NETWORKING Magazine_Sept/Oct 2020

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 I ISSUE NO. 4

NETWORKING YOUR GO TO GUIDE FOR BUSINESS NETWORKING IN THE BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE COMMUNITY

STAYING CONNECTED How To Network During Challenging Times

GETTING TO KNOW YOU A look at a BRSNG member

MEMBER DIRECTORY The Who's Who of BRSNG

FREQUENT FLYER 10 Questions To ASk Before Being Discharged From The Hospital

YOU ALREADY PAID FOR IT Water Damage Restoration Solutions

CONNECTIONS What Creates Value

DIVORCE IS NEVER A SIMPLE SOLUTION

DIVORCE MEDIATION SERVICES & FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO COUPLES WITH AND WITHOUT ATTORNEYS. MEMBER OF THE BRS COMMUNITY I STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL I FREE CONSULTATION

Best Wishes for A Happy & Healthy New Year Deborah Beylus Certified Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

561-789-0710 info@southfloridamediationservices.com www.southfloridamediationservices.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NET WORK ING SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 Editors Note

05

Staying Connected

06

Frequent Flyer

09

Getting To Know You

12

You Already Paid For It

13

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Upcoming Events

15

Connections

16

Member Directory

17

About Us

21

WWW.BRSNG.ORG |4

NET WORK ING

WELCOME!

It's hard believe that our group is almost a year old and who would have thought when we started this networking group that the business landscape would change so dramatically, so quickly!

Staying connected while “social distancing” during this COVID-19 pandemic is certainly challenging. Our traditional networking monthly breakfasts may now be via Zoom but the work of BRSNG remains stronger than ever.

As co-chairs, we could not be prouder of how our members have rallied and supported each other during this unprecedented time. Over the past few months, while the world is dealing with this extremely difficult situation, our group continues its unbelievable mission.

We continue to help those who have lost their jobs find work, continue to offer complimentary consultations to our community members and share information on PPP/CARES Act. In this issue, you will find very interesting and pertinent articles, written by a few of our very own BRSNG members, that may help guide you or someone you know, through some difficult situations during COVID-19 and otherwise.

We are fortunate to have a group of intelligent and dedicated professionals who are determined to succeed and see others succeed, as well. You can find contact information for all of our current members in the Member Directory, beginning on page 17.

We are all learning to navigate and adapt to this “new normal”, helping each other out by promoting our business’ on social media, staying connected with each other and building up our members' businesses.

On page 16, you'll find out how the members of our networking group have stepped up in remarkable ways to help other members and the greater Boca Raton Jewish Community. We are committed to serving our community and are looking to grow our membership.

There are some exciting new events and partnerships planned for this coming year so make sure join today! We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions.

BRSNG is proud to be a light during these dark times and we look forward to our continued positive impact on our community.

This is NETWORKING!

Gila Stern

Marc Bienenfeld

Co-Chair, BRSNG / Co-Editor at Large 561-929-6536 gila.stern@sparxiq.com

Co-Chair , BRSNG / Co-Editor at Large 305-778-4744 mbienenfeld@BLSfinancial.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 5

NET WORK ING

Staying Connected

HOW TO NETWORK DURING CHALLENGING TIMES

By Alaina G. Levine

My email was simple. After the COVID-19 pandemic

This is the essence of networking. Networking is not “What

exploded, I wrote to clients, colleagues, and prospective

can I take from you?” or “What can you give me?” Networking

partners—including conference organizers and staff at

is a genuine act of generosity built upon “What can I offer

professional societies and universities—saying I

you?”Networking is always relevant; we always need new

recognized they wanted to stay connected to the

diverse sources of inspiration to help advance our careers

members of their communities in this challenging time.

and approach problems in new ways. This objective doesn’t

“If I can help you with this,” I offered, “please let me

cease because we are in a crisis. More importantly, it doesn’t

know.” I noted my experience running webinars and

cease for others in our community. That’s why networking,

virtual events. “I am available to enable your

where we aim to craft win-win alliances, is useful at this time.

success.”Over the preceding weeks, my upcoming gigs to

It helps everyone in the system—and we could all use a

give talks about science and engineering careers had

hand.So what exactly can you offer? I often hear grad

dematerialized into thin air as scientific meetings were

students and postdocs express concern that they don’t have

canceled, university budgets were tightened, and travel

anything of use to share with established professionals. This

was grounded. I saw a huge chunk of my income and

is a myth. At the very least, you provide a unique point of

immediate future disintegrate into cake crumbs, tears,

view, buoyed by your singular experience and knowledge, and

and fears. My livelihood was at stake. But, I reminded

a new perspective to solve problems. You also provide your

myself, I had something of value to offer—and now was

insight, expertise, curiosity, and ambition to contribute.

the time to clarify that to my community. Did I need

Tangibly, you can collaborate on projects and leverage your

work? Yes, absolutely. But did others need something,

skills, creativity, and even your networks to solve problems.

too, to help them weather this unprecedented crisis? Yes, The bottom line is that established professionals want to absolutely. We could all help one another.

network with you.

