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Business Lessons from 30,000 Feet

By Meny Hoffman // Company Culture, Leadership // 3 min read

I’m always amazed how the greatest business insights can sometimes come from the most unexpected places.

On a recent flight back from Israel, I struck up a conversation with one of the stewards. We made a little small talk, and soon our chat turned to his job. During the course of our discussion, he lamented to me that, although he always tried to be friendly to every passenger, he had no real business incentive to be cordial.

He described the startling lack of employee appreciation. There was no recognition from his superiors for better customer service. No compliment for going the extra mile. Positive feedback was from passengers, not superiors. The only way to get noticed? Publish something foolish on social media. Boy, would that work!

Instead, he explained, the employee growth module of this airline was, essentially, “survival of the fittest.” Been here for 4 years? Congratulations on lasting this long, here’s a raise.

This is a very troubling and flawed model.

3 Lessons To Learn From the USPS

By Meny Hoffman // Company Culture, Leadership // 5 min read

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of building company culture.

Showing your appreciation to each employee is critical. Countless studies show that positive employee engagement will impact a business’s success. Successful leaders can build a workplace culture that gives their company a competitive advantage.

So this past Chanukah, I decided to demonstrate my appreciation to the hardworking team at Ptex Group – but in a slightly different way than in previous years.

I quietly created a special Chanukah Goody Booklet for each employee that was mailed directly to their home. Inside the booklet were various gift options for our employees and their families to choose from.

To make all this happen, I had to take a little trip down to a place that most people dread: the post office.

We all know what a nightmare the post office can be. Long lines. Confusing signs. Gloomy decor. Apathetic workers. Even longer lines.

My experience this time was no different.

Going From “Boss” to “Leader”

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 5 min read

Leadership.

This word is one of the most commonly-used buzzwords in today’s chaotic business climate. Companies like Google, Twitter, Nike and AMEX are lauded not just for their amazing products – but also for their stellar leadership.

So what’s the secret to become a great leader? Why do some rise to the top while others stagger along aimlessly?

The truth is, great leaders don’t just inspire and motivate their charges with pep talks and inspirational speeches. They take a hands-on approach, are meticulous down to the last detail, and pay close attention to the needs of every individual working for them.

Ever heard of of Roald Amundsen? The man was a perfect example of what it takes to be a great leader.

Why Can’t Everyone Just Think Like Me?

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 3 min read

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably found yourself saying or thinking along these lines every so often. After all, life is so much simpler when everybody around you thinks and acts the same way.

Genuine leaders, however, know a little secret: Wanting everybody to agree with you is the worst possible mindset to have.

You’ve got to understand the value of listening to and encouraging opinions besides your own. Take a look at what the legendary Abraham Lincoln did to prove this point.

Doing it all, Doing Nothing

By Meny Hoffman // Leadership, Productivity // 5 min read

Summertime is long over. The holidays have come to a close. It’s high time to dig in and settle down into our regular routines as the long winter stretch looms ahead.

While many view wintertime as a season of snow plows and shoveling, smart businesspeople know that the endless winter doldrums can pose more than just a walk-and-slip hazard. It can cause serious issues that can affect the success and future of your business.

You see, as the routine becomes more familiar and monotonous, it’s easy for one’s productivity level to decline. Fact is, today’s business world is obsessed with the idea of productivity—and for good reason.

Being productive keeps us motivated and allows us to live more accomplishing lives, both personally and professionally.

Sounds simple, right? Yet for some reason, this goal eludes the vast majority. In fact, studies have shown that 60% of the time spent at work is unproductive! Wonder why? Just ask Sam Treble.

Are You Committed to Commitment?

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 4 min read

In the wildly successful aftermath of LTB 2015, I’ve had the privilege of hearing back from the hundreds of people who attended.

Many told me how excited they were to have access to this unique platform for growth; how they networked and landed so many new connections; how they were inspired to raise their aspirations and lead the pack.

During these conversations, I’ve spotted a trend that differentiated two types of businesspeople.

There are people who are committed to genuine change. They’ll learn about new ideas, strategize which ones will work best for their trade or industry, and implement them all the way, till the finish line.

Then there are the people who are content to listen. They’ll learn about new ideas, strategize which ones will work best for their trade or industry, and then let everything fizzle. While they may try to kick off an idea or two, the moment they encounter some resistance, their plan will come to a sudden stop.

You see, they want to achieve success; but they aren’t committed to success.

So what exactly is commitment?

NYPD Blues: My 5 Career-Saving Marketing Tips For Bill de Blasio

By admin // Leadership, Marketing // 5 min read

The Big Apple has been turning rather sour lately.

In the most recent showdown between the New York Police Department and Mayor Bill de Blasio, hundreds of uniformed police officers publicly turned their backs on the mayor as he delivered a eulogy during the funeral ceremony of Officer Rafael Ramos.

I’ve spent my entire day listening to acclaimed political pundits from both sides of the spectrum debate the underlying causes of this rocky relationship, argue whether aggressive policing tactics are a concern of reality or perception, and squabble over the possibility of reducing tensions between police departments and the communities they serve.

Frankly, the pacifist in me is getting nauseous.

Planning Ahead & Thinking Big: The Bill Gates Technique

By Meny Hoffman // Business, Leadership, Let's Talk Business // 5 min read

I spent this past week in Arizona – and it wasn’t for vacation or relaxation purposes. Rather, it was to take part in a special mastermind group.

People flew in from across the USA to attend. The group seemed to be made of entrepreneurs of all ages… and in similar growth stages of business. We sat together in a big room and got right to work. Everybody spent hours learning, analyzing, discussing and strategizing how to go about advancing their business goals and career objectives.

Perhaps you think that leaving the office for nearly an entire week might be a little bit too intense. “Was the whole trip really necessary?” you may be asking yourself. To say it was productive would be an understatement. Truthfully, it baffles me as to why every single businessperson in today’s marketplace doesn’t spend just one week out of a whole a year attending a mastermind group to focus on planning ahead.

Of course, when I talk about planning ahead, I don’t only mean technical things like crunching numbers or crafting contingency plans.

I’m talking about thinking big.