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Feeling overwhelmed by all of your options for professional development? Here's how to select the most impactful business events, conferences, and training programs. Staying ahead in any industry requires continuous networking and education, but with countless options available, making the right choices can be challenging. It's important for you to focus on the events and programs that will provide the most value for your time and investment.  To help you navigate this decision-making process effectively, Fast Company Executive Board members share insights into determining the best bang for your buck when it comes to staying ahead. These tips can help you evaluate and select the best business events, conferences, and training programs to ensure you’re investing wisely in your professional development.

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Apply these emotional intelligence strategies to improve your department and company work culture. According to a survey published by Statista Research Department, 52 percent of organizations have employed senior leaders based on their emotional intelligence (EQ) skills. The ability to gain the loyalty of the team you are trying to lead successfully often relies on your willingness to actively listen to the concerns and aspirations of your employees. It's only then that you'll be able to access your staff's support and strengthen the type of team morale that can move companies forward. To provide some practical examples of what this type of leadership approach looks like, experts from Fast Company Executive Board explain how elevating their EQ has helped them to enhance their team relationships for the better and made them more approachable and trustworthy—a leader that their direct reports can trust.

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Here's how to build better relationships with your community workforce, local government, and area businesses. There is much to consider when company leaders begin negotiating and collaborating with local governments to possibly open headquarters in a new or unfamiliar area. It's not only about understanding the potential target audience, but it's also about protecting, respecting, and maintaining the workforce and consumer pipeline that already occupies the community. All brands must be aware of the direct impact and responsibility that comes with settling into the cities they plan to conduct business in worldwide. Here, 16 experts from Fast Company Executive Board offer tips to help business leaders execute their grand opening plans without a hitch—and with the local community's connection and buy-in.

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When it comes to brand marketing, elevating your authentic story as an individual is just as important as company branding. For the past decade or longer, the term "brand marketing" has taken on a life of its own. People now realize that it's not just about a material product or service; "brand marketing" is also tied directly to the individual who is trying to launch or further themselves in the marketplace overall, and not just with any particular company affiliation. In an unstable economy with massive layoffs, it's all about the person and the next steps they want to take in life—especially as it relates to their personal passion, mission, and goals. Here, 19 Fast Company Executive Board members each share their advice with individuals who aspire to elevate their personal and professional branding to become a powerful thought leader who creates and delivers highly impactful, memorable presentations through the stories they share with others—during the workday or after hours.

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Industry experts share top tips to make your mark in business and continue to move ahead. When your brand is competing in a saturated market, it's important to figure out how to stand out from other businesses. But it's not about being the loudest voice online or placing out-of-home advertisements. Standing out is most effective when leaders do their research to understand who they are talking to and what will resonate with their audience. Below, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members each provide one successful tactic for reaching the right audience and staying visible in a crowded market without being spammy or offensively persistent.

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There's a better way to reach direct consumers in the digital marketplace. In a fickle economy that is difficult to gauge from one moment to the next, the worst thing that brand leaders can do is to take their consumers for granted. Having an open-door policy on social media or even meeting face-to-face with current clients and customers is always a good way to gain a better understanding of what the consumer is looking for and going through. Engaging in those types of conversations upfront will only help a growing business thrive further in the future. It also helps leaders and teams strengthen client relationships and build better trust. Here, 15 Fast Company Executive Board members share one tip to help brand managers and their teams stay accountable and better connected to their customers in the digital marketplace.