The Backup Plan June 2014

The Age of Disruption

In todays digital age things change fast, sometimes so fast entire industries are turned upside down practically overnight.  Innovation is a wonderful thing but often times with innovation comes turmoil and chaos, advancement renders the current systems obsolete and while many are satisfied, some end up out of the job. 

This is the nature of evolution and progress, however in our present time in history things change faster then ever before.   Sometimes innovations and new technologies are rendered obsolete before they even hit the market.  Other times institutions and organizations that have existed for decades are boarding up their locations worldwide due to being behind on the newest technologies, Kodak is a prefect example of exactly this.  There are other problems with rapid advancement such as the market not being properly prepared or ready for the technology, or there being exploitable loopholes that were not discovered by the manufacturer prior to the release of their product. 

The black car service Uber is an example of something that has grown too big too fast.  Recently evaluated at 19 billion dollars, and being a favorite for investors and venture capitalists Uber’s appeal is obvious, rapid, easily attainable and cheap transportation anywhere.  It is turning the Taxi industry upside down putting millions out of the job, but at the same time providing employment for millions more.   This is the essence of innovation, something newer, cheaper and ultimately better comes along and puts the competition out of business, capitalism at it’s finest.  But a look behind the scenes reveals something horrific.  The most frightening aspect of the whole situation is that no one seems to be aware of how dangerous Uber really is, I don’t mean dangerous for TLC and the cab companies around the world, I mean dangerous for their unsuspecting customers. 

Uber is not properly regulated, the drivers and their vehicles are not properly insured, inspected or maintained, nor is there anyone who can be held accountable should accidents and worse occur, and worse has occurred.  At least three Uber drivers have been accused of sexual assault, two of kidnapping and there has been worse.  Several of these drivers have been in very bad accidents while transporting customers, in a few of these unfortunate cases the passengers were maimed or permanently injured, yet law suits are pending and all the potentially guilty parties are pointing their fingers at one another.

You could chalk things like this up to growing pains or say that maybe their still working the bugs out, or if you were cold hearted enough maybe even say well that’s the cost of doing business.  You could also say that all the laws, rules and regulations regarding the trafficking and transportation of people are there for very good reason and an innovative technology that in some ways circumnavigates these laws may not be as great as they initially seem.  Perhaps only time will tell and these are decisions that we all need to make as individuals, I only ask that when something appears too good to be true that perhaps it is worth investigating a little further.

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

Long Islands wine country has grown and evolved substantially over the past 30 plus years, Vineyard 48 represents the most recent evolution.  Vineyard 48’s business model and approach to life on Long Islands north fork is drastically different then the competition.  For one this is not you quiet classic wine tasting venue, you will not be one of five people in the place and there will not be classical music playing as you are poured thimbles full of wine to sniff at and gargle with (not that there is anything wrong with that).  Vineyard 48 offers a very different experience.

Catering to a younger crowd Vineyard 48 is an all-together different type of wine tasting experience.  They have live music that is often louder then you might expect at a winery, they also encourage you to drink their vintage.  You can sit outdoors at picnic tables and order pitchers of there incredible Sangria as well glasses and bottles of some of the more traditional vintages you would expect to find on Long Islands North fork.   Make no mistake however Vineyard 48 is not a wine bar, they make some very exquisite and elegant vintages and offer patrons the option of a traditional wine tasting as well as a lively, some-what different, vineyard experience.

A beautiful addition to Long Island wine country and for those of you looking for something different this is the place to go.  Trying to capture the younger market while still adhering to tradition, Vineyard 48 has something to offer for everyone.  Vineyard 48 is the next evolution of Long Island’s wine country.

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

As far as company productivity is concerned maximizing the output and ability of your employees is paramount.  As a manager one of the most challenging objectives you face is getting the most out of your subordinates.  Inefficiency and lack of motivation are two key factors that contribute to a less then optimized employee or organization.  Recent research shows that the average employee wastes about one third of the time they spend at work, that’s about 12-15 hours a week.  How can we stop this, how can we get the most out of our people?

