More Theater, Less Zombies
David M. Brudney, ISHC, a nationally recognized spokesman for hotels and a veteran with four decades of experience, is the principal of David Brudney & Assoc. of Carlsbad, CA |
By David M. Brudney, ISHC, December 2000
My last article ("It’s
The Experience, Stupid!") addressed the absence of memorable experiences
in too many of the limited service hotels I visit regularly.
I think limited service hotels can do better!
My "experiences" of late have been nothing to write home about.
I don’t know about you but I’m getting awfully tired of visiting limited
service hotel after limited service hotel - - north, south, east, west,
no matter - - where I find the hotels clean as a whistle, all the facilities
in place but staffs that appear zombie-like.
I know, I know, I hear my colleagues and some of my clients saying:
"it’s only limited service, David, it’s not full service and it’s not luxury
or deluxe service, so, David, you have to deal with it." Well, I
don’t want to deal with it! There, I said it! I think limited
service hotels can do better!
I read about the crisis in the work force, we don’t pay enough and how
difficult it is to attract and retain good employees. Does anyone
seriously believe we’d have significantly better employees if we paid $2
or $3 more an hour?
We’re in a very personal business
We’re in the hospitality business. Our front line employees are
not cashiers at Best Buy. We’re not robotic-looking ticket takers
at the AMC complexes. We’re not librarians checking out books.
We’re in a very personal business. Our customers are guests who actually
sleep in our work homes and wake up and come downstairs and have coffee
and a continental breakfast with us. What terrific opportunities
for connecting with guests, for developing long term relationships, repeat
business and future referrals (if we do it right)!
I don’t think it’s the pay. I think it’s the environment we’ve
created and the reluctance on the part of owners, operators and franchisees
to become bolder and more creative. I think the employees I described
in last month’s column are enjoying their jobs because they have been allowed
to become creative - - the chef at Benihana, the singing waiter at
Papadakis and the salmon salesman at Pike’s Place Fish.
Are your employees having fun
at their jobs?
Mr. and Mrs. limited service hotel owner and operator: how many of your
employees are having fun at their jobs?
Here’s some ideas to consider:
-
Start thinking creatively. Remember, it was nearly 50 years ago Disney
turned staff members into cast members;
-
Turn your front desk and breakfast function into performance stages;
-
Be proactive with every guest at check in. Become involved.
Initiate dialogue. Offer a great cup of complimentary coffee, bottled
water or a juicy looking apple. Recommend dining and entertainment venues
with great personal testimony. Connect, connect, connect;
-
Hire a senior grandmother part time to oversee the breakfast function and
work the room; put an apron on her with a big name tag that reads "Mom."
-
Implement a themed manager’s reception for Wednesday nights; costumes are
"in!"
-
Rewards for cast members who acquire 25 guest names and addresses;
-
More rewards for cast members who sell guest certificates and get referrals.
Don’t fall victim to taking a pass on this advice due to fear of projected
costs incurred. Many of you can ill afford not to incur additional
costs. And avoid the old innkeepers’ saw of "we just can’t find the
right people" to perform such tasks. Maybe you’ve been looking in
the wrong places? You may already have actors working for you now.
Let them perform! There’s plenty more out there everywhere,
in desperate need for audiences and stages. Less than 5 percent of
all Screen Actor Guild members work regularly! Many find work where
they can, restaurants, driving cabs, valet parking. And don’t forget
part time seniors!
While looking at trees, are we not failing to see the forest?
The main focus for innkeepers always has been, is now and always will be
the enhancement of the guest experience. Forget that point and it
really doesn’t matter about RevPar, penetration and bottom line improvement.
You’ll become just another shirt in that sea of gray flannel.
Owners and franchisees: it is your responsibility to create an environment
in which bold and creative leadership can flourish.
This article appeared in the January ’01 issue of Lodging Real Estate
About David Brudney & Associates
David M. Brudney, ISHC, is a veteran hospitality sales and marketing professional concluding his fourth decade of service to the hospitality industry. Brudney advises lodging owners, lenders, asset managers and operators on hotel sales and marketing "best practices" and conducts reviews of hospitality (as well as other industry) sales and marketing operations throughout the U.S. and overseas. The principal of David Brudney & Associates of Carlsbad, CA, a sales and marketing consulting firm specializing in the hospitality industry since 1979, Brudney is a frequent lecturer, instructor and speaker. He is a charter member of International Society of Hospitality Consultants. Previously, Brudney held hospitality sales and marketing positions with Hyatt, Westin and Marriott.
Contact: David M. Brudney, ISHC, Principal
David Brudney & Associates
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Phone: 760-476-0830
Fax: 760-476-0860
Email David Brudney
Web Site: www.DavidBrudney.com
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