The Backup Plan August 2014

The Art of Presentation

Words can be a powerful thing.   With words you can build cities, change lives and make dreams come true.  With words you can also destroy worlds and change the course of human history.  Sometimes the difference between destroying dreams and fulfilling them is a simple choice of vocabulary, a particular type of delivery or a certain presentation.

Imagine you are pitching a revolutionary invention to group of venture capitalists.  You have bankrupted yourself doing the research, gathering and processing the data and building the prototype, this is your last shot to bring your product to the market.  The good news is you know it works; you have discovered and invented an amazing thing that will change people’s lives for the better.  You have the analytics, the market research is there, but how can you make sure this group of investors sees and understands this.  Obviously the next several minutes are absolutely vital for success.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression and with this said the first minute of your presentation is absolutely pivotal.  You need to capture the attention of audience within the first 60 seconds of your presentation or you will have a near impossible time of ever obtaining it. 

Here are several tips to help you the next time you present.  Use images liberally, paint a picture for your audience, tell an entertaining and informative story and use the imagination of those you are engaging.  Look at those you are speaking too, make lots of eye contact and smile.  Engage your audience and understand their emotions, let them ask questions and don’t be afraid to digress from your scripted speech if you feel it will be more impactful.  Remember don’t drone on for 45 minutes if you can say what you need to in 5, also don’t use thirty slides to get your point across when one is enough, sometimes less is more.

Follow these steps and never underestimate the power of words.  Language can make or break even the mightiest of things and it is a tool and weapon that should be mastered.  The art of presentation is vital for success in any business.

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, 2014 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Together

Recently we posted a blog about golden handcuffs and not long ago we talked about how to motivate your employees, today we are going to reveal a secret that will make your employees love you and bend over backwards for you without costing you a penny.    It is so simple, and to some so obvious, and when done right it can make an impression that lasts a lifetime.  The secret revolves around one word, together. 

Imagine you’re a novice on a construction site; you’re in the middle of digging out the foundation for a new home, its hot, two of your co-workers called out sick, you’re tired and dirty.  You’re waste deep in a hole soaked in sweat and here comes this guy in a collared shirt and slacks, a tie, sunglasses and a Rolex watch.  He’s talking on his cell phone and from the bits and pieces that you can hear he’s talking about money and lots of it.   He continues towards you and as he hangs up his cell phone you become the center of his attention, he walks over to the edge of your pit and just stares at you for a moment.  Sweats pouring off your brow and you feel like a bug in a jar as this executive judges and glares down at you.  Right as you place him in the pretentious jerk category he begins to do something completely unexpected.  He takes off the sunglasses, the Rolex and the tie, rolls up his sleeves, grabs a shovel and jumps down into your pit.  You look on stunned as he begins to help you dig out this foundation.  He notices your surprise, smiles and offers his hand; he introduces himself as the CEO of the construction company and says something to you that you will never forget “Lets do this together.”

When a superior is not only willing to give orders but to carry them out, it impacts an employee on so many levels.  It shows that they are human, that just because they might make more money or have more authority then you do that they don’t think they are any better or above any task.  It indicates to the employee that their superior understands the tasks that they ask you to perform and that when necessary they are willing to roll up their sleeves and do what is necessary to make something happen.  It shows the staff that management is aware of what is going on and that they are not in some ivory tower just arbitrarily giving orders.

When people work together amazing things happen.  Sometimes all it takes to inspire is a little elbow grease or some understanding.  We are all human and we are all part of a team.  The next time you see an employee struggling or a co-worker that is over whelmed don’t smile inwardly and say I’m glad that’s not me, say lets do this together.

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, 2014 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Executive Strategy

How often have you seen the most brilliant of ideas fall to the wayside because of poor communication or execution?  Why does this happen?  There can be many reasons behind the failure of great ideas, and unfortunately many casualties left in the wake of such a failure.  The impact of great ideas that fail is far greater then the impact of simply mediocre ideas, primarily because more people will get behind a great idea, people will invest more into something they think is brilliant or innovative.   So why is it that something that in theory sounds so good fail so completely during execution?

