194: Two Easy Ways to Increase Your Sales with Eric Rozenberg

The Business of Meetings – Episode 209 – Navigating Solitude: Five Strategies for Entrepreneurs with Eric Rozenberg 

Have you ever had to make an important business decision and felt very alone? 

Owning and running a business is exciting. However, many entrepreneurs feel cut off and lonely- especially when facing challenging situations. 

Today, I share five actionable ideas you can apply immediately to reduce your isolation and gain all the support you need to grow and manage your business.

Stay tuned for my ideas and recommendations for overcoming the solitude of entrepreneurship.

Building Your Advisory Board

One effective way to combat the solitude of entrepreneurship is to establish an advisory board. Drawing from my experience in leading organizations, I understand the value of surrounding yourself with trusted individuals who offer diverse perspectives and professional expertise. Your advisory board will be a valuable resource for guidance, allowing you to make informed decisions and feel supported while navigating all your business challenges.

Engaging with Professional Organizations

Actively involving yourself in professional organizations like MPI (Meeting Professionals International) will allow you learning and networking opportunities and help you grow as an individual. By volunteering for these communities, you can gain helpful insights, forge lasting connections, and contribute to the advancement of your industry. 

I have experienced the benefits of participating in professional organizations to combat my feelings of isolation and enhance my professional development.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Serendipitous Connections

I truly understand the importance of mental health. So, I encourage you, my fellow entrepreneurs, to liberate yourselves from the limitations of your workspaces and welcome any unexpected encounters. Participating in physical activities, connecting with others socially, and attending conferences create an environment conducive to creativity and personal development. 

Broadening your experiences and embracing new ideas will help you combat your feelings of solitude and become more creative in all your future endeavors.

Leveraging Mastermind Groups

Mastermind groups offer platforms for entrepreneurs to collaborate, share their experiences, and seek advice from their peers. When you join mastermind groups, participate in their discussions, and support your fellow members, you can tap into a wealth of collective knowledge and resources. 

I firmly believe in the importance of actively participating in mastermind groups to help one another grow and provide support when tackling the challenges we often face as entrepreneurs.

Seeking Guidance from Coaches and Mentors

I encourage all entrepreneurs to seek guidance from coaches, advisors, or mentors with relevant expertise and experience. By leveraging their insights and gaining accountability from these mentors, you can accelerate your development, personally and professionally.

It is essential to learn from those who have succeeded and recognize the invaluable guidance mentors can offer for navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

Conclusion

My five strategies for combating the solitude of entrepreneurship- surrounding yourself with supportive networks, engaging with professional communities, prioritizing your mental well-being, participating in collaborative groups, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors, have helped me to overcome many business challenges, grow personally, and thrive in my entrepreneurial pursuits. I have no doubt they will also work wonders for you!

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

On LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

The Business of Meetings – Episode 208 – Incentive Travel: Driving Business Growth with Stephanie Harris  

We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Harris, President of the Incentive Research Foundation, as our guest for today's show.

Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion today. Join us as we dive into the impact of incentives, focusing in particular on non-cash options like incentive travel.

Stephanie’s Journey

Stephanie's professional journey has been anything but linear. She began her career as a strategist for advertising and sales promotion agencies, mainly working within the client categories of shoes and shopping.

After over a decade in the agency world, she transitioned to the client side, joining Merits to work on their internal marketing agency, despite knowing little about incentives and motivation then. However, her passion for the incentive world flourished during her tenure there, encompassing everything from program development to travel and gift card rewards. Her expertise caught the attention of American Express, leading to a strategic alliance role where she gained invaluable global experience, exploring diverse cultures and their attitudes toward incentives. Four years ago, she began leading the Incentive Research Foundation. 

The Economic Impact of Incentive Travel

Stephanie discusses the challenges in measuring the economic impact of incentive travel, highlighting a study by the Events Industry Council, showing a 1.6 trillion dollar impact on the economy. She explains that although it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of incentives beyond travel, such as gift cards and merchandise spending, she has seen that organizations consistently employing incentives tend to outperform their peers, making incentives a competitive differentiator.

