The Business of Meetings

Do your company values genuinely shape the way you run your business? Today, Eric dives into how to build a company culture to align with the values of your business and ensure they determine how you operate within your business. Join us to learn the significance of upholding your company values, even when it involves making difficult choices or sacrificing some revenue. Turning Down Business for Ethical Reasons Eric begins by sharing three stories to illustrate the importance of sticking to the core values of a business. In the first story, he faced a dilemma when a major pharmaceutical client wanted to hold a sales meeting in Vienna just as a controversial political leader had taken power in Austria. Despite needing the business, Eric stood by his principles and refused to organize the event. After discussing his concerns with his client, he was allowed to keep their business and chose a different destination. Looking back, Eric realizes he could also have accepted the job and donated some of the revenue to an organization opposing that ideology. Quality Over Cost In another story, Eric lost a bid because his pricing was too high for a senior project, even though it aligned with industry standards. Months later, the same company was dissatisfied with their chosen provider and asked him to step in for a critical sales meeting. Eric and his team worked all night to deliver an exceptional event. However, when it was time to discuss future projects, the procurement officer insisted on a 30% fee reduction. Refusing to undervalue his work, Eric walked away from the deal. He learned later that the company dismissed the procurement officer. Letting Go of a Toxic Team Member Eric had to make a tough personnel decision when a project manager he knew personally before hiring her turned out to be toxic to the team. She often criticized others and fostered a negative atmosphere. So Eric let her go, even though she was highly skilled, prioritizing company culture over individual talent. The immediate improvement in team morale confirmed that he had made the right choice. Defining and Living by Company Values For all business owners, establishing values is the key to guiding their choices regarding clients, vendors, hiring, and overall company culture. Business owners build a foundation for long-term success and sustainable growth when their values have been well-defined and consistently applied. Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric is a business builder and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively dedicated to helping and supporting business owners in the Meetings & Events Industry. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow and manage their business better. For two decades in a previous life, Eric has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and produced award-winning sales meetings, incentive trips, product launches, and conferences in more than 50 countries across diverse industries. His podcast "The Business of Meetings" is the first podcast in the Meetings & Events Industry dedicated to business owners and the largest source of free information with over 240 episodes and fabulous guests. His first book, Meeting at C-Level, is the first book on the Why? of a meeting. It has been endorsed by 20 of the most influential leaders from the corporate and association worlds. His second book, Before It's Too Late, A Love Letter to My Daughters and America, is a story of grit, perseverance, and courage. It describes why and how he and his wife brought their daughters to America and why it is the greatest country on Earth. Eric was the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of Meetings Professional International (MPI). Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website

The Business of Meetings – Episode 256: Own Your Success: How to Stay Accountable and Get Results with Eric Rozenberg Today, Eric dives into the importance of accountability in achieving success. Drawing from his past experiences, he highlights the transformative power of accountability in driving exceptional results. Example from Student Days: Planning vs. Execution There is a huge difference between creating a study plan and executing a study plan with accountability. To illustrate the importance of staying committed to goals despite external temptations, Eric shares a personal anecdote from his student days in Belgium, explaining how he planned for his exams meticulously but still got distracted by a tennis championship. Leadership at ISEC: Board Accountability Eric learned the value of accountability through regular board meetings in his leadership role at ISEC. Working with an advisory board of senior executives from Fortune 100 companies, he and his team were tasked with presenting updates on their progress, addressing challenges, and aligning their efforts with the goals of the organization. Knowing that he had to answer to various high-level stakeholders, the quarterly meetings motivated him to stay focused and deliver results, reinforcing the importance of continuous self-assessment and course correction in achieving success. Business Leadership: Advisory Boards and Self-Accountability Eric applied the lessons he learned at ISEC about accountability to his entrepreneurial journey in his quarterly meetings with advisors, industry experts, and professionals from unrelated fields. Through those regular meetings and openly sharing his successes and challenges, he ensured that he remained focused on his goals and made informed decisions. That strengthened his businesses and highlighted the importance of transparency and external perspectives in maintaining accountability and driving growth. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website

