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

Cold calling.  Sales People have been cold calling forever.  Sometimes it’s fun, most times it’s not. Are you that Hotel Sales Manager who cold calls each day?  Are you getting results?

I read an article today that was right on the money about cold calling.  Check it out at on www.gamingindustrywire.com~ Back to Hotel Sales Basics: The Basics Have Changed Big Time! – by Carol Verret.  She offers great ideas on finding leads without driving around all day accomplishing nothing but adding up miles. 

Other good ideas I have found helpful are on www.hotelsalesmanager.com.

I do not mind cold calling and I have had to do it for almost 20 years.  But, now a days I can look up anything on-line, find what I want, who I want and most times…..emails and phone numbers are listed right there.  Pretty simple.  If you are a good surfer you will save hours and hours of precious time along with additional costs for mileage that you will have to charge to your company.

Old School….yes, most of our Manager’s are from the Old School.  They believe that you will succeed if you spend your time cold calling.  I always think of that copier guy or office products fellow who cold called the Sales Office at the hotel.  It is hard to change the minds of an Operations Manager or Regional if they still believe that Cold Calling is the answer in this recession. 

Is cold calling the answer?  Do people really want to be cold called in the middle of their day?  Yea, sure some are receptive.  But when you leave are they thinking of that annoying copier guy who pops in anytime and bugs you?  

I’m torn on this subject.  If my DOS wants me to go out and cold call, I do my best to bring back information that might bring results.  Most of the time I find that I head back to the office and google them anyway.

Good luck to all of us Cold Callers!  Hope it works!

Pure Energy

It is the responsibility for the Hotel Sales Person to Qualify….understand what the client needs.  Is their need and “annual event” or a “one time event”.  If it’s a one time event, where will they go then?  Is there a sister property or brand in that area for their next event?  Does your Management Company or Franchise offer a referral program?  

There are many, many questions that can be answered during casual chatting.  Or…you tell them that you are trying to understand their organization and process and ask if you can ask questions.  I don’t recommend you wham them without asking.  They will respect you more.  Some clients, the Chatty Kathy’s will go on and on.  So make sure you take advantage of their generosity and take good notes!

In the SMERF Segment that one time Family Reunion will book in another area the next year – or bi-annually.  If you ask you can be extremely helpful and a resource to this client who you will develop a superb relationship with.  Yes it’s work but that’s what Sales People are expected to do.  And it’s a gift!

Most Traveling Sports Teams ~ amateur or professional,  most likely travel more than one time a year.  They are traveling all over the USA and the world!  Where is your team traveling next?  

Student Tour Charters/Senior Tour Charters and Program Series.  Student Tour Buses may only be coming through your area that one time.  It could be a “one time deal” for the school and depending on the schools budget and success, will depend if they plan another trip that requires lodging.  Senior Tour buses are most likely involved with a church group or a tour wholesaler who books more then one date for their “program series”. 

For example Washington, D. C. during the Cherry Blossoms has an event that draws in thousands.  This tour wholesaler may only book in that are 1x a year.   There are tons of examples and opportunities out there. 

Corporate Groups may have an annual Sales Meeting or a continuous Training Class that requires lodging.  Type in “training” for your area in google or even the yellowpages and you will see who is promoting what.  In some cases you will find required training locations where a certification class is required and you may get some business.

Good Luck!

Pure Energy