Keka DasGupta

expert panel

Being short-sided on your business plans may dampen community relations and deter a positive brand reputation. A brand's partnership with a new community of interest can easily go south if the company's leaders are not transparent about their true intentions of moving into the area. However, when the focus is community over profits, and there is consistent communication with active listening between corporate representatives and community residents, it will likely be a positive opportunity for everyone the project will impact.  Below, nine leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board discuss how and why business organizations must tread lightly when bringing "economic development" to a small city or town.

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18 leaders each discuss their company's mission statement and how passion plays a positive role in business branding overall. Launching and maintaining a successful business is not for everyone, but if you do decide to go for it, make sure it's a space that you are willing and able to put your heart and soul into for the long haul.  Whether you simply want to pay it forward and give back to the next generation of leaders based on your experience and knowledge, or there is a void to be filled in an underrepresented community, there are plenty of good reasons to add your brand's voice to the mix as a viable industry solution to address the latest client and customer pain points. If you're second-guessing your decision to be in business and your ability to make a real difference, 18 experts from Fast Company Executive Board explain what inspired their business ideas and mission statements. The passion these leaders demonstrate for what they're doing is motivational and plays a huge role in their approach to branding.

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11 tips that will elevate your brand at the next event. How can company representatives leave a desirable impression when attending the annual conference circuit, whether on-site or virtually? Designing merchandise giveaways that speak directly to the brand's mission and core values is one way to attract the attention of conventiongoers, but it can't be run-of-the-mill items that will end up in the trash (or disregarded online) at the end of the day. That would be a poor return on investment.  Instead, lean toward sustainable products that have the biggest potential to come in handy for attendees—same time next year. Below, 11 Fast Company Executive Board members share best practices for how to use merchandise opportunities to build brand awareness and why it works for them.

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Business leaders offer guidance on elevating your career in a struggling economy. With so many things happening in today's world, it may sometimes seem like it's impossible to ever get ahead. In a competitive, uncertain marketplace, how can employees begin to elevate their career status so they can move ahead and support themselves and their families in an impactful way? Below, 20 experts from Fast Company Executive Board share their top tips to help industry colleagues make better decisions concerning their personal strengths and the goals that will lead to more progress.

expert panel

Business leaders weigh in on 15 steps to take before introducing your brand to new and growing markets. As the new economy and digital marketplace continue to evolve, some business leaders may feel like they are under pressure to upgrade their brand's image in an effort to remain relevant to the next generation of potential clients and customers. However, oftentimes, you may need to simply assess which areas of your business need some minor adjustments rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. So before you consider the redesign process, members from Fast Company Executive Board are here to discuss some steps that they recommend when contemplating a rebranding idea for your company's logo and image.