With all of the other priorities facing hoteliers today when it comes to managing transient distribution channels, it�s more than a fair question:  �Why do we need a new reservations sales process?�  

Yet when you listen to recordings of actual inquiries being fielded from real customers, it�s easy to identify that today�s callers have evolved faster than most training programs.  With the proliferation of technology for recording inbound reservations calls circa 2006, an increasing number of hotels and call centers of all sizes and markets now have access to some type of call monitoring technology.  Here�s what they are finding when they take the time to listen-in to their own callers: 

• Agents are fielding a much broader spectrum of sales scenarios than ever before, from callers ranging from ultra-informed to misinformed, having taken virtual tours and read TripAdvisory postings. 

• Callers are facing too many choices.  It wasn�t long ago that callers had to spend at least 15 minutes to check rates by phone at 3 different hotels.  Now in that same 15 minutes they can check rates and even pictures at dozens of options.  Many find this confusing if not overwhelming, especially when they�ve been on one to many websites.  

• Callers are multi-tasking while on the phone.  Whether checking e-mail, feeding the dog, or washing the dishes (you hope!), that noise in the background is demonstrative of today�s over-scheduled lifestyle.  

Now that it�s possible to hear how real callers react to reservations sales techniques, one thing is clear: sales steps and processes are out.  Today�s callers want personalized and customized sales experiences, so it�s the perfect time to launch Reservations SAILS Training 2006!©    Welcome aboard. 

Situational sensitivity.
Alluring descriptions.
Investigative sales approach. 
Listen interactively.
Secure the reservation. 

Once understanding the situation, they can then personalize the sales process and customize the caller�s experience for the duration of the transaction.  Whether it�s working through a caller�s special lodging requirements, reassuring them the lowest rate has been quoted, or providing a personal opinion, a focus on Situational Sensitivity helps chart the course. 

A is for Alluring descriptions.  When I started training hotel reservations agents 10-15 years ago, we encouraged them to be more informative and to educate the caller on the product.  While this is still sometimes necessary, it seems most callers are well-informed about the rooms, facilities, and amenities.  They�ve seen thumbnail pictures if not virtual tours, and might have even read about your hotel on IgoUgo2.  What�s more essential nowadays is to be alluring, which is to be enticing, tempting, and to make the product attractive for the caller. 

To help make your property sound more alluring to callers, your agents still have to know the product and to be able to provide �insider tips.�  Even more important is to help them expand their vocabulary of adjectives and adverbs so they can put it in their own words.  (One technique is to encourage the team to continuously read your local visitor�s and tourism brochures, magazines, and websites.) 

Probably the best and easiest way to become more alluring is to use needs-based recommendations and endorsements.  Rather than saying �I recommend this for you�,� better to bring the caller into the equation:

• �Since you mentioned it was a special occasion, our deluxe accommodation would definitely be the one I�d suggest.�  

• �If you�re traveling on business and flying out early, we really are the perfect location for you then.�  

• �Based on what you�ve told me I think you�ve made a very good choice.�

Instead, SAILS training today should be customer-focused, and should allow agents some degree of flexibility in seeking out the best and most direct pathway to getting the caller�s booking before any they make any more clicks or calls. 

The key for successful investigative selling is to use ad-hoc probing questions, which are best developed �mid-stream� while the call is in progress.  While it is still often necessary to ask traditional question such as �What brings you to the area?� and �Have you stayed with us before?� agents usually also need to use situation-specific questions such as:

• �May I ask what website you saw that on?� 

• �Is there anything specific you are looking for?

• �May I ask which of these requests is the most important to you?�

S is for Securing the reservation. In the end the goal of all sales training is the same; to secure the sale right here and now while we have our best chance to do so.  While it is helpful to train your agents on tactics and techniques, the most important part is to help them understand that everyone benefits when we close the sale, including the caller.  Anyone who�s ever fielded a call-back from a caller who had checked earlier and is calling back ready to book, but who finds the inventory sold out or that the rates have gone up, knows that it is in the caller�s best interest to book it now.

All too many calls these days start with �Hello, I went online and I just have a question�.� and a few minutes later end with the agent suggesting, �So if you�ll just go online to ourhotelname-dot-com, you can just book it there when you are ready, okay?�  Afterwards, one can only hope the caller doesn�t go to theirhotelname-dot-com instead. 
 

Doug Kennedy, President of the Kennedy Training Network, has been a fixture on the hospitality and tourism industry conference circuit since 1989, having presented over 1,000 conference keynote sessions, educational break-out seminars, or customized, on-premise training workshops for diverse audiences representing every segment of the lodging industry. Ee-mail Doug at: [email protected]

Doug Kennedy, President
Kennedy Training Network
www.kennedytrainingnetwork.com
[email protected]
Direct:  (954) 981-7689