Strategic Use of Incentives to Motivate Workforce 

Exploring the evolving reasons for using incentives to motivate the workforce, Stephanie has noticed that they are increasingly seen as essential for building organizational culture, particularly in light of how the pandemic influenced remote work. Stephanie shares insights from the Incentive Travel Index, highlighting how leadership perceives incentives as essential for increasing organizational success and retaining top talent.

Personalized Experiences and Authenticity in Incentive Travel

Looking at the importance of personalized experiences and authenticity in incentive travel, Stephanie emphasizes the need to tailor incentive destinations to the preferences and psychographics of the participants. She explains how unique and authentic experiences foster employee motivation and loyalty, with organizations increasingly seeking to surprise winners with exclusivity in their incentive destinations.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness in Events: Stephanie shares personal anecdotes highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellness in the events industry. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on remote work and the need for face-to-face interactions to combat loneliness and improve mental health, looking at strategies like incorporating breaks, offering structured networking opportunities, and designing programs with wellness in mind.

Role of AI in Event Planning

Looking at the role of artificial intelligence in event planning, Stephanie highlights how AI can streamline tasks, generate content, and offer valuable insights for event organizers. She encourages industry professionals to embrace artificial intelligence as a helpful tool for enhancing efficiency and innovation in event management, emphasizing the need for hands-on exploration and experimentation with AI technologies.

Bio: Stephanie Harris

Stephanie Harris is President of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF). In her role, she directs the strategy and efforts of the IRF, which funds and promotes research and education to increase understanding, effective use, and benefits of non-cash incentives for businesses globally. 

Before joining the IRF, Harris was part of the American Express Meetings & Events leadership team, leading global event strategy, thought leadership, and marketing. She started her career in incentives with Maritz, where she was VP of Brand Marketing & Strategy. Harris currently serves on the board of the Events Industry Council and has served on the boards of the MPI Foundation, and Incentive Federation.

Harris resides in St. Louis with her husband, has four (mostly grown & on their own) children, and a Labrador Retriever.

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

On LinkedIn

On Facebook

On Instagram

On Website

Connect with Stephanie Harris

The Incentive Research Foundation

Stephanie Harris on LinkedIn

I am thrilled to have David T. Stevens joining me today!   

David holds many different certifications and has ranked on the leaderboard of CrossFit for EventProf for many years. 

In our conversation today, he explains how to improve your health in meetings, when engaging in projects, or completing daily tasks. He also highlights the physical and mental demands of event management, exploring the importance of personal wellness routines and making a gradual shift toward a healthier lifestyle.

Tune in to hear more!

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

On LinkedIn

On Facebook

On Instagram

On Website

Connect with David T. Stevens

On LinkedIn

On Facebook

On Instagram

The Return on Wellness Podcast on YouTube

We are delighted to engage in a conversation with Joe Curcillo today. 

Joe is a man of multiple talents and phenomenal versatility. He has worn many hats, from being a lawyer, engineer, and prosecuting attorney, to a judge, private investigator, and mentalist. He has also just written a book called The Generalist’s Advantage.

Joe joins us today to discuss what it means to be a generalist and explain how a multidisciplinary approach can enhance your skills and business. 

Stay tuned for Joe Curcillo's remarkable insights!

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Joe Curcillo

On his website

The Generalist’s Advantage

The Multitudes Podcast

Joe Curcillo on LinkedIn

We are thrilled to have Haggai Klorman joining us today! 

Haggai is a tech entrepreneur and EO. He has consulted with and built social media and word-of-mouth campaigns for major brands, including L'Oreal, Revlon, and Unilever, and has advised Bain Capital Private Equity. He also owns a digital business card company.

In our conversation today, we discuss technology, the pros and cons of TikTok, and what Haggai is currently doing.

