Nicole Plantin

expert panel

The difference between simply being seen online and truly being remembered often comes down to consistency, purpose and the ability to deliver meaningful value over time. Today's ubiquitous access to social media means every company has the tools to capture audience attention. But attention alone doesn’t create trust, loyalty or long-term influence, and lasting brand value requires far more than clicks, views or fleeting moments of virality. For leaders, creators and businesses alike, the challenge is shifting from short-term engagement to long-term identity. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share how they distinguish between building a brand and chasing attention and why that distinction is critical for sustained success.

expert panel

Culture doesn’t shift through good intentions alone. These leaders share what real inclusivity looks like behind the scenes. While inclusion is important in any business, it’s especially vital in the culture space, where the work plays a role in shaping trends, sparking conversations and generating overall visibility. When inclusivity is treated as an afterthought, companies not only jeopardize their brand’s place in culture, but they also risk falling out of step with the people they rely on the most: their employees and customers. Employees feel disconnected when their voices aren't reflected in decisions, while audiences tune out if a brand's messaging misses the mark. The most effective companies make inclusion a daily practice by asking the right questions, bringing more voices to the table and backing it up with action. Below, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share how (and why) to embed inclusivity into the fabric of your business.

expert panel

To unleash their creativity, you have to give them the right environment to do so. Culture, trends, music, art — all exist because of the creative efforts of those passionate about pursuing them. When harnessing this creativity for business, you may need to approach management in a different way. Whether it’s giving them the space they need to exercise that creativity or balancing that with the right rules and restrictions, leading creative talent should be given special thought if you want them to achieve their best work. Whether it's marketers, musical artists or any role in between, the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council know not only what it means to be creatives but what it means to manage them as well. Consider their best advice below to lead creative talent well and unlock all the talent these employees have to offer.

expert panel

To persuade a brand to work with you, first think about how you can help them. In a saturated market, it can be difficult to stand out — especially on your own. A great way to reach new audiences and leverage resources that may not normally be available to you, however, is to collaborate with another business in, or even outside of, your industry. A product or campaign that takes advantage of both teams’ strengths may be just what you need to get you both noticed by potential customers. However, approaching another company can feel intimidating, especially if you’re a small business and unsure of what you might bring to the table. According to the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council, taking the following eight steps can help boost your confidence. Here, they offer up their best tips for approaching another brand or business about a collaborative partnership and what you can do to guarantee their interest.

expert panel

Be yourself and be curious, and the right people will find you. In business, who you know is everything. That means building real connections — ones you can count on, that go beyond surface-level acquaintances — should be a high priority for professionals looking to advance in their careers or business. However, just networking likely won’t get you the kind of relationships you’ll need to succeed. To build real connections, follow the 16 tips outlined by the culture and business experts of Rolling Stone Culture Council and see why being intentional about your relationships can propel you forward far faster than just networking alone.

expert panel

Coming up with an idea can be challenging, but following the right steps can get you there faster. For many people, the hardest part of starting a business is coming up with a concept. No matter how many ideas you might have on the back burner, choosing the right one to execute can feel intimidating. This is especially true in the culture space, where the stakes are high and audiences are always looking for "the next big thing." Below, 15 Rolling Stone Culture Council members shared some important tips to help you come up with a business idea you think will have a big cultural impact. Read on to get their recommendations and learn how to implement them for yourself.