The Motivation Blog

March 2009Monthly Archives

Little Odessa, Brighton Beach

In 1868, a beach community was developed one the southern tip of Brooklyn. In 1978 a contest was held to name the community, and a group of business decided that the winning name would be that of Brighton, reminiscent and in honor of Brighton, England. What became the center piece, among other distinguishable New York business hotels, was the Brighton Beach Hotel. It is now where it was then, at the end of Coney Island Ave. It is easily found on trains, by travel through Brooklyn or Flatbush. Rapid transit transformed the neighborhood in 1920. Bringing the opportunity for residential development. The neighborhood became populated densely with many people who had stories to tell. In the nineteen fifties, many moving to the neighborhood were concentration camp survivors. Women who had been widowed during the second world war. Around the city streets, those with numbers tattooed on their arms far out-numbered those without. This generation had stories of survival, both heart-wrenching and quirky, as well as real and potent. The small area, just this side of Coney Island welcomed them with open arms. And a sense of odd humor and a joy of life embellished the streets with tales of the past, as well as tales of the times. A well known market in the area was “40 Thieves”. Named so because all in the neighborhood were well aware of the fact that the owners were crooks. ‘Diamonds’ was a famous jewelry store, owned by performer Neil Diamond’s parents. It was tongue in cheek, and in your face humor, obvious humor that comes from knowing how precious life is.

The generation now known as ‘Baby Boomers‘ were conceived during this time. And with strong willed mothers, and freedom from oppression, they became a successful generation, industrious and well educated. Now, there are many Jewish Immigrants, those who have been traveling to the States for the last forty years. And although the differ culturally from those who immigrated years before, the community embraces all those seeking the freedom and the opportunity this area of New York has to offer. This is a widely Russian speaking community, and has become known as ‘Little Odessa”. Many coming from Ukraine, and specifically the city of Odessa, have given this already cosmopolitan and diverse city, culture from yet another area of the world.

Lisa
March 31, 2009
Travel
0 comments
, ,

Qatar Airways To Add India Destinations

Qatar Airways is adding two new India destinations to its network of airports. The airline, which is based in the Persian Gulf, will begin flights to Goa and Amritsar beginning in the winter of 2009.

These new destinations are part of the airline’s global expansion plans. Qatar is adding three other new destinations to their network along with the two India locales.

This is exciting news for the tourism and hospitality industries of the chosen areas. From four star hotels in Goa to budget accommodations in Amritsar, hoteliers are eager for anything that will increase tourism in the struggling economy. Restaurants, shops, and nightclubs in both regions are also anticipating an influx of tourists taking advantage of direct flights.

Qatar Airways already operates nearly 60 weekly flights across India. Some of the cities it already reaches are Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Chennai, and Nagpur.

Lisa
March 27, 2009
Transportation, Travel
0 comments
, , , ,

Art and Galleries of Madrid

World renowned galleries line the streets of Madrid. The city is relatively compact, much like Manhattan or Chicago. Government buildings, five star hotels of Madrid, cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and universities are located with the downtown area. These big businesses entice many to the city, the large palace structures. What the travelers seem to notice though, is that the smaller out of the way galleries, the ramshackle warehouses seduce them away from the larger more famous locations. Some travelers visit Spain in hopes of dancing the night away at the hip and trendy night spots, but then find themselves having more enjoyable times sitting in cafes talking to the locals. The city surprises everyone in different ways.

The city became the capital in the sixteenth century and was planned as such. The architecture and the design of the government buildings and the downtown district as well as grid of the streets and roads are extremely organized, very planned out. There are three points of reference in Madrid, the center of the city is Puerta del Sol. The area with the most extravagant and incredible architecture is the Plaza de Cibeles, and the the Plaza Mayor. There are art and theater districts, the most important one today being in the area of the Prado Museum. During the Golden Age, many writers lived and worked here, visiting cafes and putting up plays. Cervantes lived here while writing Don Quixote, and is buried in the cemetery just down the road. Of the museums, the Prado is one of the more famous, and is in the process of expanding to better house the many famous paintings in the collection. It is worth a day at the Prado, to look at work by Goya, Titian and Rubens, just to name a few. La Casa Encendida is another museum that should not be missed as not only does it have quite a collection of artworks, music and cutting edge theater is performed. And many exhibitions have children in mind, with many activities that relate to shows for them to participate in.