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Haggai Klorman

LinkedIn

Kardz.Biz

Hate Checker

The Business of Meetings – Episode 203 - The Journey of Belonging: An Immigrant's Path to Nine-Figure Success with Dan Berger 

We are thrilled to engage in a discussion with Dan Berger today! 

Dan is an industry legend and a true entrepreneur! After a successful exit a few years back, he is now writing a book called The Quest, where he focuses on the theme of belonging. 

In our conversation today, we dive into Dan's journey, discussing entrepreneurship, the post-sale depression that often happens after selling a business, and the need to belong. We also explore emotional intelligence and how to apply it. 

Stay tuned for some valuable insights from Dan's experiences.

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Dan Berger

Website

LinkedIn

Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford

The Business of Meetings – Episode 202 – Voice of the Innocents: Lori Cohen's Battle Against Child and Human Trafficking

We are honored today to speak with a remarkable individual at the forefront of a child-protection organization. 

Lori Cohen is the CEO of PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), the leading policy organization in the nation on child sex trafficking. She has been instrumental in driving change and safeguarding the most vulnerable within our society. 

PACT shines as a beacon of hope for combating one of the gravest challenges we face today. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the essential work that PACT is doing.

Lori’s Journey

Lori’s journey into combating human trafficking began unexpectedly during her legal career. Initially focused on public interest work and supporting domestic violence victims, she found herself immersed in an entirely different arena when she began working with immigrant women facing abuse. Their harrowing stories of coercion and exploitation led her to discover that her clients were victims of human trafficking, a reality they often did not even recognize for themselves. That led Lori to delve into the complexities of trafficking and question the failure of the system to identify those cases. Fueled by a deep sense of responsibility, she transitioned from legal advocacy to comprehensive support, creating programs that addressed the needs of trafficking victims beyond legal assistance. Her passion for this cause was ignited by the tangible suffering of individuals seeking help in her office, compelling her to advocate tirelessly for those who could not escape their traumatic pasts.

Joining ECPAT USA and the Evolution to PACT

While representing her clients, Lori turned to ECPAT USA for information about trafficking. ECPAT USA has high-quality materials that helped her understand the complexities of trafficking. Years later, when the founder of ECPAT USA retired, Lori felt indebted to the organization and saw an opportunity to contribute her first-hand knowledge to their cause. The name change from ECPAT USA to PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking) reflects their evolving mission and dedication to preventing exploitation.

Raising Awareness in the US 

Lori explains that trafficking is not just an overseas issue, as it is also prevalent in the United States. She acknowledges that it can be uncomfortable to discuss the topic but stresses the importance of businesses embracing education and training to create safer environments.

Taking Action and Free Online Training

Lori encourages listeners to take advantage of free online training offered by PACT, developed in collaboration with the American Hotel and Lodging Association and Marriott. The training, which aims to educate hotel staff on identifying and preventing trafficking, emphasizes that recognizing red flags and reporting suspicious activities can make a significant impact in protecting vulnerable individuals. 

Challenges of Intervention 

Untrained civilians should avoid intervening in trafficking situations as they could face the risk of armed traffickers and the unknown presence of others. Lori explains that victims must choose the right time to escape, so she cautions untrained individuals to avoid jeopardizing their safety. 

Training and Data Tracking 

The training program incorporates anti-cheat measures and pre/post-training surveys to ensure effectiveness. Data tracking on the website includes information on user logins and completion rates. 

Practical Signs of Trafficking

Lori highlights the importance of dispelling myths surrounding trafficking. Instead, the focus should be on practical signs, like cash payments, lack of luggage, or inappropriate clothing, to identify potential trafficking situations. She also suggests using hotel video cameras to monitor suspicious activity discreetly.

Testimonials and Awareness 

It is often challenging to obtain testimonials from organizations that have successfully identified and intervened in trafficking cases. Brands are reluctant to disclose such incidents because they fear getting singled out. However, efforts are underway to find creative ways to encourage organizations to come forward. 

Human Trafficking Heatmap and Polaris 

A national anti-trafficking organization called Polaris created a heatmap on which Florida has been a hotspot for sex and labor human trafficking. Lori emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of the prevalence of trafficking within the United States, involving both international and domestic victims.

