“I hated my job; I came home miserable each day.”
Chani Marenstein learned graphics but couldn’t find a job in the field. She started telemarketing for a leading HMO in Israel.
“All day, I’d call strangers and try to convince them to switch their insurance. It was draining and boring – but it taught me about persuasion.”
Chani also took courses in copywriting and marketing.
Her friend owned a business. “She urged me to go out on my own, but I wasn’t ready.” She took Chani to Temech’s annual conference.
“Rabbi Einhorn spoke and quoted Shaar Habitachon: every person should work in something she enjoys and have faith G-d will provide.
“I came home on fire. I grabbed a paper and wrote, ‘One day, I’ll have my own firm.’”
Chani taped that paper inside a kitchen cabinet. Every morning, when she’d make coffee, she’d be reminded of her promise.
That was seven years ago.
Next, Chani joined Temech’s “Leaping into Business” program.
“I learned how to build a business plan, keep records, and market myself. I decided to give notice that Sunday.
“On Thursday, I was offered a job as the assistant of the head marketer. I agreed to try it for two weeks.”
She stayed for four years.
“But thank G-d, the family was growing, and while expenses grew, it was hard to work full-time.
“During maternity leave, I connected with graphic artists, website builders, and photographers and offered my copywriting services. They started sending clients.
“It was exhilarating; for the first time, I could fly without hitting a glass ceiling.”
Chanie does branding, website writing, ads, slogans, and newsletters.
She also networks intensively.
“I had six friends in the same industry. We called ourselves Seven-Up and met monthly. We’d discuss difficulties and collaborate on projects.”
A few months later, Chanie joined forces with a website builder and a designer.
“We created a contest asking business owners for their best marketing gimmick. We chose the top ten, and people voted for the winner. The first prize was the creation of a website, and a write-up in Focus magazine.”
They also advertised on Temech’s Windo – a business networking site.
While this was running, Chanie’s friend took her to an open house at a Temech networking group. “I shared the contest details – and got three new jobs.”
The next year, Chanie joined a networking group, taking along her partners.
“It was incredible to get professional training each month. I learned about time management, finances, creativity.
“You’re all dealing with the same challenges. We learned so much from each other.”
It was also an incredible networking opportunity. Many of the group members became Chani’s clients. One ran a business school in Meah Shearim, and hired Chani to teach a copywriting course.
Chani ran another contest, offering each participant a webpage on the contest site.
“There were 150 contestants, and over 10,000 people voted. Business teachers told us their students gained so much from studying the entries, and tens of thousands of shekels of business resulted from it.”
Today, she and her partners run PCS Digital, a one-stop shop for creating websites, sales pages, and other digital media.
“Temech was there for me at every point – planting the dream, nurturing it with the course, and then giving me knowledge and support as I continue to grow.”