(Cont. on pg. 7)

Alaina G. Levine is a STEM careers consultant, a professional speaker, and the author of Networking for Nerds (Wiley, 2015).

Source: ScienceMag.org

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG |6

(Cont. from pg. 6)

To more precisely clarify what you can offer potential contacts, here are some questions to ask yourself: What problems am I uniquely qualified to solve?

What value can I add to my contact’s project, team, organization, and field?

What challenges can I help them overcome, now and in the future?

What opportunities can we collaboratively pursue?

What can I do for them during this challenging time?

In parallel with these “what” questions, you also need to think about the “who.” You can certainly begin by contacting people who are working with and for organizations and in jobs that sound exciting to you. But remember that networking is an investment in long-term relationships, not just job hunting. Seek to diversify your network beyond your area of expertise, field, location, and interested professions and sectors; you need diversity of thought to be the most effective you. Online resources such as LinkedIn, association membership directories, and alumni associations are great ways to identify people you’d like to connect with.

When you’re ready to make contact, here’s the general strategy I’ve used for years, modified slightly for the current times: I send an email, noting that I hope this finds them and their family and colleagues safe and healthy. I state my interest in speaking to see how I can assist and serve as a resource. I ask for a short (15 minute) informal conversation to explore the opportunity to collaborate and to see how I may contribute to their efforts.

Finally, I express gratitude for their consideration.

I’ve been surprised by how many positive responses I’ve received during the pandemic.

People have said they appreciate that I reached out and offered to help. I’ve also received a lot of noes and nonresponses. But I remind myself that these noes aren’t personal and are nothing to be discouraged about.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Every time I contact someone or have an informal chat (on Zoom these days), I refer to a series of principles I’ve developed to guide my networking path. These principles include: Be patient and respectful. Don’t expect an answer to your query right away; don’t incessantly contact people.

Be gracious. Express appreciation for the chance to chat.

Be easy to work with. Don’t make the other person’s job harder. If they ask you to follow up in 3 weeks, for example, do so.

Be flexible and open to suggestions. As you learn more from your contacts about the challenges they’re facing and problems they’re trying to solve, adjust your perspective and approach as needed.

Be clear in what you can offer. As you learn about pain points that you can help alleviate, note exactly what you can contribute to address the issue.

Be realistic. Offer only what you are able to follow through on.

Be resourceful. If there is another person or resource who is better equipped to help, don’t hesitate to make the suggestion. Doing so doesn’t minimize your value; it highlights it.

Be kind to yourself. Don’t discount or throw away your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

As a result of those emails I sent out in the spring, I ended up booking quite a few webinars. In fact, I am now speaking more than ever. But more importantly, I have started to build new partnerships that can enable all of us to move through and hopefully beyond the pandemic.

When we share our authentic enthusiasm and generosity, we can make a big difference in one another’s careers and lives. We all have something of value to offer. We all have ways we can care for ourselves together with our community.

WWW.BRSNG.ORG |7

Wishing You A Happy, Healthy, & Sweet New Year!

DR. CRAIG & THE PLAY IT FORWARD TEAM AT KIDS UNITED PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

561-483-9334Â

WWW.KIDSUNITEDSMILES.COM

SOUTH FLORIDA'S HARDEST WORKING REALTOR

THINKING OF BUYING OR

Become a member of BSRNG Today!

SELLING?

Yosef Shayowitz/Broker

561-299-0113

YosefSellsFlorida.com

SIGN UP AT BRSNG.ORG

FREQUENT FLYER WRITTEN BY: DANIEL GELLER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG |9

N1 8E T WORK ING

If your aging loved one is fortunate enough to receive treatment and get discharged from the hospital, how are you ensuring they don't become a Frequent Flyer?

Frequent Flyer.

The terminology conjures up the image of someone who spends more time in the air than on the ground. However, it also refers those who are constantly returning to the Emergency Room.

My mother used to say - "The only reason to be in a hospital, is to have a baby."

I can’t think of a truer statement.

