Tag Archives: career

Development, Leadership

12 Hard Truths About Career Growth – And How to Use Them to Your Advantage

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If you want to grow in your career, work hard. Show up. Give your best effort in everything you do. That part doesn’t change. But hard work alone isn’t enough – you also need to understand how the game is played.

Some of these lessons took me years to learn. Others came quickly, often through mistakes. The earlier you embrace them, the more control you’ll have over your own success.

1. Hard Work Alone Won’t Get You There – But It’s Still Essential

Effort matters. Dedication matters. But if no one sees your impact, it’s easy to be overlooked. Success comes from a combination of hard work, visibility, and delivering results that matter. Don’t just work hard- work smart, speak up, and make sure your contributions are recognized.

2. Loyalty is Valuable – But Business is Business

Companies make decisions based on what’s best for the business, not just individuals. That’s not a reflection of you – it’s just how businesses operate. The key is to stay committed to excellence in your work while also keeping an eye on your own growth and development.

3. Your Title Doesn’t Define You – Your Skills Do

A title may look great on a business card, but it’s what you can do that determines your value. Focus on building skills, learning continuously, and adapting. That’s what will make you successful no matter where you go.

4. Leadership Doesn’t Always Have the Right Answer

Great leaders make tough decisions, but they’re not infallible. The best leaders appreciate perspective, solutions, and constructive feedback. That’s why learning how to challenge ideas respectfully is an essential skill – it makes you a valuable contributor, not just a follower.

5. Relationships Matter as Much as Talent

Your skills will open doors, but relationships help you walk through them faster. The people you connect with today might be the ones who recommend you for an opportunity tomorrow. Be someone people respect, trust, and want to work with.

6. Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor – Sustained Excellence Wins

I used to think working the hardest and the longest would set me apart. But what truly sets you apart is the ability to perform at a high level consistently. That requires balance, discipline, and knowing how to manage your energy – not just your time.

7. Growth Comes from Doing What’s Uncomfortable

Every major leap in my career happened when I took on something that made me nervous. Growth requires taking on challenges before you feel fully ready. The fastest way to build confidence? Get started.

8. Learn to Take Feedback Without Taking It Personally

Feedback isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s one of the fastest ways to improve. Instead of feeling defensive, ask yourself, “What can I take from this to get better?” The people who grow the fastest are the ones who seek feedback – not avoid it.

9. No One is Irreplaceable – But Impact is What Lasts

Being “indispensable” isn’t the goal. Instead, focus on making a real impact. The most valuable professionals aren’t the ones trying to hold onto a role – they’re the ones who create value, solve problems, and leave things better than they found them.

10. Don’t Overthink – Just Get Things Done

The best people in any organization aren’t always the smartest or the most strategic – they’re the ones who get things done. There’s a place for planning and discussing, but execution is what moves things forward. Be the person who follows through, delivers, and helps make things happen.

11. Progress Doesn’t Always Look Like a Straight Line

Some of the best career moves aren’t “up.” Sometimes they’re sideways, diagonal, or unexpected. A different role, a temporary step back, or an unfamiliar challenge might be the thing that propels you forward in the long run.

12. No One is Going to Manage Your Career for You

The people who get ahead are the ones who take ownership of their careers. They don’t wait for permission. They ask for opportunities. They step up. No one will come and say, “Now is your time.” You have to make it your time.

Final Thought: Control What You Can, Adapt to the Rest

There are things in your career that you can’t control – but there’s also a lot that you can. You control how much you learn, how hard you work, the relationships you build, and the attitude you bring to every challenge.

People who take ownership of their work, show up with a great attitude, and consistently get things done will always be the ones who move forward.

Guest Relations, Guest Services, Leadership, Sales

The Power of Persistence in Hospitality Sales: Insights from Industry Leaders

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In the competitive hospitality industry, effective sales follow-up strategies are crucial for converting inquiries into bookings and building long-term customer relationships. Research underscores the importance of persistence, with 80% of sales requiring at least five follow-up attempts, while nearly half of salespeople give up after just one. This gap presents a significant opportunity for those willing to go the extra mile.

