Essential hospitality sales skills can be the difference between empty rooms and a full house. And here are the top 10 hospitality sales skills every team member needs to drive more bookings and repeat bookings from both existing and new clients.
1. Research
Knowledge is power! And great sales start with great research. So, make it your mission to understand your market, know your competition, and stay updated on industry trends. As a result, you’re more able to tailor your approach and offer targeted solutions to meet your clients’ specific needs.
2. Listen
Ever heard the one about good salespeople having two ears and one mouth? Active listening means truly understanding your clients’ needs and preferences. Not just hearing words, but grasping their true meanings. These hospitality sales skills help build trust and show clients you genuinely care about their concerns and objectives.
3. Communicate with Clarity
Clear, concise, and compelling communication is key. Your message needs to be on point and engaging, by email, on the phone, and in presentations, conveying your value proposition in a resonant way.
4. Qualify
Not all leads are created equal. For this reason, qualifying helps you identify the prospects most likely to convert. So, don’t shy away from asking the right questions to dig into a prospect’s needs, budget, and decision-making process. It empowers you to focus your efforts where they matter most.
5. Build Relationships
Relationships are everything in the hospitality industry. Accordingly, building and maintaining genuine connections with clients leads to repeat business and referrals.
6. Negotiate
Negotiation is an art form focused on finding a win: win situation for both parties. Prepare for high fives all round as you learn the hospitality sales skills to handle objections, manage expectations, and close mutually beneficial deals.
7. Manage Your Time
Time is money! And efficient time management helps you juggle multiple tasks without dropping any balls. For all these reasons, it pays to prioritise and make the most of your working hours to maximise productivity.
8. Follow Up
The follow up can make or break a sale. For this purpose, professional follow ups show clients you value their business and you’re committed to meeting their needs. At the end of the day, a solid follow up strategy keeps the conversation going and leads to conversions.
9. Upsell and Cross-Sell
Get more strategic about revenue optimisation with upselling and cross-selling. It’s all about adding value for the client with extra services or upgrades to enhance their experience, while also increasing your sales. Over time, you’ll get used to identifying these opportunities naturally during the sales process.
10. Close
The close is where all your efforts pay off. This is why these prime hospitality sales skills are vital for turning prospects into booked business.
Remember, hospitality selling isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life. And with the right training, you can become a master (or mistress). Ready to transform your hospitality sales skills?
Selling Savvy knows what it takes to excel in the hospitality and events industry. That doesn’t mean settling for generic sales courses. Instead, choose engaging, practical training designed for you. Visit our website today to learn more, ask questions, and submit your enquiries. Together, let’s boss those bookings!
