Before entering into a new job or industry, it’s important to get yourself into the mindset that you’re going to need to learn a bunch of new information and skill-sets. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way around this, and much of this learning-curve has to be done on the job. Before I got into the accommodation industry, there was plenty I didn’t know, but some of those nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned have become vital in the day-to-day running of the business.
In this article, I’m sharing with you the top three things I never knew about owning an accommodation business, and why I couldn’t do my job without that knowledge.
The Rewards
In my life, I’ve always considered myself a jack of all trades and a master of none. I studied Engineering at university, then went into the Information Technology sector and I’ve since worked in Event Security. However, it wasn’t until I entered my current industry that I realised what my true passion was.
Working in the accommodation business, all my clients are on their holidays. And what I’ve noticed is that 95% of people on holiday are happy. That was one of the unexpected pleasures of getting into this industry – working with people who are happy and making sure they have the best experience possible.
All in all, it’s taught me the importance of doing something you love and, if you’re not, to find something you feel passionate about.
The Importance of Quality
This one’s an old cliché, and it’s obviously an expression I’d heard countless times before owning an accommodation business. However, it wasn’t until I was dealing with customers on a day-to-day basis that I really learned its importance.
In my line of work, people are really seeking out a high-quality, luxurious experience, and so it’s important that we provide it. This means not cutting corners and making sure that no expenses are spared.
I suppose the biggest takeaway here is knowing what your clients are after, and ensuring that you provide it.
The Role of Feedback
As I mentioned above, it’s vital that you know exactly what your clients want and that you give it to them. However, most people make the mistake of assuming they know what their customers are looking for and reacting accordingly.
In my work, I’m always looking for feedback from clients, actively seeking it out. It’s no good waiting to receive feedback, because most clients don’t offer it without being prompted first. This isn’t about pestering customers for answers, but instead about being polite, asking the right questions and building a rapport.
A couple of these points may have sounded obvious, but they’re all things that have been hammered home for me over the years.
The most important aspect of this is being alert to things you need to improve on. As a business owner, you always want to be growing. This means paying close attention to what’s going on around you on a daily basis and reacting accordingly. That way, you massively improve your chances of delivering a service that will go above and beyond the expectations of your clients.