Research suggests that practicing active listening within business has an extremely positive impact upon the relationships within a team, the level of trust among the group, and the creativity shown by individuals. Being able to listen to someone else with full undivided attention, undistracted by our own internal thoughts, opens up a whole new level of understanding between people. It allows us not just to hear the words being said but also to read subtle cues from body language, facial expressions, vocal intonation, and more; and as humans, we have an innate ability to decode these cues in order to better empathize with the person giving them.

In turn, the ability to show genuine empathy on a human level and not just a formal or superficial one is an enormous step towards building genuine trust and connection between individuals. So, allowing ourselves the mindfulness and headspace to really connect beyond the formalities of business talk truly strengthens the bonds between us.

1. An industry association can help you expand your professional network. You’ve probably heard this before, but who you know is just as important as what you know.

2. An industry association can help you find talent within your industry. Industry associations can help you connect with other business owners, but they’re also a great way to scout potential employees.

3. An industry association can help you build a great reputation. Reputation means a lot in the business world, regardless of your industry. And joining an industry association gives you a way to promote your own talent and your company’s brand, thereby building a reputation in your industry.

4. An industry association can help you stay on top of trends. The world is changing quickly, and to keep up, small businesses must evolve. Mingling with like-minded people in an industry association helps you stay abreast of how your industry is changing and keep on top of the latest trends.

5. An industry association can help you find new business opportunities. Lastly, an industry association can help you tap into opportunities. Some offer member discounts on business-related goods and services (such as insurance). But all give you the chance to develop relationships with vendors and potential customers.

The bottom line: when you join an industry association, it sends the message that you take your business seriously enough to invest your energy and time into making your business stronger. And that message can be critical to your business’s success.

1. It doesn’t cost a lot to start. While you may think podcast equipment costs thousands of dollars, it has become less and less expensive as podcasts have become more popular. It’s feasible to start with under $100 of equipment, assuming you have a computer with an Internet connection. You’ll just need a microphone, a headset, and a pop filter, which can be purchased alone or in combination.

2. It will help you build a following. When you launch a podcast, you gradually build an audience. And as the popularity of that podcast grows, so too does the size of that audience. If your business is the podcast, that’s reason enough to start a podcast. And if you’re using the podcast to support another business, that audience could be converted to paying customers.

3. You can make money. Sharing helpful advice on a specific topic you know a lot about helps position you as an authority in your industry, and that leads to revenue opportunities such as collaborations, selling ads, and sponsorships. But more importantly, if you sell products or services separate from your podcast, your podcast becomes a new sales channel for you. At the same time, your podcast is a great way to attract customers. Podcast listeners tend to become raving fans of the podcasts they love, and a raving fan of your podcast can easily become a raving customer of your business.

1. It communicates trustworthiness. According to a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, happier-looking faces are viewed as more trustworthy, and angrier-looking faces are viewed as less trustworthy. So if you want to be perceived as trustworthy, get a headshot taken with a smile on your face.

2. It communicates likability. According to a study of 800 profile photos in the Photofeeler database, the most impactful characteristic is a particular kind of smile. When teeth are shown, the perception of likability, competence, and influence increases significantly.

3. It communicates influence. Whatever business you’re in, you want to be seen as someone whose ideas matter. A headshot can help you achieve that. In fact, the factor that has the biggest impact on influence is professional clothing. So don’t skip the formality when you have a headshot taken: make a good first impression by starting with a professional outfit (one that is appropriate for your industry, of course; an investment banker may dress differently from a graphic designer).

Are you ready to prepare for your headshot session? First, don’t opt for a selfie. Select a photographer with a good track record. Second, do some research on colleagues and competitors so you have some ideas to show your photographer. Third, when it comes time for the photo shoot, make an appointment with a hairstylist (and a makeup artist, if appropriate) and choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and professional but works for your industry.

Finally, try some different shots, such as looking at and away from the camera and sitting, standing, and moving. Your photographer should guide you through poses that are flattering, but in case he or she doesn’t, you can think in terms of angles too.