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Motivation

Posted On: February 24, 2014

Motivation


 

 

Previously we have discussed negotiation and how to get others to agree with your perspective or way of thinking; today I would like to talk about motivation.  Specifically what motivates your employees, most would jump right in and dripping with sarcasm say “money” and while that may be true it is not the most powerful motivator and at best it is only one of many.  Motivating our employees is something important to all of us, obviously we all want to get the most out of our workers and there are many ways to do so. 

 

Psychological motivation can be done in several ways and can be far more powerful then typically given credit for (it is also one of the least costly and simplest methods of motivation).  In our conversation about negotiation we talked about the ability to get others to do what we need through playing on motivators, love, fear, desire all of these things still hold true for the purposes of getting out employees to work.  Fear of losing their job or being replaced, love of a position or a superior, the desire to clime the corporate ladder or get that next promotion, all of these are motivating factors in business.  There are other ways beside playing on desires; communicate with your employees, talk with them and build relationships with them, they need to see you as an individual, an actual human being and they will be more willing to take that extra step for you.

 

Of course we all know that money motivates, as do material items.  Instead of a raise on occasion it may be more meaningful to give someone a gift tailored to his or her needs or likings, a company car a particular piece of jewelry.  Recently I was the recipient of a beautiful watch that was unexpected and very thoughtful, I am not a watch person but this specific piece was perfectly tailored to my style.  It was a great gift and a powerful motivator.  It was also given unexpectedly which made it mean that much more.

 

Finally we have motivation that comes in the form of non-material gifts, things such as health benefits, autonomy and paid time off.  These can be the best type of motivators because they can often be relatively inexpensive and they can also quite often carry the most meaning.  Public affirmation of a job well done, a new title or responsibility, even to just hear the words that indicate appreciation, then there are those more traditional non-material rewards like employees benefits, paid vacation time, a company car or a coveted parking spot.

 

All of these are great motivators and alternative rewards to what is done more traditionally.  It is important to know the people who work for you, know what makes them happy and attempt to reward those that deserve it.   There are many ways to motivate but there is also a best way tailored to each individual, find that way and watch the success that follows.

 

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

 

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The Obvious (Sticking To The Basics)

Posted On: January 06, 2015

The Obvious (Sticking To The Basics)


Business today can get complicated.  Years ago things were much simpler; there was the right way to do things and the wrong way.  Most processes and business plans were implemented and created using a very straight forward process, something like A+B=C, and that was just the way things were done.  Today there are many things responsible for changing the game; chief amongst them is the Internet.  Undoubtedly the greatest invention of the 20th century the Internet has done so much for so many, but by far its greatest impact has been on the business world.

 

Where as years ago there was just a certain way that things were done and people just simply did not deviate from that process.  Today with information being so readily available to just about everyone, everybody’s an authority and everyone has their own idea about how things should be done.  It is easy to get lost in the jumble and too lose sight of the goals and values of what your business is all about.  We see so many startups fail as quickly as they arose for a plethora of reasons. 

 

One of the main factors in all this rising and falling is the deviation from the tried and true.  There was a reason that things were done a particular way for so long and this is because it worked.  When in doubt and even when trying to be innovative do not hesitate to go with what is obvious and to stick with the basics, after all they have been proven to work, even if you are looking to do something different start with what’s been done before.  Be careful of over thinking a problem and breezing right by the best and most obvious answer.

 

Business is more involved and more complicated then ever before.  Fifty years ago it was a simpler time where there existed a pretty straightforward formula for most enterprises, today things are a bit different.  It is important to remember that even when trying to stand out and be innovative start with the basics, never overlook the obvious.  After all there is a reason things were done a certain way for so long, sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.

 

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! 

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How To Identify And Eliminate Procrastination In The Workplace

Posted On: June 18, 2015

How To Identify And Eliminate Procrastination In The Workplace


Procrastination is the biggest reason for sub par performance in the work place.   Why is procrastination such a common phenomenon?  How can we minimize it in our own office?  How can we minimize it in our own lives?  We are all guilty of putting off distasteful tasks, giving the bad performance review to a long time employee, fielding that service complaint, typing up that quarterly report, we all have things we put off to the last minute.  What can we do to stop this?

 

To learn how it can be mitigated first we must understand why it is happening. Motivation is the biggest deterrent of procrastination; if you and your people are motivated they will get things done.  If you are not motivated you are going to do the bare minimum required of your position.  There is just no reason to do more.  People absolutely must be motivated in order for your business to be successful.

 

There are many ways to motivate your people.  There is tons of literature on this subject.  To quickly name just a few of the more common methods, reward your people, recognize their achievements and attempt to make their everyday tasks fun.

