10 Rules for Building a Personal Brand That Lasts

We asked 10 people with devoted, lucrative followings to share the most unexpected takeaways from their wild and winding journeys of building personal brands.

'I Am Strong Enough'

Not sure you can take on a new challenge like franchising? Shea Coleman has advice she learned from the military: You've got this.

The Expansion Plan Man

Yogurtland's founder doesn't just open new units. He opens new food concepts, too. Here, Phillip Chang explains how to grow by expanding your mission.

Bye-Bye, Marketing Dollars?

When economies go south, so do marketing spends. But that might not make sense for you.

Betty Buzz – Every Little Detail

Do you obsess? Overthink? Plan to perfection? Blake Lively used to hide those instincts in herself-but by learning to channel them, she built a business that's selling millions.

What the Big Moment Looks Like

Want to be a franchisee? The last big step is often called "Discovery Day," where you decide to sign...or not! We followed four people on their big moment at Unleashed Brands.

How To Be A Wealthy Franchisee

Some franchisees are slaves to their businesses. Others make great money and still have time to enjoy their lives. What's the difference? Mindset and execution.

Here Comes the Fun

What's next in franchising? These seven newer brands (who didn't make our ranking this year) are introducing bold, fresh ideas to the world.

SHOULD YOU BUY A FRANCHISE DURING A BAD ECONOMY?

The answer is yes, so long as you buy wisely. That's why today's potential franchisees are asking tougher questions before signing on.

Cana Boss and an Employee Swap Roles?

These two women at the creative agency Marine Lane did it, and they say it’s the perfect arrangement. Here, they extol the virtues of what they call the boomerang boss.’

Do Not 'Agree to Disagree'

That's just called avoiding the issue. There’s a better way to handle disagreements—and for the guys behind Smart Passive Income, it became their guiding principle.

Hey, Don’t Throw That Away!

Need a business idea? Identify a problem, then repeatedly try to solve it. That’s how Divert’s founders built a big business out of food waste.

Getting Top Talent to Stick Around

The best workers have plenty of options, so employers must get creative to keep them. Here, six business leaders describe their strongest retention strategies.

How to Save an Iconic Brand

When Barbie sales were falling, Mattel asked Richard Dickson to help save the famous toy. To do it, he drew up a four-part playbook.

What Will They Remember?

We want to give people a lot of value. But they may appreciate us more if we give a little less.

Winners Quit. Quitters Win.

Quitting is deeply misunderstood, says decision-making expert Annie Duke. You must stop thinking of it as failure, and start thinking of it as a strategy for growth.

Franchising For Heroes – A Coach for Heroes

Veteran Christopher Harvey took the long road to success. Now he has a new mission: He wants to make the journey a little easier for people like him.

How Builders Build

I joined my father's homebuilding business out of college, and alongside my two brothers, I had the pleasure of working with him for 24 years. He taught us the fundamentals of honest business. When he passed away earlier this year, we resolved to carry on his legacy and his ethics.

How to Afford Top Talent

It's not easy to compete on price. But you can be more competitive than you think.

The TikTok Approach to Innovation

Want to create the next big thing? Take it from me, the guy who led the app that became TikTok: Your users are your real innovators.

Do You Really know Your Customer?

The answer might be no. Here's a three-step way to get to know them betterand transform your business as a result.

The Making of “HairBnB”

How do you tech up an old industry? This couple asked questions, stayed close to their customers, and refined relentlessly.

WHO TRANSFORMED SMOOTHIE KING?

He more than doubled the company's size. He made the drinks healthy again. And he's an unlikely franchisee from Korea with an incredible story to tell.

How Big Is This Moment?

You’ll face many big decisions, but don’t forget: They may not be as critical as they feel.

Prepare for a Changing Economy

As the economy shifts, ask yourself these four questions. They'll help you prepare for whatever comes next.

The Power of 'Quiet Confidence'

As first-generation immigrants, Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan were raised with a set of values that could conflict with startup culture. But they're using that to their advantage.

How to Be Vulnerable Without Freaking Out Your Team

Leaders should be honest-but if you show too much fear and anxiety, you'll destabilize people. Here, six leaders share what they've learned about finding that balance.

THE 99% THERE PROBLEM

Why is it so hard to adapt to change, or to make something new work? Because sometimes we're looking at things just 1% wrong.

THE NEXT GENERATION of INDUSTRY CHANGERS

15 Founders Who Are Shaping Our Future—From Artificial Intelligence to Climate Change, Philanthrophy, Skincare, Corporate Financing, and...Pizza!

Working Out the Kinks

After massage therapy improved Michelle Kameka's life, she and her husband wanted to bring it to their community. But to succeed, they needed to tweak a few things.