Key Insights and Case Studies

  1. Optimal Follow-Up Timing and Techniques
    • Cornell Center for Hospitality Research highlights that the most effective times for follow-ups are mid-week, particularly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 4-5 PM. This timing capitalizes on potential customers’ availability and willingness to engage, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful contact and conversion.
  2. Case Study: Hilton and Marriott’s Strategies
    • Both Hilton and Marriott have demonstrated the effectiveness of structured follow-up processes. These companies utilize personalized communication and detailed customer data to tailor their follow-ups, enhancing engagement and boosting conversion rates. For instance, Marriott’s approach includes a blend of emails, calls, and even personalized messages on digital platforms, ensuring they stay top-of-mind for potential clients​ (eCornell – Online Education Programs)​​ (eCornell – Online Education Programs)​.
  3. Utilizing Technology and Personalization
    • According to eCornell’s Hospitality Management programs, integrating advanced CRM systems and leveraging data analytics are critical for tracking and managing customer interactions. This technology allows for highly personalized communication, adapting follow-ups based on customer preferences and previous interactions. For example, using CRM data, a hotel can tailor its messaging to highlight services or amenities that align with the customer’s past preferences​ (eCornell – Online Education Programs)​.
  4. Motivational Factors and Sales Success
    • Studies indicate that providing clear incentives and a supportive environment for sales teams enhances persistence in follow-ups. Incentives such as bonuses for meeting follow-up milestones or converting leads into bookings can motivate salespeople to maintain consistent communication efforts, even with challenging prospects​ (eCornell – Online Education Programs)​.

Best Practices for Compelling Follow-Ups

  1. Personalize Every Interaction: Tailoring your messages to the specific needs and past interactions of each prospect can significantly increase engagement. This level of personalization demonstrates attentiveness and builds rapport.
  2. Utilize Multiple Channels: Combining emails, phone calls, social media, and even SMS can ensure that your message reaches prospects through their preferred communication channels. This multi-channel approach also reinforces your presence and commitment.
  3. Provide Value in Every Contact: Ensure that each follow-up offers something new—be it additional information, a solution to a previous query, or an update on special offers. This keeps the prospect engaged and helps them see the value in continuing the conversation.
  4. Track and Optimize: Using CRM tools to monitor and analyze the effectiveness of different follow-up strategies allows for continuous improvement. This data-driven approach helps identify what works best and refine strategies for better results.

Conclusion

Persistence, personalization, and strategic timing are key to successful follow-ups in the hospitality industry. By leveraging these strategies, sales professionals can significantly enhance their success rates, turning more inquiries into confirmed bookings and building lasting customer relationships. For those looking to refine their follow-up techniques, learning from industry leaders like Marriott, and utilizing resources from institutions like the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research, can provide valuable insights and practical strategies.

For more comprehensive insights and training, consider exploring courses offered by eCornell and other renowned hospitality management programs.

Leadership

Unlocking Your Potential: How I Found Growth and Advancement in the Hospitality Industry

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As a hotel employee, it can be easy to feel like you’re stuck in a rut and not sure where to go next. But, with the right mindset and approach, the hospitality industry offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement.

I personally found this to be true when I took advantage of the many hotels Marriott has worldwide. I had always been interested in working and living abroad, so I applied for an international transfer opportunity, and I was given the chance to work in another country. This not only gave me the chance to gain new experiences, but it also helped me develop new skills, and learn about new cultures. It also helped me to become more adaptable and open-minded, which is essential in the hospitality industry.

Additionally, I took advantage of the training opportunities that were available. Marriott offers a wide range of training and development programs for their employees, which I found to be very helpful in my career advancement. I learned new skills and gained a deeper understanding of the industry, which helped me become more confident in my abilities and prepared me for new challenges.

Networking also played a crucial role in my career development. I attend company events and volunteered for committees, which gave me the chance to build relationships with other professionals in the industry. This helped me learn about new opportunities and opened doors to new roles and promotions.

