In the hospitality industry, the fall into the holiday season is a crucial period. There’s no time to waste, and the more productive your hotel team can be during this time, the more successful the hotel will be. Previously, we discussed why it’s crucial to focus on driving revenue during the holidays. Today we will focus on ways to get organized internally to be ready for the new year, here is what to know in hospitality.
Starting off 2017 on a strong note will set the tone for the rest of the year. Since the holidays often keep everyone overwhelmed and busy until January hits, it’s common for hotels to utilize the first month, or more, of the new year to play catch up. Don’t let this happen, get organized now and you won’t need to play catch up. Your bottom line will thank you for it.
What to Know in Hospitality
Start implementing the following organizational strategies ASAP. By the time January 1 rolls around, you’ll be ready to bring in the revenue bacon.
Start Brainstorming Next Year’s Budget
This is huge. New year, new chances for success. Take time to audit the budget for 2016 – what worked? What didn’t? Are resources needed in new areas? Should funds be allocated for new marketing services, hiring influencers, etc.? Perhaps there are needed renovations that were overlooked in 2016 due to lack of funds, and next year’s budget is an opportunity to plan for them.
Hold your team accountable for taking the time, ahead of time, to thoroughly nail down the budget. A rock solid budget will help your hotel soar to success, and keep everyone on the same page.
Use The Holidays to Strengthen Relations
‘Tis the season to give thanks. The hotels existing relationships are arguably the most important relationships of all. New clients will always be important, but it’s a wise strategy to find ways to show appreciation towards existing customers. Word of mouth is a powerful way to attract more clients and attention, but it will only take place if your customers feel appreciated and happy.
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This is also the time time of year to give thanks to strategic partners, vendors, and other organizations the hotel utilizes. Reliable and trustworthy individuals and companies should never be taken for granted! Tell everyone how much you appreciate them!
Attend to The Small, Overlooked, Details
When business gets busy, small details get overlooked. Set aside a certain amount of time per week, starting now, to figure out which small details need attending. Do the computers need updated software? Is the website looking dated? Spend time walking around the property without being in a rush to get somewhere. You’ll be amazed at all of the details you notice, and have time, to take care of!
Take Care of Maintenance Before New Year
Like we mentioned before – start 2017 off on a great foot! There’s no better feeling that starting off the new year feeling refreshed and renewed, and those feelings will help set your hotel up for revenue success.
We all feel better when everything is clean, operational and fixed. Replace or refurbish the furniture that needs it. Fix the computers that aren’t performing well. If there is a broken washing machine, get a new one. Are there light bulbs that need replacement? Craft a to-do list today, and make a goal to attend to 1-2 items each week, and you’ll be well on your way to feeling refreshed at the start of next year.
Audit Restaurant Menu
Your hotel restaurant(s) is an important place. For the weary travelers it’s the place to re-charge. For the celebratory couple it’s the place to, well, celebrate! For the exhausted parents it’s a chance to keep the kids happy. Or, simply it’s a place for guests to enjoy the hard work of the kitchen team.
October is a great time to gather the restaurant team and begin auditing the menu. During the peak of the holidays (right before the new year) everyone is too busy to do a thorough job, so get it done now before that happens! This way you’ll kick of January with new and improved menu to further delight the guests and bring in revenue.
That should be enough to get you started and keep you busy the next few months! Make it your goal and intention to kick-butt in 2017 and you will! The early bird gets the worm, so to speak, and this is your chance to get that worm!
Still have questions on what to know in hospitality this year? Don’t hesitate to contact HMG Hospitality today! The experienced HMG team will ensure you have all the tools you need to achieve success before, during and after the new year.
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