Getting hospitality moving again in 2021

So many discussions center around how to get business back up and running now that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the Covid nightmare. So what is the answer?

If you need some suggestions, try some of these tactics to help get your world back up and turning a profit. For a complete plan, just let us know at contact@wksglobalhospitality.com.

• Training, Training, Training. Get your team back in the business as soon as possible. This may cost a bit more in the early days but will be worth it. Focus on training the team to be their absolute best. If you are a restaurant, then work on anticipatory service. Anticipating the guest's needs can never be underestimated in guest loyalty. Guests will expect that you spent this time away doing something other than sitting and waiting.

• How do your social channels look? Are they the best they can be? Make sure Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or whatever channels you are using are up to representing you at their very best. Review your images, descriptions and information. Is the information listed still correct and easy to find? Consider the images you are using. Do the images depict a group gathering and up close with each other? This might not be a good image today during the Covid recovery phase. Pick images that are warm with togetherness but not big groups like a super spreader event. You also want to give guests the image that you provide a fun and enjoyable experience. Only show images that don't highlight or show the PPE, face masks or gloves. We know it's going to be there, we just don't want to be reminded of it at every turn.

• If you have some money and want to get a bit of advertising going, consider social channel advertising or boosting. This can get in front of the audience that you are targeting quickly and have immediate ROI and impact to your revenue stream. We have seen a 24 hour notice on social channels fill a restaurant or bar and have a queue to get the next table. While many of us are living under SOPs which dictate the number of guests and covers, we need to maximise every opportunity to drive that revenue. Investing a little can help a lot.

• Social influencers are everywhere. If you have a product that you want people to know about, it might be a good idea to find some Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) or Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs) and have them join you to experience your product. These influencers can be found in many ways, either through Instagram and Facebook or through online magazines which they contribute to and you read each month. Just do a bit of research and make sure they have real followers. Many can buy their audience for a small price. Best way to vet them is to check their engagement or when speaking to them ask them about their engagement vs impressions.

At the end of the day, getting back up and running won't be an overnight achievement. But be patient and look for every opportunity to promote the business amongst friends, colleagues, social audiences and on the digital spectrum.

Good luck!