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The Dos And Don'ts Of Hiring A Hospitality Consultant

by Joshua Armstrong

A hospitality consultant is a professional who is an expert at efficiently running hotels and other hospitality properties. They can help transform a hotel from a business that is barely churning a profit to one that is a thriving and attracting a diverse array of loyal travelers. They can also be helpful at recognizing areas where small improvements can have a big impact. However, not all consultants are the right fit for you and your property. Consider these dos and don'ts when hiring a hotel consultant.

Do Ask for Examples of Past Successes

It's okay to ask for examples of achievements and seek references. A hospitality consultant should be able to provide you with clear data about how they have been able to help other hotels increase their profits and efficiency. While extensive experience isn't necessary for a hospitality consultant to be good at their job, it is definitely a plus that can give you peace of mind.

Do Ask Open-Ended Questions During Your Interview

The more information you have about potential hospitality consultants, the better you can determine whether they are the right fit. For example, you may not think to ask all the questions that will reveal essential information about the consultant. However, when you ask open-ended questions, that will encourage the consultant to ramble a bit and to volunteer information that may otherwise have eluded you.

Don't Make Any Assumptions

If the hospitality consultant is a part of a company, ask for details about your potential consultant's specific work history. Companies may brag about the experience of their esteemed consultants on their website, yet not everyone in the company has the same level of expertise. Check the experience of your consultant.

Do Ask Whether the Hospitality Consultant Has Questions for You

Many consultants will be eager to gather information about the hotel. If you speak to a consultant who doesn't have questions for you, follow up by asking them why. They may have a reasonable explanation. If they don't, carefully consider if they are curious enough for the position.

Finally, take your time to find the right hotel consultant that can fulfill the unique needs of your hotel or other hospitality property. Don't rush things. Instead, carefully consider how the consultant will best serve the company and whether they are someone you want to work with throughout this process.

For more information, contact a hospitality consulting company.

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