Meet Susan Salzman | National Director of a Non-Profit and Business Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Salzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Like in life, there will always be challenges and obstacles in business. It’s the lesson one learns in those difficult moments that helps foster growth and, in my opinion, gives one the courage to keep moving forward. I always say to my kids, clients, colleagues, and even myself that you won’t succeed if you quit. Quitting is not an option. However, being able to tell yourself, this isn’t working – what and how can I do it better and then discovering new ways to build a better mouse trap is the quickest way to success. Lastly, being an entrepreneur requires a thick skin, patience, time, and a focused commitment.  If you are starting out or in the thick of it, give yourself three to seven years to make the magic happen!

What should our readers know about your business?
Being a business strategist (my clients call me a business therapist) has evolved. I didn’t arrive here because I woke up one day and said, “I want to help people build their brands, stories, businesses, and personal identity.” I got here by building a few highly successful businesses but also had many failed attempts at others as well. I approach my business and the way I serve others very holistically. Business strategy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are specific strategies and systems that every business needs. Using my proprietary 5-Stage Framework™ allows me to customize the process and meet each individual where they are at. From there, we collaborate on laying out the distinct action steps one needs to apply to move from one stage to the next.  Working this way keeps it fresh and allows room for ideation and creativity. In addition, because I have made my share of mistakes in building a digital media company, I know how to help others simplify the complicated process of getting from point A to point B. You can’t put a price tag on that value.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a native Angeleno, so I have seen many of my favorite places and watering holes disappear. I am also a homebody and creature of habit. With that said, I am a foodie, so if I am going to go out, the food, the atmosphere, the details, the service, and the hospitality would have to be great. One of my favorite spots to meet people is Elephant in Santa Monica. I also love Charcoal in Venice because every bite is DELICIOUS. Giorgio Baldi on Channel Road is a staple. But I also love some of the hole-in-the-walls in the city; Monte Albon – the best authentic Oaxacan food. Hide Sushi on Sawtelle; when I want nostalgia, I will hit Patty’s in Burbank or Monty’s Steak House in Woodland Hills. And I can’t leave out Magee’s kitchen at the Original Farmers Market. As a little girl, I would go there every weekend with my Grandma Rose and always get the enchiladas and cheese bread!! Followed up honey comb from Little John’s chocolate shop!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would shout out to my three man-children. They are the ones that continue to inspire me to do and be better.

Website: https://www.susansalzman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_licht_salzman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-salzman/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanSalzman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.l.salzman

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/SusanSalzmanStrategy/

Image Credits
Sheryl Wachtel Photography