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Ten Ways to Establish Yourself
as a Hotel Industry Authority

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By Karen Weiner Escalera, May 2005

How many times have you thought � I should have been quoted in the article? The authority on the panel? The profiled expert in the magazine?

Getting known as an authority in your field or niche has tremendous benefits both for you and your company. For a new company or consultant, it builds credibility, prestige and awareness. For an established firm, it reinforces a leadership position, helps recruitment, and generates publicity. By building your credentials as an authority, you add to your marketability, enhance your value to your company, and generate press and professional opportunities that could even end up with invitations to sit on corporate boards. 

Here are ten tips to make that happen:

1.  Use research as a platform to establish your expertise. Doing proprietary research is much easier and cost effective today with online sites. Also consider teaming up with a market research company or a large firm that has an in-house research department.

2.  Write bylined articles for hotel industry journals and online media (isn�t that what you�re reading right now?). These articles place you in databases and search engines so that reporters writing articles on industry topics will find you front and center. Plus, writing clips are a valuable addition to your credentials.

3.  Take a stand on industry issues. Donald Trump didn't become known by voicing bland comments.

4.  Use your photograph wherever possible. People may not read all the articles, but they do look at pictures, and someone whose photo is consistently featured is viewed as a "Player."

5.  Enter award competitions, not only for your work, but also, for contributions made to your profession and community.

6.  Get to know the opinion-making media in the hotel and travel industry and in your local community. They may not have time for lunch, but will often be receptive to an informational meeting in their office.

7.  Be sure, wherever possible, that news releases bear your quote and that this quote has substantive information. The idea is for the quote to be used, and in order for that to happen, it needs to add value to the story. Work with your Public Relations staff or agency by giving them input. They can�t quote what they don�t know.

8.  Send your company newsletter to industry media and be sure it has your photo and a letter from you to readers (refer to tip #4).

9.  Speak at industry conferences. By sharing your knowledge, you create recognition as an expert and as someone who proactively promotes their industry.

10.  Make sure your biography is updated regularly. It's your "calling card" to recognition.

Use all 10 tips, pick out three, or feature five. Whichever way you choose to utilize these 10 core actions, you�ll no longer be an anonymous face in the crowd. You�ll be a star of your own making.

About the Author
Karen Weiner Escalera is the President and CEO of the KWE Group, Inc. KWE Group is a marketing communications and public relations firm specializing in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries. Contact Karen Weiner Escalera at [email protected].

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Contact:

KWE Group, Inc.
Tania Palafox
4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 260
Coral Gables, FL 33146
P: 305-476-5424
[email protected]
www.kwegroup.com
 

Also See: Top Ten �Must Do's� for a Successful Luxury Hotel Opening / Karen Weiner Escalera / December 2004
Luxury Makes a Comeback in Travel / Karen Weiner Escalera / November 2004


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