Lastly, I was proactive in my career development. I set career goals for myself, and created a plan to achieve them. I asked for feedback from my supervisor and took steps to address any areas where I needed to improve. It took time, effort and patience, but it paid off.

In conclusion, the hospitality industry offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. As an employee, you can take advantage of training opportunities, seek internal transfer opportunities, network with your colleagues, and be proactive in your career development. And don’t forget, you can take advantage of the many hotels Marriott has worldwide, to live and work in other countries. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and keep working towards your goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Take advantage of training opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge
  • Seek internal transfer opportunities within the company to gain new experiences and build a diverse skill set
  • Network with colleagues to learn about new opportunities and open doors to new roles or promotions
  • Be proactive in your career development, set career goals and create a plan to achieve them
  • Take advantage of international transfer opportunities to live and work in other countries
  • Stay positive and motivated, believe in yourself and your abilities.
Development, How To

Forget about work-life balance!

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Forget about work-life balance in its traditional sense! Work-life balance in its traditional 9 to 5 sense is gone and a relic of the past. Does anyone really work from 9 am to 5 pm Monday’s to Friday’s anymore? I doubt it, and definitely not in hospitality! Work-life balance has changed, and it’s important to understand how and why it changed, and how you need to adjust your understanding of it to stay happy and content with your everyday life. Work-life balance should be measured by how happy you are, and how much energy you have for what matters most to you. If you love what you do, and if you are passionate about what you do, you never have to work a single day in your life. You probably heard this before, and while this statement is a bit of a stretch, there definitely is truth to it. If you love what you do, you will feel energized and happy, if you don’t love what you do, every task is a burden and work can be very draining… and if work is draining, then work-life balance in it’s traditionial 9 to 5 sense is very necessary to stay happy and healthy. Continue reading Forget about work-life balance! →
Development

Why you should start a career with W Bangkok!

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Why you should start a career with W Bangkok when there are so many other options in Bangkok with many new exciting hotel projects coming up every year?

When I first started this blog I talked about why you should start a career in hospitality to begin with. It’s a journey that’s challenging, but always exciting! Every day is different, you gain many experiences in different departments, and the best part… it’s all about people! And not to forget, you get to travel the world, if you choose to do so.

Now I want to talk about why you should choose a career with W Bangkok over any other hotel in the city.

More and more hotels are opening up in Bangkok each year, and graduates have more and more options to choose from. But not all options, as exciting as they may look at first, will help you build the right foundation for your career. Continue reading Why you should start a career with W Bangkok! →

Development, Leadership

The Only Thing Standing Between You And Your Goals Is…

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The only thing standing between you and your goals is more than what the Wolf of Wall Street is trying to tell us.

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It’s not just being afraid to follow your goals for one reason or another, it’s having a clear understanding of what your goals really are to begin with.

‘What are my goals’, is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself at the beginning of your journey and your career in hospitality!

I am recruiting graduates from hotel management schools for the position of housekeeping floor manager now for years, and my experience is that many, if not most, do not have clearly defined goals and are rushed to get promoted as fast as possible, and definitely faster than their peers from school. Continue reading The Only Thing Standing Between You And Your Goals Is… →

Development, Leadership

Do You Have The Right Attitude To Succeed?

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You come to work on Monday morning after a rejuvenating weekend with your loved one, and get confronted by a coworker with a negative attitude within the first ten minutes… you kept working endless hours over the weekend to complete the project in time for the upcoming presentation and put in endless efforts, but your peers missed the deadline and your presentation got cancelled… you always try to do your best and work hard, and the person next to you is sleeping on the wheel, yet there is no sign of accountability… other people in your organization have ulterior motives and employ unethical techniques to advance themselves…

Does any of this sound familiar to you?

