I arrived in the United States in June of 1977 as an emissary to teach Israeli music and bring Israeli culture to the summer camp in Chardon, Ohio. My spoken English skills were inadequate, and communication was limited as well unless it was through the language of music, which was one of the reasons for my having been chosen to represent Israel for the camp youth that summer. It was also the summer that I met my future wife, Laurel,...

I’ve noticed that many entrepreneurs rush to quote famous people when creating their content. Although I’m not against occasional use of such quotes, I suggest that to increase our credibility and thought leadership, we ought to create our own unique quotes. The challenge then is how to do so, and the answer is simpler than you may realize. All you need to do is start reviewing the content you have created, and I would bet that your unique quotes are...

We often find out the most interesting things about our clients and colleagues as our relationships and conversations become deeper and more personal as the years of working together increase. For example, I learned many years ago, one of my successful consulting clients is also an accomplished and published poet, after having moved on to a new field of work after many years as an English instructor. I was fascinated to know her on a different level and watch her...

One of my pet peeves is web pages or sites that say they are “Under Construction.” I am astounded that even in 2021 I still come across this message and noticed that some have it displayed on their site for years! Have you ever seen this message displayed on Amazon, Apple, IBM or Microsoft? Of course not! What does that really say about your business? To me, it is a terrible reflection of your business and your brand and the...

A little over two years ago, Laurel addressed a group of 1200 concerned citizens, clergy and congregants from all denominations, and local and state politicians in a plea for changes to be made in how those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse are taken care of during an acute crisis. Most of those in need do not seek help, especially during an episode, and find themselves incarcerated in Cleveland County Jail. We’ve all read of the massive overcrowding and...

The weather has turned cooler, the tinged leaves are starting to float carelessly to the ground, which is delighting our puppy as she runs like mad trying to chase each one. Somehow, I wasn’t ready for the abrupt change though I know it happens this way each September, whether I’m ready or not. This past Sunday, I drove with Laurel to central Ohio where she was officiating her last wedding of the summer season. It was an extremely warm day;...

It was April, 2019, when I first stepped onto the pickleball court and it was love at first swing. I quickly learned the etiquette and rules and to never, ever, refer to it as a racquet. It is a paddle, they barked, a racquet has strings! I completely fell in love with the game and have devoted much time and focus to enjoy it while working with great players to improve my skills and elevate my game. I met interesting...

Yesterday ushered in the Jewish New Year 5782. For the Bible scholars out there, you are aware that the history is colorful if not bordering on the miraculous. We’re all living through this pandemic, and we find ourselves observing this most sacred of days once again via zoom, livestream and Facebook live. We had prepared for a return to normalcy to celebrate within our communities and families. But, like the rest of the world, we are still figuring out ways...

How often do you get in contact with your clients? Since our situations, conditions, challenges, opportunities, markets, needs, and wants change, you would probably agree with me that it is rather important that we continually stay in touch with our clients. Here are the 10 reasons why you should do so often:   Identify recent challenges and opportunities they are facing that we can help them resolve. Share our latest innovations and how our products and services may be of...

Yesterday evening, Laurel and I drove out to Sandusky, Ohio, where she was officiating at a memorial service for a beloved community doctor who had spent his entire career at the local hospital. He was adored and praised by his colleagues and patients alike, a humble family man, who, at the height of his career, at 68 years old, was now looking ahead to December to begin winding down his medical practice and begin to really live and enjoy life...