Lisa
March 23, 2009
Travel
0 comments
, , ,

Handling Customer Complaints

In the past customer complaints were viewed as a negative intrusion on business. Now, by incorporating a customer complaints strategy you can truly listen to and understand your customer’s feedback.

The way your business handles customer complaints can play an important role in customer satisfaction and improving customer loyalty. Within a customer complaints strategy an important aspect related to handling customer complaints.

Within your business you should attempt to increase the volume of customer feedback by providing many ways to contact you. These include staff interaction, phone, mail, E-mail and Internet.

Once you have communicated with the customer you should record the details within a complaint handling system. This should include categories that can be used for further analysis and continuous improvement. For corrective actions, using corrective action software, you should investigate and resolve issues and analyze similar problems. This information should be passed on to appropriate departments so that actions can be carried out.

The resolution of the problem should be communicated with the customer and inform them of actions that have taken place to prevent similar problems. Internal staff should use trend analysis to develop corrective and preventative action plans for future issues.
By using a system such as this for handling customer complaints your organization can improve its competitiveness in these challenging times.

Lisa
March 20, 2009
Business
0 comments
, ,

World CEO Forum Wraps Up

Today marked the end of the 4th edition of the Connect World CEO Forum in Dubai, UAE. The three day event started on March 17th at the Jumeriah Beach Conference Centre.

Although the event faced possible cancellation due to the global economic crisis as well as lack of corporate sponsorship, the organizers felt it was important to proceed with the event. They wanted to reinforce their belief that the Middle East remains a “great place to do business.” And last minute sponsorship was provided by the Bahrain Economic Development Board as well as earlier sponsors the US Export Council and Tejari.

The stated mission of the event is to bring “together executives from all over the world to meet key principals in the GCC region in order to explore and expand business opportunities and access Gulf capital.” More than fifteen countries sent representatives to this year’s event.

Dubai has recently begun to feel the effects of the global slowdown. Tourist numbers are declining and construction of many large developments has been postponed or even stopped. The business hotels Dubai welcome events such as this Forum which not only bring immediate business to the area, but encourage future partnerships and ongoing relationships between foreign corporations and local companies.

Some of the topics covered during the forum included “How to Save Your Way Out of the Financial Crisis” and “Doing Business with the Obama Adminstration.” Networking and sharing information and insight are top priorities for attendees.

Lisa
March 19, 2009
Business
0 comments
, , , ,

$527 Million Subway Stop Opens in Manhattan

Monday marked the public opening of the South Ferry Station in Manhattan. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority sees this station as “intermodal transit center.” It links subway services with bus and ferry routes.

New York Governor David Paterson led the grand opening. Other dignitaries present included Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand as well as members of the state’s Congressional delegation and MTA officials. According to Paterson the new station is a symbol of “not only our joint city, state and federal commitment to rebuilding Lower Manhattan, but also our commitment to mass transit in New York State.”

The original ferry station was built in 1905 and located across the street from the Staten Island Ferry. Hopelessly outdated, it has been completely revamped with seven escalators, two ADA-compliant elevators, and multiple exits. The station features several green features, the first of their kind in NYC. While the previous station could only accommodate five cars of each train, the new station is large enough for ten-car subway trains to load and unload safely.

The new station is expected to be a boon for tourists as well as local commuters. Visitors to the city will find a range of transportation available to see the sights of New York. There are also accommodations ranging from the ubiquitousNew York airport hotel to discount hostels to luxury hotel suites in New York.

It has been nearly twenty years since New York opened a new subway station and according to the MTA, the station “is the first major public transportation project to open Downtown since 9/11.” The MTA has several other Manhattan projects in development, including the rennovation of Peter Minuit Plaza, located above the South Ferry Station.

Lisa
March 17, 2009
Transportation, Travel
0 comments
, , , , , , ,

Phuket’s Five Richest Residents

A recent report lists the top five wealthiest villa owners on the glamorous island of Phuket.  Two of the world’s richest billionaires (according to Forbes magazine) made the list.

Richard and Christopher Chandler of New Zealand top the list. New Zealand’s richest citizens are worth over $2 billion (note: all figures are in US dollars). Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Energy and Mines is number two. The Canadian’s net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion.

