Highs and Lows

It appears the economy is not ready to give us a break just yet. This long recession has been a draining experience for everyone. That is why it was so great to step out and enjoy a phenomenal night at our recent awards dinner. Congrats to all involved with putting together an awesome night on a lean budget. It was really a pleasure to celebrate the accomplishments of so many on the team. It was also a great tribute to our company’s values that, in spite of the aforementioned difficult environment, we still stop to say thank you and good job to one another, and recognize accomplishments the way we always have.

As I write this the inner circle winners are home from an unbelievable trip to France. It is a remarkable testament to the all the great things that about FHG. Of course our values start at the top. In times like this I think we all gain a new appreciation for the kind of leader that we have in Mr. Schwartz. He embodies the vision that we talk about in our EAGLE creed, and never blinks when it comes to making sure that the team is taken care of. Recently, he and all of us suffered a loss with the passing of his father James Schwartz. It is clear as we look back that the values and virtues we so admire are a Schwartz family tradition. The out pouring of tributes to James from around the country were very moving. So many lives changed, careers launched, deeds done, by this generous and caring man.

You know friends, the economy sucks, but in every place in history where we are tested, true leaders stand out more distinctively than ever. That is certainly the case here, at Team FHG.

BOB’S TOP TEN WEB REVENUE GROWTH SUGGESTIONS

1. Use Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites effectively. They are not commercials. They are connections.
2. Google and other search engines can be great tools. Google key words like your location and the word “meeting” for example to find leads on potential business.
3. Use Google or other search engines for research tools for prospective business. Reverse telephone number searches or key words from press articles might lead to a new customer.
4. Participate in all relevant Brand Promotions and monitor e-channels regularly to be sure you are open for business.
5. Participate in internet lead sites (Ex – Hotel Planner, Starcite)
6. Work with attractions in your area to be sure that you have reciprocal links.
7. Do you know who Wessling Works, Hotel Planner, Starcite or Hoteligence are? If you don’t, you might want to.
8. Review Brand ecommerce scorecard and update as appropriate.
9. The fastest growing segment of our economy is government. The reinvestment and Recovery Act has a site listing projects headed to your area. If you are near a federal building of any kind, check the web to see whose offices are there and what they are up to.
10. Revenue management should be thoughtful and intuitive. Many of the traditional indicators are now foggy. Be a leader. Remember it’s not an auction.