I spent part of my day cold calling today.  We did get a couple catering leads that will need to be followed up on. 

It is simply a different world.  The people we met today were tired, confused, mostly unfriendly, depressed and simply miserable.  What happened?  We walked into a GM Dealership that we thought was open but we went inside to an empty, depressing, quiet building.  You can tell that at one time this was a thriving business, now simply nothing.  A mid-aged women came out of an office and she was not to happy that we were there.  I almost felt bad for her. 

I went back to my job and was thankful that I had it.  I finished my work and headed home.  I am very grateful that I have a job.   Be thankful.

Good luck!

Pure Energy

As we all have heard the complaints about payment holds on people’s personal debit card.  I don’t know about you but in this economy I don’t want my free flowing cash on hold…not for one day….not for 10 days!

The hotel will swipe the guest’s card at check in and the amount of the hold will automatically come up (based on how many nights they are staying) or based on what the front desk agent puts in.  Just like if we put a hold on their card for incidentals.

I have learned to ask even as I take individual reservations, which all of us Sales People do on occasion, to ask if the card that they are using is a “debit card”.  I will give them advance notice that we will be putting a hold on debit card that they may not get back for up to 10 days.  This way it avoids complaints.  I have actually had guests tell me that we owe them for their “bounced” check because of a hold that we had on their card.

A lot of people don’t realize that we are “holding” their payment on their debit or credit card.  If you let the guest know in advance at check-in, debit or credit, the guest will appreciate it. 

The credit card – depending on their credit limit, will also get a hold on their card.  But not like a debit, the hold will not put a hold on their actual checking account. 

Communication is key to a happy guest especially when it comes to their money, to let them know what we are doing.

Good Luck!

Pure Energy

I find it so common that Sales & Operations collide.   Sales people are considered to have the easier positions, favorable hours and additional “perks”.  Operational people assume that they work the hardest, longest and scrafice the most. 

As a Sales person I am glad that I have Operational experience so I feel this is very helpful in my effort to establish a partnership.  

We as Sales people do not always fully understand why things happen.  I find it extremely helpful if we understand the basic Front Desk Operations along with Housekeeping and really every department.  

In Operations, I find that there is always that someone that is under the Sales Person’s skin.  No one person is going to mix with every manager and employee.  

Operations and Sales should have great communication, yield meetings, bonding time…whatever it takes.  We all work hard in every department and dedicated Manager’s can make a difference.  And don’t think the guest’s don’t feel the strain on the staff reflected from the Manager’s lack of ability to communicate.

Make it work.  The best hotel’s do.

Pure Energy