Often times the failure rests with those at the top, leaders or mangers that are uninvolved either in the initial design or in the execution of the idea.  When a new strategy is suggested or a new and innovative idea is proposed all members of the executive team and all the department heads need to be fully involved and fully aware as well as be fully on board.

All involved need to possess the necessary skill sets and abilities to make the idea manifest.  Without the ability to correctly execute a strategy it will always remain simply an idea.  Many times training the key individuals begins after an idea has been proposed; this can potentially lead to disaster in the case of an important player involved in the execution of the project not being able to learn what is necessary for him to properly do his part.

The vision needs to be cohesive and thorough.  Whatever idea is proposed, or strategy is suggested, it needs to be well thought out and as realistic as possible.  Communication must be clear on all levels and across all channels.  The strategy must be created to include every aspect and facet that will be involved so that there are no surprises along the way.  These potential unknowns are what often times throws a wrench in an otherwise well thought out plan.

In the end communication and ability play a major role in executing an executive strategy.  Those at the top need to be informed and able, those involved need to have the necessary training prior to the implementation of any proposed changes or ideas.  The idea must be realistic and completely thought out from beginning to end.  This is how brilliant ideas become reality.

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, 2014 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

 by Jarrad Kulick

Golden Handcuffs

We often talk about what we want from our employees and what is expected from co-workers and subordinates, but what do they want from management, what is it that employees are looking for in their career.  We have all heard the term “Golden Handcuffs” typically this is a reference to an incentive, or benefit package, that keeps an employee in their current position.  These Golden Handcuffs can come in many forms, matching 401k’s, employee benefits, cost of living adjustments, paid time off and more.  Sometimes our employees just want to know they are appreciated and that those above them care and recognize their hard work and dedication.  What can we do to make sure our employees are happy and that we are maximizing their productivity?

Previously we discussed methods of motivating employees.  Some of these methods included the aforementioned paid time off, performance bonuses and benefits.  Some of the other methods discussed included caring and showing interest in those you employ, take the time to get to know them and their needs.   Some people want more then just money they want security they want compassion, or they want recognition.  Everyone is different it is important to take the time to get to know those that are responsible for the daily machinations of your business, know their wants needs, expectations and desires.

Everyone’s Golden Handcuffs are different, there are many incentives that can be offered to employees in an effort to get them motivated and to keep them happy.  Identify their specific and individual needs, take the time to get to know them.  Sometimes all’s’ it takes is a little pat on the back , sometimes it takes a little more.

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, 2014 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

 by Jarrad Kulick

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

We are all imperfect and we all need help, it takes more courage and strength to ask for it then it does to turn it down.  Most of us view people that ask for help as weak and needy, but the reality is that it takes a much stronger person to admit to their failures and inadequacies.  We are taught at a very young age to be confident and independent, to make up our own minds and to be decisive.   The truth is that no one can do everything and that we all need help at one point or another.

As a good leader we must be confident and aware enough of our own abilities that we can recognize skills and strengths in others, and then to not be afraid to admit that someone may be better then you at something.  Many of us assume that asking for help is dangerous and reveals weakness, we assume that it takes control away from us and that we now owe someone for helping us or that we are burdening him or her by asking for a favor. 

The reality is that by asking someone for help you are paying him or her a compliment and doing them as much a favor as they are doing you.   When you ask for help you are letting someone showcase their gifts and talents, you are showing someone that you trust them and value them.  When you ask for help you allow someone to experience the joy that comes from giving.  Teamwork creates a bond and a flow that often turns tasks and chores into engaging, and sometimes fun, activities.

As a co-worker of mine is so fond of saying “Teamwork makes the dream work”.  It takes a good leader and a powerful individual to trust in the abilities of others.  None of us are perfect and we all need help from time to time.  Being stubborn and trying to do everything yourself is ignorant and foolish, asking others for assistance shows strength and confidence.  Don’t think of it as imposing or relinquishing control, think of it as giving someone else the opportunity to showcase their talents and to pay them a compliment.

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, 2014 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

 by Jarrad Kulick