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Coach’s Corner | Overcoming the Fear of Asking For Help

by | Dec 15, 2023 | Professional Development, Uncategorized

A formal definition of the word “coaching” is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance.  To put it bluntly, I love to coach, whether that be the single season my daughter played soccer, training new employees while working in retail, or striving to help others reach their goals in present times. Although I am not formally trained as a business coach, I do have a passion for the subject. I think it’s why I love the role of Business Development Manager so much, because regardless of what I am doing, it allows me to help others. That is where the idea for Coach’s Corner was born.  By combining my enjoyment for writing and my passion for seeing others succeed, I hope to use this column as a consistent way to support others and motivate those striving for particular goals or attempting to overcome certain hurdles that may present themselves.

One of the biggest hurdles I have faced recently as a father of 2 daughters (ages 12 and 15) is that they seem to become extremely uncomfortable with the idea of asking for help, primarily at school.  It is a common occurrence for my youngest child to run into difficulties with her homework, only to find out she refused to ask questions during class, thus setting her back as she tries to grasp the lesson.  It continues to confuse me how she could be so afraid of her teacher, until I look at what we might experience as adults and the similarities between the two.  Much like the question I always ask my daughter in regard to her teacher, why does it seem like adults still hold onto some of that same fear when it comes to asking questions from their superiors? I can tell you from past experiences in my career that a lot of the explanation has to do with how minds are trained similar to that of a dog.  Think about it for a second. When you bring home a new pet, you normally start training the animal on what’s right and what’s wrong, and while there is surely an accident along the way, the pet eventually trains its mind to know how to get your attention, how to signal it needs to go outside, etc. There was a moment in the earlier stages of my career where I experienced something similar, and it took years to retrain my mind to think and react otherwise.

Woman Raising HandI worked for a company that had a product catalog 3 times the size of those old Sears catalogs from the 1980s.  Inside, it had every little connector, cable, and electronic device you could possibly think of.  As a new employee on the job, I was given this catalog as a “bible” to the job and told to “learn it.” Nonetheless, I was inquisitive as a new hire and would regularly ask my manager questions about what part was appropriate for the job I was working on.  Without fail, my boss would always start his reply with “Rob, I know we have reviewed this,” before eventually guiding me on the solution.  I would sit at my desk left to think how there was no possible way he had reviewed every part on every page in that catalog.  To compound this even more, I had more than a decade of experience under my belt, so I came into the role with a decent foundation to start with.  My mind then became trained to not go to that boss for future questions, because I did not like being made to feel as though I was always wrong or forgetful.  While that experience did not completely eliminate my ability to ask questions, it certainly set me back some because, much like my daughter, became intimidated at the thought of asking because I didn’t want to be made to feel as though I was lesser or not good enough.

How many of us have experienced a similar situation recently and how did you approach it?  A lot of my solutions to combating this continued fear also rely on businesses to enforce an “open door policy” to asking questions, looking for ideas, etc. I am fortunate to work for a company with those exact enforcements.  I also subscribe to two different methods with how I parent my children and I employ these exact two methods on a daily basis in my career:

Method 1 – Rip The Band-Aid

Regardless of what the fear may be, I have learned that most times it is appropriate to just rip the proverbial band-aid, withstand the initial rush of fear, and then reap the rewards in the end.  By training your mind to “fight” instead of “flight” and message your boss or speak up on a call with the question, you will find the situation was never that bad to begin with.  I’ve used this model when having to deliver less than positive news on a project, errors that I may have made, or yes, even asking a question or stating on a call “I do not understand.”  The hurdle is always going to be getting over that self-induced rush of fear and just blurt out your question.  However, I promise it will be worth it and you will even be respected for speaking up.

Method 2 – Worst Possible Outcome

This method was something I actually just used yesterday with my oldest daughter.  She is studying for her written driver’s test (Yes, I am losing my mind!) and was making herself “nerv-cited” as she calls it – a blend of nervous and excited.  I said to her, calmly, “Ok, so I know you think this is a big deal, but what is the worst possible thing that could happen?”  She replied, “Well, I could fail the exam.”  I countered back with “Ok, and if you fail, what happens?” to which she said, “I retake it in 7 days.” Instantly she smiled and you could tell she cleared her own mind.  When we sit calmly and rationalize with ourselves, 90% of the time, we find that the situation is never as negative as we make it seem.  Why be so afraid to ask a question?

