Jimmie Lee

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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.

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Business experts weigh in on the best ways to make a real difference in underserved neighborhoods. When a well-known or promising company comes to the area, it can be a win-win for businesses and community residents, especially if the establishment is located in an underrepresented neighborhood of people who may be struggling. It's more than just gaining the ability to target an untapped market or provide job opportunities to help people feed their families and develop a clear shot at professional growth; it's also about creating connections and providing education to build loyalty and trust.  With that said, there are plenty of ways for an organization to support underserved BIPOC communities—whether it's a few blocks away or miles apart. Below, 11 experts from Fast Company Executive Board offer their best practices for company leaders who want to contribute to BIPOC communities through workforce training initiatives, financial assistance, and entrepreneurial development programs.

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Transparency paired with a consistent message on your company vision and values goes a long way in building brand awareness and trust. When it comes to building community and laying the foundation for creating long-term customer and stakeholder relationships that you can count on, it's important to let people know where you stand on current issues to maintain genuine transparency and real authenticity. Below, 15 experts of Fast Company Executive Board each share one factor for leaders to consider if they want their brand to become known for its community activism—beyond the products and services it provides.

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Talent-product fit means bringing a collection of people together and leading them into a process of forming a team culture that prioritizes disruptive thinking and risk-taking.

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Here's how to improve your productivity and decision-making skills in 2024. Leading a successful corporation in the business sector or a nonprofit that is making an incredible impact on the local and greater community it serves sounds impressive and rewarding; however, it takes plenty of tenacity to maintain industry relevance and a different mindset to make smart business decisions. As the marketplace continues to transform itself in the new normal, managers may be feeling overwhelmed and burned out by all of the tasks piled on their plates to keep up with the changing consumer demands in an uncertain economic climate. To prevent them from high-stress levels, feelings of anxiousness, or seconding-guessing themselves when it comes to decision making, 16 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each offer one tip that could help company leaders get the support they need, which will change the course of their organization for the better.

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Remember that there is light at the end of the journey. There are ups and downs along every business journey, and you won't always see eye to eye with everyone sitting at the table. However, keeping an open mind being willing to take suggestions, and fostering a team dynamic that promotes inclusiveness, giving each team member a voice is a chance to boost team morale and support, especially when the company is facing challenges. Below, 15 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each provide one strategy to help leaders develop a healthy growth mindset that will enable them (and their teams) to embrace challenges and find solutions to their business or client's problems.

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Modern companies should think beyond traditional philanthropic efforts and find ways to make a real difference for the people they serve. As consumers become more focused on brands that practice corporate social responsibility, more and more companies are finding impactful ways to make a positive mark on their local communities. Forward-thinking businesses are spearheading work programs, offering financial assistance, and nurturing entrepreneurial talents in their neighborhoods. Here, Fast Company Executive Board members discuss the strategies companies can adopt to contribute to their local communities in an impactful way. Follow their recommendations to create a lasting and meaningful change in your community beyond your bottom line.

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Here's how to elevate company culture in a digital office environment. If you are new to leading a remote or hybrid company, you may find yourself struggling to bridge the gap between management and staff members who work from home to create trust and transparency. By the same token, if you're new to working for a remote employer, you may be feeling isolated if you're unable to connect with your new co-workers and management the way you initially envisioned when you were onboarded for your "dream job opportunity."  To help leaders and their remote teams communicate more effectively and improve their working relationships in no time, 19 Fast Company Executive Board members each share one new idea for building a better company culture in 2024.

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Finding startup investment capital doesn't have to be an obstacle to your success. Securing the necessary investment funds to kickstart your venture can be a challenge that even the most capable entrepreneurs face. However, with the right networking strategies and preparation, startup founders can raise enough capital to reach their desired growth stage. Below, 15 Fast Company Executive Board members discuss a variety of methods and approaches budding entrepreneurs can utilize to access the funding they need. Here are their top-recommended strategies to turn your business dreams into a profitable reality.

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Leaders weigh in on how to leverage the right resources that will impact company success.  Building a successful household product or service is not just about a brand's ability to meet quarterly sales goals from year to year; it's also about hiring the right people, making the right investment decisions, and protecting the company's reputation through positive brand awareness.  That is where a powerful marketing team can come in handy, and it's worth putting time and monetary resources into having the best people on staff if you have the funds to spare, but what if you're on a small budget and need to scale back until you gain more financial leverage?  Here, Fast Company Executive Board members share eight tips that any business leader can implement to spread awareness about their organization—and make a substantial impact in the marketplace—every step of the way.

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A company’s mission is like a story, and more like a living thing than something set in stone.