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The Best Business Cars for 2017

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article
If there’s one thing we can say about 2017, it’s that it has been quite the year for cars. From an influx of supercars, to a whole new level of luxury in our everyday vehicles, the world of automobiles has done nothing but improve this year. But what about the selection of company cars on the market? Are there really any models available that make the perfect business car? Have Honda given us something to work with? Or Audi? You’ll have to read on to find out.

Mercedes E350e

As far as company cars go, you can very rarely go wrong with a Mercedes, and the E350e is definitely no exception. This car has all the luxury and comfort of the perfect company car, and if you want a posh-looking and feeling saloon car with feel-good factor by the bucket load, then this Mercedes E-class should be at the top of your list. With amazing ride quality and a plush and spacious interior, this plug-in hybrid is an environmentally friendly choice for your business car – and it runs smoothly too! What more could you want?

BMW 330e

BMW are certainly up there alongside a Mercedes in the fight for most popular executive cars. This BMW 3-series that we’re focusing on today, however, is definitely no exception to that rule. This compact saloon has a smart interior, classy look and all the high-end technology you could want. Factor in excellent handling and a powerful engine and you have a fun to drive, efficient and competitive company car. The rear-wheel drive gives balance to the handling, and with a comfortable yet firm suspension, the steering is undeniably accurate and weighty. And the infotainment system? Well, if you’re looking for a Sat Nav, active cruise control, climate control, DAB Radio and a Bluetooth phone connection and more then you’re in luck!

Renault Zoe

Okay, so this cute little electric vehicle is hardly your typical-looking company car, but don’t be fooled. This charming car is perfect for city driving and is relatively cheap to run, so if you’re on a budget, this really is the right model for you. It’s quiet and it’s easy to manoeuvre, so even new drivers can benefit from this car. The interior is just like the Renault Clio, so it’s modern and easy to use, and with a TFT display rather than dials, and an advanced infotainment system for an extra level of sophistication, this decently-spacious car is a nice little one to get around busy cities in!

Alfa Romeo Guilia

Alfa Romeo’s first attempt at an executive car is quite a valiant effort. While this car could be mistaken for yet another German-made executive saloon, the Alfa Romeo is definitely different. The Italian model has rear-wheel drive and a smooth and fluid ride. Nicely balanced handling makes this car user-friendly, something that is certainly lacking in many of its competitors. The interior features low-set seats and a fully adjustable steering wheel for optimum comfort, as well as the option to choose the right trim for your needs and desires. The infotainment system is controlled by a rotary controller, and displayed on an 8.8inch colour display. While the graphical quality isn’t the best, it does its job, though it can be a little difficult to navigate to start with due to its confusing menu. All in all, however, this car really has plenty to offer as an executive car, and is a strong first effort from Alfa Romeo.

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a New Career

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A change of careers isn’t for everyone. After all, it usually puts you right at the bottom of the career ladder and you need to prove yourself again. However, if you’ve been feeling down in the dumps recently and you’re struggling to get out of bed every morning, you’ve probably given it some serious thought. Your mood shouldn’t be the only reason for wanting a change, though, as there are a few other reasons why sometimes, it’s just the right thing to contemplate.

1. Little to No Career Progression

If you’ve worked hard for the last 5 years and you haven’t benefitted from anything other than a slight salary increase (usually due to inflation), then it could be the perfect time to take your skills to new levels. Many businesses out there don’t do enough for their employees in terms of career progression opportunities, so it’s left in your hands to just carry on being miserable on the same wage bracket or doing something about it, like changing careers.

2. Job Security

If there’s talk of the business you’re currently working for going down the pan in the near future, it could be time to get out while you can. Don’t always listen to rumors, though, first do your research and see if it’s factual. If it is, get out now and spend the next few months working for a company that can offer you more security and more opportunities.

3. Better Salary

Of course, the main reason why so many people change careers is purely because they can get a better salary elsewhere, so what’s stopping you from doing the same? We could all do with a better salary, working conditions, and even less working hours, but not all of that is possible unless you’re willing to make the change. If you have absolutely zero chance of getting a better salary where you are, consider a career change today and better your future from tomorrow.

4. A New Learning Curve

Just because you’re a fully qualified nurse doesn’t mean you can’t change to a career in retail working for the likes of Aeropostale. As a nurse, you’ve probably been under the cosh for years to try and please all patients and you’ve got no rewards for doing so. Working in retail could mix things up a bit, and it could put you on a completely different learning curve when it comes to selling clothes. Look at jobapplicationworld.com to see what sort of careers you could land when working for one of the top retailers in the United states.

5. Develop Your Knowledge & Personal Skills

You can only develop your knowledge and personal skills so much when you’re working in a dead-end job. So, it could be time to make a change so you can have a much better future as far as your personal skills are concerned. Higher confidence, more motivation, better customer skills and much more awaits you when you start a new career.

Changing careers is never easy. You will miss the colleagues you’ve grown close to, you may have to travel further, and you may even get less time with your family. However, if you’re looking to make a successful career, these are the sort of things you must be willing to give up, especially if you’re wanting to start a new career in an industry with more job opportunities.

Is a Business Degree of Any Importance to an Entrepreneur or a Business Owner?

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Generally, when we discuss MBA courses, it usually involves looking at the degree from the perspective of a student who is looking to build a career. A question we do not typically address however is whether or not an online MBA degree would be the right choice for people who already have businesses of their own. What about the ones with significant knowledge and experience in their respective fields? Can they benefit from MBA programs? The answer is yes, entrepreneurs can indeed benefit from a business degree. To understand how that is actually applicable, go over the following points.

Understanding the Theory of Business Management

Even when you already have experience in running a business, you will learn more by studying and understanding the advanced concepts of business planning and management. If your business is successful, then you most definitely know what you are doing, but chances are that an MBA degree will help you to take your success even further. Studying Business Management Theory will help you to recognize gaps in your business planning and policy that you wouldn’t ever have noticed otherwise. It’s all about supplementing the existing knowledge and experience with formulated and established theories.

The Chance to Learn from the Best

AACSB online MBA courses usually have excellent faculty members and guest lecturers who are some of the most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs in their own fields. As they explain various parts of the course to their students and share their own life experience with them, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to learn from them. They might give you brand new perspective on things related to your business for improvement and progress.

Business Contacts

Your teachers and your peers are all your business contacts and in the near future, those contacts may turn out to be invaluable. You will likely find more than a few potential business partners and the necessary business recommendations while doing your MBA. As you already are a businessman, you will be able to make contacts and establish rapports easier because you are not looking to land a job, unlike almost everyone else in your class.

Security

Just in case you are a new entrepreneur who is still trying to make it, an MBA degree will provide you with a backup option, should the need to join a job ever arise. You can always go back to starting your own business after you manage to improve your financial standings, but an MBA from a good business school will enable you to land a job that will get you through the in-between stages.

These are the four prime factors which make an MBA degree extremely valuable to even established businessmen and rising entrepreneurs, but this is just an overview. There’s much more to it than this which you will learn during the course, but most of all, it’s all about learning how to grow what you have already.

4 Ways That Returning to Higher Education Can Change Your Life

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In life, it is never too late to make a change. The fact that you are heading down a certain path doesn’t mean that you have to keep moving in that direction. Instead, you can make decisions that will change your every day. One of the best ways to alter your future is by investing in your education. This will provide you with the opportunity to advance your career and improve your intellect. If you are searching for inspiration, you will need to read on. Below are four ways that returning to higher education can change your life.

It can help you to advance your career

Pursuing higher education doesn’t mean that you will have to give up your full-time employment. In fact, a new qualification could be the perfect way for you to advance in your career. For instance, if you are currently working as a nurse, you should explore a range of exciting nursing programs online. Not only is this an extremely affordable degree option, it is also a flexible program that is sure to complement your current lifestyle.

It can improve your self-confidence

If you struggle with your self-confidence, investing in further education is a great way to resolve this issue. Instead of focusing on what you can’t achieve, why not embrace a positive attitude? Setting yourself goals and seeing them into fruition will remind you that anything is possible. Furthermore, achieving a new qualification will help you to feel more confident at work. If you would usually shy away from the chance of promotion, your new qualification could be just the thing to help you step up to the plate. If you are determined to achieve success, self-confidence is key.

It can improve your earning power

In order to enjoy a bright future, it is vital that you are working towards financial security. Returning to higher education is an important step on this journey. One of the greatest benefits of investing in higher education is that your earning power will be improved. This will help to increase your career options for the future. Instead of putting up with your current wage packet, why not aim higher? Of course, you will have to spend money on your education, but you should try to look at this cost as an investment. It is extremely likely that your wise decision will pay off in the long run.

It can inspire the people around you

If you are raising a young family or are part of a particularly close group of friends, it is likely that your educational endeavors will act as inspiration to the people around you. It is extremely moving to watch somebody pursue their dreams, and it can lead you to question what you really want in life. Perhaps your loved ones will be encouraged to transform their own lives. Maybe they will invest in their own education and will use your story as motivation. Just imagine how proud you will be if your hard work has a positive effect on those around you.

Why Professional Development Is Key to Your Success

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Focusing on improving your individual skills is essential to moving forward in your career. Although some people don’t push for it as much as others, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. If you’re someone who’s on the fence about it for yourself, then you’ve come to the right place.

You won’t get very far doing what you’ve always done. You and your company will suffer from you not advancing your skills. It’s worth setting aside extra time to work on yourself and improve your foundation. There’s never a downside to increasing your knowledgebase. See why professional development is key to your success.

Knowledge & Education

For starters, you’ll learn new knowledge when you participate in professional development courses and activities. You’re going to get smarter and that’s a positive outcome. You can use your new knowledge and apply it to your career and personal life. It’ll get you a leg up on your competition and chances are you’ll move quicker toward that next promotion. You aren’t going to get too far relying on the information you once brought to the table from college. Always be learning and growing if you want to thrive.

Confidence

Your confidence will grow the more you invest in yourself. You’ll have the self-assurance to suggest changes and updates at work without having the fear of being turned down. For example, if you believe your company’s in need of a more modern website to sell your products, you’ll do the research and suggest a solid option like Eventige to help you out. You can express how the intuitive and simple design will guide customers to your products seamlessly. This confidence will stem from you taking your professional development opportunities seriously.

Challenges You

It’s healthy to be challenged once in a while. Being bored at work isn’t doing much for you and will only leave you feeling drained and tiresome. Participating in professional development activities puts your mind to the test and forces you out of your comfort zone. It’s also a great way to meet other people at face-to-face events and build relationships. Going through your same routine each day isn’t stretching you and helping to shape your full potential. There’s nothing wrong with feeling like you don’t know a subject matter well and having to ask questions to learn more.

People Skills

Professional development opportunities help you brush up on your people skills. This is great for anyone doing business with others or someone having to converse a lot with others in the office. It’s also good to be able to speak in front of groups and communicate your ideas clearly with people. Your reading, writing and socializing skills are ones that can always be improved upon, no matter who you are. It’ll bring you out of your shell and you’ll become less nervous as you practice.

Conclusion

Knowing it all isn’t anything to brag about. What’s worth boasting about is learning new information on a constant basis. This is why professional development is key to your success.