Positive Developments

Lori feels hopeful about the growing partnerships between private sectors and anti-trafficking organizations and is optimistic about the legislative progress in criminalizing sex tourism. 

Bio:

Name: Lori L. Cohen

Title: Chief Executive Officer, Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT)

Lori Cohen has been serving as CEO of PACT since November 2019. PACT is the leading policy organization on child sex trafficking in the nation, and a member of the ECPAT International network, active in over 100 countries and dedicated to the prevention of child sex trafficking and exploitation.   

PACT's mission is to protect every child's right to grow up free from sexual exploitation and trafficking through education, outreach, and private-sector engagement. PACT's work in travel and tourism is renowned and features free, online training to identify and safely report trafficking that has been completed by over 1 million members of the hospitality industry.  

Before joining PACT, Ms. Cohen founded a program at a leading domestic violence services organization to offer legal representation and holistic care to thousands of victims of human trafficking and related forms of gender-based violence. Drawing upon her experience in obtaining comprehensive care for her clients and observing ways in which their voices can be engaged to inform effective interventions, Ms. Cohen centers the survivor experience in PACT's work. She has garnered international recognition for her work with child and adult clients.

Ms. Cohen is a frequent speaker on trafficking-related matters in the United States and abroad and has served on the University of Michigan Law School and Yale University faculty. She is a graduate of Yale Law School.

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Lori Cohen

LinkedIn

PACT

ECPAT

Training for professionals in the hospitality and travel industry

The Toll-Free National Human Trafficking Hotline Number is 888-373-7888

We are thrilled to engage in a conversation with George Bandarian today.

George is an AI expert, a well-informed and seasoned Venture Capitalist, and a member of various communities focused on the future of entrepreneurship. He has owned several companies and now assists people in implementing AI. 

Get ready to be amazed as we explore the remarkable possibilities AI holds!

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with George Bandarian

On LinkedIn

Untapped Ventures

Contact George 

Book Mentioned:

The Age of Spiritual Machines, by Ray Kurzweil

We are both delighted and honored to have a legend in our industry joining us for our 200th podcast episode! 

Geoff Freeman is the President and CEO of the US Travel Association. He is with us today to share his perspective on leadership and explore the strategic use of data in shaping the future of the travel industry.

Get ready for an insightful conversation with a phenomenal leader. You will not want to miss this episode which is packed with valuable insights and wisdom from a true industry champion.

Geoff’s Journey

Geoff’s Washington journey spans 26 years. He spent most of that time working in various industries, including health insurance, pharmaceuticals, and travel. He joined the US Travel Industry Association in 2006 and has contributed significantly to initiatives like Brand USA and TSA PreCheck. He joined the American Gaming Association, where he successfully advocated for having the federal ban on sports betting removed. After leaving to navigate challenges in the consumer packaged goods industry during the pandemic, Geoff returned to his passion for travel, where he currently leads the US Travel Association. He is excited about the industry's potential and looks forward to shaping its future agenda in the years ahead.

The Origin of TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck program was an initiative created to help overcome the inefficiencies and frustrations faced by travelers at TSA checkpoints around 2010. Recognizing the need for change, Geoff understood the importance of proactive problem-solving and the industry's role in collaborating with experts to develop a blueprint for a more effective system. The success of initiatives like Brand USA and Global Entry reinforced the potential for positive change, ultimately leading to the establishment of TSA PreCheck. Geoff credits the courage of individuals like John Pistole, the then-administrator of TSA, for embracing a different approach and making the program a rare win-win for travelers and the industry.

Challenges in Visa Processing 

Geoff points out that the lengthy waiting times for visa interviews in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and India deter potential travelers. He emphasizes the need for a more efficient and timely visa processing system and the importance of coordinating efforts across different government departments to create a more competitive and traveler-friendly visa system.

