280: Adapt or Get Left Behind: Why Tech is Non-Negotiable for Small Businesses with Eric Rozenberg
Release Date: 07/22/2025
308: “I win, Google me!” - What Business Owners Should Learn from Coach Cignetti
The Business of Meetings
Two years ago, the Hoosiers of Indiana University were losing every game. Then, in January this year, something remarkable happened - they became the 2025–26 College Football Playoff National Champions! Eric has been inspired by this incredible transformation, guided by Coach Cignetti's leadership. What stood out for him was the total absence of hype, excuses, or a victim mentality. Instead, Coach Cignetti relies on three pillars: standards, preparation, and accountability—the very principles that drive success for any business owner, and yet, they are often the things we neglect. ...
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307: If You're Feeling Stuck, You're Not Alone - But Here's What Actually Works with Eric Rozenberg
The Business of Meetings
Today, we’re exploring the resilience entrepreneurs need to navigate the uncertainty we’re all experiencing right now. In this episode, Eric explains that navigating uncertainty requires resilience, which is strengthened by taking action, embracing continuous learning, and serving others. He shares personal stories to illustrate that every business or career inevitably faces doubt, setbacks, and challenges. Tune in to discover how you can keep moving forward, even when everything feels unpredictable. Starting a Business Requires Action, Not Certainty When launching a business,...
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306: Bootstrapping, Breakthroughs, and Belief: Launching a Business in the Meetings & Events Industry with Andrew Coelho
The Business of Meetings
We are delighted to welcome another incredible entrepreneur from our industry today. Andrew Coehlo, co-founder of Monte & Coe, joins us to share the fantastic story of his journey into corporate gifting. Stay tuned to hear about Andrew’s entrepreneurial journey, his experiences, and the insight he has to share. Andrew’s Journey into Entrepreneurship After beginning his career in corporate finance, Andrew realized the environment did not suit his creative nature. Bureaucracy, resistance to change, and working in isolation drained his energy. And then, a confidence...
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305: When You Board the International Plane, Always Turn Left! with Eli Facenda
The Business of Meetings
Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Eli Facenda, founder and CEO of Freedom Travel Systems. Known as The Travel Guy, Eli helps entrepreneurs turn everyday spending into first-class travel experiences. Join us as Eli breaks down what to do with the points you earn, how upgrades really work, and how first-class flights and luxury suites around the world are far more attainable than most people think. Eli’s Journey Eli’s career began in 2015 after graduating with a degree in finance and joining the travel industry through an international sports tour company. A trip to the Dominican...
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304: How to Lead with Creative Courage with Moza-Bella Tram
The Business of Meetings
Today, we’re delighted to speak with entrepreneur Moza-Bella Tram, CEO and founder of Moza-Bella LLC. Moza-Bella is an immigrant with a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. She is a TEDx speaker, a mentor, a business consultant, and has written several books, including the bestseller Powerful Female Immigrants, which she co-authored. She is also the host of the digital TV show Lessons from Failures. Stay tuned as we explore Moza-Bella’s fascinating journey and the experiences that have shaped her work. Moza-Bella’s Journey Moz-Bella was born in Vietnam shortly after the...
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303: Behind the Scenes of Sourcing: Nataly Horan’s Authentic Take
The Business of Meetings
Today, we are thrilled to welcome another entrepreneur from our industry. Nataly Horan is the founder and CEO of Authentic Meetings and Incentives. With experience across several ventures, she joins us to share her journey, the challenges she has faced within the industry, and her hopes and dreams for what lies ahead. Nataly’s Journey Nataly entered the meetings and incentives industry quite unexpectedly. She trained as an interior designer at the University of Florida, then moved into the space after helping with graphic design, quickly connecting with the people and energy of live...