The Business of Meetings – Episode 255 - 2025 Business Deals: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know with Ami Kassar We are delighted to welcome Ami Kassar, the founder and CEO of MultiFunding, as our guest today. Ami is a member of the EO and the president of the EO Philadelphia chapter, and he brings a wealth of expertise and experience. With the shift in administration, most business owners are curious about the future of mergers and acquisitions for small businesses. Some owners are considering selling, while others are looking to buy. Ami is here to shed light on this important topic and share his insights. Join us for his expert perspective on what lies ahead for small businesses. Founding MultiFunding In 2010, after losing his corporate position as Chief Innovation Officer at the largest credit card issuer for small businesses, Ami started MultiFunding. During the Great Recession, he got laid off by the company he was working for after helping them terminate 960 employees. It was a sobering experience he vowed never to repeat. On his first day unemployed, Ami withdrew his home equity credit line and founded MultiFunding to help entrepreneurs access optimal debt solutions while maintaining control of their businesses. Core Values The core value at MultiFunding is to deal with entrepreneurs in the same way their team members would prefer themselves. That principle underpins every decision, from hiring to firing. The company fosters a transparent culture where employees either thrive within three months or move on. MultiFunding always upholds the standard of only offering advice that the team would follow themselves. The SBA Loan Advantage Today, 95% of their work at MultiFunding involves Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, which are often the best option for entrepreneurs seeking to grow responsibly. SBA loans allow lenders to offer riskier loans with government guarantees, typically up to 75% of the loan value in case of default. Ami clarifies that being declined by one lender does not mean disqualification from SBA programs, as many institutions with varying criteria participate in that market. Challenging Top-Line Growth Celebrations Ami challenges the focus on top-line growth, as celebrated by rankings like the Inc. 5000. He argues that many fast-growing businesses are unsustainable, leading to burnout or collapse. Instead, he proposes a Sleep 5000 award to reward entrepreneurs who achieve sustainable revenue targets while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Selling and Buying Small Businesses Ami advises business owners to identify their target buyers clearly, whether they are private equity, strategic investors, or individuals, and set realistic expectations for valuation. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the minimum cash required to close a sale. Economic Outlook for 2025 Predicting economic trends for 2025 is challenging, especially with uncertainties in interest rates, tariffs, and federal policies. Ami warns against relying on forecasts, given the unpredictable domino effects of COVID-era policies and upcoming political changes. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on financial discipline and adaptability rather than chasing speculative predictions. Bio: Ami Kassar, founder and CEO of MultiFunding and author of The Growth Dilemma, has earned a national reputation as a thought leader in business finance. An in-demand speaker and trusted advisor to growth-focused business leaders, he has helped thousands of business owners achieve ambitious growth goals through creative and personalized funding solutions. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Ami Kassar On his website LinkedIn Daily Blog

Eric addresses the devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles in this special episode. He reflects on the unfolding crisis with compassion and concern, sharing his thoughts and offering a message of resilience. Join us as Eric speaks from the heart, acknowledging the widespread heartbreak for those who have lost their homes or had to evacuate while the situation remains far from resolved. Connection to LA Eric shares his early memories of Los Angeles, where he stayed with relatives as a 14-year-old, learning English by immersing himself in the culture. Reflections on Resilience Inspired by a poignant quote shared by a Krav Maga instructor, Eric reflects on resilience and the importance of responding to challenges in life. The quote highlights how we should define ourselves by how we move forward rather than by what we have lost. Community Efforts Amid Disaster Various organizations and industries, including the Los Angeles tourism sector, are rallying to provide support in the wake of the fires. Eric commends the bravery and dedication of the first responders working tirelessly to combat the crisis. Lessons from Resilient Figures Drawing inspiration from various stories of resilience, Eric recounts the ability of Nelson Mandela to forgive and unite, Bethany Hamilton's return to professional surfing after a shark attack, and the perseverance of J.K. Rowling in publishing Harry Potter. Resilience the Entrepreneurial Spirit Eric highlights the resilience required in entrepreneurship, sharing the stories of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Chris Gardner, who overcame significant setbacks to achieve remarkable success. The Pandemic Eric reflects on how the pandemic tested global resilience, forcing individuals and industries to adapt and persevere. He encourages small business owners to stay focused on their goals amid adversity. Closing with Resilience and Hope Eric closes by reciting the poem If, by Rudyard Kipling, which captures the essence of resilience. He expresses his solidarity with all those facing hardship in Los Angeles and encourages everyone to keep walking- the famous advice of Winston Churchill. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website

