The mistake that many companies make across all industries is when business gets tough, all communication becomes price driven. Don't get me wrong, the right pricing strategy can make or break a business, but if price is the only message that is communicated, then what you offer guests becomes a commodity conversation and that is a scary place to be and an impossible position for growth. When the dust settles, organizations that build up their identity and brand emerge the winners.

Public relations is one of the most effective and economical communication strategies. Not only does it build awareness, it builds trust and let's face it, that is hard to find in the current economic climate. When a reporter "chooses" to interview you, when a leading organization "asks" you to speak, or when a well-know blogger "engages" you in a conversation, it sends a message that you can be trusted and have something useful to say. So how do you go about building relationships with these key influencers?

Transcend commoditization

Two major challenges afflict the hotel industry in tough economic times - smaller budgets mean less travel and hotel sales become price driven. In tough economic times, hotel stays become a commodity rather ...