Imagine lying in a bed, alone, with nurses poking and prodding at all times of the day and night; Tests you've never heard of being ordered, people using terminology you don’t understand, and just feeling sick, scared, and unsure of what the future holds.

Now consider an older adult who was transported to the hospital after a 911 call.

Who is making sure the tests being ordered are necessary?

Who is getting the results, and who is communicating with all the doctors to make sure there is an effective plan in place so your loved one will have the opportunity to walk out of the hospital?

To assist with a successful recovery, consider asking these 10 questions when being discharged: 1. Will I receive prescriptions?

Are there any changes to the medications I was admitted with? (Get a printed list of all medications, and frequency.)

2. When is my follow up?

Can you provide me with all names and phone numbers of doctors I will need to follow up with?

3. How can I get a copy of my medical records?

4. If I feel unsafe at home, are there other living options?

What are the options if I can’t successfully manage my recovery at home?

5. Do I qualify for home health care?

Registered Nurse, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and, or Speech Therapy. If so, get name of Agency, contact person and phone number.

There is so much to consider in an already overwhelming environment.

6. Are there any restrictions post hospitalization?

Dietary restrictions? Activity of Daily Living?

If your aging loved one is fortunate enough to receive treatment and get discharged from the hospital, how are you ensuring they don't become a Frequent Flyer?

7. How can I obtain DME (Durable Medical Equipment)?

Will the Social Worker order the DME? 8. What other supplies will I need at home?

9. Will I need a private duty caregiver?

If so, obtain two names of reputable companies.

10. What else do I need to know about my recovery process?

Make sure you or your caregiver are educated on any and all facets of your recovery – changing bandages, how to use walker, commode, medication disbursement, and more.

Daniel Geller is Vice President of Business Development at Senior Options, a company providing hands-on care management services to the South Florida community since 2005. Their Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) oversee and coordinate care for older adults and people with disabilities whose loved ones live near and far.

For more information visit senioroptionsfl.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 10

NET WORK ING

We are here to make your outdoor quality of life better - Matiel Buchnik

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

NET WORK ING

Get to know BRSNG member Matiel Buchnik, Owner of Mosquito Hunters of Boca Raton WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?

WHY DO YOU FEEL MOSQUITO CONTROL IS NEEDED?

We care about our customers and if one treatment is not as good as the rest we stand by our 'Happiness Promise' and return no questions asked. We also have a Certified Entomologist on staff with over 30 years experience in case we run into anything you haven't seen before.

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal.

They carry tons of diseases that can be very harmful for not only humans but animals as well. The treatment also gets rids of fleas, ticks, and white flies so that we can cover all of our bases in exterminating the flying biting insects.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CAREER ?

To learn more about the services offered at Mosquito Hunters of Boca Raton, please contact 561-571-9421 or visit mosquitohunters.com/bocaraton-fl

WHAT DO YOU DO?

My wife Caryn and I run a local family owned mosquito control company. We do residential, commercial, and special event treatments such as outdoor weddings and concerts. We specialize in prevention of all types on Mosquitobourne illnesses such as Zika and essentially provide a more enjoyable outdoor experience. We go after the most hated and most dangerous creature in the world. We are here to make your outdoor quality of life better. We are Mosquito Hunters of Boca Raton SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

We love making our customer's happy. People don't always believe that this treatment works but if they are willing to give it a try, they are usually happy in the end. That's what makes us feel rewarded in the end when people try out our services and agree that it works and help them.

You never know when that 1 treatment you do gets rid of a Zika carrying mosquito that could have bitten you or your loved ones.

"I had a great experience with Mosquito Hunters. Very quick and easy, and best of all my mosquitos are pretty much gone. I highly recommend" them."

- Zoey H.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY'S COMMITMENT TO THE BRS COMMUNITY?

We just joined the BRS community in August 2019 but since then we have been very involved. We have made many community friends in both the circle and BRS West. We are supporters of the community.

DID YOU KNOW?

LASTLY, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

We love spending family time together. Matt loves working with his hands and can do anything from fix your house to your plane to your car.

He is an avid pilot as well. Caryn enjoys camping outdoors, traveling, seeing new things.

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 12

NET WORK ING

YOU ALREADY PAID FOR IT WRITTEN BY AVI GENUTH

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 13

NET WORK ING

When people have water damage to their homes, be it from a faulty HVAC system, a plumbing issue or hurricane damage, oftentime their first instinct is to pay for the damage to be repaired out of pocket. They hire an A/C repairman, a plumber or a roofer to repair the issue and then bring in an interior contractor to fix any water damage that occurred within the home.

