Your Hotel Sales Contact Leaves for Another Hotel, Now What?
When your sales contact leaves for another hotel, it's crucial to manage the situation carefully to ensure continuity in your relationship and ongoing business dealings. Here's what you should do:
1. Reach Out Immediately
Contact the Sales Contact: If appropriate, reach out to your former sales contact to congratulate them on their new position. Maintaining a positive relationship could be beneficial for future networking and opportunities.
Communicate with the Hotel: Contact the hotel immediately to inquire who will be taking over your account or project. It’s important to establish continuity as quickly as possible.
2. Request a Transition Meeting
Meet with the New Contact: Request a meeting or call with the new sales contact to introduce yourself and discuss the status of your ongoing projects. This meeting should cover any current bookings, pending contracts, and any specific needs or preferences you have.
Review Current Agreements: Go over any existing agreements or contracts with the new contact to ensure they are fully aware of your expectations and the details of your partnership.
3. Reconfirm Upcoming Events and Arrangements
Double-Check Details: Ensure that all upcoming bookings, meetings, or events are on track. Reconfirm all details, including dates, times, room setups, catering, and AV needs, with the new contact.
Update Your Records: Update your internal records with the new contact’s details and any changes that might have occurred during the transition.
4. Evaluate the Relationship
Assess the New Contact: After your initial interactions with the new sales contact, assess how well they understand your needs and how comfortable you are with them handling your account.
Monitor the Service Level: Pay attention to whether the service level and communication standards remain consistent. If there are any issues, address them promptly with the contact or escalate if necessary.
5. Maintain Communication with the Hotel
Stay Engaged: Keep communication lines open with the hotel to ensure you are kept informed of any further changes. Regularly check in with your new contact to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
Build the Relationship: Take the time to build a strong relationship with the new contact, just as you did with the previous one. This will help ensure continued success in your dealings with the hotel.
6. Consider the Impact on Your Business
Review Alternatives: If the change significantly impacts your relationship or service level, you may want to review your options. This could involve exploring relationships with other hotels or revisiting terms with the current one.
Plan for Future Interactions: Consider how this change might affect future business with the hotel. Ensure that your business goals are aligned with the new contact and that they understand the value of your partnership.
By taking these steps, you can manage the transition smoothly, maintain a strong relationship with the hotel, and continue to receive the high level of service you expect.