Experts share their wealth of experience

Try to get into something enjoyable and never give up. Push through because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

—David Safdie, owner, ABC Environmental

Take. A. Deposit. Always.

—Ahuva Hoberman, Neon Design Co.

Build relationships. Your network is one of your greatest assets. Be radically open to, and curious about, everyone you meet.

While it’s in vogue to establish scalable processes that can adapt to changing needs early on, that may not be what’s best for you, especially if you’re providing a service. Focus first on leaning into what makes you unique. Building momentum by putting in consistent effort to get things running smoothly. Once you’ve got that rhythm, you might find that you don’t have time to do what needs to be done to continue growing your business. Then it’s time to look for ways to streamline tasks with automation and processes, while making sure to still keep the unique qualities that set your business apart.

—Dovid Azerad, Founder, NextArc Performance Solutions

Have a structured game plan for the financial side of the business, and hire someone for anything you are not good at.

—Rivky Hollander, owner, Once Child and Teen, Lakewood, New Jersey

Trust yourself and your skills, but keep learning. The design world (and the world in general) is constantly evolving and improving. Look at AI to see just how rapidly the changes unfold. Anything I learned when I was starting out 20-plus years ago is now obsolete. Don’t get left behind in the dust.

And stay curious. Curiosity builds connection. Connection builds a brand.

—Esther Werber, brand designer & photographer at Flair Branding

Be patient and strategic.
True success takes time, and creating something meaningful and valuable requires effort.

Understand your strengths and values.
They are your compass and will guide your decisions.

Take calculated risks,
but always base your moves on thorough research and careful planning.

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. 
Mentors, peers, and employees who challenge and inspire you are invaluable.

Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
It’s often the greatest teacher and a means toward growth.

Invest in relationships.
Networking is about building trust and mutual support, not just gaining. Be generous and authentic.

Balance is essential.
Burnout can derail your dreams, so prioritize your well-being, family, and the things that bring you joy outside of work.

Stay adaptable.
Industries shift, markets evolve, and your ability to pivot can determine whether you thrive or merely survive.

Trust the journey.
Keep learning, stay curious, and believe in the future — you’ll thank yourself later.

Have faith. 
Allow Hashem to guide you. And when you’re successful, be extremely thankful and humble — remember, you didn’t get there yourself.

—Neil Greenbaum, attorney-at-law, Greenbaum Law Firm, P.A.

Start sooner. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or until you feel fully prepared. Start small, learn, and adapt. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take calculated risks. This is where the most significant growth happens.

—Shneur Mueller, CEO, Midway Business Brokerage

Our sales are down… Should we rebrand for a fresh start?

When sales slow down, rebranding can seem like a bold move to turn things around. However, before jumping in, take a moment to consider:

What’s really driving this decision? Is it a genuine need to reflect growth, or simply a reaction to competitors with better branding?

Rebranding isn’t just about changing your logo or colors. While these elements matter, they might not address the real issue. Often, the root problem lies in your messaging — how you communicate your value to customers. This could be through advertising, your website, or even how your staff engages with customers.

Ask yourself these key questions before moving ahead with a rebrand:

What isn’t working? Are customers unclear about what you offer or why you’re unique?

What do I want to achieve? Is it better alignment with customers, reaching new audiences, or standing out in the market?

How will I measure success? Are you aiming for increased sales, greater brand recognition, or improved customer loyalty?

A rebrand is more than a visual update. It’s an opportunity to reshape how your business is perceived and ensure your story resonates with your audience. Sometimes, adjustments to your messaging or customer experience can have an impact equal to or larger than a full rebrand.

An important tip in messaging is to forget about presenting your company to your clients, but rather concentrate on what really keeps your clients up at night. Customers don’t need to know your life story — they just want to know you can help them with theirs!

A purposeful, well-planned rebrand can revitalize your business — but only if it’s driven by strategy and insight, not impulse.

—Moishe Dov Strom (a.k.a Darren), marketing and brand consultant, VMAL Ltd

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 1054)