When I hear tales like these it’s enough to make me want to tear my hair out!

If you have homeowner’s insurance, as most people do, you have already paid for it!! As long as you are paying your insurance payments, then most types of water damage to your home will be covered by your insurance.

Avi Genuth is Regional Sales Manager with WeDry USA, a South Florida based restoration company that specializes in water, mold and fire damage remediation. He can be reached at Avi@wedryus.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

‘But won't my premiums go up?’ I hear you asking yourself.

NO!!!

This is one of the prevalent myths I hear about filing homeowner’s claims and it is simply not true. Unlike an auto insurance claim, which can raise your premiums, homeowner’s premiums are determined by a myriad of factors and most of them do not relate to filing claims for covered water events.

So this brings us back to the issue of paying out of pocket for something which you have already paid for. If you have the unfortunate experience of having a water damage issue, the insurance industry wants nothing more than for you to deal with it yourself and not involve them. Afterall, their bottom line benefits greatly when their customers don’t utilize the services that they have already paid for! So in the event that you are in the unfortunate situation of having to deal with a water damage issue, no matter what the cause; do yourself a favor and explore the possibility of filing an insurance claim and hiring a licensed, insured and reputable remediation company to deal with the damage. The insurance industry may not be happy about your decision, but you sure will be.

'Won't my premiums go up?' - This is one of the prevalent myths I hear about filing homeowner’s claims and it is simply not true.

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 14

N1 8E T WORK ING

UPCOMING EVENTS Membership Meeting

September 30, 2020

Membership Meeting

November 4, 2020

Membership Meeting

December 2, 2020

All meetings begin at 8am and are held in the Boca Raton Synagogue Social Hall or via Zoom Video Conference.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 15

A CONNECTION BETWEEN & AMONG IS WHAT CREATES VALUE Written by Gila Stern & Marc Bienenfeld When we started this networking group we had a vision – to create an authentic, conscious, inspiring entrepreneurial networking group within the Boca Raton Synagogue business community. This was no small feat but one made easier by an extraordinary group of professionals, bringing together a collective of like-minded, passionate game changers and thought leaders.

During this unprecedented time, the members of our networking group have stepped up in remarkable ways to help members and the greater Boca Raton Jewish community. offering their services, either for free or significantly discounted rates finding a single parent temporary work to supplement the income she could no longer make offering commission based jobs for those out of work doing shopping/pick ups/deliveries to those in need of assistance and so much more!

Below are just a few anecdotal stories reflective of the above as well as the impact this group has had:

"IF YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT IS OUT OF WORK DURING ALL THIS SEND THEM MY WAY- I CAN OFFER THEM COMMISSION BASED WORK.”

"DURING THESE TOUGH TIMES, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO REVIEW YOUR INVESTMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR LIFE/DISABILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED...TO BRSNG MEMBERS I AM OFFERING A COMPLIMENTARY AUDIT OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN TO CONFIRM YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH TO SUCCEED, OR SUGGEST WAYS TO GET THERE. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER!”

“THANKS .... TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS FOR COMING TOGETHER AND BEING A GREAT RESOURCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.” (IN RESPONSE)

“YOU ARE WELCOME BUT THIS IS WHAT YOU [MARC] & GILA DISCUSSED FROM DAY 1, SO THANKS TO THE 2 OF YOU !!!”

“I HOPE EVERYONE IS SAFE AND HEALTHY. AS EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE AND FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO AND WITH NEW LAWS BUT NO REAL CLARITY, IT POSES A TREMENDOUS STRAIN ON MANY SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE BUSINESS OWNERS...I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH OWNERS LITERALLY WALKING THEM BACK FROM CLOSING UP SHOP AND LOSING THEIR BUSINESS AND IN SOME CASES THEIR GOOD NAME. THIS GROUP HAS PRIDED ITSELF ON NOT JUST A NETWORKING GROUP BUT A SHUL GROUP AND WITH THAT COMES OUR ACHRAYAS TO EACH OTHER. THEREFORE IF ANYONE IN THE GROUP HAS ANY EMPLOYMENT ISSUES RELATED TO OUR CURRENT SITUATION PLEASE CONTACT ME AND WE WILL DEAL WITH IT FOR FREE.”

