Talking About Entrepreneurship with Taglit (Birthright Israel)

It’s today! I am speaking to dozens of eager young Jewish students from Sau Paulo. They are here on the Birthright Israel (Taglit) project. I’m honored. It turns out that only a handful of Israeli entrepreneurs (well, a big handful, but still) are chosen to address them. Hey, I’m honored!

I have a lot to talk about and only 45 minutes. On the other hand, at TED talks you are given only 18 minutes or less to reach out to the world. And an elevator pitch can be shorter than twenty seconds. So 45 minutes is actually a whole lot of time.

Should I tell them that I left Canada when I was still 17 and came to Israel for one year. That was back in 1969. It turned out to be a very long year. From day one I fell in love with the kibbutz (Urim), the country, the people (well, most people). I will tell them that I studied at Hebrew University (if you call what we did studying) and then at Tel Aviv University. Then Army, Israeli wife and kids and now grandchildren, the whole nine yards.

Should I tell them about my scientific career, how I ended up co-inventing a very successful product (two-phase mouthwash) and a bunch of less successful ones? I should tell them how lucky I was. I should talk a bit about luck in general.

Should I mention that Dr. Yossi Vardi began inviting me to un-conference events about a dozen years ago and how that changed my life. Oh, and of course mention his philosophy about silliness  and entrepreneurship. I should remember to say a word or two about the importance of barking. Woof woof.

I will say a few words about the multi-ethnic culture of Israel, how we have some two million Arab citizens, many off whom are become successful entrepreneurs and moving us all forward.

And then I will talk about my current passion, which is Ourboox.com. I will share my vision of a world in which anyone can become a published author of e-books incorporating text pictures, videos and much more.  In any language, even Portuguese! And for free!

I will share my belief that good entrepreneurship is not just about making money, but rather trying to make a positive change in the society in which you live.

And I will make sure they see this book. And hopefully make some of their own!!

Mel’s Ten Tip Recipe for Success in Entrepreneurship

1.Don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace it.

2.Look for opportunities to be silly! Bark!

3.Think between boxes. Make unanticipated connections.

4.Be a luck burglar. Track luck down. Bang on luck’s door. Jiggle the locks.5.Observe everything. Every observation is an opportunity for disruption.

6.Tell a story. Your story.

7. Innovation is a two step process. The first step involves childish thinking.

8. Do something good. Money may follow.

9. Be passionate about your life. It’s infectious

10.Enjoy your journey!