Laurel and I had a truly humbling experience last Friday night while leading worship services for the residents at the senior living facility with which we have been associated for nearly 10 years. Being that we are only there once a month and we were approaching the holiday, we focused on Thanksgiving and its meaning. For many of our friends there, this year will be yet another Thanksgiving inside the building, separated from family, as Covid restrictions are back in...

A while back I attended a session where the presenter discussed how to create your 30 second elevator pitch. A disclaimer: I am not a fan of any kind of a pitch and especially one that may take 30 seconds in an elevator! I was curious what breakthrough ideas may be revealed that day. To my astonishment, when the time came for her to present the pitch, she pulled out a piece of paper from her briefcase and read it...

As I approached the end of my street this morning, I noticed the city sign tacked underneath the stop sign; “Friday’s rubbish will be collected on Monday.” I didn’t give it much thought but as the morning went on, I tried to figure out the reason for the delay. It’s not Thanksgiving week, or Christmas, New Year’s or Good Friday. When I returned home, I checked my calendar and realized that tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. I hadn’t read any articles...

How much content should I give away for free? A little, a lot, or none? This is one of the questions I am often asked. My years of observation and research have taught me that the more content you put out there, the more you increase the awareness in you and your company and stand out in the crowd and can then position yourself as an expert in your field. The key is to demonstrate your knowledge and provide your...

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;...