Encino Enthusiasts

 

 

Mark Levinson
Past President’s Council
Law Office of Mark Levinson

Philosophy for Success….

 

 

What is your philosophy for success?

Set achievable goals; plan small steps to reach the goal and be flexible, when
appropriate, to change the steps and to modify the goals as you go through the
process. Do not let small setbacks discourage you from achieving your goals, keep
focused. Evaluate the process as you move forward, – have a definite method to
measure results on a preset schedule (every 4 months, twice a year, yearly).
Expect failures and barriers. (NOT TO THE EXTENT OF COVID19)
Take advantage of changes – small clients become large clients and referral
sources in the future.
TREAT EACH CLIENT AS IMPORTANT

During the pandemic, what should businesses be
doing to help them survive & thrive?

When possible make personal contact; phone not just email and social media.
Provide information, guidance, and advise clients of new opportunities.
Speak positively but not unrealistically, discuss options and alternative means to
stay in business.  Seek opportunities.
Be realistic with a recovery time, costs that increase, and
expect the unexpected. – the apartment owners whose tenants can not afford to
pay rent, or simply refuse because they can not be evicted. Try to see both sides
of the issues.
Admit old plans need changing. Office space is no longer required for some,
other companies demand in-office personnel. Accept that things have totally
changed and will never be the same.
Re-evaluate goals in light of changing circumstances.

If you were just starting your business, what
would you do differently?

Be realistic in expectations, barriers, expect change, set measurable goals
HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN, DISCUSS WITH EXPERIENCED PEOPLE
IE. a law office no longer needs space or books for research. Computer research:
many clients are no longer impressed by large expensively furnished offices.
Think of an office as work space; set requirements and expand from there,
if and only if you can state a specific reason.
Balance need vs. comfort level. A secretary is probably not needed for each
attorney, intern, etc. Many attorneys draft their own documents. When I was
with a larger firm I dictated the first draft and made most changes and gave
it back to the secretary for the final product.
Necessary support staff changes; a really good IT person, others only if you
can state a specific reason. A large kitchen for staff is not necessary, check
labor law requirements. The future is virtual, have the ability to work remotely.
Plan the best method to keep in contact with clients in a virtual world. I met
someone who “needed” to get out of his house to work. He rented a very small
office close to home to work not to see clients or have meetings. He had
children and a wife at home and with virtual school he had constant interruptions.
Impressive addresses are not needed.
Not every home can accommodate a virtual office. plan ahead if moving. Is
there space that can be converted? An under-used area, children off to school,
a den? Can the garage be modified?
Change expectations and goals and monitor progress. Have measurable goals.
IE. new clients, income, control expenses,

Why the Encino Chamber?

Loyalty, friendships, hope for the future,
small businesses are critical.
Networking with others is critical
The chamber is a source of information, use it

 

Susan Du Brin
Immediate Past President
West Valley Medical Partners

Philosophy for Success…

 

 

 

What is your philosophy for success?
Hard work, attention to detail,
communication, knowledge of my field,
listening,and investing in relationships.

During the pandemic, what should businesses be doing to
help them survive & thrive?
Look for any cost cutting items to reduce
overhead. Listen to your staff and hear their
concerns. Employment flex days; working from
home. Listen to your clients and address their
concerns. Follow health department rules and
regulations. Create a safe work environment.

If you were just starting your business, what would you
do differently?
Create a larger rainy day fund.

Why the Encino Chamber?
For the support they provide me. For the
friendships and business relationships.
Giving back to the community – getting
involved.

Susan Du Brin – West Valley Medical Partners

 

 

 

Robbie Gluckson
Director of Marketing,
Community Outreach & Development
UCLA Health

Philosophy for Success…

What is your philosophy for success?
Be kind. Be mindful. Be fierce.

During the pandemic, what should businesses be doing to
help them survive & thrive?
Always ask every time you speak to someone –
How are you and your loved ones doing today?

If you were just starting your business, what would you
do differently?
Be 100% virtual. No office space.

Why the Encino Chamber?
Small business is critical to every
community.

Robbie Gluckson – UCLA Health

 

 

Hank Yuloff
Owner
Yuloff Creative Marketing Solutions

Philosophy for Success

 

What is your philosophy for success?
“If everything happens for a reason, be the reason
things happen.” This is our slogan. It is what we
teach our small bsiness owning clients. It tells you not to
wait for your opportunities. To lead intsead of follow.

During the pandemic, what should businesses be doing to help them survive & thrive?
In Origin of Species, Charles Darwin teaches us that it is not the biggest
or smartest that survive, but those that can adapt the best. This was
true long before the pandemic hit, but COVID-19 has shocked the
system into ‘fast forward.’ Most of our clients came to us because they
were so busy doing their business that you forget to market it. Take a
moment and take a breath. Look at your clients. Have they changed?
If so, how? We know that generally, the buying habits of the ‘public’
has changed, so you need to change your messaging.

If you were just starting your business, what would you do differently?
This is an interesting question, because we treat our
marketing as if we were just beginning. We always look at
our business from the point of view of “is this what our
clients need most?” If not, we pivot. The amount of pivot
we do is based on what our clients tell us they need.

Why the Encino Chamber?
If I were to stop all the networking I do except for one
organization, the Encino Chamber would be the one. I have
made lifetime friends and generated incredible revenue. If
I need to meet someone in the San Fernando Valley, I know
that my first place to look for a connection is within this
chamber.
Hank Yuloff – Yuloff Creative Marketing Solutions

 

 

 

Elizabeth May
Owner
Ellie May Inc.

Philosophy for Success…

 

What is your philosophy for success?
To work harder and smarter than the day before.
Make the most of every opportunity no matter how
small and treat everyone with kindness and respect.

During the pandemic, what should businesses be doing to help
them survive & thrive?
Focus on the purpose of your business and find the most
efficient ways to meet the needs of your customers. Leaders
should be reaching out to their employees on a regular basis to
keep everyone connected despite the increased challenges.
Personal connection with both customers and employees can
create stronger relationships as we move into a post-pandemic
world.

If you were just starting your business, what would you do
differently?
I would not do anything differently. I have found success
by finding a niche market and offering a fair price for a
quality product while keeping overhead low and staying on
budget. I network at every opportunity and surround
myself and my team with right people for the task.

Why the Encino Chamber?
As a newer member, I have found the Encino Chamber to
be a welcoming group of experienced business people who
are passionate about the Chamber and the community. I
look forward to serving the Chamber and the community in
the years to come.

Elizabeth May, Ellie May Inc.

KMS Pico