The Business of Meetings – Episode 253 - Leveraging Partnerships: ELX CEO Nicola Kastner on How Small Businesses Can Attract Big Clients We are thrilled to welcome Nicola Kastner as today's guest. Nicola is the CEO of Event Leaders Exchange, an exclusive global community connecting senior corporate event leaders from large companies across diverse industries. She has had an impressive career with leadership roles at Maritz, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, and SAP, and she has also run her own business. A seasoned traveler and visionary, she earned the Event Marketing B2B Dream Team honor, recognition as a top woman in events, and a well-deserved place in the Canadian Meeting Hall of Fame. Nicola is motivated, passionate, and purposeful. Join us as we explore her valuable insights, diverse experiences, and inspiring vision for the future of the events industry. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Nicola Kastner On LinkedIn Event Leaders Exchange

The Business of Meetings – Episode 252: From Conscious Leadership to Wellness: Kim Napolitano's Insights on Building Great Places to Work Welcome to our very first podcast for 2025! We are thrilled to begin the new year with an inspiring conversation with an outstanding leader in our industry. Kim Napolitano is the Executive Director of Industry Relations and Intermediary Group Sales for Hilton Worldwide Sales. She is also a dedicated Peloton rider and a certified master practitioner of energetic medicine. With a passion for wellness and three decades of invaluable leadership experience behind her, Kim joins us today to share her insights on the best type of workplace, conscious leadership, and ways to weave wellness into every aspect of all we do. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Kim Napolitano On LinkedIn Hilton Worldwide

As 2024 draws to a close, Eric takes the opportunity to share a selection of books that profoundly influenced his thinking over the past year. Each recommended book covers a different topic, from AI to pricing, financial psychology, and geopolitics. Eric carefully selected each book to inspire you to reflect on the past year and encourage your strategic preparation for 2025 in business and life. 1. Amplify AI by Ronsley Vaz Amplify AI, written by Ronsley Vaz, is a comprehensive guide to integrating AI into business practices. The book is in three parts: AI adoption, and a historical overview and common pitfalls to avoid Using AI ethically and implementing it responsibly The Amplified AI Pyramid outlines four critical growth areas Ronsley's expertise as a software engineer and business strategist shines through, making this a must-read for anyone curious about effectively leveraging AI. 2. Fearless Pricing by Casey Brown Fearless Pricing by Casey Brown tackles one of the most vital yet challenging aspects of running a business. The book empowers readers to move beyond hourly rates and focus instead on value-based selling. The book provides actionable strategies to: Command fair prices Avoid commoditization Strengthen team confidence in pricing discussions This book will benefit service-based business owners looking to enhance profitability and differentiation. 3. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money explores the psychological aspects of financial decisions. Each chapter tells a unique story, with lessons on compounding, risk, and defining how much is enough. A standout chapter for Eric was Never Enough, which dives into the dangers of unchecked ambition in life and business. This book encourages readers to rethink their financial goals to align them with their priorities in life. 4. The War on the West by Douglas Murray In The War on the West, journalist Douglas Murray boldly examines contemporary societal challenges. Drawing on his firsthand experiences in conflict zones, he advocates for moral clarity and challenges prevailing narratives. This book offers valuable insights into the sociopolitical dynamics that shape our world. The author's dry humor and fearless commentaries make this book an engaging and thought-provoking read. 5. The End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan In this book, author Peter Zeihan explores the geopolitical and economic forces currently reshaping our planet. With sections on transport, energy, demographics, and more, he provides a historical and forward-looking perspective on global trends. This book is a wake-up call for business owners, urging them to consider long-term strategies and prepare for various global scenarios that could impact their operations. Conclusion These books are essential for thoughtful preparation for 2025, offering helpful insights for personal and professional growth. Happy reading, and our best wishes for a prosperous New Year! Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website