Entering my 7th year in Pro AV, I can assure you that these methods can be applied to most roles.  Whether that be on the job with a client and needing to re-draw a proposal/BOM, on a Teams call with your executives and not understanding the direction given out, or even asking for help and not wanting to be viewed as “weak” or “ill-suited” for your role.  Asking questions is a commendable characteristic and while I did struggle with it early on, I now pride myself on speaking up rather than risk making future errors or missing out on opportunities.

I hope this first edition of Coach’s Corner helped some of you with current or past dilemmas you may have faced. Much like my children and how we were taught in school, if you have a question, it is normally a safe bet that many others are wondering the same thing. If I can be of any further support on this topic or others, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Enjoy this blog?
Let Rob know over on LinkedIn …and/or connect with #ExertisAlmo on our LinkedIn company page.

Robert Voorhees

About the Author

Rob Voorhees | CTS, CTP, DSCE, CTNS, Dante

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Business Communications Services, and Harman: AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Soundcraft, Martin Lighting

Why I Made My Kids Play Sports

by | Dec 7, 2023 | Uncategorized

Why I Made My Kids Play Sports

When my friends and I were kids, there really wasn’t a question of IF you were going to play sports, but rather which sports your parents would allow you to play.  Every kid in my neighborhood was involved in some sort of team sport, ranging from baseball to volleyball. As we reached high school age, there were a few of my friends that moved away from playing sports and into other interests, like video games or frequently, afterschool jobs.  A few of us were fortunate enough to parley our passion for sports into college scholarships, where lessons were learned as kids were refined and solidified.

I recently sat down with these friends, had a few adult beverages, and tried to fix the problems of the world as we often do after some liquid wisdom.  As we relived some of our glory days in high school, one topic of conversation was how different our activities were from the kids of today.  I’m sure every generation has similar concerns about the upcoming youth, but one thing that came to mind for many of us was how many kids today miss out on the many life lessons we learned by playing sports.  In a day when you can simply “rage quit” a video game, life lessons are very different.

I’m not going to pretend that team sports are the only way to learn certain life skills, or that every person that plays sports learns these lessons. I simply recognize that some skills I developed were because of my experience playing sports, and many that I lean on in my profession today.  I also believe that sports offer exposure to attributes that many employers desire in their employees.

Because of this, as well as the social aspects, I spent a lot of time influencing (aka forcing) my sons to join the local sports team when they were of age.  I knew that at the end of a lot of hard work was important life lessons, as well as some fun and possible lifelong friendships. Now they are old enough to have professional lives of their own, and I believe have benefitted from their experience by developing some of the life skills below.

Teamwork

Teamwork is an easy concept; however, I’ve found that the importance of TEAM is often overlooked.  In many sports, teamwork is everything, however there are some where one great player can make a winning team.  On the football field, it takes all 11 players.  I learned that lesson firsthand against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, as they used the triple option, and my team’s lack of teamwork to roll to a 55-27 victory. You learn very quickly to rely on others to do their job, and how important it is for them to be able to rely on you.  Without that reliance, people try to do multiple jobs and end up failing at both.  The same thing goes for business.  If you can rely on the team around you, you are able to focus on your job so that nothing slips through the cracks, and nobody is duplicating efforts.

CommunicationCommunication

This goes hand in hand with teamwork.  If the defense on a pick and roll in basketball allows one person to go free, the culprit is almost always miscommunication.  Business communication is just as important.  Learning how to communicate in an effective, and efficient way, while maintaining good team chemistry is a constant learning process.  Admittedly, I can get focused on efficiency, and forget the team chemistry portion of it, so it’s a skill that I continue to develop.

Leadership

Most people on a team don’t get to lead.  This doesn’t mean you can’t learn the skills if you’re not the actual leader.  One friend recounted how he learned more about leadership in one season of college football than in many years prior or since.  During a year of adversity, including injuries to their starting and backup QB, most football coaches would be incredibly frustrated, which would trickle down to the team.  However, my friend’s coach happened to be an ex-NFL QB, and knew the meaning of adversity.  He remained calm and looked for solutions instead of blame.  Where others might have crumbled, he remained steadfast. He galvanized the team, and they closed the season with 3 wins, and came within one extra point of making a bowl game that year.  He still dislikes kickers.