The Impact of Delays and Cancellations 

Geoff highlights the impact of delays and cancellations on travelers, attributing those issues to understaffing, outdated technology, and inadequate infrastructure. He believes that significant investments in technology, staffing, and infrastructure are needed to improve the overall efficiency of the aviation system. He urges travelers to become more demanding and less accommodating, pointing out the importance of having an aviation system that can meet the growing demands of post-pandemic travel.

The Future of the Travel Industry 

Addressing the future of the travel industry, Geoff provides insights into different segments, distinguishing between leisure travel, international inbound travel, and group/transient business travel. While leisure travel has been relatively strong, he sees signs of it plateauing and explains the importance of understanding the nuances within each segment. He underscores the need for the travel industry to prove the return on investment for group and transient business travel, advocating for more research to demonstrate the value of those activities. 

A Renewed Focus on the Group Market

Geoff explains that US Travel has renewed its focus on the group market, hiring a dedicated head of group travel to work on a strategic agenda that will contribute to the industry's growth and resilience.

The Effort Needed to Prove the Value of Travel 

Geoff highlights the ongoing effort needed to prove the essential nature and value of the travel industry and the need for the industry to break through the mindset that often perceives the travel industry as less noble than other sectors. 

The Importance of Research

Geoff highlights the importance of research and communication to ensure that policymakers and the general public fully understand and appreciate the value of the travel industry.

Strategic Focus on the Group Market 

Geoff has a clearly defined intention within US Travel to protect and grow the group market. He anticipates a cohesive effort within the group segment, with various initiatives aligned to champion its merits in ways not seen in recent years. His commitment to tangible evidence and a strategic agenda shows the importance of revitalizing the group travel sector and promoting its significance within the broader travel industry.

Resilience of the Travel Industry 

Geoff is optimistic about the resilience of the travel industry, particularly with the extraordinary demand for travel post-pandemic. Despite uncertainties regarding goods purchasing and other services, he believes the travel industry will continue to thrive. His confidence stems from his belief that what the travel industry offers aligns with evolving consumer desires and preferences.

Bio:

As president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, Geoff Freeman is the leading advocate for the $1.1 trillion U.S. travel and hospitality industry.

In this role, Freeman is charged with ensuring the industry’s full recovery from COVID-19, positioning the industry to seize emerging opportunities in a post-pandemic market environment, and further establishing travel as a vital economic force in the United States.

Freeman is a seasoned association CEO with a proven track record of building successful organizations that unite member interests, grow member value, increase revenue, and unlock growth opportunities. Before joining U.S. Travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America’s $2.1 trillion food, beverage, and consumer products industry. During his tenure, Freeman launched a strategic campaign to transform the association into a powerful, modern advocacy organization to drive growth and deliver sound regulatory and legislative outcomes that benefit industry leaders and consumers. He also grew membership by 35 percent and boosted total revenue by nearly 50 percent.

Freeman joined the Consumer Brands Association after serving five years as President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). In that role, Freeman led a successful effort to reform and modernize the AGA, build public support for the gaming industry, and open new pathways for industry growth. Under his leadership, the AGA spearheaded a multi-year, research-driven campaign to demonstrate gaming’s broad support across the political spectrum and promote the industry’s role in spurring economic growth, job creation, and tax revenues in communities across more than 40 states where gaming is legal. That campaign created the tailwinds needed to advance AGA’s signature initiative achieved under Freeman – the legalization of sports betting in the United States. While leading AGA, Freeman drove a 200 percent increase in membership and doubled association revenue.

Freeman previously served as COO of the U.S. Travel Association from 2011 to 2013, helping to conceive and lead a campaign that resulted in the passage of the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, which was hailed as “the industry’s biggest legislative victory in a decade.” In the aftermath of 9/11, Freeman created a blue-ribbon panel headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, to analyze how to improve travel security without compromising travel efficiency. This effort led directly to the creation of TSA PreCheck. Both the Travel Promotion Act and TSA PreCheck demonstrate Freeman’s ability to identify industry opportunities, craft a winning policy response, and drive campaigns that succeed in gaining broad support among diverse stakeholders.

