It’s been over a year since I have been in Israel (Way too long), and as always simply been a fascinating trip on so many fronts – From business development and relationship building to simply intellectual development and personal fascination.

1: Israel continues to develop in so many different manners and wealth continues to spread here and throughout the world that makes me convinced that America will no longer be the world’s overwhelming leading economic force in years to come. Not just this current economic crisis in the U.S., but the continued changes in the world (and WOW is the dollar low,), but as one who spends a lot of time in Israel, people here are looking East and to Europe and the former Soviet Union like never before.

I believe America’s unique financial position in the world has forever changed and American businesses need to adapt accordingly. We certainly have and will.

2: The amount of money in Israel is simply amazing. The number of Range Rovers, BMW’s and high end cars that didn’t exist here even 5 years ago is simply amazing – the high end cars, the amount of men wearing Audemars Piguet Watches (which I am obsessed with). Simply amazing… and frankly the result of very successful technology companies and tons of Russian money, which has come into this country and will continue to drive Israel’s financial development.

3: Last night – A fascinating evening which would never have occurred in the U.S. A friend invited me to a group which gathers at an outdoor café starting at 10 PM on a Sunday where 20 or so tremendously successful and well connected young business leaders (in their 30’s and early 40’s) to talk about politics, business and the economy in a open discussion. With dozens of on-lookers, the owners of one of Israel’s largest advertising agencies, one of the largest political consultants, journalists, an adviser to an oligarch, a major pop star and others from different walks of life but all very successful sat and debated and discussed, and yelled for hours about issues (Can a black guy win the U.S. election – Will Microsoft win in its Yahoo bid ?).

I tremendously enjoyed, and learned – I’d love to organize something similar (and my monthly invite only networking meetings are very very successful… and somewhat similar), but definitely something I was fascinated with and will leave a mark on me.

During a speech I made to a MBA class during this trip, I spoke as a PR firm owner, and as someone involved in marketing (and as an entrepreneur), I spoke about the need to always open one’s eyes and broaden one’s development.

I learned a tremendous amount here as I always do when I find the time to venture away from my desk… but as I always learn it’s easier said than done.

Ronn Torossian

5W PR

I just returned from Israel on Tuesday and wow, what a whirlwind change a few days can make. Last week I walked the streets of Jerusalem with a former client, and friend, a senior employee of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism who told me that he expected tourism to be at an all time high… This morning, 2 close friends told me they weren’t boarding their planned flights to Israel.

We do a tremendous amount of work in Israel, and I find the business people there to be among the most fascinating in the world – Hard working, smart, focused and aggressive…. Our kind of people. They show up to work no matter what the circumstances and in the face of difficulty. They are tremendously focused and driven – Whereas I have seen this city shut down by a simple transit strike, Israelis continue living normal lives no matter what the circumstances.

We are opening an office in Israel in the next few weeks to better serve the burgeoning technology and corporate companies which exist there. It will be 5W’s first global office and I am excited about it.

A few comments:

I view this as part of the continuation of what will soon be known as World War 3 – Western Civilization against Militant Islam. I pray and hope Israel will thrive.

America and worldwide business will be affected the longer this battle goes on in a variety of ways – From gas prices to stock markets and the very many products which originate in the region… Intel, Microsoft and countless others have offices in Israel.

Business in Israel is among the most advanced anywhere in the world outside of the US – These brilliant minds need to be watched very closely for their amazing wisdom..

Ronn Torossian

5W PR

So, I know it’s been quite a while since I blogged…but I have been swamped and simply haven’t had the chance. As 5W Public Relations continues to expand, travel demands increase - In the last 45 days business has brought me to the Middle East, Central America, Miami, Canada, Boston and elsewhere. I have barely slept a day in my bed, and it’s been very draining.

I find worldwide the world getting smaller - Everywhere I travel the world intersects and one person knows another. The world truly is a global village and brand building and financial opportunities can truly exist anywhere. From sitting in a lounge in an airport in Central America or in a café in the Middle East, I see people on laptops and it’s amazing.

As an entrepreneur, I seek opportunity wherever I go and I continue to be amazed and impressed at just how difficult it is to work for myself and the different challenges that come with success. Simply unreal.

The last few weeks have been great for business as for the 2nd year in a row we were named the fastest growing PR firm in the U.S…. I plan on adding and continuing the blog again real soon.

Ronn Torossian

5W PR