Mental Toughness / Perseverance

This one is easy to understand for anyone that has played a sport and lost.  I have to say, this might be easier to learn in individual sports, like tennis, wrestling, or swimming.  Being able to pick yourself up, push through, and try again the next time develops the mental toughness to succeed and anything you put your mind to.  The importance of this in business, or even getting a job is obvious.  To me, this is one of the greatest skills I’ve learned over the years.

Resilience

One friend was lucky enough to pitch in the college World Series.  This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but also came with a ton of pressure.  In the first inning, he was already in trouble.  He was struggling with his command and walked the first batter of the inning.  The next batter got on base with a bloop single into right field, and he now had runners on first and third with no outs.  Instead of panicking, he leaned into his years of training and experience and was able to use the pressure situation to focus his efforts.  With a strikeout, and a double play, he escaped the inning with no runs scored.  He went on to throw a shutout for the innings he pitched.  He now uses the resilience he learned in sports to run a successful software company and gives credit to the many lessons he learned playing baseball.

Goal setting

Playing sports typically consists of setting multiple goals, even if you don’t realize it.  Whether it’s the goal to win a championship, make the playoffs, or just get that first base hit, most kids that play sports have set goals without even realizing it.  Successful athletes are those that set goals, and then work to achieve those goals through practice and effort.  Successful entrepreneurs, salespeople, even students can benefit from this skill.

There are many other life skills that sports can develop, and I’m sure many of you have stories of your own about how your experience playing a kid’s game helped you in your professional life.  I’d love to hear some of the stories, and hopefully we can sit around and share some over your beverage of choice at the next E4 show.

Angie Greene

About the Author

Todd Heberlein | CTS, DSCE

Sr. Business Development Manager – Technical Lead 

 

Behind the Panel: Rack ’em Up!

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Uncategorized

As the Pro AV industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for professionals, especially those new to the field, to understand the significance of selecting quality rack products for their AV rooms. A well-designed and organized rack system not only improves the overall performance of the AV setup but also enhances ease of installation and promotes efficient organization. When I first came into the industry, I was a little overwhelmed by racks, and really did not take the time to understand them. Hopefully, this will take a little of the mystery out of them. In this blog, we are going to do a shallow dive into the world of racks. Hang onto your hats, it’s going to be a wild ride. (Not really, I just always wanted to say that.)

MiddleAtlantic Forward rack buildRack systems play a crucial role in the Pro AV space, providing a structured and organized framework for housing audio visual equipment. These systems are essential for ensuring proper installation, organization, and maintenance of AV gear. When selecting rack products, there are several key factors to consider optimizing performance and efficiency. Investing in high-quality rack products is essential to maintain the integrity of your audio-visual equipment. With their sturdy construction and robust materials, these racks can withstand the rigors of daily use, safeguarding your valuable AV gear and reducing the risk of equipment failures or damage. The idea here is to organize and protect your AV equipment, which is worth thousands of dollars, so don’t always look for the least expensive option.

First things first: The rack’s rail width, horizontal and vertical spacing of holes, and other measurements are standardized, so no matter which brand you choose, they will always be 19 inches wide. When we talk about racks, they are measured in something called a “RU.” What is an RU, quite simply it stands for “rack unit” which is equal to 1.75 inches. Racks are often recommended or designed based on the number of RU that you need to fit your equipment. The rack unit standard is essential to the data center and IT infrastructure industries. Data center managers can invest in racks and cabinets with the assurance that any manufacturer’s rack-mountable equipment will be measured by the same standardized height metric, RU. Additionally, the equipment’s mounting holes will always align with the holes in the server rack.

There are three basic types of racks available:

  1. Open Frame Racks: Just as they say, an open frame with mounting rails, but no sides or doors.
  2. Rack Enclosures: These have removable front and rear doors. These are typically used for heavier equipment, hotter equipment, and overall higher wattages. The front and rear doors are typically ventilated to allow proper air flow from front to back.
  3. Wall-Mount Racks: These are used when space is a concern, often coming in smaller form factors when a full floor rack is not needed.

