Business Travel In a 4G World - A Game Changer

The world seems a lot different than it used to be, especially while traveling in a region with a 4G network or an LCE network. The reason being is that you have all the information known to mankind at your fingertips or via your voice and personal digital friend Siri. No longer do business travelers have to worry that they are not getting the information they need about their travels, no longer can they be suckered by some local hustler at an airport, taxi cab, or from a chauffeur, concierge, or shoe-shiner.In fact, no need to ask directions, vector until you find what you are looking for, or worry about driving that luxury rent-a-car into the wrong neighborhood. Your personal tech tools won't let you, as you have real time GPS, alerts, and all the knowledge of where you are going along with instant traffic updates. Yes, you are no-doubt being tracked by some agency, but as long as it is not your competition, what do you care anyway - "go business traveler - you go!" as the commercial says.And if there is a cheaper flight, alternate route, or smart place to eat which matches your expense allowance or needs, you are pre-alerted just about the time you get hungry as the AI software knows how you think, which time zone you came from and your typical time to eat. Like Google says, the algorithms today can know what you want before you do, scary yes, but convenient; hell yes!


All this is possible due to the bandwidth abilities of our new communication networks, yes, 4G wireless is a huge game changer for the travel industry, and whereas it might put some folks out of business, trust me, it will make your travels a heck of a lot easier. You'll maneuver through an unknown town as if you know every short cut, alley way, and grew up in the neighborhood, but you've never stepped foot in the town or city a day in your life.Got to love the future, but wait there is more, if you order now you get free Genzu Knives, and operators are standing by - yes this is a new world, a blurred world of digital and real, coming to you at the speed of thought - and you thought it would be years until all this was available, no, it's here now, just wait until you try it, you'll wonder how on Earth you ever got by without it.

Reward Customers And Watch Your Business Grow

Reward card programs come in many different forms but all have the same objective - customer retention. With so much competition in every marketplace, holding onto valued customers is a must. Learning how to effectively start up a reward program from the outset is vitally important. Tweaking the formula whilst already live may confuse your customers - people generally do not like change. So what are the most effective programs?Some businesses offer what is known as a continuous reinforcement reward like "free shipping with every order" or "5% discount on orders over $100". This type of reward card program is normally well received, as the customer knows exactly where they stand without having to read the small print. Another popular reward program is known as ratio rewards, based on repetition. This is commonly used by food chains as it encourages customers to keep coming back to eventually get a free meal. For example, Nando's restaurant will stamp a customers reward card every time they eat in one of their establishments and then depending on how much is spent, the next time a customer returns, they will be entitled to either a free drink or free food.Interval rewards are based on time. This reward program can vary from a store's annual sale to a daily lunch special from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The variable version includes radio contests that grant prizes "sometime this hour." You don't know exactly when, but basically it's every hour. And of course the most common and one we all utilize the most is "Happy Hour", with bars offering drinks 2 for 1 or half price at various times of the week.


Finally and perhaps becoming the most commonly used reward program is a points card system. Here, points (or something similar) are accrued, then traded for goods. Most of the large supermarkets now have these types of card and are a great customer retention tool. A points card exhibits traits similar to fixed ratio rewards, though rewards can vary based on the number of points used. Because a customer can buy different rewards based on varying number of points, there's always the potential of getting a reward.So for any business thinking of starting a reward card program, although the end goal will always be customer retention, how it's achieved will vary. Thought must go into what type of customers a business attracts, how regularly they will use a service and if the reward program ended, would the customer still return.

Vietnam: 5 Things That Have Changed in 5 Years and What They Mean!