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302: The Event Planner’s Edge: Social Selling that Drives Real Business with Richard Bliss
The Business of Meetings
We are absolutely delighted to welcome Richard Bliss, the founder and CEO of BlissPoint Consulting, as today’s guest. Richard has focused his entire career on helping people with their social selling behavior. He is well-known both inside and outside of our industry as a LinkedIn Top Voices Influencer and an experienced executive communications leader. Stay tuned as Richard shares his story and offers practical insights on social selling, executive communication, and what truly builds influence on LinkedIn. Richard’s Journey Richard began his career with 14 years in the National...
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301: Stop Guessing, Start Automating: AI Strategies for Event Pros with Ethan King
The Business of Meetings
Today, we are thrilled to welcome Ethan King as our guest. Ethan is an entrepreneur and author who coaches individuals on AI through the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He joins us today to share insights on entrepreneurship, books, and life. He also explains how small business owners can implement AI. Stay tuned as Ethan breaks down practical AI strategies that any entrepreneur can start using today. Ethan’s Journey Ethan has been an entrepreneur for 25 years. He began with a passion for art and a pivot into graphic design. While in college, a class project evolved into a real...
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300: When Accountability Becomes Power: Rashmi Airan’s Story of Resilience
The Business of Meetings
We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rashmi Airan as our guest today! Rashmi is an extraordinary human being with remarkable depth of character, and as an ex-felon and former lawyer turned keynote speaker, her journey has been truly unique. She is an unapologetic truth-teller, prison chocolatier, and a champion of growth through struggle. She’s also a Bollywood dance aficionado, a singer, a corporate change leader, and an endurance athlete. Tune in to hear Rashmi’s powerful story about ethics, accountability, and leadership forged through adversity. Rashmi’s Early Journey and...
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299: From Layoff to Lift-Off: How Beth Lawrence Became an Event Business Entrepreneur
The Business of Meetings
Today, we are excited to welcome Beth Lawrence as our guest. Over the past 20 years, Beth has seen the highs and lows of building and growing a business. Join us as she shares her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. Beth’s Journey Beth began college aiming to become a writer or professor, but she quickly realized the academic path was not for her, and pivoted. When she discovered event planning, it clicked instantly. She graduated during the 2008–2009 recession and built her career step by step, seizing each available stable opportunity, from...
info_outlineTechnology is no longer just a helpful tool for running small businesses. It has become the lifeline for small business success.
In this episode, Eric clarifies why technology is now non-negotiable when running a successful small business.
Tune in to learn why, as a small business owner, you must either evolve and adapt or risk getting left behind.
AI Blackmail
An article on Entropic described a test scenario where AI named specific (fictional) people and made a blackmail demand. Even though the situation was fabricated for testing purposes, it highlighted the potential dangers of advanced AI behavior.
A Double-Edged Sword
Every major invention in history has had the potential for great harm and tremendous benefit. The outcome depends entirely on how humans choose to use these tools. AI is no exception. It represents a societal shift similar to the Industrial Revolution, with its presence growing across all industries. Today, adaptation is essential, especially in the meetings and events space, where technology is now deeply integrated. Those who ignore it risk becoming irrelevant.
From Fax Machines to Automation
During his early business days in Brussels, Eric used to manually collect faxed proposals in the evenings after doing sales visits by day. Now, 70% of that work can be automated. Standard proposals and client-facing documents can now be systematized using technology, drastically reducing the time and effort required.
People vs. Tech
In the past, hiring a high-level executive assistant in Belgium came at a significant cost to Eric due to their high social security contributions. Today, however, business owners can find skilled virtual assistants anywhere in the world for a fraction of the cost.
Smarter Prospecting with AI
Aspects of prospecting that used to take hours of manual outreach before can now be streamlined with CRM systems and AI. By scanning the online presence of a prospect through their LinkedIn profile, AI can recommend tailored messaging and communication strategies, making outreach faster, more personal, and far more effective.
Embrace AI Now
Now is the time to embrace AI and new technologies. Those who do so will be better positioned for success. So, whether you are starting a new business or evolving an existing one, tech literacy is a must.
Face-to-Face Is Still Irreplaceable
Even with the rise of AI, the human connection is likely to become more valuable, not less, as people always crave genuine, in-person experiences.
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 businesses 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 Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
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