Business

Jul 11 2018

Top destinations for business travellers in 2018

dubai for business

For some, the best part of being a company rep or executive is all the travel one does on behalf of their employer. You get to excel at what you do best during the day, and once your job is done, you get to enjoy the best that the world has to offer.

In this article, we’ll talk about three cities around the globe we always enjoy visiting, as their services and attractions appeal to those who love to live the good life. Regardless of which city you go to, make sure to use these essential travel apps wherever you go to get the most out of it.

1) Dubai

Rising from the desert over the past couple of decades, Dubai is emblematic of the new Middle East – a region which sees the writing on the wall as the age of fossil fuels slowly draws to a close. The world’s tallest tower soars above a city blossoming with skyscrapers, representing numerous votes by owners of smart capital in this centre of finance.

When you aren’t checking in on a real estate project or putting out feelers for good deals in this dynamic city, take time to shop for a new Rolex at the Dubai Mall, dine on your choice of cuisine at one of the city’s many five star restaurants, or work on your tan on one of its excellent beaches.

2) Hong Kong

The handover of Hong Kong to Communist China in 1997 spooked many in the business community, fearing that the financial epicentre of Asia would fall victim to the inefficient machinations of a system obsessed with central planning.

However, the new China has taken a hands-off approach to the territory, allowing capitalism to largely go about its business (so long as you don’t criticize the government). As a result, growth has blossomed, and its banks continue to take the money of businesses and high net worth individuals from around the world.

After you have concluded your business dealings in Hong Kong, hit the streets and grab a bowl of noodles – there are few places in the world that do then better than here.

Feel like treating yourself to a new tie or smartphone? Head down to Causeway Bay – the variety of shops there will keep you busy all evening long.

Want to be entertained? If you love the thrill only betting can give you, head over to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, place some $HKD down on your favourite horse, and cheer it on to victory.

3) NYC

New York City – the Crossroads of the World. Within the boundaries of this metropolis, one can find representatives from almost every culture on the planet. This has been the case throughout much of NYC’s history, a fact which has helped make it one of the world’s most significant financial centres.

The NYSE and NASDAQ are headquartered here, trading shares in America’s and the world’s top companies. In short, money can be found everywhere in this city.

After meeting with and doing business with your American colleagues on a business trip, check out the view either from the top of 30 Rock or the Empire State Building, then head out for some of this country’s best pizza or steak.

With plenty of lounges and pubs sprinkled throughout Lower and Mid Manhattan, you’ll have plenty of spots to keep the good times going with new friends and clients after finishing up at dinner.

Jul 10 2018

Want to make serious bank post-grad? Major in these business disciplines…

Commerce makes the world go round, so if you are studying business with the intent of making a lot of money after school, you’re on the right track. However, there are many fields which fall under the broad umbrella of this academic discipline – below, we’ll go over some its more lucrative sectors.

1) Marketing

This sector of business is one of the sexiest majors out there, as it deals with the art of persuasion. Marketing is a lucrative skill to have in today’s economy, as attention spans are shorter than they ever have been.

With customers increasingly flocking to the web and Netflix, where commercials can be skipped with ease, the ability to seize a viewer’s interest has become a valuable commodity.

Depending on the role you target after graduation, the outlook is a positive one, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects between 10 to 20% growth in the number of openings for these positions over the next decade.

With average salaries (bonuses notwithstanding) ranging between $63,000 and $127,000 for those in the midst of the marketing careers, those who have a knack for capturing people’s attention stand to do well in this field.

2) Accounting

Looking to get on a career track that’s rock solid in terms of its dependability and necessity to business? While it may not be the most exciting field, firms the world over will always have a need for accountants who know their way around a spreadsheet.

If math is your strong suit, this is the major for you – by using equations, you can help boost the profits of a start up, or find extra tax savings for a Fortune 500 company.

Unlike more outgoing professions, many responsibilities in this profession can be handled from your desk – this means accounting is especially well-suited to those who are more introverted in nature.

With a predicted 11% growth rate in open positions over the next decade and an average annual wage of $68,000, this is a solid career option for detail-oriented individuals who seek a stable income.

3) Sales

Like to live life on the edge? Gregarious and extroverted? If so, making sales your business major will not only suit your personality perfectly, you also stand to earn sacks of money over the course of your career.

Here’s why: marketers can only get customers and potential clients to pay attention – it’s up to salespeople to close the deal. Once your company has piqued their interest, it’s on you to break down exactly how your product or service will completely transform their life or the performance of their business.

Do this successfully frequently enough, and not only will you be rewarded with an attractive base salary, but many places will pay out commissions and performance bonuses. At the end of the year, this can add up to a hefty stack of cash.

Employment growth in this area is projected to be a bit more modest, with a 5% increase in openings over the next decade. Salaries range widely – some are quite low ($48,000 or lower), but this doesn’t take incentives into account.

If you are selling complex scientific instruments or machinery to other businesses, you stand to earn much more – many positions pay close to, if not more than six figures as a base salary.

Jul 10 2018

How to leave work at work once and for all

At the end of your rope mentally because work is bleeding into your personal time? You aren’t alone – 43% reported doing office tasks at home in 2017, according to a recent survey. Many people hare having issues with the question of how to leave work at work.

Want to create boundaries between work and home? Below, we’ll discuss a few tips that will help reclaim your evening for you and your family.

1) Be organized when you are at work

One of the big reasons why many of us end up taking a pile of work home: we didn’t get all that much done when we were at the office. While the cubicle may not be the most inspiring place in the universe, it is preferable to get your stuff done there than have it creep into your personal time.

If you want to increase your work productivity, it starts the evening before. Take out a sheet of paper and write down 1-3 important things which need to get done the next day – and no more. Very few people have more mission critical tasks than that, so resist the urge to write out a huge laundry list.

Once you pour your morning coffee and plunk your butt down in your chair, it’s go time. If you can’t stop yourself from visiting your favourite websites (like YouTube), download Leechblock and use this program to bar access to them (except during lunch).

By doing this, you’ll force yourself to focus on what needs to get done, minimizing the chance of having to work off the clock because you’re on deadline.

2) Silence / turn off your work phone after a set hour

While some people are compelled by their bosses to be respond to their work phone at any hour, most opt into it by responding to inquiries that can wait until the following day. At 5:00 pm (or whenever you normally leave the office), silence or turn off your work phone.

This can be an anxiety-inducing act, but remember that in order to reclaim your home life, you’ll need to stand up for yourself at some point. Don’t even make up an excuse if you end up getting called out for not responding – be honest with your boss about the stress you’ve been feeling about having work invade your personal time.

Unless you are in charge of a mission critical post (like a network administrator) or you are on deadline, text messages and e-mails after hours can and should be ignored.

3) Craft a series of enjoyable activities when you get home

The second you leave work is when you should start creating a clear separation between what you do at work and your life at home. Make your commute an enjoyable one – blast your favourite tunes or listen to an interesting podcast or two. When you get home, make some food which speaks to your soul.

Make time for a hobby which engages you physically/mentally. Have a bubble bath after a particularly tough day. These activities and others won’t just relax you – they’ll explicitly define your home life, and why it shouldn’t be infringed upon by work tasks.

Photo credit – Unsplash