The Backup Plan August 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

Safe Transportation

Driving can be a dangerous thing.  Transportation for many is a stressful, and often times, dangerous undertaking.  In 2013 The National Safety Council reported an estimated 35,200 traffic fatalities in the United States alone.  On average automobiles kill more people then guns, and are statistically one of the most dangerous weapons ever invented by man.   Why is this?  There are many reasons and they include everything from driver error to mechanical failure.  It is near impossible for me to list here all the potential dangers one could face while operating an automobile as I have no where near the space required to create such a lengthy list.   

What can we do?  Fortunately there are several steps one can take to ensure safe travels.  Hiring a reliable and reputable executive car service is one such measure.  Now it is very important to make the distinction between a black car service and an executive car service as a black car service can cause more problems then it solves.  An executive car will be owned by a properly insured company and operated by a professional driver.  These individuals drive for a living and have tens if not hundreds of thousands of hours behind the wheel.  It is their job to get you too your destination safely and expeditiously.

In addition it is important to get into the habit of doing several things when you get into an automobile, whether as a passenger or a driver.  Do not attempt to drive when not well rested, it is essential to be alert at all times when on the road.  Make sure the vehicle you are operating has been maintained properly and there are no mechanical issues with the vehicle.  Exercise proper driving etiquette and procedures, wear your seatbelt, signal when changing lanes, check your mirrors and obey the speed limits.  As a passenger make sure to buckle up, try to refrain from making loud noises or distracting the driver.  Do not eat drink or talk on your cell phone while operating a vehicle.  Keep your hands, feet and head inside the vehicle at all times.  Small children should be properly secured in the rear of the vehicle in a car seat.  And above all else never drink and drive or operate under the influence of drugs.

Driving can be a dangerous undertaking if the proper precautions are not taken.   To truly alleviate the stress and danger hire the right professional driver and executive car service.  Finding the right one will take time and research.  Even when you are a passenger in a vehicle be safe and exercise good travel etiquette, when you are a driver exercise extreme caution.  Operating an automobile is a privilege and should be done so smartly and responsibly.

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

3 Signs Its Time To Let Someone Go

Firing or dismissing an employee is one of the least liked aspects of management.  Sometimes though it is unavoidable.  No one wants to be fired and no one wakes up in the morning saying wow I can’t wait to fire someone today.  However prolonging the inevitable is bad for everyone involved, the company the, manager and the employee in question.  How do we know it is time?  How can we tell when the time has come to let someone go and that there is no hope of redemption.

A general bad attitude; if you have someone in your organization who not only treats co-workers but superiors and subordinates rudely or poorly then this is a major problem.  Also in this category falls those that constantly speak poorly about the company, or have a very miserable or negative perspective on things.  This indicates that this individual has little or no respect for his peers or the company.

Constant lateness or absenteeism; if you have an employee who cannot be on time or who is constantly taking time off no matter how good the reason is then that is a problem.   This indicates laziness, poor time management, or someone who is not able to prioritize (or someone who does not think work is a priority.)

Underperformance; Sometimes no matter how hard someone tries or how much time they put into something they just can’t do it or aren’t good at it.  After all the training and coaching and help available is given and offered and the individual in question still can’t make quota or still cannot perform the necessary tasks then he or she is not right for the job.

These are three red flags for employers.  If you are guilty of any of these things then you should seriously revaluate your priorities or your career choice.  If you are an employer and have someone like this in your organization then it might be time for that hard talk.

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

Reputation

In business your reputation is a key component when determining success or failure.  Your reputation attends the meetings you do not, your reputation is your number one marketing tool, your reputation enters the building before you do and your reputation manages your employees when you aren’t there.  Your reputation is something that is earned and it is something that s developed over time, it is also something you can control and enhance.

One good way to build a positive reputation is to become the authority on something.  Be the best at what you do.  Be known as the limousine expert or the nutrition guy.  People will always refer to you when they have a question regarding your particular field of expertise.  Whatever it is that you are the authority in write about it, talk about, stay up on it and be free and giving with your knowledge.   People will see the value in you and in what you have to offer.

Build charisma.  Charisma is defined as compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.   Be charming, be likable, be friendly, some people make others smile when they enter the room, others make people cry.  Don’t be the guy everyone talks poorly about when he leaves the room, be the guy people are happy to see and the guy that people miss when hes gone.  A good way to do this is to be genuine and to truly like seeing people, if you really like to see others they will really like to see you.

Care about other people and get to know them.  Know who can do what, know who can get things done and who the movers and shakers in the industry are.  No one can do everything and people who try to often find themselves in difficult situations.  Develop a network of capable experts and refer them to others.  Doing this allows you to help two people at the same time.  With a reliable and true network you will become known as a problem solver or the person that you need to go too to get things done.

Reputation isn’t necessarily everything but it is certainly one of the key components of success.  Build charisma, care about others and get to know them, try to genuinely like people and help them by networking and taking advantage of their abilities.  Be the best at what you do and be generous with your knowledge and expertise.  You will develop a reputation as an authority and people will seek you out for your advice.  Your reputation is earned, for good or bad, do your best to make it a golden one.

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