One important consideration is cable management. A well-designed rack system provides ample space and options for managing cables effectively. Look for features such as cable management bars, cable trays, or built-in cable channels that allow you to route and secure cables neatly. This not only improves the aesthetics of your rack, but also minimizes the risk of signal interference and simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Maintaining a neat and organized AV room is crucial for quick troubleshooting, system maintenance, and overall efficiency. Think for a moment about if something goes wrong and a tech needs to get in and quickly troubleshoot. If your cables are going in every direction and things are not organized correctly, the tech will have to spend valuable time just getting to the proper connections. Invest in the time up front, it will make things much easier when things go down – and they always do!

RackAnother critical aspect is ventilation. Adequate airflow is essential to prevent equipment overheating, which can lead to performance issues and even equipment failure. Look for rack products with proper ventilation options such as vented rack shelves, perforated doors, or integrated cooling fans. These features facilitate the movement of cool air and help dissipate heat generated by the AV equipment, ensuring optimal performance, and prolonging the lifespan of your gear. Would you like to be stuck in a room with loads of running electrical equipment and no air flow to cool it down? This sounds like the worst sauna in the world. Now, imagine what poorly ventilated racks can do to your valuable AV equipment. Not a pretty thought!

Proper load distribution is also essential when loading a rack. Pay attention to weight limits specified by the rack manufacturer and distribute the weight evenly across the rack. Start by placing heavier equipment at the bottom of the rack and proceed upwards with lighter components. This helps maintain stability and prevents the rack from toppling over. Additionally, consider using rack shelves, panels, and drawers to organize and support equipment securely. I cannot stress enough how important it is to plan your rack layout beforehand. If you go in with a plan, then things will come together and work much more efficiently than just throwing pieces of equipment in randomly. Like the old saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Additionally, consider the rack’s flexibility and expandability. Look for adjustable rack rails that can accommodate various equipment sizes and allow for easy installation and reconfiguration. This feature ensures compatibility with current and future AV equipment needs, allowing for scalability and adaptability as technology evolves. Do your research upfront. Know which products can be expanded to ensure they are “future-proof.” Do not fall for a gimmicky sale or closeout promotion. You want your equipment safe and organized in a manner that will withstand changes in your AV needs!

Don’t forget the power! When designing your rack layout, you need to remember you will need power for all your equipment. There are several options, but when building your rack, a reliable power source with quality surge protection is a must have. There are several assorted styles available. These can be mounted horizontally or vertically inside the rack, whichever fits best into your design.

Lastly, consider the overall build quality and durability of the rack products. Look for racks made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminum that can withstand the weight of equipment and provide long-lasting reliability. Robust construction not only ensures the safety of your AV gear but also reduces the risk of equipment damage during installation or transportation. Fortunately for us, our partners at Legrand offer a whole suite of rack products through their Middle Atlantic line. Middle Atlantic products are engineered with user-friendly features that simplify the installation process. These racks often come with pre-installed shelves, cable management accessories, and adjustable rack rails, allowing for easy customization to accommodate various equipment sizes. Clear labeling and intuitive designs make it straightforward to install and connect devices, saving time and effort during setup. Middle Atlantic racks excel in providing efficient organization solutions. With options such as integrated power distribution units (PDUs), cable trays, and rack shelves, these racks help you keep cables, power supplies, and accessories meticulously organized and easily accessible. This not only enhances the aesthetics of your AV room, but also simplifies maintenance tasks and reduces downtime. Some of their innovations are so simple but effective, like their Forward solutions. Simple little clips that integrate onto the backplates to provide efficient storage and cable management solutions. Check out the Forward family of solutions here.

Selecting quality rack products for your audio-visual room is a decision that directly impacts the performance, reliability, and organization of your AV setup. Middle Atlantic’s range of rack solutions offers numerous benefits, including exceptional quality, extended product life, ease of installation, and efficient organization. By investing in Middle Atlantic products, you can streamline your workflow, ensure reliable equipment operation, and enhance the overall audio-visual experience. Embrace the advantages of quality rack products and take your pro audio-visual endeavors to the next level.