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Don’t get yourself in the victim role and develop a negative mindset, but rather continue to focus on yourself and on doing the right thing. I am not saying that you shouldn’t hold people accountable to their behavior, actions and performance (without it your business cannot succeed), but you cannot make it personal either, get emotional about it, or let it change anything of who you are and what you believe in. If you believe in Karma and that one’s actions always have consequences, even if you yourself are not able to address it or do anything about it, you can trust that no one gets away with cutting corners or unethical behavior. Focus on being at your best every day and on growing the people around you the best you can, and you will always have a feeling of accomplishment by the end of the day.

I have come across a lot of smart people with the skill set to be very successful in their role, and who yet fail to work as a team, fail to get the best out of their teams and coworkers, and fail to deliver the expected results because of their attitude.

If you believe that 10% in life is what happens to you, things that you cannot control, and 90% your attitude about it, you know what you have to focus on first – yourself and your outlook on things!

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Development

Do You Have The Right Perspective On Your Career?

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What’s my career goal, is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself at the beginning of your journey and your career in hospitality!

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I am recruiting graduates from hotel management schools for the position of housekeeping floor manager now for years, and my experience is that many, if not most, do not have clearly defined goals and are rushed to get promoted as fast as possible, and definitely faster than their peers from school. Continue reading Do You Have The Right Perspective On Your Career? →

Leadership

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

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Your comfort zone is your worst enemy if you want to grow and move ahead.

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This is the place that you feel most comfortable, and it’s the area where you know exactly what to do and what not to – chances for you to make mistakes are very small, if you just remain there! Continue reading Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone! →

Development, How To

How to Get Promoted in 3 Steps

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You are eager to get promoted and move on to the next step. You are constantly comparing yourself to your peers, are impatient about your own job situation and cannot wait for something exciting in your career to happen. You want to get promoted!

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Every once in a while when your personal life calms down a little and work isn’t as busy for a change, you’ll get the feeling that it’s time for something new… that you’re standing still and that something new and exciting needs to happen for you! Continue reading How to Get Promoted in 3 Steps →

Development, Leadership

You Are The CEO of You!

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Congratulations on being the CEO of what should be the most important corporation for you, congratulations on being the CEO of ‘You’! Understanding yourself as a business, that requires planning, investment and exercise is the foundation for a balanced and fulfilling professional and personal ‘career’.

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What’s important to keep in mind as the CEO of ‘Yourself, Inc.’: Continue reading You Are The CEO of You! →

Development

Do you know what your goals are?

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What’s my goal, is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself at the beginning of your journey and your career in hospitality!

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Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I am recruiting graduates from hotel management schools for the position of housekeeping floor manager now for years, and my experience is that many, if not most, do not have clearly defined goals and are rushed to get promoted as fast as possible, and definitely faster than their peers from school. Continue reading Do you know what your goals are? →

Development

If You Want to Grow Fast, Step Out of Your Bubble!

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Your bubble is your worst enemy! I am talking about your bubble of comfort, or simply put your comfort zone.

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This is the place that you feel most comfortable, and it’s the area where you know exactly what to do and what not to – chances for you to make mistakes are very small, if you just remain there! Continue reading If You Want to Grow Fast, Step Out of Your Bubble! →

Development

Tell your story!

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Tell your story is one of my favorite lessons in leadership. I have been working now in four different hotels over the last eight years, and the last three in New York. Prior to that I believed it to be important to get as much experience as I could in as many different hotels and locations as possible, and worked in hotels in Europe and Asia.

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About two years ago, a job opportunity in another hotel abroad opened up. It was an opening of a luxury hotel brand and intended to be the flagship of this region. I was offered a higher title and a better salary. I fully believed that this would be the right choice for me, to move on, and open up a new hotel abroad. No one could convince me otherwise at this point… Continue reading Tell your story! →

Development

Why would anyone pursue a career in hotel management?

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Why pursue a career in hotel management? Is this the right profession for me?

If you’re asking yourself these questions and are yet undecided, if a career in hospitality is the right choice for you, I hope you’ll find this helpful in making your decision.

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If you’re looking for becoming a millionaire, working regular hours, having every weekend off, or for a healthy work-life balance, chances are that this is not the right business for you! Continue reading Why would anyone pursue a career in hotel management? →