Since our last family visit to Vietnam 5 years ago, in 2008, some things have changed dramatically... and some have not.Five things that have changed...1) The largest Starbucks, I've ever seen (and I've been to six continents) is now open in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). It opened on January 31, 2013 and premiered the new Starbucks Asian Dolce Latte that was been inspired by Vietnam's coffee culture and habits. A recognition of how successful North American companies are starting to engage in Asian markets.2) Five years ago no one in Vietnam had an iPhone. You can now buy the iPhone 5 at Viettel and Vinaphone stores: a sign of how technology is changing the culture and becoming increasingly important in life and business.3) I got strange looks asking for take away food in 2008. Especially coffee. Maybe, in part because in Canada we call it "take out". But also because it was inconceivable for the Vietnamese that a person wouldn't have time to sit and drink a cup of coffee. Now you can get "take away" everywhere, part of the westernization of the Vietnamese culture, specially in Ho Chi Minh City.4) Bag snatchers: we were warned at our hotel when we arrived in HCMC to beware of people on motor bikes who drive by and snatch your bag or your camera right out of your hands. I am sure they were there five years ago but not so prevalent that anyone mentioned them. This seems to be a more common problem in HCMC than Hanoi. The two cities have very different atmospheres. HCMC is more of a party place for backpackers.5) Boobs: Admittedly breasts themselves have probably not changed, but 5 years ago a Vietnamese woman wearing clothing that revealed cleavage was probably in a questionable profession. Styles have changed considerably and you see a lot more western style clothing, although super short dresses and cheeky shorts are still worn mostly by tourists in the larger cities.Watch for this change: high speed transit in Ho Chi Minh City, first proposed in 2001. Line 1 of the project will be 19.7km long and consists of a 2.6km-long underground section and a 17.1km elevated section. Line 1 will connect Ben Thanh Market in the central area to the amusement park at Suoi Tien in District 9. Completion is scheduled for 2014. ( "Ho Chi Minh City Metro". Railway-technology.com. Retrieved 2013-08-04).


Now, five things that haven't changed:1) Cone hats: the iconic symbol of Vietnam. You still see them everywhere except now you can buy mini-versions which make better souvenirs than the full-sized ones I brought home last time.2) Fruit shakes: made with local fruit in all your favourite flavours such as mango. Coconut shakes and coconut water is more commonly found in the southern part of Vietnam where more coconuts grow.3) Fruit ladies: pushing their carts of fresh fruit. We just don't get the same quality of fruit in North America, at any price.4) Motorbikes: everywhere. And still the most economical and efficient means of transportation for the majority of Vietnamese. There are an estimated 4 million of them in HCMC alone.5) Orphanages:Sadly the need for orphanages in Vietnam has not changed. During our current trip we have been visiting ones that serve children with disabilities through out the country. While the rest of Vietnam is moving forward, people with disabilities have not yet begun to reap the benefits of economic growth. Sadly many children who live in orphanages actually have families but have been abandoned. Many families of children with disbilities just do not have the resources, education and support to keep them at home. Little or no social programming exists.After visiting Vietnam in 2008 and becoming aware of the plight of kids with disabilities, I started No Ordinary Journey Foundation to provide education about Cerebral Palsy (which is a condition my daughter has). One of our goals is to support families of children with CP in Vietnam so that their kids do not end up in orphanages in the first place. If you would like to learn more about the work that we are doing please visit our website at www.NOJFoundation.com.

Travelling Conveniently With Online Reservations

The Internet has brought with it many conveniences and today people are able to make plans to travel without even leaving the house. As long as you have Internet connection, you can plan an entire holiday from the comfort of your home. In this fast-paced world, making online reservations has become commonplace. The online systems helps you to make plane and hotel reservations for any part of the world. Virtually all airlines and many hotels and resorts, accept reservations made through the Internet.Travelling from one part of the world to another is now hassle free and you do not have to wait until you get to your location to book a hotel. You also will not need to rely on telephones, which can be very unreliable. Unlike when dealing with individuals, the Internet system is reliable and will not mix up your reservation, or forget to fill in the reservations log. When you make your reservation online, you get the confirmation instantly.Most hotels and airlines have official websites where customers can make their reservations conveniently. The websites can be accessed by anyone at any time, and you do not have to wait for specific hours to call different time zones. The other benefit of using the Internet is that you can access other pertinent information while you are on the site. You can find out all the details you need to know about the hotel or the location you are visiting.Frequent travelers have discovered that if you want to get the best deals, the best place to make reservations is through the online sites. Most hotels, restaurants, airlines and other services, give discounts to those who book online. You can also find additional details such as where to access local travel facilities, the best sight seeing spots, where to eat, and other details. This kind of information will make your stay or visit much more convenient, and you will feel more familiar with the surroundings.