Next up on the list are Allan Zeman of Hong Kong. Considered the Father of Lang Kwai Fong, Zeman’s worth is undisclosed, but he is one of the richest and most influencial businessmen in Asia. Rounding out the list are Kimi Raikkonen, a Formula One star from Finland and Gulu Lalvani, founder of British Binatone.

Phuket has long been a hotspot for the world’s rich and famous to relax and party.  Phuket has also developed a thriving nightlife, with trendy clubs, beach raves, and seemingly endless parties.  Tourists staying in the best hotels on Phuket will undoubtedly encounter celebrities from around the world.

The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well as virgin forests and other natural wonders. All that beauty has led to a boom in high-end real estate. Villas such as those owned by the top five above, as well as beach cottages and condos are in high demand.

Lisa
March 13, 2009
Real Estate, Travel
0 comments
, , , ,

The Coastline of Spain

The coastline of Spain and the islands surrounding stretches over 4,000 Kilometres.  To South and to the East the mainland, and the Balearic Islands, it is bordered with the Mediterranean Sea.  And to the North it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.  For Mainland Spain and the Islands, including Formenterra, Ibiza, Mallorca, the years brings more than 300 days of sunshine.  This has created quite a tourism industry as the restaurants, motels and five star hotels Mallorca and the rest of the islands take part in the vacation packages offered by travel agents throughout Europe and the rest of the world.  All of Spain offers up many traditional ways to spend the holidays, as well as some very modern clubs and thriving night time scene.  Most of the beaches remain pristine although the influx of travelers over the years has caused concern and made necessary, steps to insure the environment, on land as well as in the clear waters, remain pure and unpolluted.

The city of Costa Brava offers up dynamic views as the waters of the Mediterranean have carved out a very dramatic shoreline.  The Sea to the south is of a much calmer and has left the beaches in areas such as Costa Blanca, very much as they were.  And while the views may not be so spectacular, the mood is tranquil and serene.  Along the Malaga Coast, the popular hot spot for celebrities and jet setters has become the city of Marbella.  The resorts and the clubs here are very trendy and high end, attracting the most chic of the chic, ready to party all night and to see and be seen.  The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea are connected by the Strait of Gibraltar where one can see the coast of Africa if the air is clear and permits it.  Of all the miles of coastline in this region, those along the Balearic Islands still remain the most pristine and undisturbed, even given the numerous amount of people trekking here each year for the fun in the sun, and the dancing until dawn.  And the most undisturbed of the islands, and one of the most undisturbed islands in the world remains the island of Formenterra.  The smallest of the islands, it offers up a very tranquil and secluded way to spend any holiday.

Lisa
March 12, 2009
Travel
0 comments
, , ,

Foreign Language Study on the Island of Mallorca

The Universitat de les Illes Balears, UIB is situated at the base of a mountain range 15 minutes from the center of the town of Mallorca.  Mallorca has become the premier vacation destination for all of Europe.  Many of the companies involved in the tourism industry such as the airlines have their base company headquarters here.  Mallorca was once considered to be one of the least financial stable regions of Spain, but about 60 years ago, with travel packages made available, the tourism provided a sustainability and created one of the wealthiest communities and cultures in all of Spain.  With all the growth, the city realized that steps must be taken to insure the pristine quality of the beaches and the atmosphere, one such way is by the installation of energy saving traffic lights.  And what more fitting area to have a university, as college towns are known for the parties but also known for the study of future resources.

So through a combined effort of the research and development occurring on the campus and the five star hotels Mallorca has created a symbiotic relationship with the economy of tourism and their never ending dedication to preserving and protecting the well being of the island and the inhabitants of that island.  Be they the land mammals and plants, or the water and the marine life.  There are many classes and programs available to students and one of the most attended is the language immersion.  In this way, students may come to study in their chosen fields be that in business or medicine or marketing, and learn a foreign language in the process.  In a much more inclusive way of study for the class does not stop when the bell rings.  Most of the students stay all summer with host families, so the learning and speaking of Spanish continues after they walk out of the classroom and through the doors of their home.  While sitting around the family dinner table or becoming involved with the festivals and celebrations.  Or while going to happy hour with fellow students and on the beaches while wind surfing.  Many who have studied here comment that the experience changed their lives in many ways.

Lisa
March 9, 2009
Travel
0 comments
, , ,