The Backup Plan Business

Never Stop Dreaming

All of us experience moments of disenchantment.  In every person’s life there are moments of loss and sadness, of rejection and disappointment, this is what we accept as reality.   Many would argue that without these lows the highs would not be recognized as positive things, others would argue that this is an archaic and masochistic way of thinking.  I want to tell you that this world is exactly what you make it and that we have much more control over our realities then most people realize.  Never give up, never stop dreaming because it is only when you stop believing that your dreams become unattainable. 

Remember to follow your heart but be smart about the decisions that you make, be careful and strategic about chasing your dreams don’t just rush blindly in.  Listen to everyone but in the end decide for yourself.  This world is full of so many people and all of them have their own unique perspective of the world we live in.  It is important to get other people’s opinions about the way things are because often times it will help you find different solutions to problems or to understand previously nonsensical situations, but remember to always do what works best for you.  Take risks (but again be smart about the risks you take) if you never take a chance you will never give yourself the opportunity to succeed.  Remember that there is only one you, you are unique in this world, people will learn from you they will listen to you and they will love you for your individuality.  Your life is yours and yours alone and at the end of it you are the only one who has to live with all of the decision you have made, be true to yourself.

So the next time you feel stuck in a rut or disillusioned remember who is the master of your destiny.  You are an individual and there is only one you, make the decisions that you want to make and do what works best for you.  Take risks and follow your heart but be smart about the moves you make.  Remember your dreams only cease to become possible because you stop trying to achieve them.

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

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is Facebook’s most recent and most expensive purchase to date, at $19 billion what is so valuable about this platform that most of us have never even heard of.  $19 billion in stock and cash is no small sum and although the network boasts over 400 million users the $19 billion number still sounds incredibly high.  With no plans to allow advertising on the network, and an impressive but not justifying user base, what is so great about Zuckerberg’s latest purchase?

Well lets start with identifying exactly what WhatsApp is, essentially it is a replacement for text messaging.  It gets rid of the pay-per-text model and allows users to message one another as long as they have another users phone number, a cheaper way to text.  The trend has yet to really catch on here in the west but the other half of the world has transitioned away from traditional text messaging and primarily uses networks like WhatsApp, WhatsApp itself being the dominate international platform.  But still $19 billion!

Well Zuckerberg may have made a very bold but well thought out move here.  First of all this network is growing fast, much faster then Facebook (remember growth drives valuation).  Second he has prevented WhatsApp from being purchased by Google, a major competitor in the social networking world these days.  Thirdly Zuckerberg claims that WhatsApp is going to be a key component in his plan to making the world more interconnected and in bringing internet to the 2 thirds of the world that currently do not have access.

Ultimately Zuckerberg has made a huge power move here by acquiring what could potentially be a monster of a network before his competition.  WhatsApp also fits into his plans for the creation of a true international network.  Zuckerberg is watching the trends and paying particular attention to growth, as social networking is at its core about trends and about what the users want.  At a glance the $19 billion dollar purchase may seem like madness but upon closer examination it may be truly genius.

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

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

Polite and Professional Company

There are certain things one should not do or say when in polite or professional company.  The three traditionally taboo subjects have always been politics religion and sex.  Some would argue that to censor any subject universally is unconstitutional or inhumane, pushing us further and further toward a cold computerized future.  Others say that there is a time and a place for certain topics and conversations and that for the most part work is not the place to air out your dirty laundry.  I think that most things are situational, there is no universal law that accurately states what you can and cannot discuss in a professional environment, however people need to exercise a little emotional intelligence and recognize that there are most definitely certain people and certain places where certain topics should be avoided.

Firstly, when at work, do not talk about the money you make with co-workers.  This should be obvious and the problems it can create are numerous, from an employees perspective it may not seem all that bad but from the point of view of an employer it is never a good thing.  It can also create problems amongst employees; telling someone who does the same job as you that you make more then them is not good for morale and if you were to find out that the person sitting next to you was making more how would that make you feel?

Religion and politics is also another area where one should tread carefully.   Some people take their religious orientation and political views very seriously and will take or cause offense when speaking passionately about subjects they take personally.  The work place is not a place for debate or argument it is a place for work.

Your sex life or your personal life is also another subject that should be avoided unless you are talking with close friends.  No one wants to hear your dirty laundry, your boss doesn’t need to know what club you were at the night before or who you spent last night with.  Sexual orientation is not something to be discussed at work, who you are with and what you do behind closed doors are subjects best left discussed behind those same doors.

Ultimately there are topics that are better avoided when at work or in polite company.  Of course there are exceptions to every rule and no one wants to stifle anyone’s humanity or too force people into a cold robotic mentality.  So it is important to think before you speak and to exercise some emotional intelligence in certain situations, especially when at the work place or in polite company.

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

Skills Every Manager Should Have

Every organization and business is different.  Every company will emphasize the importance of certain characteristics and traits in their management teams, but there are several skills that are universally necessary for any good leader.  These are skills that are, almost without exception, absolutely mandatory for any good manager or boss.

Charisma.  Every manger should be able to influence and motivate those below them.  If not by words then by example, a manager needs to ensure that his employees are doing the work that needs to be done. If a manager cannot motivate the workers production will never be what it should be.  Typically this calls for a “lead by example type scenario” show through doing.  Your people will respect you all the more seeing you do what you ask them to do; it will also show them you do not think you are too important for a particular task.

Emotional Intelligence.  Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a term that is relatively young by psychological standards but it basically means having empathy.  The soft side of management is never one to be underestimated; a good manager must be able to understand the perspective of those he is managing.  

Communication.  A leader must be able to explain his or her position or the position of the company he represents.  He must be able to properly communicate.  This removes doubt from the workplace and in the public’s eye; it will portray your organization as an honest one and will relay to people exactly what you are all about.  Good communication will also help your company grow, it will convey properly to others the vision and goals of the business.  Everyone working for with and around you, as well as those who purchase your product or use your service, will understand your company and help it on its journey to success.

Passion.  A manager should have compassion he should truly believe in what he represents and the company he is responsible for.   Management is not something that can be done half-heartedly or without decisiveness, it must be something that is done to the best of your ability 24/7/365 and executed with out doubt.  Your passion and conviction will be relayed onto those that you service and to those that work for you.

Ultimately there are many skills that managers need to possess and of course most of these are industry specific.  There are several that are universally required.  The afore mentioned are absolutely necessary for a manger to be successful at his job; charisma will help motivate the workers, EQ will help a leader better understand those he is responsible for, communication will help on al levels and passion will fuel the engine.  Master these skills and enjoy your success.

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