Many established restaurants require patrons to make reservations before they show up for dinner. You can use the Internet to make the reservations, which will help you to avoid waiting for a free table at the restaurant. You can turn up at the restaurant confidently when you know that you have a reservation. Many people today want convenience in everything they do, and they will avoid having to wait for services wherever they go. This has made the Internet an important part of everyday life.When making online reservations, you must always ensure that you are dealing with a reputable site. In most cases, you will be required to pay using your credit card. To avoid having your information and money fall into the wrong hands, you must only deal with the hotels official website. Do not make payments to sites that may be claiming to work on behalf of the hotel, airline or other service provider. Unscrupulous individuals have been known to use the Internet to steal from unsuspecting individuals so do watch out!

A New Chapter in the Airline Manufacturing Sector - The Competition Heats Up

Even with the absolute dismal economic challenges in the European Union, the Boeing Company here in the US is selling more of their new 737 Max aircraft into that market, as well as around the world even where growth has slowed in emerging markets and throughout Asia. But how can this be, after all, Boeing is competing with the new Airbus A320 Neo which has made headlines since almost the day it was introduced with back-up orders of nearly a decade into the future. Well, that's exactly it you see, it's about delivery schedules too, not just the new efficiencies.After all, if you order a brand-new airliner, and you won't be getting it for seven years, and there is no guarantee that the company can deliver upon that promise or that you will need that aircraft at that point, thus, it makes more sense to go with a company that can deliver that product on time. Interestingly enough, the Boeing Company has added the production lines to its 737 Max aircraft, and it now has its production rate up significantly, and plans on wrapping up the process even more.How can Airbus respond to this? Well, as the EU gets further into economic crisis, Airbus cannot rely on European airlines to continue ordering their aircraft because those airlines are taking an economic hit. Whereas, European airlines would rather order Airbus because they are made in the EU, if they are buying only in limited numbers, those airlines must to get the best deal, and buy from a known source that they can guarantee in the future. Right now as it stands the future of Airbus is not guaranteed due to the very economic crisis and the changes going on around Europe.


The Boeing Company has announced a new wing and new engines for the 737 Max, as well as their serious goal to increasing production capabilities. Boeing has always made good on its promises, and due to the SEC laws in our country, they don't make forward-looking projections unless they know what they are doing, and are pretty certain of the outcome. Airbus seems to have responded by suggesting they will put an engine plant in Alabama. This would be good for US workers, and could help them persuade US airlines into buying their product as well.Nevertheless, this is somewhat risky for Airbus even though 40% of their aircraft components are already made in the United States because if the euro continues to evaluate and pars with the dollar, then Airbus would be much better off manufacturing those airliners in the EU, and saving the difference on the currency. Some analysts have considered the Airbus move to put an engine plant in a non-union state like Alabama as a way to get the WTO to forgo future rulings, or perhaps even fines or sanctions due to the European Union counties inadvertent, but obvious subsidizing.Yes, I would say that we have a new chapter in airline manufacturing history going on right now, and yet, isn't that how it's always been? Apparently, both Airbus and Boeing are responding to the competition with reciprocal responses with a little bit of creative brinksmanship and creative cunning, and luckily, the aircraft are getting more efficient, which is good for everyone including the business traveling airline ticket holder. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Four Ways Stock Video Saves Time and Money for Your Project

There are a few facts you need to know as you prepare your next video project. First, you want to save time and money. Second, taking video requires a lot of time and money. These two facts leave you with a bit of a problem. There is, however, one more fact you need to know: stock video saves you time and money. Here's how.You save time and money by having fewer photo shoots. Hosting a photo shoot costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time. The most obvious way to cut costs and save time is to eliminate photo shoots. How can you eliminate photo shoots, especially when you are developing a high-level video production? You purchase videos from a stock collection. It's true that stock footage costs money, but the cost is negligible when you consider the time and money invested in hosting your own photo shoots.You save money in equipment rental. Who pays to rent all the equipment used in stock footage? It's not you, not directly at least. By not spending money on cameras and other equipment, you're able to stay under budget, and still produce a top-tier video production. This kind of serious cost saving is only possible by using stock footage.You save time in editing. Any videographer or director will assure you that the most important part of video production is the editing. That being said, it's also important to keep in mind that editing takes time - a lot of it. When you use stock videography for your video project, you are effectively outsourcing part of the editing process, thus saving you time and money. The difficult front-end editing work has been done for you, freeing you to focus on the content that really matters.


You save money on videographer fees and contracts. Every time you hire a videographer, get ready for a costly contract. Videographers are professionals who know their trade, and who provide an excellent service. They charge for it. Paying a videographer is expensive, but buying his or her stock product is not as expensive. The cost-saving option is to purchase stock footage, and thereby avoid the high fees attached to custom videography.You have a specific goal in mind when producing a video. You want to meet your goal without going over budget and missing your deadline. Stock video will help you by saving both time and money, plus giving you a powerful edge with a beautiful production.

The Trend That's Great For Airlines But Not So Great For Fliers

Wifi connectivity is set to come to a plane journey near you if you fly Lufthansa mid-haul routes from 2014, according to news from businesstraveller.com 10/09/2013. Wifi capable planes are a trend still gathering pace across the entire aviation industry since 2009. The upside to installing Wifi to replace or complement current IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) offerings are cost savings, convenience and a better customer experience. What is not being considered is the health risk Wifi poses to fliers at altitude. This threat concerns all fliers, is real and could potentially be worse than smoking on airplanes was in the 1970's. The question is, does Wifi really serve the interests of fliers long-term?The confined space of the aircraft cabin is already deficient in oxygen at altitude. Once it is pressurized to about 8000 feet it is positively charged and dry. Barometric pressure is 760 mm Hg at sea level with a corresponding PaO2 (arterial O2 pressure) of 98 mm Hg, the barometric pressure at 8000 feet will be 565 mm Hg with PaO2 of about 55 mm Hg. (Medical Guidelines For Airline Travel 2nd Edition, 3) At altitude with less oxygen to shield fliers, more emissions and Wifi signals, the cabin environment becomes even more hostile to health.As inconvenient as it is fliers are exposed to greater levels of cosmic radiation at altitude. Proximity to the sea-level is a factor known to protect us from cosmic radiation's negative effects for a number of reasons. Besides oxygen density one of these other reasons is the protective field the Earth emanates. In fact it is the distinct disconnection from the influence of this field that contributes to the experience of jet lag for fliers. Adding Wifi at altitude further degrades the flying environment without the protections we take for granted on the ground.From airliners perspective it is easy to see why Wifi makes sense. Potential fuel economy from less weight from wiring and equipment to each seat adds up. Less engineering maintenance hours and a positive customer experience may also feature in the airlines consideration. However the bottom-line for airlines is does it make them more competitive? To be fair it is not necessarily a straightforward proposition for airlines. One European carrier has gone from consistently intimating it has no plans to introduce Wifi on its fleet to saying it "is closely monitoring developments... " (D'Cruze), shortly after Ofcom regulators announced a game-changer satellite consultation. Passenger demands are also a factor. As more passengers experience the convenience of Wifi on other carriers they are prone to expect it as standard. While we all love convenience we shouldn't make it the only measure of its merits.


The airlines and the industry need to manage fliers expectations better. Managing expectations will only happen if fliers are better informed about the conditions in which they fly and particularly about the changes the cabin environment undergoes through pressurization. Because the cabin environment looks the same during every phase of flight does not mean it is. This is the key factor that makes Wifi a bad idea. The more airlines have this conversation with fliers the better an informed decision about the true cost of Wifi in the sky can be reached. Sacrificing health for convenience or profit in the long-term view is unsustainable.ReferencesBusiness Traveller 10/09/2013businesstraveller.com/news/lufthansa-to-stream-ife-by-wifi-to-passenger-moMedical Guidelines For Airline Travel 2nd Edition, Page 3http://www.asma.org/publications/medical-publications-for-airline-travel/medical-guidelines-for-air-travelD'Cruze, BusinessTraveller 21/08/2013businesstraveller.com/news/high-speed-wifi-could-be-on-aircraft-by-2014

Sound Wave Fire Suppression Systems At Airports Might Be The Ticket?

DARPA is working on something that is very cool, it is a system which uses sound waves to put out fires. They are able to do this because of the research discoveries that were found on how fire interacts with the surfaces that are inflamed. Sound also interacts with light in very interesting way and in specific patterns in physics. Although there is more to learn on all of this, the potential applications, aside from all the military uses are immense. This will be one transfer technology which helps save lives. Okay, so let's talk about this a bit.Wouldn't it be great to have a "sound wave fire suppression system" at large airports? The sound beams could be focused where ever an aircraft anywhere on the airport caught fire, or went off the runway. You see, in the future, and that future being right now our airliners will have more and more composite material made of carbon fiber, and in the future carbon nano tubes with graphene coatings. Many of these technologically advanced special materials used in such composites burn in such a way that they lets off poisonous gas. The occupants of an airliner that has run off the runway, where the airliner has caught fire could die from the poisonous gas even if they escape the flames.However, if those fires can be put out those poisonous gas byproducts will not be created in the first place, therefore saving the passengers. Fires happen all the time at airports, sometimes it is with ground equipment, sometimes it is a malfunction; it could be a fuel leak, a hydraulic leak, hot brakes, blown tires, or any of a number of things. Since there are many fires from time to time, airports, especially large busy ones could afford the capital expenditure to put in the systems to save people's lives.


Yes, there are all sorts of other uses such as brushfires, forest fires, fires aboard ships, and structure fires in large metropolitan areas. How about a high-rise which is on fire, there is no real way to get to it, but perhaps a helicopter could fly alongside in send in the sound waves? Maybe we can mount this on unmanned aerial vehicles with vertical landing and taking off capabilities - adding such strategies to our aerial firefighting capabilities surely makes sense.Maybe the private sector and the firefighting community should be in on this research from the get-go, and ask for military transfer technologies as soon as it all becomes available, and as soon as this technology is read to be scaled up. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

What Every American Should Know About French Business Etiquette and Customs

French business etiquette runs parallel with the country's culture. The people of France are proud of their country's culture and history. Therefore, cultural identity is heavily integrated into their business customs. As an American conducting business in France, keep in mind that your French counterparts are inquisitive and straightforward.Customary Greetings
As you do in the United States, greet your French counterpart with a handshake. However, unlike the multiple-shake, firm-grip style to which you are accustomed, use a quick, light technique with a loose grip. A firm handshake will make your French business associate feel overpowered. Cheek kissing is another common greeting among work colleagues, but this greeting should only be used if your French associate initiates it.During introductions, formality is the order of the day. Address superiors and new acquaintances with "Monsieur" for male colleagues and "Madame" for female colleagues. Polite titles of courtesy help make an excellent first impression. When invited to do so by your colleague, you may address them by their first name.Conversation Principles
Another way to make a good impression is to learn a few basic French phrases. If French dominates the conversation, your business associates will usually switch to English if they notice you are having trouble understanding them. French people separate their personal and professional life in order to maintain workplace formality. Therefore, avoid asking about their family, personal life and political inclinations. Better small talk topics include French art, cuisine, music and philosophy.Asking a plethora of questions and interrupting others while talking is common during business discussions. Interrupting someone in France shows an expressed interest in the conversation; it is acceptable for you to reciprocate in kind. Be prepared for an abundance of information exchange and multiple detailed discussions. The French people do not respond well to aggressive selling techniques, preferring to take their time making a decision after at least one meeting.


Business Meetings
Business lunches are still a popular way to conduct meetings. If you are invited to lunch, be prepared for a formal dining experience that may last longer than two hours. Proper dining etiquette dictates your hands rest on top of the table instead of on your lap. When wine is being served, leave a small amount in the glass to stop refills. Let your host start the business portion of the conversation, which usually will not begin until after dessert arrives.Punctuality is key; however, it is acceptable to be up to ten minutes late. Avoid bringing a present to the meeting. It is not uncommon for small gifts to be exchanged, but it should never be done during the first meeting. If the meeting is conducted at an office, give a business card to the secretary and any other person you meet afterward. The cards can be printed in either French or English, and they should include your title or academic degree.Appearance
Quality business attire should be worn regardless of the venue. Conservative clothing with a few accessories and jewelry pieces are acceptable. If you are invited to an affair that specifies "informal dress," this means a tie and jacket for men and semi-formal attire for women.Body Language
There are a few body language fundamentals every American in France should know. Always maintain good posture and unobtrusive eye contact. Do not put your hands in your pockets or snap your fingers. To show approval, it is rude to create a circle with your forefinger and thumb. A better alternative to the "okay" sign is a "thumbs up." Remember, a light touch and close distance between people is common conversation etiquette.