The Best Marketing Advice I Ever Received Had Nothing to Do With Marketing.

Early in my career, a gentleman who would become one of my closest friends began sending me more business for his hotel.

The property was thriving, and before long he was promoted to oversee several more hotels. As I prepared to work with those new properties, I expected him to talk about branding, advertising, budgets, or creative strategy.

He didn't.

Instead, he said:

"Be humble. Be curious. Be intrigued."

Then he explained what he meant.

Don't assume every property is the same.

Spend a weekend there.

Walk the grounds.

Eat in the restaurants.

Talk to employees.

Watch how guests interact with the staff.

Learn what makes that place different before you recommend what should change.

That advice shaped the way I've approached every client for the past 30 years.

Marketing isn't about arriving with answers.

It's about asking better questions first.

I've discovered that every successful hotel has a personality.

Every ownership group has different priorities.

Every team has its own culture.

The best marketing never begins with a campaign.

It begins with understanding.

I still hear those three words every time I start working with someone new:

Be humble. Be curious. Be intrigued.

What's the best professional advice you've ever received?

#Hospitality #HospitalityMarketing #Leadership