Patrick Booth, BDM

About the Author

Patrick Booth | CTS, DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Legrand AV – Chief, C2G, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, Vaddio, Wiremold

Blinded By The Light

by | Nov 28, 2023 | Uncategorized

It still amazes me, even to this day, that the topic of lighting does not come up more in AV projects.  I look at every project from a viewpoint as if I am walking from the parking lot into the front door and to the specific area where a solution might be needed. This viewpoint approach helps place me at the property, so I can better envision the needs, potential pain-points, and ultimately what the customer might experience.  This is exactly where lighting comes in and how I see the conversation going!

While the pandemic certainly caused havoc over the live sound/production audio space due to the Broadway shutdowns, etc., we are seeing a bigger turnaround ever since.  The typical project might require line arrays, powerful amplifiers, microphones, a mixing console, and more depending on the size of the production.  However, what I normally do not see on a typical BOM is lighting – stage lighting, back of house, front of house, exterior illumination, and more.  None of which can be overlooked!

Martin Lighting, which is a Harman Brand, remains one of the premier lighting manufacturers in the world, and I am proud to say that they are a part of the Exertis Almo line card of product offerings.  In a past case study featuring the live production of Music Man on Broadway, the Harman team spoke about the need to emphasize the natural quality of the existing lighting while also bringing in modern features such as automated effects and color changes. All of this is made achievable via Martin.  This project ran the gamut of Martin fixtures, including the MAC Ultra Performance for their brightness and vast features, and the MAC Encore for their traditional incandescent appearance according to the Harman team.

Martin LightingExterior Lighting

While I could take the time to start discussing the specific items, like Wash fixtures, MAC Encore, and others which were used in this application, I’d rather take the time to suggest how to even start the conversation and that leads right back to the qualifying questions.  Earlier, I mentioned how I look at a given property by observing the inside, outside, and trying to envision the customer needs.  Lighting normally becomes one of the first items I check off.  When standing outside any office building, hotel, or concert call, what is the first thing you might notice?  For me, I’d normally say the lighting.

  • Can I see the building and the sign out front?
  • Do they have bright colors illuminating the exterior to add a personalized touch?
  • Maybe there is a marquee, and they want to highlight the acts that are playing?

Interior Lighting

I then walk through the front door and possibly find illuminated signage in the lobby.  Anyone can place a pop-up banner next to a desk, but using one of Martin’s many fixtures to make that signage stand out will take things to another level.  For projects such as a Broadway play or any other live production, that is where Martin’s MAC Aura’s will come in, as well as the ELP’s, and others.  There are many to list and choose from, but they all serve a specific purpose depending on factors such as type of production, customer need, room type, and more.  The key is to not be intimidated by this possibly new realm of business, but rather tweak the traditional questions you are already asking to uncover further customer needs.  Asking your client about the lighting is even easier now thanks to the level of training and support from Martin, and the effort to make it an area of comfort for all of our partners to achieve greater long-term success!

On a recent visit to Tampa, I met with several integrators, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that a few did offer lighting solutions already. My hope is that more will begin to ask the question of “How do you plan to illuminate this area?”  This is no different than asking what a customer is using for the audio or what source are they using to display an image. Asking about the lighting goes hand-in-hand with the audio and video.

We’re Here to Help

With all that being said, fear not!  The team at Martin and Exertis Almo are here to guide our integrator partners through the learning process, whether that be finding what fixtures are best, what lubricant is recommended for a given light, or even what control system is most recommended for a project.  There are training tips and certifications regardless of your expertise level. I challenge each of you who might already be working in House of Worship, Enterprise, Live Production, Hospitality, Retail, or Higher Education to think of where lighting might fit for you, and then please reach out to explore a possible opportunity with Martin Lighting.

Enjoy this blog?
Let Rob know over on LinkedIn …and/or connect with #ExertisAlmo on our LinkedIn company page.

Robert Voorhees

About the Author

Rob Voorhees | CTS, CTP, DSCE, CTNS, Dante

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Business Communications Services, and Harman: AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Soundcraft, Martin Lighting

Drat, It’s the Holiday Season Once Again

by | Nov 23, 2023 | Uncategorized

Life and the Schedule is about to get extra busy for most of us.  Travel, family get-togethers, shopping for presents and extra food, decorating, cooking, office parties, trying to meet year-end sales goals, church productions, and lots more.

