and services provided by companies solve real, current problems, but the mission that fuels a business is bound to change as time goes on. Leaders must be able to pivot and adapt their organizations in a changing environment. Despite the challenges presented by a fluctuating market or evolving times, it’s still possible to effectively make and achieve goals that help secure a business’s future. Below, members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their expert advice on the best strategy leaders can use to create a vision for the future of their organization among uncertainty.

expert panel

With technology continuing to change how people live and work, organizations need to prioritize opportunities that better meet evolving customer needs. The business landscape has changed drastically over the past year. While companies have come to expect that people’s needs will shift constantly based on changing life situations, the customers of 2021 are remarkably different from their predecessors. Increased online shopping options and new methods for connecting virtually are just a few examples of how technology has altered the ways in which customers live and work. Though many businesses have been able to adapt quickly to meet the needs of modern consumers, the convenience and access that technology brings will be vital from now on. Leaders will need to keep a close eye on customer behavior trends to ensure they are on top of the factors impacting the industry. Below, the members of Newsweek Expert Forum share the customer behavior trends that are likely to impact businesses from now on.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

When you're having trouble buckling down and focusing, taking a step back to ground yourself can help you get back on track. Some days, it’s easy to lock into a productive mindset and get everything done efficiently. Other days, it’s a little (or a lot) harder to maintain that focus. This can be especially challenging when you’re on a tight deadline or have many competing priorities. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or simply “out of it,” you know you need to recalibrate, but might not be sure where to begin. To help you recenter and get your work done, 15 members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their tried-and-true tips.

expert panel

Great outreach is all about understanding the needs of prospective customers and providing them with something valuable. Whether it’s through emails, webinars or phone calls, there are a variety of different ways businesses can interact with prospects. Direct outreach can help a business land sales while also building and maintaining relationships with potential and current consumers. However, at the forefront of any outreach should be the desire to meet the needs of your customer base. How can leaders conduct outreach that leads to results? Eight members of Newsweek Expert Forum share secrets that can help business leaders craft effective B2C outreach strategies and outline why these strategies are critical in today’s saturated business environment.

expert panel

Actively leaning into feedback from employees can help leaders create workplaces that foster open communication. The creation of an inclusive workplace starts long before an employee officially joins an organization. It’s in the structure of decision making. It’s in the language used in the recruitment process. It’s also in the value leaders place on ensuring employees feel heard and safe once they are a part of the team.  While employers are well aware of the benefits of diversity and inclusion, they may not know the best way to go about actively implementing those initiatives in the workplace. Below, 10 members of Newsweek Expert Forum share recommendations on how leaders can practically develop and maintain inclusiveness as a core component of the workplace.

expert panel

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. 

expert panel

It's easier than ever to share information—which means leaders must take extra care to ensure that information spread throughout their company is factual. The ease of access to information today is a great public utility. However, this means there is also greater access to misinformation. When business leaders are sharing anything with their teams, they have to be sure the information is accurate and fact-based. Otherwise, something may be interpreted incorrectly and the rumor mill may start turning at your organization. To help leaders ensure they're not contributing to the spread of misinformation, 15 members of Newsweek Expert Forum shared their best tips for businesses.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

Machine learning can greatly enhance your business operations, but to maximize its impact, you'll need the right strategic approach. As machine learning technology improves, more businesses are looking to integrate it into their operations and improve their bottom line. Such technologies can help companies streamline their processes and simplify their tasks, making their teams more effective, efficient and productive.  However, applying machine learning to your operations isn’t always a simple process. Before investing in this technology, leaders need a well-planned strategic approach for implementing it. To help, six members of Newsweek Expert Forum shared ways business leaders can devise a strategy for integrating machine learning into business operations.

expert panel

A steep drop in traffic to your website can be concerning, but with the right approach, you can investigate and identify the reason behind it. No matter what kind of website you run, traffic tends to ebb and flow over time. Small dips are rarely cause for concern, especially if things pick back up shortly after. However, after a sudden and sharp decline in website traffic, you might want to investigate further to determine the cause and solve the issue at its core. Below, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members explained how companies should approach investigating the cause of plummeting website traffic. Try one of these eight methods to get to the root of the problem.

expert panel

Flexibility means different things to different people, so don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to offering workplace flexibility. In today’s always-on world, employees are often expected to be available at any time. But as the pandemic persists, many business professionals are realizing the value of work-life balance -- especially when it comes to remote work. As a result, many leaders are seeking ways to accommodate their employees’ schedules and external responsibilities. But flexibility is more than just allowing people to work from home.  To that end, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members shared some lesser-known ways to offer flexibility to employees. Here are their insights for creating a flexible work environment that works for everyone on your team.

expert panel

Whether it's an employee, a partner or a potential client, business success depends on nurturing genuine, organic relationships. When speaking or working with a new employee, partner or prospect, you don't want to jump right into a sale or ask someone for a favor upfront. Instead, it's best to approach the relationship in a genuine, authentic manner and allow things to develop naturally. Otherwise, you may drive the other party away if your outreach or conversation feels forced. To help organically build business relationships, a panel of Newsweek Expert Forum members share 14 important elements of successful connections with your stakeholders. Follow their advice to help improve the quality and flow of your business conversations.

expert panel

If your team is burnt out by remote or hybrid work, here's what you can do as a leader to get morale back on track. After over a year of remote and hybrid working, many employees are (understandably) exhausted. With limited in-person interactions and blurred lines between work and home life, teams may have less energy and may even be on the road to burnout. Fortunately, there are many ways business leaders can reinvigorate their remote teams. Not sure where to begin? Try these eight expert strategies, shared by the members of Newsweek Expert Forum, to keep your employees feeling energized and motivated during the era of remote work.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

When your business is on a limited budget, it's critical to optimize your tech investments. Here's how to do it. Technology has become an essential tool for conducting business across nearly every industry. However, tech solutions are not one-size-fits-all; leaders must be mindful of their company’s needs rather than jumping on trends without consideration. This is especially true for smaller businesses that are striving to make the most of their budgets. To that end, six members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their top insights on how small to medium enterprises can optimize their investment in technology. Follow their advice before you pull the trigger on your next business tech purchase.

expert panel

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.