Leslie Samuel

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

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.

expert panel

Reputation is everything in business. Make sure yours is solid with these strategies. One of the most important things a business can uphold is its reputation. Both customers and top talent are drawn to companies with demonstrated success and the ability to deliver on its promises. While gaining and maintaining a good reputation is often easier said than done, there are several actionable steps leaders can take to build up that positive momentum. Below, seven members of Newsweek Expert Forum share their top tips for bolstering your organization’s reputation. Follow their recommendations to improve and boost your public image.

expert panel

Diversity is more important than ever in the business world, but equity must go hand-in-hand with these efforts. In today's social climate, companies are rightfully looking to diversify their staff. This often involves developing unbiased hiring process and opening up the floor to input from employees of all job levels and backgrounds. The result of such changes is a rich tapestry of unique perspectives that contribute to better business solutions. However, without a simultaneous focus on equity and inclusion, those diverse voices may not be properly incorporated and leveraged. Eight members of Newsweek Expert Forum offered advice to leaders who want to develop and promote more egalitarian workplaces. Follow their tips to encourage a truly diverse culture and workforce.

expert panel

Before you make a public statement, be sure to think about the potential consequences to your business -- both positive and negative. In recent years, socially-conscious consumers have become more interested in supporting companies that share their same values. This is especially true after the social and political turmoil of 2020, when deeply polarizing issues came to the forefront for many businesses and organizations. With this in mind, business leaders are more inclined to make public corporate statements about social issues. However, this could potentially lead to more controversy if this statement is poorly written or displays the wrong sentiment. To help, 11 members of Newsweek Expert Forum explained what organizations should consider before making a statement on a political, social or potentially controversial issue.

expert panel

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.