The Business of Meetings – Episode 250: Revolutionizing Business Models: Insights for the Meetings and Events Industry with Alex Osterwalder We are delighted to welcome Alex Osterwalder as our guest today. Alex is the visionary behind the groundbreaking Business Model Canvas and the founder and CEO of Strategyzer. Join us as Alex takes us through his journey, from presenting his doctoral dissertation on business models to developing innovative tools, highlighting the power of simplicity and the value of rigorous testing. His Journey from PhD to Strategyzer Alex began his journey with a doctoral dissertation on business models, supervised by Yves Pigneur. Surprised by the interest his thesis received online, Alex decided to co-write a book with Yves. They self-published their book and crowdfunded the project before crowdfunding became mainstream. Their success laid the groundwork for Strategyzer. Special Offer Mentioned: https://strategyzer.com/business-of-meetings Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Alex Osterwalder On LinkedIn Strategyzer

The Business of Meetings – Episode 249 – Amplify AI: Ronsley Seriojo Vaz on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Business Growth We are delighted to welcome Ronsley Seriojo Vaz as today's podcast guest. As the host and Executive Producer of the top-rated Amplify AI and We Are Podcasts, Ronsley is a leading voice in helping organizations master the art of AI integration. He is also the author of the book Amplify AI, where he explores the transformative power of AI and its philosophy. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with insights and innovation as Ronsley takes us on a journey into the AI world. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Ronsley Vaz On LinkedIn Amplify AI We Are Podcast

The Business of Meetings – Episode 248 Unlocking Success: The 5 Essentials You Need for 2025 with Eric Rozenberg As the year draws toward a close, Eric shares five essential aspects you need to consider to set yourself up for success in the coming year. Join us as Eric dives into a mix of visionary ideas and concrete steps that you can implement immediately to ensure next year is your best year ever! 1. Define Your Long-Term Vision The foundation of success begins with a clear long-term vision. Consider why you started your business and what you want to achieve over the next 10 years. Your vision is your guiding light in the inevitable ups and downs you will experience as an entrepreneur. Even though team issues, unexpected crises, or technical glitches will likely arise, having a written vision will help you stay grounded. Review it every six months and use it as a compass during tough times. Remember, your long-term vision is not just for next year. It is your North Star for the entire journey you have ahead. 2. Set Clear and Measurable Objectives Translate your vision into actionable, measurable objectives for the next 12 months. Goals, whether they are sales targets or strategic implementations, are there to guide your focus and energy. Be ambitious yet realistic. Aim for goals that stretch your capabilities without overwhelming your resources. Review and refine your objectives quarterly, and involve your team in your process. Sharing clear objectives ensures everyone understands their role and prevents distractions from derailing progress. Let your goals serve as a filter for prioritizing activities and staying on track. 3. Create Your Ideal Week Map out your schedule, blocking time for family, personal health, and key business responsibilities. Life is unpredictable, so always allow some flexibility for unforeseen events. A visual plan will help you focus on what truly matters without overloading your days. Translate your ideal week into your calendar and commit to tasks like daily sales outreach. Remember, success lies in deliberate time management and ensuring that everything that matters gets done. 4. Master the Sales Process Sales is the lifeblood of any business, and success requires systems and consistency. Develop a sales playbook that includes your pitch, common objections, scripts, and processes. Implement a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to track interactions and commitments. A well-defined sales process will ensure you and your team operate effectively. Block dedicated time for sales activities in your calendar and review progress regularly. When you implement the right tools and processes, your sales efforts will consistently yield results. 5. Prioritizing Your Accountability Accountability is the glue that holds a plan together. Having an accountability buddy like a coach or a peer group or having someone to hold you responsible will ensure your consistent progress. Set weekly check-ins to review your commitments and plan upcoming actions. Remember that accountability fosters focus, forces follow-through, and keeps you aligned with your goals. It is a simple yet powerful tool for turning your plans into results. Final Thoughts To set yourself up for success next year, focus on a clear long-term vision, measurable objectives, an ideal week, a structured sales process, and accountability. By implementing those strategies, you will move from scattered efforts to a thriving, purposeful business. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website