Setting goals and creating realistic and attainable objectives is a good idea to help keep your team on track.  Helping employees stay focused and keeping their eye on the prize by giving them measurable and relevant goals, this will prevent stagnation and a floundering of sorts that happens when a person is mismanaged or not giving enough direction.  Encourage communication amongst employees, their superiors and subordinates, have them share their goals and successes as well as their work related problems and failures.  This can be done through email chains or via social media as well as through weekly or monthly team meetings.  This will help to keep everyone on track; it will also promote idea sharing and troubleshooting.

Motivation is a key element in getting the most out of your employees.  There are many things that motivate people; ultimately it depends on the individual.  Even more important then motivation is inspiration.  Let your employees motivate themselves from within.  Share with them your vision and their place within it, most will work harder and accomplish more.   Good motivating factors are also reward based systems and one of the best rewards you can give an employee is time, shorten the work week or give them paid time off, let them work from home if possible.   There are so many emerging models that have cultivated success and many of these veer away from the traditional 40-hour work week.

We all face the challenge of coaxing the best out of our employees.  Maximizing the efficiency and ability of the individuals on your staff could quit possibly be the single most important factor in creating a successful business.  There are several tactics managers can use to bring out the best of their staff.  Set realistic, attainable goals and encourage communication among your employees this will keep them focused and promote problem solving.  Get to know who is working for you and discover what motivates them, try to inspire your employees and share with them the overall vision of your business,  motivate them from within.

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

Grace Under Pressure

In business, or at work, we are often confronted with problems and high-pressure situations, sometimes this environment can create stress and lead to conflict, it is important, for so many reasons, that when these situations present themselves that you remain calm and maintain your professionalism.   Problems and arguments in the work place are inevitable, not everyone sees thing the same way and sooner or later a problem will arise where in which someone will need to defend their particular perspective or point of view.  When this happens there are several steps that can be taken in an effort to minimize hostility and loss of production.  It is important that things do not spiral out of control during a workplace argument as more then just feelings can be hurt.

Firstly when engaging in a disagreement at work it is important to recognize and emphasize only the facts.  Opinions are not something that should be debated, make sure both sides have their facts strait and that any misunderstandings are cleared up before the argument proceeds.  A solid understanding of reality is needed for there to be any possibility of resolution.   Secondly it is paramount to understand that this is business it isn’t personal, individual beliefs or feelings not relevant to the topic at hand must be omitted.  Remember the argument is about business not about you.  Try to remain calm and relaxed, if things become irrational the last thing you want to do is raise your voice or indulge a fiery temper, the cooler head will always prevail and bullying your way through a disagreement automatically makes you the loser.

If a work place disagreement spirals out of control the damage can potentially be severe.  Not only will the relationships of the individuals engaging in the argument be irrevocably altered but those on the peripheral of the debate are also affected.  If superiors or subordinates lose their temper in front of peers the images of those persons are affected.  One may think well if he is yelling at a co-worker like that what would he do to a customer?  Productivity will also grind to a halt during an argument, especially one that is irrational or shows no signs of resolution.  A bad disagreement is like a stone thrown into calm waters, the effects ripple outward, rumors start and reputations are forever damaged.

Remember disagreements in the workplace are inevitable, but there is a right way to handle them and a wrong way.  Keep calm, be rational and stick to the business at hand.  The results of an argument not handled properly can be devastating to not only those directly involved but the business and infrastructure as well.  Work is not always easy, if it was we wouldn’t call it work, it is important that we maintain our grace under pressure and keep calm in the face of conflict.

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

Laurel Lake Vineyards

Nestled at the heart of Long Islands gorgeous wine country Laurel Lake is the epitome of Long Island beauty.  Elegant and picturesque Laurel Lake Vineyards is the perfect example of what Long Island wine country is all about.  Purchased by a group of Chilean and American vintner’s with a true love for win, they dubbed their prospect “The Jewel of Long Island”, once you visit this stunning vineyard you will understand why.

Both the grounds and the establishment itself emphasize the classic elegance of Long Islands Wine Country.  A massive two-story deck offers guests a stunning panoramic view of the vineyard itself and makes for the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or have a picnic.  With a true natural beauty highlighted by the décor and the vintage itself, Laurel Lakes is an incredible and inviting venue.

For classic beauty and natural elegance Laurel Lake Vineyard is the place to go.  Their crisp and refreshing Long Island vintage combined with the stunning surroundings truly make Laurel Lake “The Jewel of Long Island”.

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