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 This fast track program presented in a ZOOM format was designed in collaboration with other well-known hotel consultants - many of whom started their practices after successful careers in the hotel industry.  Your individual session will be tailored to provide you with an enlightened awareness of and a real-world exposure to hospitality consulting.

You’ll quickly realize what adjustments or new skill sets you’ll need as a consultant to serve the industry you know so well. It is a total immersion in a one-on-one ZOOM atmosphere. 

This session is designed to assist a current hotel executive in the start-up of a new practice or expose the sole practioner consulting veteran to the constant changes in the  profession.

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Introduction

• The profession’s history and emerging trends.

• Why there are more opportunities for a practitioner than before the pandemic

• How today’s consulting has changed from the days of dominance by the large firms.

• What to expect and prepare for in your first year of operations.

• Consulting organizations and associations.

• What consulting is “not.”

• Who hires consultants – who does not.

• Why some well known hoteliers have failed in their transition to consulting.

• Are there opportunities for the “generalist”?

Hotel consulting Start-Up Phase

• What it costs to start a practice.

• Estimating fees and operating expenses.

• Certifications and licenses required.

• The generalist.

• All about the office. Assistants, associates, associations, and partners.

• Is it a good idea to put your name on the firm?

• Insurance issues.

Consulting Practice Management

• How a practice gets traction and sets up for growth.

• Common rookie mistakes..

• Proposals, Contracts and Engagement letters. Preparing the Scope of Work & Deliverables.

• Types of fee structures.

• Retainers - why you should never leave home without them..

Marketing Your Services

• How to position yourself and put your hotel experience to use as a consultant.

• Defining your competition.

• How consultants get hired. How to reach the decision makers. Defining your network.

• Social media and website? Publish or perish.  

• Becoming a speaker or panelist at conferences. The generalist verses a niche.

Client Relationships

• Why some clients may not be right for you.mistakes we've all made in the early years.

• Listen to understand rather than respond with "free advice".

• Competency issues.

• Dealing with client’s difficult employees.

• A look at how your lifestyle could change as you grow your practice and become more independent.

• Work Life balance