Most corporations, when giving birth to a new product, behave just like parents jumping in frenzy in a maternity ward. This typical hysterical hoopla of the incubation wing is often replaced by a subtler, cubicle behavior and at times becomes a subdued Dilbertish style revolution. Objects do fly, even though they are memos or sometimes, sharp yet harmless, foamy projectiles. Everyone shares the excitement and all fights are well intentioned. Everyone wants a successful launch. There is always a good feeling and everyone is happy. READ MORE

The Western economies realized decades ago that small and medium enterprises are really the main drivers of the economy. While big businesses are necessary to preserve and maintain structure within the economy, surely they have considerable problems of their own. Mega corporations of the earlier era have increasingly lost their edge to smaller, nimbler organizations, which have spouted all over the Western landscape. The Middle East is now a new turning point for SME's to begin a grassroots revolution. READ MORE

Maintaining a profitable and successful hotel can be difficult but rewarding. The hard work and attention to detail that are essential to creating a desirable and competitive hotel can be overwhelming, so much so that some hotel operators often disregard one of their best investment options for achieving wealth and financial success. By investing in the ownership of the commercial property, in addition to operating the hotel on which the property is housed, hoteliers can reach their ultimate financial potential and enjoy a more lavish and secure lifestyle. The following tips can take some of the stress out of buying and owning commercial real estate. READ MORE

The more resourceful and well connected the concierge is, the more efficiently they work. A novice concierge who has no connections may take two or three times longer than the seasoned concierge to satisfy guests' requests. The rewards of supporting your Concierges' participation in networking events, locally, nationally and internationally, will not only benfit your guests and staff far into the future, it will positively affect your bottom line. READ MORE

Understand that when a guest needs a babysitter, limousine, audio visual equipment, massage or other ancillary service, the request is usually made of the Concierge. After all, in most guest service directories you will find a lengthy list of services provided by the Concierge. Often, guests view these services as hotel services, rather than a service provided by an outside vendor. Each vendor's timely, professional and seamless delivery of these services is critical to the guests lasting impression of their hotel experience. READ MORE

My daughters enjoy playing soccer and I enjoy coaching them. My oldest daughter not only scores goals but she is a goalkeeper as well, she understands the game and is a leader. My younger daughter scores goals too, understands how the game is played, and plays to win. As a soccer coach my job is to prepare my daughters, and the rest of the team, for the spring soccer season so when they step on to the field, win or lose, they are able to compete. In putting together my "game plan" for our first practice, just weeks away, I decided to highlight my 5 simple steps to becoming a great goalkeeper. While working on the practice plan it was clear to me that the principles were also applicable to the work I do in the hospitality industry so I decided to modify them so I could share them. 5 simple steps to cut costs and attract more families to your property - is your marketing team prepared to take them? READ MORE

With so many changes in communication and entertainment in the last five years, guests' habits have changed. Guests are going on-line for information, maps, directions, communication, email, and entertainment. Guests are also bringing their media and entertainment with them on CDs/DVDs, flash drives and iPods. These tools are integrated into our everyday lives and we are accustomed to accessing our content on demand. When we travel, it's no different. In fact, it is more important. A little touch of home goes along way when you're traveling. Your guests don't want to be nickeled and dimed to have access to these amenities. So how do hotels afford to make these conveniences available to their guests without breaking the bank? READ MORE

Can hotels get away with slightly inconveniencing guests, in the name of being 'green' and good to the environment? Most surveys say no and trends still show that customers want green, but all without sacrificing their experience. This article explores this issue and offers five practices that can be undertaken without inconveniencing guests. READ MORE

Developers fortunate enough to have an opportunity to develop hotels in or near heritage areas have a duty to incorporate history into their project. Cultural heritage activities are one of tourism's biggest market opportunities but how to capture it? This article outlines five models to profitably attract and retain those visitors and their discretionary dollars. READ MORE

While this story happens to be about a hotel in a developing nation, the story is seen in many hotels in many countries - even those in developed nations. Last October, in my global travels, I traveled to a developing country to spread the word about the value of becoming certified as an Employer of Choice®. Though my sponsors wanted me to stay in a local, well-respected, three-star hotel, when I visited it to take a look, there were no Westerners, and I asked to see an alternative four-star property. READ MORE

Today, the best advice anyone in charge of supply chain management can give is take a strategic, long-term view of your contracting efforts. All of us want to save money, but it takes more than hard bargaining to get the best deals. It takes vision and the ability to look at the entire supply chain from field to table to identify the most effective ways to make the overall supply chain more productive. Based on many years of experience in dealing with over 900 suppliers and a team of 50 commodity experts, I would suggest working with suppliers, not working at odds with them, to take costs out of the system. Based on this, here are some ideas... READ MORE

With hotel occupancy and revenue growth down overall, it will take some creative thinking to navigate the unchartered economic waters of 2009. Most hotel properties already scaled back on staff and expenses last year. But what to do next? Tough times call for innovative ideas, proactive planning, and daily financial monitoring. They call too for motivating and retraining staff to continue excellent service for loyal customers and to attract new ones. And it means keeping up the property and grounds to maintain attractiveness. Inviting ambiance and top-notch service draws customers. A property must continue to shine - especially in lean economic climes. READ MORE

What is Practical vs. Beautiful Design? As I considered this question while preparing to write on this topic, it occurred to me that practicality is so many things when it comes to executing beautiful design. It doesn't always mean that a piece of furniture "doubles" as two. (It's a desk that also serves as a coat stand.) It doesn't even necessarily mean that every element of the design is even useful in a literal sense. READ MORE

It's all too easy for hoteliers to fall back on tried-and-true formulas in designing the next crop of boutique hotels. Today's formula is working, as evidenced by the growing popularity of boutiques. However, the segment's hallmarks are innovation, creativity, and risk-taking. As we move into the future, boutique owners need to embrace the same fresh thinking that earned boutiques their reputation 20 years ago. Inspiration can come from virtually anywhere - if you know where to find it. READ MORE

Spas are as susceptible as any service business to the challenges and pitfalls of today's difficult economic environment. The perception was that spas and the luxury service segment (hotels, retail products, restaurants, etc.) were reasonably insulated to severe economic downturn. We know now that this isn't the case, and spas are facing challenges that didn't exist just six months ago. In order to position your spa to maximize the chance for operational and financial success, one should pay more attention today to the pre-opening and planning phases. Creating a delineative identity in combination with a well thought out timeline for opening will give your spa the best chance for a successful launch. READ MORE