Freeman’s previous experience includes roles at APCO Worldwide, America’s Health Insurance Plans, and Freddie Mac.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and three children.      

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Geoff Freeman

LinkedIn 

US Travel Association

The Business of Meetings – Episode 199 - Tech and Israel Advocacy: A Conversation with Hillel Fuld

We are honored today to engage in a discussion with the extraordinary Hillel Fuld! 

Hillel is a tech journalist, technology expert, and startup marketer who has been instrumental in transforming Israel from a startup to a scale-up nation. Forbes has named him Israel’s top marketer. 

Since October 7th, Hillel has become a prominent voice, channeling his energy, time, and network toward advocating for Israel. With a social media presence reaching over 250 million people, his tweets are a powerful vehicle for his activism.

Stay tuned to hear Hillel's views on tech, AI, and the current situation in Israel.

Hillel’s Journey

Originally from New York, Hillel moved to Israel as a child. He developed a passion for technology long before it gained widespread popularity. He decided to start writing after he became bored with his first job, even though it was not a business-generating venture. Inspired by his insights, entrepreneurs began seeking his help, ultimately shaping the path leading him to where he is today.

Israel's Tech Leadership 

Israel has risen exceptionally in the tech world. Despite all its challenges, it continues to dominate various sectors, demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation.

Navigating Anti-Israel Sentiments

Anti-Israeli sentiments continue to prevail worldwide. Hillel finds it paradoxical that countries are calling for boycotts while benefiting from Israeli technology. 

Addressing Misconceptions and Lies 

Hillel passionately challenges the misconceptions and lies surrounding Israel, particularly those propagated by BDS movements. He provides counterarguments to accusations of occupation, genocide, and apartheid, shedding light on the historical context and offering a different perspective.

Personal Tragedy and Advocacy

A Palestinian terrorist murdered Hillel’s brother, Ari. That tragic loss has fueled his commitment to advocating for Israel. Since October 7th, he has been using his platform to educate people and counter misinformation. 

Global Impact and Positivity 

Hillel’s advocacy efforts have reached millions, and he has received messages from people acknowledging a shift in their understanding of Zionism. Despite the ongoing challenges, he remains dedicated to providing accurate information and spreading positivity.

Historical Patterns and Clash of Civilizations

Throughout history, Jewish communities have faced challenges as empires grew stronger. Eric and Hillel view the current Israeli situation as a clash between the Western world and radical Islam.

Tech and AI in Warfare

Modern warfare has evolved. Hillel points out that technology has played a more significant role in the current war than in any previous war. Israel has been using technologies for facial recognition in tunnels and to detect crypto fraud when people transfer money.

Hypocrisy and Contradictions

Hypocrisy and contradictions exist within the anti-Israel narrative. Examples include the simultaneous claims that Palestinians deserve a state while supporting violence against Jews. 

Resilience and Love for Life 

Despite all the challenges, Israelis still maintain their love for life and continue innovating and contributing positively to the world.

The LGBTQ Palestine Contradiction 

Hillel finds it ironic that many LGBTQ individuals support Palestine, considering the dangers faced by LGBTQ individuals in Palestinian territories. 

Maintaining Identity and Connection to Israel 

Hillel advises Jewish people across the world to maintain a connection with Israel. He believes that despite the challenges, Jewish people must continue speaking up and preparing for their return to Israel.

Call to Action and Support 

Hillel remains fully committed to the cause and would welcome the assistance of anyone else willing to contribute in a meaningful way.

Bio: Hillel Fuld

Dubbed Israel's top marketer, Hillel works with leading tech entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries to accompany them on their journey from idea to revenue.

Hillel's work is published in some of the world's top tech publications including TechCrunch, Venturebeat, Inc, Entrepreneur, The Next Web, Business Insider, and more, bringing Israel's energetic tech scene to life. He collaborates with leading global brands including Google, Oracle, Microsoft, and Nike.

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Connect with Hillel Fuld

On his website

LinkedIn

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram