Hotel Sales Manager not WOWED by interviewers……

I went on an interview tonight.  I got to say, I really was not “WOWED”.   They think I would fit their Tour & Travel Manager needs….but where I am now, I do the whole SMERFE Market and I like it better than being a DOS.  Also they are getting ready for a complete renovation plan.  I just finished that nightmare. 

I feel the interview went well but….they kept asking me about a database and I do not keep one.  I can promise that I will start working on one this weekend.

I felt very nauseous on my way there.  Almost like I was doing something wrong.  I don’t usually feel that way.  I thought about it and I think it’s because I do really like my DOS and although I don’t believe in everything that my GM is doing, he is trying to make the hotel better.  A GM needs to be tough or they will be abused, used and screwed. 

I got to say that I am glad that I took the time out for this interview.  Although I am struggling through issues at my current hotel, I like the product, location and there are many benefits.  It’s going to be up to me to stop being so overwhelmed.  There isn’t any more time for me to squander.  This interview made me realize how much I do like my hotel.

My DOS is awesome but I know that I need to stay on her good side.  I want to be productive and produce so we all make bonus.  She certainly wants to make a difference and so do I.

Still had a hard time getting soliciting calls done today.  This kills me.  But they did fix my desk that has been broken and I left it a disaster tonight because I spent my time welcoming, doing baggage and working in the Restaurant to take care of my Tour Bus.  They were a miserable group but I continued to smile and keep the staff smiling too.

Well, I’m pooped and ready to kick back and relax.

Good luck tomorrow!

Pure Energy

Persistence pays off for the Hotel Sales Manager…….

Finally, I worked on this lead for 3 months!  He confirmed his site inspection for today and enjoyed a delicious lunch with me.  He loved the hotel.  Persistence worked!  I’ll be sending contracts out for 3 of their events and he even added one making it 4……over $120,000 in revenue.  I was pretty excited. 

Tomorrow is the last day for the Sales Opera Training.  I think it is going to be pretty easy once I can get in there and start using it.  The trainer will be back in 2 weeks….so we will have to enter in all of the Catering Events….oh my.  There is a lot.

The Catering Manager…I’m not sure what she is going to do.  They want to move her into Operations to replace the F & B Supervisor that they fired last week.  I really like her and I’m upset about the whole thing.

They fired the Reservation Manager today.  Like I said, you can’t mess around with this new Management Team.  Although my DOS says that I am doing a good job, I still feel like I’m walking on egg shells.  You never know.

I posted my resume on line yesterday and I had one call from a local hotel’s GM who found it.  I can’t tell you how bad I wanted to call right back but I couldn’t.  I did leave a message around 5ish once I was able to slip away and hide to call. Even though I am excited about a change, it still breaks my heart since I really do like my property.  But I am so tired of the constant interference that I go through every day….I simply want to sell. 

The Operation issues at the desk are still terrible.  I don’t know why people even come back.  Still many issues with posting, rates and god, everything.  They had tried to get me to take a couple shifts at the desk.  I wouldn’t mind but I can’t focus on Sales and work the front desk?   I help out as much as I can.

A couple of the new folks are now burnt out and wondering why they left their hotel to come to ours.  I keep telling that it is going to take time to build the team…they need to be patient. Build your team around you thus you will have more freedom.  I don’t know what to say to them? 

I have a busy day tomorrow….lots of trace calls to catch up on with this Opera Training and contracts to get out.  Not a dull moment.

Good luck selling tomorrow!

Pure Energy

Welcome to My Day in Sales Hell!

Today was like the day from hell.  I couldn’t focus, get calls out or even think of anything.  I had one proposal and three contracts to get out this morning.  Once I type them they need to be signed off on by the DOS.  The contracts are new and much different then I am used to.  Although I am a pretty fast typist, they are taking me sooooo long to complete.  I was pulling my hair out by 11:00am as I floundered around trying to get back on track.

The office is being renovated and I can’t believe the working conditions I am trying to function under.  The banging, sawing, dust & dirt, noise levels….oh, my, need I say more? 

I haven’t had internet in more than a week nor the reservation system so I can’t check availability for my inquires or email my clients. And I’m sorry but that Country Music in the background that the workers are listening to, not to mention the “F” work every minute, was simply too much today.  I’M TRYING TO SELL HERE!  We are told that it will take another week or so.  Pathetic.

The tour bus contact called today to complain about his bill.  The room rate included continental breakfast and all taxes and although the package was built correctly, he was still charged taxes, more than $9 per room.  So of course he wants to be credited and of course I will have to waste time now getting everything together for review for his charge back.  And I felt like a fool and then I thought “again another front desk posting issue.” What’s the deal here?

I scheduled a preconvention meeting for tomorrow earlier this week for a large military convention that starts arriving on the 18th.  I have been working with my client now for over a year mostly by email.  I am online with here about something every single week. She is counting on me to make sure that everyone communicates with each other about what they need so it runs smoothly and they are proud.  Only one Manager took the time to even question me about this meeting.  I will soon see who I can count on.

Tomorrow I am expecting more chaos and more breathing in spackle dust.  My goal today was to get as many appointments and site inspections for next week.  I never did get back on track but I did get an “almost” but then she decided to wait until after the upcoming Holiday.  Don’t you just hate that excuse. 

I have lost three of my new solicitations that did come out for a hotel tour.   Our curb appeal is horrible while we are waiting for the new lighting to be put in….sometime next week. Although we are trying to be a beautiful as we can, the outside of the building is worn and old looking. We are adding new landscaping and when this project is completed we will appear to look much newer.  I can’t wait.

I am now going to spend the rest of my evening preparing for battle and tomorrow’s challenges.  I’m keeping it as positive as I can. Good luck selling!

Pure Energy