Family ChristmasHowever, this time of year isn’t always easy for everyone. Some families may be in the midst of real difficulties this season.  Perhaps it’s far from the programming seen on the Hallmark Channel.  Maybe it looks more like Christmas Vacation without the happy ending and Clark’s bonus.

Throw in an extra task load and some difficult family situations, and you want to put on your Scrinch Suit and retreat to Mount Crumpit.  (The “Scrinch” being a combination of Scrooge and the Grinch.  An overall delightful character, in my opinion.)

I know this season is challenging for me, but I also know it’s not anything as compared to a family I know where the mom has been in a three-year cancer battle and the outcome doesn’t look positive. Or a friend that suddenly lost her 38-year-old sister four days before Thanksgiving two years ago.  These stories do not negate the challenges you or I might be currently facing, and don’t be tempted to compare your circumstances to others.

Here are some things I would wish for you this season (and for some of us, this is way out of our comfort zone):

Comforting Friends

  • That time for relationships would mean more than completing your task list.
  • That family would mean more to you than a perfectly trimmed house.
  • That if you have an addiction issue (alcohol or otherwise), you would do whatever is necessary to overcome it. For you, yes, but more so for those around you that are impacted by it.

If you’re doing well this year, keep in mind others may not be. There’s a line in a song that goes, “Truth be told, the truth is rarely told.”  “I’m fine” is probably the biggest lie we either hear or tell ourselves. If you know someone that’s in need, see what you can do to help.

The best thing you can give someone this year is your time, care, effort, and love.  Time passes way too quickly for anything else.

Tom Kehr

About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

 

Navigating the Holidays: Top Qualities to Look for When Selecting a Hotel

by | Nov 21, 2023 | Hospitality, Uncategorized

Hotel Room Hacks: Making the Most of Your Stay Away from Home
The holiday season is here! As you gear up for this busy time of the year, it’s crucial to find the right “home away from home.” Choosing the right hotel can make or break your experience, so let’s explore the top qualities that you should be looking for when making this important decision.

Location, Location, Location!
The first rule of hotel selection– consider the location. A close proximity to your desired activities and events can help make your stay easy and stress-free. Save on transport costs after you arrive, skip the holiday traffic, and make the most of your time away when you prioritize location!

Comfort and Amenities
Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or fun, it’s important to remember the value of comfort and amenities. Some universal perks include spacious rooms, free WIFI and parking, and flexible arrival and departure times. It’s also important to prioritize amenities that match the intentions of your trip. Are you looking for relaxation? A hotel that offers perks such as hot tubs, room service, and an on-site spa may be the one for you! Looking to explore the area? A hotel that offers concierge services and discounts to local businesses may be the best fit! It’s beneficial to weigh the pros and cons in order to find the perfect hotel that fit’s your needs.

Safety and Cleanliness
Nobody likes getting sick, especially around the holidays. This is why it’s important to prioritize safety and cleanliness when selecting a hotel. Research the hotel’s hygiene protocols, read up on reviews from recent guests, and call if you have specific questions. This will allow you to make an informed decision, keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe this holiday season.

Local Cuisine and Dining Options
Holidays are a time for indulgence, and a hotel with exceptional dining options can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your stay. Explore hotels with on-site restaurants that offer a diverse menu, or ones that speak to your personal tastes and preferences. If you’d enjoy exploring the local cuisine, try taking a look at the near-by restaurants that peak your interest. Be sure to take note of their reservation policies, as local businesses may prefer you book ahead during the holidays.

Customer Reviews
Don’t underestimate the power of customer reviews. Platforms like Trip Advisor and Google Reviews can provide valuable insights into the true guest experience of a particular hotel. Pay attention to both negative and positive reviews in order to make an informed decision. Topics like cleanliness, friendliness of staff, ease of check-in/check-out process, and overall presentation are the most important to look for. It’s also important to take into account when the reviews were posted. Depending on how recently the feedback was uploaded, the hotel may have implemented changes in order to improve overall guest experience.

As you gear up for the holidays, keep these qualities and tools in mind to ensure a wonderful experience. A well-chosen hotel becomes more than just a place to stay–it becomes a place where holiday memories are made.

Happy holidays and safe travels from the Hospitality experts at Exertis Almo!

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