Way in the beginning of this course, I interviewed an entrepreneur, Rabbi Berl Goldman of Chabad Lubavitch of Gainesville.
I asked him three questions, and he gave me some great answers! Looking back now, these questions were broad, but I think that he answered them spectacularly. I had a very good impression after that interview.
So, here's my new interview with him. This time, the questions were a little more specific in order to get great details!
I wasn't able to record the interview, so here is a transcription:
1) How do you measure success in your business?
An interesting good question for a leader, especially a Jewish leader, and a chabad leader at that! I suppose we measure success through the depth and involvement of the community we reach.
This, along with a successful interaction with the people, is the goal. We want interactions that are meaningful and educational-- impactful experiences, on both a physical and spiritual level. That is the goal-- whether a person comes one time or a hundred times.
2) Do you see your oldest son helping out in the future and taking over the "family business" eventually, so to speak?
You're asking all the right questions today! I've been joking with my eldest son, Mendel, since he was born about one day "passing down the keys" to him.
Not only do I see it happening in the future, but it is my prayer and greatest joy that he would want to do the same work as me. He might end up being more passionate than even his parents!
In all serious however, I would be more than happy if he would one day accept the keys to this establishment.
3) What kind expansions do you have planned for the future?
You know there's a famous saying: "be careful what you pray for!"
We would love to just jump into it and add many amenities and additions to our building, but of course we have to be realistic. We want to do it well, and that means we have to plan everything out very carefully. We have a few "greens" in mind, but the most realistic plans we have now are a kosher meal plan and plans for a kosher housing complex.
I think that the interview I had this time was more meaningful, perhaps because of the questions I asked. I had a clearer idea of what I wanted to ask Rabbi Goldman, and I felt much more comfortable discussing entrepreneurial questions with him this time around. I do think that Rabbi Goldman felt that I had progressed in my entrepreneurial journey, especially in the positive way he reacted to each of my questions.
Overall, it was a very successful interview! Both this one and the first one had their benefits and will help me along my entrepreneurial journey. Each interview brought so many things to light that I had never even thought about before!
Again, you can reach Rabbi Berl Goldman at:
Rabbi@JewishGator.com
352-256-3323
Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student & Community Center
Hi Mazal, Absolutely love your blog and how original it is. I am super interested on why you chose a Rabbi to interview and glad you did. I am glad you asked meaningful questions, especially since Rabbi's are suppose to connect with the people of the temple. Asking the right questions seemed like it really impressed your Rabbi. My interview was successful as well. Check it out: http://kmglickman.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html
ReplyDeleteMazal,
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, your questions were clearly thought provoking for your entrepreneur and that allowed him to give very good answers. I really liked the last question where you asked him about expansions, because I think it is important for every entrepreneur to know their limits and not get too carried away when things are going in your favor. It is important to keep a cool head and a good plan, and Rabbi Goldman seems to have that down! Feel free to check out my post here:
http://gabrielaraujoent3003.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html