It has been a ride and I have had a lot of fun along the way, but now the reigns must be passed to the next generation of hoteliers – the new crop, the young and those that are restless to become the next hotel magnates. The industry is marching on to a new tune. I guess you could call it techno music – the era of the tech hotel and the techies that will eventually run the industry. Of course there will be obstacles to overcome during their tenure, perhaps even changes that will change the shape of what is to come.
The Long Climb to the Top
Perhaps the cycle will not last as long as predicted; things have a way of finding their own path. Not all of the new breed will succeed in their quest for fame. There is only so much room at the top of the mountain. If you plan on being one of them you better get started now. It takes a lot of work to get on top, and a lot more to stay on top. Look at history and see how many hoteliers made the climb to the top, and how long they stayed there. Only a few manage to stay, and are still there. Most of those hoteliers at the top are due to retire and who will be their successors? This move will automatically move the chain up a few places. You as the young hotelier will now be in the loop that will eventually take you to the top.
More Equal Representation of the Sexes
Don't assume that it will move by itself – you need to make it move. Your abilities will be tested; your ideas your innovations and so forth. Just being there is not enough. Today you have an added item to the fire; you are now competing for the top spot with women, who in the past may not have followed in that direction. In today’s hospitality world that notion has changed and women have thrown their hat into the ring. Don't you just love the industry? Just when you thought it was a slam dunk, here comes the female revolution. It will make the run to the top more of a challenge – don't get careless; women are just as prepared as you are, if not better prepared. If you are thinking of staying in the race, learn well, study hard and think before you leap. The next Mr. /Ms. Hotel could be you.
Examples of Spectacular Rises to the Top
It does not matter if you work with a small property or a large one, the process is the same. Look at the Marriott family – they started with a hot dog stand, go figure that one; from hot dogs to one of the largest and most successful hotel companies in the world. Anyone for a hot dog? See what can happen with determination and vision? You have all heard how Holiday Inn got started, well now is your turn – how will you get started to build your empire? There are still a lot of new innovations left to become the next impresario. Start thinking of what the traveling public will want next, what new ideas will surface in the next ten years? Will you be part of the new technology? Will you be the one that got passed by?
Valuable Words of Advice
I just finished reading a very well prepared book by Sheryl Sandberg called "Lean In." For people in any industry, if this lady gets her wish, you are all in for the race of your life. If even 4% of those women choose to run for the top spots, move over because if you don't they will mow you down. Now the competition just got fierce people. Those of you in the hospitality industry – you have been put on notice, because a lot of those women reside in that sector.
There is always a better mousetrap to be built, you need to find out where and when to make sure you are the builder of it. That is really the secret; you must be at the right place at the right time – sounds like revenue management does it not? Well, I must leave you with these thoughts. You may not agree, or may think that this will not come to pass. Whatever your thoughts might be, look around you; somebody will build that mouse trap and if you are not in the right place, guess what guys/gals, you are out of the game. Here is the second scenario – the mouse trap was built and you were out to lunch. Be alert, be there, or be square.
About the Author
Alan Campbell has been in Las Vegas for over 30 years and has worked for the major strip hotels. He has spent some time in California, Los Angeles where he worked for the Radisson and Sheraton hotels. Alan considers the hospitality industry the best job in the world – it is the only place that both king's and Paupers will visit you.
The Hotel Guy
