Want to start a career in hospitality? Or, maybe you’ve always dreamed about owning a catering or travel business? Whatever your aspirations are for the hospitality industry, we have some tips to turn those hopes into real successes. If you are ready to wow your customers and future employers, here are some questions you should answer first.

1. Do You Have the Capacity to Open Your Own Business?

If your life goal is to own your own business in the hospitality industry, then you should know that there are tons of options open to you. While the major businesses in hospitality include food service, lodging provisions, and travel management, you can find more specific needs to serve. You could plan weddings or focus your efforts on providing tours of local attractions.

Regardless of where your interests lie, however, you also need to know whether you really have the ability to succeed as an entrepreneur. So, ask yourself some serious questions. Do you have the time to take on a high-paced business? What are your expectations in terms of growth? Finally, will you be able to secure the funding needed to help your dream succeed? That last question is extremely important. No matter the size of your hospitality start-up, you will need some financial resources to get things up and running. This could be anything from funding some home office equipment from your own savings or looking for loans or investors to bring even more financial security to your business.

2. How Can You Improve Your Skills to Open Your Own Business?

Once you have seriously given some thought to the questions above, you may decide you’re not quite prepared to open your own hospitality business. That’s totally okay! If you’re not ready because you’re uncomfortable with your experience level within the hospitality industry, there are some easy solutions to help. You can find a hospitality job that will allow you to observe the kind of business you dream of owning someday, even if you’ve never worked in the industry.

Talk to a hiring manager about what really connects you to the work you are interested in. Include that passion and experience in your hospitality resume as well so that you will get more interview opportunities to let your enthusiasm shine. Highlight your ability to clearly communicate with others and remember small but key details. Snagging a hospitality position can be pretty easy, but successfully networking for your career (and future business) takes work. Try mingling with other professionals at networking events or reach out to other businesses on your own. Networking now can help foster success later, regardless of your long-term goals.

3. What Can You Do to Help Your Career Succeed?

Whether you decide to work for an established enterprise or venture out on your own, you can benefit from some hospitality success basics. First of all, your reputation is everything when you are providing customer service. Managing that reputation means being strategic about any opportunity you have to interact with other people. Integrity and trust are the building blocks of any relationship, but this can be especially crucial when people depend on you for those important life experiences. You will also want to work diligently to improve your customer service. Treat your customers, and potential customers, as if they honestly have a stake in your business and never overlook the role of making those emotional connections. People buy and spend with their emotions, so tapping into this connection can help you build loyalty to your brand. Finally, don’t overlook the ways social media impacts your career. One inappropriate or rude comment is all it takes these days to sink your future in hospitality.

Working in the hospitality industry is a great way to connect with people and show off your talents. If you have a knack for pleasing people, an uncanny ability to resolve issues, and the skills to make a memorable first impression, then you may have what it takes to make it in hospitality. Best wishes on making your dreams come true!

Amy Collett, BizWell.org

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