The Backup Plan September 2013

How to Motivate your Employees

Some people are just naturally hardworking, they come in early they stay late and they go above and beyond what’s expected of them.  Others are just the opposite, they will come in exactly on time or late, they leave early and make any excuse to do as little as possible.  Unfortunately the later is more the norm then the former.  Most people go to work for a paycheck, they see only as far as the end of the week.  These people lack the foresight to see the big picture, for example if I work hard and do right by the company then this gives me job security by ensuring the company continues to make a profit.  Further more if your boss is at all good at his job he will see the hard work you put in and want to keep you around.  Due to many factors most of us don’t trust our employers or think that they have our best interests at heart (in fact many business do not, their concern is the bottom line).  So how can we, as bosses or managers, get that little bit extra out of our employees?  We have come up with several creative ways to motivate your workers.

1)   Do the hard jobs yourself.  If something needs to be done, a task performed, and no one wants to do it, don’t force the low man to bear the burden do it yourself.  This accomplishes several things it shows you personally care not only about the company but the people as well.  It shows that you don’t think you’re above anyone or anything and your people will respect that.  Lead by example do not ask anything of anyone that you wouldn’t ask of yourself.

2)    It’s not always proper to take your employees out or to socialize with people from the work place, but there are exceptions to this rule.  Things like company picnics and holiday parties offer the perfect excuses for you to get to know your people on a more personal level and at the same time to show them that you’re a human being too.   Do not skimp on these events, and make sure you construct a comfortable environment for people to enjoy, do not make the holiday party another day at work where alcohol is involved and people aren’t getting paid.

3)   Be creative in the office.  Have casual Fridays where everyone can dress down or comfortably for the day.  Have a wacky tie day or a color day where everyone has to wear a crazy tie or a certain color and maybe even offer a reward for the craziest tie.  Create some levity in the office; people perform better when they are not stressed and when they are comfortable.  

4)   Keep your doors open.  Make yourself accessible, do not hide in your ivory tower and pretend to lord over your underlings, your people will despise you.  It is not necessary to be friends with everyone (this actually can be a mistake) but be there for your employees when they need you, either as a confidant or a mentor.  Make sure they see you as a human being and not some rigid automaton that’s cares only about the company’s bottom line.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick 

This Year’s Long Island Bridal Extravaganza

As expected this year's Long Island Bridal Extravaganza was a huge success.  Vendors from across the island set up shop and displayed their incredible goods and services.  Chateau La Mer, Bridal Reflections, Thomas Knoell Designs, ID Salon, New York Harpist and of course All Star Limousine were all in attendance along side a variety of other amazing service providers.

This year’s show was a tremendous hit as usual.  The renowned “Gown Lounge” by Bridal Reflections and the all-new “Tuxedo courtyard” wowed those in attendance.  The assortment of limousines and antique vehicles could have had a show all to themselves.  All Star Limousine brought their rare and beautiful 1933 Presidential Packard and the brides and grooms could hardly keep their hands off it!  The 24 Passenger Champaign party bus, the 1962 Rolls Royce Phantom and the 16 Passenger Cadillac Escalade were also on display for the viewing pleasure of this years extravaganza attendees.

All in all this years extravaganza was a most memorable event.  With great people and companies in attendance and the soon to be wed all in awe of the plethora of amazing choices before them, it is always such a joy to see so many happy brides and grooms to be.  Smiles on their faces and eyes lit up at the prospect of a future filled with white frills and lace, bowties and stunning vintage transportation.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick 

Fine Dining in NYC

New York City is an incredible metropolis and with so much to offer it is difficult to find a comparable town anywhere in the world.  The shows, the museums, the nightlife and the people are varied and colorful and represent all creeds’, nations and walks of life.  The restaurants in the Big Apple are no different.  Our original intent was to compile a list of the five best restaurants in New York, but we quickly realized that there was no way to do that without categorizing or at least narrowing down the venues.  So with that though in mind we will present to you the three best restaurants for fine dining in New York City (see also top 5 steak houses in NYC)

First on our list is Eleven Madison Park (or EMP).  Truly this incredible restaurant operated by award winning chef Danielle Humm and partner Will Guidara has no equal.  Accumulating award after aware these dynamic culinary masters continue to reinvent themselves year after year in a successful effort to keep patrons excited and coming back for more.  Just recently the duo scraped a winning formula in favor of a $195 a head, 16 course Gotham themed meal the likes of which have never been seen anywhere else.  This epic meal is accompanied by slight of hand and entertaining pallor tricks designed to delight the senses as well as the palate.

Momofuko Ko requires reservations to be made at least six days in advance and offers exclusive seating for only 12 patrons!  This may not seem like a successful business model but chef David Chang’s ever-evolving menu is incomparable and something that one with the means should not miss.  A recent highlight and patron favorite is the raw fluke coated in a tangy buttermilk, poppy seeds and chili sauce.  Kos inventive culinary genius has prompted some amazing creations including a panne cotte made from milk mixed with marinating cornflakes.

A culinary gem in the midst of the Upper East Side, world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud’s Daniel is the epitome of fine dining.  A luxurious and elegant ambience and unmatched service set the tone for award winning French cuisine.  In fact Daniel is one of the very few New York City restaurants to attain the coveted three star Michelin rating.  Daniel Boulud is not the only award winning chef retained by Daniel, in traditional French style they have executive chefs for each aspect of their delectable menu.  We recommend a tasting menu with wine pairings; try their black sea bass or the citrus fluke you will not find better anywhere else in NYC.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick 

A New Van Gogh!

Vincent Van Gogh is considered one of the great renaissance masters, a Dutchman who lived from 1853-1890.  His work is noted for is rough beauty, its emotional honesty and bold color.  Some of his more recognizable works include “The Starry Night”, “The Blooming Plum Tree”, “The Night Café” as well as numerous portraits and self-portraits.  An artistic genius unfortunately plagued by psychological problems and woefully underappreciated in his own time, Van Gogh is recognized today as a true master.

Incredibly a new painting by Van Gogh has been discovered in a neglected Norwegian attic.  Over 120 years after the artists death he is still miraculously able to share with us his amazing talent with the long lost “Sunset at Monmajour”.  It is the first full sized canvas done by the Dutch master to be discovered since 1928.  The discovery involved some serious modern day detective work and much verification as the painting was at first thought to be a fake.

This is a monumental discovery and we are privileged to have discovered this long lost treasure.  It is a very rare occurrence that such a masterpiece could have been hidden for such a great length of time.  It will be displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam for the viewing pleasure of the general public!

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick