Posted by
Ken Lucci on Thu, May 23, 2013 @ 07:00 AM
Dress Right By Dressing Light
Choosing business attire for the summer, especially in a hot and humid region like Tampa, can be a tricky thing. Balancing a professional look while staying cool is crucial. You don't want to be suited up but visibly soaked in sweat all day, do you? Putting forth the effort to find ideal summer business clothes will pay off when you find yourself cool and comfortable despite the heat.
Here are some guidelines to summer business fashion.
Fabric Breathability
Being aware of the breathability of different fabrics is the most important step to finding the a great summer business wardrobe.
Stay away from: mohair and wool, because they're insulating and hot
Look for: breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, seersucker
Expert tip: Fabric make-up is only part of the equation for keeping cool. Look for weaves and weights that allow the cotton to transmit moisture and heat away from your body and into the environment.
Stay Light
Wear light colored clothing and select fabrics made with breathable weaves and natural fibers such as cotton, linen, Looser fits facilitate airflow, but do not take this to mean you should wear a full size larger than what your body size calls for. Remember that dark colors do not reflect light but instead absorb it and are hotter.
The Importance of an Undershirt
Always wear a 100% cotton undershirt beneath your cotton long-sleeve dress shirt, preferably a V-neck. Wearing two layers of clothing sounds warmer than wearing a single layer, but a cotton undershirt protects the outer layer from sweat and fabric-staining antiperspirants. If you're a heavy sweater, consider bringing an extra undershirt to change into.
Jacket Lining
The inner construction of a jacket plays a big role in retaining heat or reducing heat retention.
Unlined jackets: perfect for warm weather due to less layers of fabric, but less formal because they are unstructured and less regid.
Half-lined jackets: structure is retained in the linings and shoulder pads, but the lower half of the jacket does away with the lining. Choose one made with viscous Bemberg material instead of silk, because Bemberg does a better job of wicking away moisture. It's also more durable than silk.
Pants
The best dress pants for summer are those made of cotton or tropical wool (which is lighter and more breathable than regular wool).
Cotton is less expensive and more durable than tropical wool, but its stiffness makes it less flattering to a man's figure.
On the other hand, tropical wool resists wrinkling but is less breathable than cotton.
Footwear
Few "cooling" remedies exist in dressy footwear, so instead switch to more breathable socks or wear cooling inserts. Bring a change of socks to work so you can swap out sweaty, damp ones in the middle of the day.
Travel
To stay cool when you travel, enjoy the air-conditioned luxury of a chauffeured car from Ambassador Limousine, the Tampa car service that promises to be on time or your ride is free.
What summer business attire tips do you have? Please tell us in the comments!
Image source: © Redbaron | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Tue, May 21, 2013 @ 07:00 AM
Biz Travel Generates More Profit
A recent Oxford Economics report commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association discovered that companies that invested in business travel yielded higher revenues and profits than others.
Companies that reduced business travel spending were more likely to see a decline in profits.
When business travel happens, deals get done. So when you need to make sure that you're on time for an important business meeting, trust your travel with a professional Tampa car service.
A company's level of service is measured not just by the ride itself but the entire chauffeured travel experience, and that includes punctuality and reliability. Reliability is defined by quality over time. Busy, hardworking executives deserve the highest quality transportation experience each and every time, and Ambassador promises to deliver that.
Here are 4 ways using a Tampa chauffeured car service can increase your chances of completing a successful business meeting.
Safety
Chauffeured transportation is one of the safest ways to travel. Our chauffeurs use their expert training to create a smooth, stylish and comfortable ride experience for you. Our vehicles are newer models kept in pristine condition through routine maintenance and smart driving habits.
Productivity
By riding in a chauffeured vehicle, executives can focus on things more important than driving, like working on a project or preparing for the meeting. Hiring a chauffeured vehicle to transport a team of executives allows them to discuss talking points in preparation for a meeting, and tie up loose ends at the end of the day during the return trip.
When executives are allotted more productive time, they become more efficient, do a better job of pacing themselves and have more chances to prepare for an important meeting.
Punctuality
Showing up late to a business meeting is not a good way to start things off. Missing a meeting entirely can deliver devastating damage to your business. You should never have to worry about your car service showing up late, but it does happen because there are many unreliable car services out there. Sometimes they don't even show up for a pick-up.
At Ambassador, we pride ourselves in our effectiveness at helping business travelers get to their destinations safely and on time. We guarantee our punctuality on every ride - if we are late the ride is free, and so is your next one.
Comfort
We run newer luxury vehicles to provide the most comfortable ride for our passengers. Riding in a luxury sedan, SUV or limousine can create a peaceful, distraction free atmosphere for a busy executive.
When you hire a top Tampa car service to handle your ground travel, you're buying more than a ride -- you're buying time to invest in yourself and your career.
We guarantee our all-inclusive pricing is the best value in the area. If you find a lower price, we will match any written proposal for the same vehicle, same hours and same service level AND deduct 20% off your final bill.
What's a business deal without a business meal? Download our FREE guide to the best Tampa restaurants by clicking below.
Image courtesy of suphakit73 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Wed, May 08, 2013 @ 03:09 PM
What Makes Ambassador Limo The Safe Choice?
When you travel, safety should be first and foremost in your mind. That's why the law says you need to buckle up, you mustn't drink and drive, and you should keep your eyes on the road instead of your cell phone. Nothing is more important than your health and safety. But busy people with busy lives often forget little details because other "important" thoughts occupy their mind.
That's why we want to explain to you the safety benefits of hiring a Tampa car service to take car of your professional travel needs, whether you need a ride to the airport, a conference or important business meeting.
Yes, reliability, punctuality and comfort are some of the benefits of relying on chauffeured transportation to get you to your destination. A lot of damage can be done if you miss an important flight or arrive late to meeting. But getting you to your destination safely is our primary goal.
Here is how we keep you safe when you travel with us.
New model vehicles.
Our fleet of luxury vehicles consists of new models with advanced safety features.
We offer luxury sedans, SUVs, executive vans, minibuses, motorcoaches and a variety of stretch limousines. Our limousines are built by reputable coachbuilders who are certified by the original vehicle manufacturers (e.g. Ford, GM) for high safety standards. Our vintage vehicles are kept in pristine mechanical condition so they're good as new. To view our fleet, click here.
Watch this video of our CEO, Ken Lucci, explain details about limousine safety on our 5-door limousines.
Rigorous maintenance.
We keep all of our vehicles maintained and in exemplary running condition. We employ ASE-certified mechanics to ensure a high level of quality maintenance on all our vehicles.
Professional, expertly trained chauffeurs.
Safe, comfortable vehicles don't matter if they are driven by an unsafe driver. Our chauffeurs are trained in safe, smooth driving. They are experts at operating all of our vehicles in a professional manner to make sure you travel safely and comfortably. Our chauffeurs are employees that must adhere to our strict safety standards. When you ride with us, you never have to worry about your safety.
On top of that, we'll get you to your destination on time, every time, or your ride is free.
Advanced technology.
Our vehicles have GPS tracking so we can monitor them from the office. We know where all of our vehicles are at all times and can use this technology to respond to issues and re-route them in case of traffic.
We offer premium service to all of our business travelers and leisure clients, and this is backed by our pristine fleet of new model vehicles. Before you book with just any Tampa car service, do your research to make sure you are stepping into a safe vehicle with a safe driver.
Cheaper limo services might be appealing to your budget, but you should never put a price on your safety and health. Operators that charge less make less profit, and thus have less money to spend on new vehicles and vehicle maintenance.
To learn more about what makes Ambassador Limousine your best choice for car service in Tampa, click here: The Ambassador Difference.
Posted by
Jeff B on Mon, May 06, 2013 @ 02:31 PM
Ken discusses the safety issues with limousines just after the limousine fire in California
Posted by
Jeff B on Mon, May 06, 2013 @ 10:09 AM
Our hearts go out to the victims of the recent limousine fire in California. This fire is a needless tragedy. The limousine in question was 15 years old and well beyond the time it should have been used in commercial service.
Thankfully there are laws in Tampa Bay that prohibit such an old limousine from being allowed in commercial use. Ambassador's fleet of vehicle are built by Coachbuilders that are certified by automobile manufacturers for safety and all our vehicles are new models.
In addition Ambassador Limousine employs ASE Certified Mechanics to maintain our fleet of over 50 vehicles. Our safety record is exemplary because our guests are important to us.
http://news.yahoo.com/patrol-5-women-die-limo-fire-calif-bridge-122231219.html
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Mon, May 06, 2013 @ 07:00 AM
7 Practices Of Highly Successful People
Extremely successful people practice discipline and focus. They sacrifice some things in order to achieve other things. They seek new ways to do more by working hard and smart. They live their lives through conscious effort. Here are 7 things that will help you focus your efforts to finding success, courtesy of Inc. Magazine.
Adhere to a code of ethics
Really successful people live by a certain set of rules. Consistency is important to maintain energy and stability. Determine what you value and create a code of ethics that become a way of life.
Focus on time efficiency
You can't reach your top potential if you waste time on distractions. Prioritizing things and integrating activities free up time for greater achievement. One way to maximize your time efficiency is using a Sarasota car service for business travel, so instead of worrying about driving, you can get your work done in the comfort and safety of the chauffeured back seat.
Manage relationship expectations
With a growing network comes a growing responsibility to properly manage the many relationships you make. It can be hard to limit the time you share with others while still making them feel important. Make sure people understand your limitations so they don't take it personally when you can't spend time with them. Learn what value you can get from your interactions, and make choices about the people who matter to you.
Learn, learn, learn
Constant learning is necessary for success. As Inc. puts it, "the higher up the success ladder you clim, the more complex the systems and opportunities that are presented to you. Absorb all the information you can and if you sense a gap you can't fill, connect with people who have the knowledge you need." Enhance your knowledge and you'll open up more paths to business success.
Practice emotional self-awareness
Successful people are aware of their tempers, habits and unique personalities. They know how to use their emotions to work hard hard without letting their feelings become distractions. Understand your idiosyncrasies and let your emotions fuel positive actions.
Make physical health a priority
Physical health is especially important for people dealing with the energy-draining stress of business life. Keeping your body in top operating condition is important to keep a focused mind. Health problems serve as a distraction and can derail you from your path to success.
Don't be materialistic
Most successful people don't focus on the material gain their hard work can achieve. Instead, they're driven by a dream and passion to do something meaningful. Establishing a bare minimum for material needs can help you enjoy the benefits of success in a debt- and stress-free way.
Investing time in each of these practices is crucial to achieving extreme success. Efficiency, prioritization and a good balance between work and play are all important lanes on the road to success.
Do you have any other practices that help you achieve success? Please share in the comments below.
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Fri, May 03, 2013 @ 07:30 AM
Tampa Limousine Cruise Tips
The Tampa area is a hotspot for cruise passengers because of its close proximity to Caribbean cruise routes and the variety of tour activities available in the region. Among the popular attractions is Ybor City, Tampa’s Cuban district that was once the center of production for hand-rolled cigars.
The Port of Tampa, which is just a short distance away from Tampa International Airport and Florida Aquarium, offers travelers its own entertainment complex with dining, shopping and IMAX theater. It’s also the largest port in Florida and home to some of the world’s top cruise lines. Learn about them below, then scroll down to see the information you’ll need when booking a Tampa limousine to bring you to the port.
Tampa Port houses ships from the following 4 cruise lines:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival bases two of its ships out of Tampa Port: The Carnival Paradise, a Fantasy-class ship, and the Carnival Legend, a Spirit-class vessel. Carnival is considered a pioneer of shorter, less expensive cruises. It has built a reputation for offering fun “Las Vegas-style” interior decor and entertainment.
Royal Caribbean International
As one could guess from its name, Royal Caribbean is an expert in the Caribbean cruise experience. The have made an effort to increase the accessibility of their cruises to passengers with disabilities by retrofitting their ships with wheelchair lifts and ramps, adding Braille lettering to ship signage, installing infrared systems in theaters to amplify sound for those with hearing problems, and introduced sensitivity training for staff so they can help disabled passengers with their special needs.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This company is most known for its “freestyle cruising” concept, which means formal wear is not required and there are no set times or seating arrangements for meals. When you’re on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, you can do what you want when you want. Its ship, Norwegian Dawn, offers weeklong cruises to the western Caribbean from Tampa.
Holland America
Holland America operators 15 ships, including its latest large Signature-class vessels. The company introduces a “Signature of Excellence” program in 2008 to focus on upgrading its ships. The first phase featured the addition of the Pinnacle Grill restaurant, Neptune Lounge for suite guests, Culinary Arts Center with a demo kitchen, expanded kids’ and teens’ facilities, enhanced stateroom amenities and improved dining. The second phase adds a new bar/lounge area, the Showroom at Sea nightclub, the Retreat resort pool area and the Canaletto Italian restaurant.
Holland America Also owns Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Caribbean where most Caribbean cruises spend a day.
Information To Have When Booking Transportation
When booking your Tampa limousine to bring you to the Port of Call, have the following information ready:
- Sailing date
- Boarding time
- Name of cruise line
- Number of passengers
- Estimated amount of luggage
- Passenger contact phone number
Whichever cruise line you decide to take out of Tampa, Ambassador Limousine can take care of your ground transportation on both ends of the trip. Bon voyage!
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Wed, May 01, 2013 @ 09:00 AM
Business Productivity Tech Tools
Entrepreneurs know efficiency is the name of the game. Running a business in today's high-speed, ultra-connected world requires the ability to focus while simultaneously absorbing new information, which can be a tough thing to do.
But today's high-speed, ultra-connected world also happens to be the world in which technological assistance is just a touch or screenswipe away. In fact, there may be too many options; upwards of 300 apps are created every day.
Imagine the irony of someone spending hours upon hours looking for efficiency-enhancing apps for their smartphones and tablets. Wouldn't that be a great use of time? Luckily, Fast Company interviewed 10 successful entrepreneurs to find the hidden gems in their tech toolkits that allow them to be productive and efficient. Here are 5 of the best little-known apps:
What it does: Clipboard buffering, which lets users store and retrieve text that has been cut or copied from a document.
Who can't live without it: Tim Ferriss, author of New York Times bestseller The 4-Hour Workweek.
Why: "Have you ever cut and pasted two or three things, and lost a hugely important thing that you cut first? Jumpcut, which is free, allows you to store (and easily retrieve) 40+ copied or cut things from your clipboard."
What it does: Offers easy employee feedback and feedback management. The recommended operation is to have each employee spend 15 minutes a week writing a report that takes their manager no more than five minutes to read, hence the name 15Five. The program walks users through the report writing process by using a set of questions that prompt clear, concise answers.
Who can't live without it: Jason Calacanis, Internet entrepreneur most known for his ThisWeekInTV network.
Why: “15Five is my favorite app because it develops deep relationships on our teams quickly and efficiently."
What it does: Allows you to schedule events in your calendar in natural language by typing in something like, "Have lunch with Tina on Tuesday at noon."
Who can't live without it: Guy Kawasaki, original Chief Evangelist at Apple, author, tech investor and consultant
Why: "Great way to see and edit your calendar without launching your calendar application and switching to it."
What it does: Conveniently saves articles, videos and web pages on a tablet, phone or computer for later retrieval and viewing. The "DVR" for the web.
Who can't live without it: Dharmesh Shah, founder and Chief Technology Officer of HubSpot
Why: "I'm easily distracted. Pocket helps me stay focused by deferring things I want to read until later so I don't break my flow.”
What it does: Queues up content to share on social media and automatically posts them in intervals throughout the day.
Who can't live without it: Jay Baer, social media speaker, author and coach
Why: "Buffer makes that process of sharing information to audiences so much easier. I can read articles in the morning and add them to my Buffer. From there articles then get posted well spaced out over the day, automatically.”
Another way to be efficient is to invest in more time that's got productivity potential, such as riding in a safe and comfortable Tampa limo service sedan. This allows you to work on a project, safely talk on the phone or text, or just relax and refresh, rather than having to drive, stare at the road and stress out in traffic.
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Mon, Apr 29, 2013 @ 07:05 AM
The Top Luxury Hotels in Lakeland
If you are planning an upcoming trip to Lakeland, Florida, for either business or leisure, you might be concerned with finding the best restaurants, activities and ways to get around while you’re there. Traveling to any city for the first time can be a stressful endeavor, and having the right research to back your choices is one way to give yourself peace of mind as your trip approaches.
When it comes to transportation for your trip to Lakeland, consider booking a chauffeured Lakeland limousine. You can forget the responsibility of navigation, and allow your chauffeur to do the dirty work when it comes to parking, finding your destinations, and managing your travel times. Once you book your Tampa area car service, the next step is finding the best Lakeland hotel for your budget.
If you’ve saved up for a while and money is no object during your trip to Lakeland, we’ve got a list of luxury hotels for you. From multiple-star ratings to world-class restaurants, these hotels will meet your every luxury need and more during your visit to Lakeland.
If a full-service luxury hotel with unmatched hospitality and customer service is what you’re looking for, then the Terrace Hotel of Lakeland is your vacation match made in heaven. In addition to being a member of the Historic Hotels of America registry, the Terrace has been recently restored to beautiful, modern condition, but has kept all of its historical charm. Each of the Terrace’s 73 guest rooms come with executive level amenities and all of the comforts you can expect during your stay in Lakeland.
329 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
This hotel is attached to the Lakeland Convention Center, which is perfect if you’re traveling for business or plan on attending an event at the center during your trip to Lakeland. The luxury and comfort of the Lakeland Hyatt is exactly what you’ve come to expect from the Hyatt chain through the years, from the comfortable accommodations, modern décor and attentive staff to the complimentary daily hot breakfast and great parking.
525 West Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33815
Situated near the Lakeland Regional Airport (for those of you flying in), the Hilton Garden Inn is a convenient luxury hotel with all of the familiar reliability that you’ve come to expect from the Hilton chain. From the top-quality beds and linens to the hospitable customer service and relaxing environment, the Hilton Garden Inn is a solid choice for your Lakeland vacation accommodations.
3939 Don Emerson Drive, Lakeland, FL 33811
If you find yourself wanting to stay more towards Tampa Bay, the InterContinental is one seriously luxuriously hotel to consider. Located conveniently in the district of Westshore, the Intercontinental is close to several of Tampa’s biggest events and activities, making it an attractive accommodation for people looking to experience Tampa’s true culture. Spaciousness, airiness and comfort characterize this Floridian hotel, and the staff will gladly serve your every need during your stay. Experience luxury in a distinctly elegant Tampa Bay hotel by choosing Intercontinental for your trip.
4860 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa FL
Finding the right luxury hotel for your trip to the Lakeland area is as easy as doing a little research and knowing what you want. Once you book your car service and find your perfect Lakeland accommodations, the only things left to worry over are the myriad of activities you’ll need to fill your day. And with a city as vibrant as Tampa, your schedule should be full in not time.
Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net/stockimages
Posted by
Ken Lucci on Fri, Apr 26, 2013 @ 07:05 AM
Make an Impression on Your Best Employment Candidates
If you’re looking for job candidates for your company, you know how important it is to show those candidates exactly what your company has to offer. Does your company boast a fun and comfortable work environment? Flexible scheduling and plenty of inner-office perks? How about offering room for upward mobility and great benefits? Highlighting your company’s best qualities is one way to make yourself the most attractive employment opportunity for a qualified and highly sought-after candidate.
But before you can show a candidate what your company has to offer, it might be more important to show them the best of the city where your company lies. If your business happens to be in Tampa Bay, you have a plethora of opportunities to show your candidate the best of the city’s vibrant culture.
Plan an outing with your candidate, and be sure to book chauffeured Tampa car service for the event. With a chauffeur handling the headache of navigation, you can focus on dazzling your candidate and getting to know them as well.
To help you pick the destinations for your day with your potential candidate, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in Tampa to experience the city’s real culture.
One way to give your candidate the true Tampa Bay experience is by letting them explore, well, Tampa’s actual bay. From the breathtaking sights to the fresh air and sunshine, your candidate will be thrilled to be invited on such a unique outing with a potential employer. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a portion of your ticket price will go to Tampa Bay conservation efforts.
If you’re looking for a great restaurant to wow your potential employee, the Lido Beach Resort Restaurant is a perfect destination. The Lido Beach Grille is a great place to stop for fresh seafood and traditional American cuisine, while enjoying your choice from a long wine list and indulging in the panoramic views of the Sarasota skyline and the beautiful gulf coast.
If you discover that your potential employee is a fan of a good round of golf, what better way to impress and get to know them than by taking them out to one of Sarasota’s best greens? The Preserve Golf Club is a great destination to play a challenging and scenic round of golf with an employment candidate. There is a litany of lakes and rolling hills to create a natural oasis for you and your candidate, and the Preserve also features an on-site restaurant so you can stop in for refreshments and get out of the sun for few minutes whenever you please.
If you get wind of your candidate being a fan of wine, there are few places you could choose for your outing that would be better than a great Tampa wine bar. The Wine Exchange on Snow Avenue in Tampa is one of the best destinations for great wine in the area. With its upscale, yet comfortable modern décor, long list of wines and exceptional bistro cuisine, the Wine Exchange is a surefire homerun with an employment candidate who loves to sample and enjoy new wines.
Finding great new employees when you need a position filled can be a stressful endeavor, but when you set about wooing them in unique and fun ways, you can be confident that your chosen candidate will keep you in mind when it’s time to make their final selection. Spoil them with chauffeured car service and an afternoon or evening of fun, and they’ll be confident in selecting your business for their next career move.
Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net/moggara12