 

Barring motivating people (because really you could right a book on that) there are several other ways to keep your people focused.  Make a list, lots of people (myself included) love completing tasks and crossing items off a checklist.  This gives a measurable sense of accomplishment.  Another options is to keep your mind fresh by taking periodic breaks.  Research has shown that productivity drops off dramatically after a certain amount of hours are logged into a particular task.  So even though on paper it may not add up, it is important to take a break for a few minutes every couple of hours or so.  Finally just do it, suck it up and dive into it, the sooner you begin the sooner it will be over, and 99% of the time it will not be half as bad as your mind is making it out to be.

 

Ultimately procrastination is the thief of time, we are all guilty of it and the harm it does to our businesses is immeasurable.  Motivate yourself and the people around you; lack of motivation is the number one cause of procrastination.  There are many ways to motivate; if you’re stuck for ideas check out some of these previous posts.  If motivation is not an immediate possibility try one of, or all of, these three things.  Make a list we all love checking off items on a long list, take breaks, this is important and although counter intuitive it keeps the mind sharp and focused, and finally when all else fails, just do it, the quicker you dive in the faster you get used to the water.

 

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, 2015 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

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Trips To The Outlets

Posted On: June 05, 2014

Trips To The Outlets


 

Seniors aren’t the only ones looking to head out to the outlets for the great bargains; they make for a great destination for anyone.   All Star Limousine has seen a huge increase recently in the frequency of our shuttles and buses heading over to these amazing shopping plazas.  We are fortunate enough as residents of Long Island to have access to several of these ultra convenient outlet clusters.

 

The Tanger outlet in Dear Park is a great one.  Beautiful and recently redone they boast a plethora of stores as well as several great eateries including Nathans Famous and Johnny Rockets.   Looking for something to do aside from shop?  Catch a flick at Regal Cinemas.   If you live further east there is also a Tanger in Riverhead.

 

You will not find a more High-end outdoor shopping facility then Americana Manhasset.  This is a true luxury-shopping destination and it is the largest open-air shopping center in New York.  With stores like Two By London, Gucci, Chanel, and Burberry, Americana Manhasset tends to cater to those looking to spend a few extra dollars.  Their exists no other collection of such prestigious retail stores outside of Paris France, truly a one of a kind location and an experience in and of itself.

 

So next time your in need of a new pair of shoes turn the chore into an experience with a visit to one of Long Islands famous outlets.  Take your friends and get driven in style, or take a huge group and be economical about the day.  Tanger outlets is brand new, redone and has something for everyone, Americana Manahset is a shopping experience that is truly one of a kind.  Regardless your preference you have to get there somehow call All Star Limousine 24/7/365 for all your travel needs!

 

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

 

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Loyalty (Consumer Rewards)

Posted On: August 07, 2014

Loyalty (Consumer Rewards)


 

 

Loyalty is important in business for many reasons , today we would like to discuss loyalty to a brand.  Many consumers, travelers especially, have in years past cast their vote for their favorite airlines, hotels, retail stores and restaurants, by obtaining customer rewards and loyalty cards.   Many businesses offer their customer’s rewards cards, credit cards that offer the client incentives based on the amount of money they spend at the store or the amount of time spend using their services.  These incentives include discounts, the accumulation of points and or free merchandise or service.  In years past this has created fanatical loyalty, but due to recent changes in many of these programs, most apparently in airlines, these die-hard consumers are cutting up their once cherished rewards cards.

 

The causes behind the mass exodus are changes viewed as unfair or biased, changes in many of these rewards based programs are now riddled with stipulations and fine print.  For example many airlines are not rewarding you by the amount of miles that you fly but by the amount of money you spend.  This heavily favors the business traveler as opposed to the leisure traveler as the later normally has the rewards card so that they can save money and take advantage of different perks as they become available.  So the results are that approximately 33% of travelers last year were driven by cost and value as opposed to 9% that were driven by loyalty to the brand or company.  This is a drastic change from past years.

 

Ultimately it may mean the end of loyalty programs and rewards cards or a reversion back to the old ways when consumers were happy.   The average customer has access to a lot more options and information then they once had and they now have a choice.  The answer for companies is to give the people what they want or risk losing their business.

 

In conclusion customer loyalty to a brand or business is what drives profits and growth.  If a business loses the loyalty of its customers the result can only be a negative impact to the bottom line.  The change in many of these programs was made in an effort to get their customer base to spend more, but in reality the change has done the exact opposite.  If brands want to keep their customers happy a change needs to be made. 

 

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

 

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