“I THOUGHT THE SAME THING, YOU GUYS THROUGH HASHEM’S HAND PUT A NETWORKING PLAN TOGETHER THAT HAS HELPED THE COMMUNITY IN SO MANY WAYS. CHERYL SARAGOSSI (BRSNG MEMBER) AND I FOR EXAMPLE ARE WORKING WITH THE DOL TO SEE HOW WE COULD GET CERTAIN LABOR LAWS RELAXED FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. I THINK THIS GROUP IS FANTASTIC. THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ENJOYED ITS BENEFIT I’D BE HAPPY TO HOST A ROUND TABLE VIRTUAL DISCUSSION ON HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT EVER LEAVING YOUR HOME.”

“I HAD A WORK ISSUE THAT COULD NOT BE HANDLED FROM HOME YESTERDAY IN EAST BOCA. I PARKED MY CAR. WENT TO SEE MY PATIENT.....WENT BACK TO MY CAR. WHEN I WAS DONE. LOOKED UP AND THERE IT WAS OASIS BARBERSHOP. THE SHOP WAS OPEN NO OTHER PATRON WAS THERE AND AVI GAVE ME A HAIRCUT. HE IS A YOUNG MAN WHO HAS A FAMILY OF 3 CHILDREN AND IS SHOMMER SHABBOS. VERY NICE GUY AND HE IS HAPPY TO BUILD HIS BUSINESS BY GOING TO PEOPLES HOME. FYI HIS SHOP IS VERY CLEAN AND WELL KEPT. THANK YOU ALEX.” (ALEX IS A BRSNG MEMBER THAT RECOMMENDED AVI)

“AGREE WITH ... WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THIS GROUP AND MIN HASHAMAYIM THE CHESED THAT THIS GROUP DOES WILL PULL US THROUGH !!!”

For questions, or to learn more about this exciting group, please reach out to one of our Co-Chairs: Gila Stern: gila.stern@sparxiq.com or Marc Bienenfeld: mbienenfeld@BLSfinancial.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

www.brsng.org

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 16

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

NET WORK ING

ABOUT BRSNG DEVELOP I INTERACT I GROW I CONNECT

MISSION: The Boca Raton Synagogue Network Group (BRSNG) is committed to providing excellent opportunities to develop business connections and growth enhanced with Jewish values through interaction with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders in a relaxing, social and professional setting.

ABOUT US: The BRSNG is a quality forum for respected professionals to create circles of influence. The Group strengthens relationships among our community’s Jewish professionals through education, networking and communal and philanthropic engagement. The BRSNG provides opportunities to expand your professional and social circles while making a meaningful difference within our community.

The Rambam says that the highest form of Tzedakah (Charity) is to help establish someone in Business.

The BRSNG will create the avenue where people will have the opportunity to fulfil this mitzvah. Not only by helping other professionals expand their circle of influence but also by donating portions of membership fees. As a member of The BRSNG, your annual membership fee of $180 will be allotted toward events and a donation to Tomchei Shabbos or The Rabbi’s discretionary fund. (We are a registered 501c3 organization and your contribution is tax deductible.)

By bringing together the business professionals of the BRS Community in a sophisticated, exciting and supportive environment, that is based on common Jewish heritage, values and spirituality, we endeavor to help BRSNG members make great contacts, leading to great business opportunities.

Benefits of a BRSNG Membership: Member listing and link to company website featured on the BRSNG webpage Networking opportunities with other professionals at monthly meetings 30-second business spotlight at networking meetings Your company materials displayed at networking meetings Access to sponsorship opportunities Member-exclusive Facebook group BRSNG Annual Membership Fees: Synagogue Members: $180 Non-Members: $500

Interested in becoming a member?

Click Here

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

WWW.BRSNG.ORG | 21

BEST WISHES FOR A SHANA TOVA PRACTICE AREAS

Business Tax & Bookkeeping Tax & Retirement Planning Personal Tax Multi-State & Local Tax IRS & State Tax Audit IRS & State Offer in Compromise International Tax Business Advisory Services Non-Profit Organizations 2401 Boca Raton Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431 561.953.1471 ssherr@dbllp.com Tzvi Y. (Steve) Sherr, CPA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

NET WORK ING info@brsng.org

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

2020

WISHING OUR COMMUNITY A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SAFE NEW YEAR REPRESENTING INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA FOR CATASTROPHIC CLAIMS Practice Areas: Personal Injury Wrongful Death Car Accidents Premises Liability Slip & Fall Medical Malpractice Insurance Disputes

Free Case Evaluation 888-677-7796

www.opplawfirm.com

HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR F r e e F r e e

E s

t

i m a

t

e s

I n s

t

a l l a

t

i o n

INFO@BLINDSPROS.COM 561-413-0060 www.blindspros.com