After 8 years of being out of the hospitality industry, I walked into a travel agency to the exclamation, "Hey! You're the Bingo Guy!" An email marketing campaign to drive sales from 8 years prior confirmed three things: 

•	The Power of Storytelling
•	The Power of Personal Branding
•	I Needed a Cooler Nickname

If you're looking to:

•	Develop creative paths to success
•	Find opportunities hiding in plain sight
•	Communicate strategic alternatives

Then let's chat!

In a world spinning with possibilities, I believe it's the genuine relationships we forge that make it go round.  And when you apply a bespoke touch to business – tailoring your sales, marketing, and personal brand to resonate with each individual – that's where the magic happens. 

Things I love talking shop about:

•	Customer service that's relationship-focused
•	Critical thinking & problem solving that gets to the root of the problem
•	Storytelling - Ask me about that bingo contest
•	Digital marketing & social media - CHDM certified!
•	Creative ideas & content development

Away from work I love spending time with my family, creating art, playing golf, and rooting for the Cubs and Bears. Additionally, I support the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Please message me if you’d like to share your story or need help in reaching your goals.

Don Barnett

Every hotel Salesperson when that 2-day meeting asks for space availability every day for the next 6 months...

Don't get me wrong, having alternative dates is a great thing. But not having a date in mind and asking someone to provide a large swath of availability options isn't reasonable.

Plugging a proverbial puzzle piece into the greater picture takes time.

What do you think is a reasonable number of date options to request?

Creative Solutions for Hospitality Success | Director of Sales & Marketing at LondonHouse Chicago | Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer

For a fleeting moment, I actually got some street cred at home. Then I mentioned this 30 more times and now my family is dizzy from rolling their eyes at me...

Grateful to be named to the 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀/𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 in Global Hospitality. 🙏
 
Big thanks to the International Hospitality Institute and Dr. Jeffrey O for the recognition!
 
Consistently creating content that is edutaining to the teeming masses isn't easy.

Aside from the challenge of actually creating it, you have your detractors:

• Family, friends and colleagues that roll their eyes at you
• Those who say, "this isn't how we do things"
• Those deeply committed to tradition, yet strangely allergic to visibility

Somewhere beyond all that, Don Hoteleone emerged… talking hospitality on LinkedIn like it was a good idea. Turns out, it was.
 
If it sparked a thought, a laugh, or a DM, it was worth it.

Winter Travel Tip - Stick to your hotel's restaurants instead of the random hallway sampler trays.

Someone I just met told me, “I feel like I know you.”  
Me: "Have you been reading my diary?"
Because dad jokes.
 
But that 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 they had? That's everything.
 
Because when people feel like they know you:
 
➡️ They say “Sure, let’s chat”  
➡️ They answer your emails without ghosting  
➡️ They tell their friends, “Oh! I know someone perfect for that”
 
Why?

Because consistent authentic content builds 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺. 
The secret sauce of inbound everything.
 
If someone’s seen your posts, chuckled at your dad jokes, or shared your spicy takes on hospitality... You’re not a cold email.  You’re 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥𝘐𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦.
 
Familiarity breeds opportunity.
 
So post the thing. Say the stuff. Be a little weird.  
Your inbox (and maybe your career) will thank you.

Still posting pics of your beige rooms?
Congrats!
You've created digital melatonin.

I get it. You’re busy. 
The GM is covering night audit, the sales team is trying to fix their printer, and the only guest content is a blurry picture of their room service.

Here’s a better way to create content:

✅ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. 
“Housekeeping Heroes.” 
“Front Desk Confessions.”
“Breaking Banquet Chairs."
(Okay, maybe not that last one.)

✅ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. 
Guests love your hotel. 
Your staff has personality. 
Pet friendly? Who doesn't love pooch pics?

✅ 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 
Boring posts = crickets. 
Personality posts = clicks, shares, bookings, and someone finally knowing what your hotel actually 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 like.

Want to talk shop? Send me a DM. 
But please know, I have no idea how to fix a broken banquet chair.

Every hotel Salesperson when a client doesn't seem interested in the hotel and you defer to the quirky stuff.

Give me 50 seconds and I'll tell you why just showing up on social media doesn't work.
It's 𝘩𝘰𝘸 you show up. Bear Down!

Is this the year you take your personal brand seriously?
Because the payoff isn't like and comments.
It's new opportunities, new connections, and being top of mind when it matters most.

Turn up your music, open your mind, and get ready for this... Mmmmmm DROP:

🎤 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝗺𝗶𝗻’ 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻’

You don't have to reinvent the wheel with content. 
Study successful professionals in your industry.
Borrow what works, remix it, and make it your own.

🎤 𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗶𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗹𝘆𝗻

Building a brand takes relentless consistency. 
Show up daily, share your voice in posts and/or comments, and keep your audience engaged.
Because you can't, you won't, and you don't stop!

🎤 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲

Forget blending in. The loudest, boldest, 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 are the ones that stand out. Lean into your personality.

Are you ready to move the crowd to the break of dawn?

Need a few more tips? Hit me with a DM.

Sales used to be a game of volume. Smile, dial, repeat until someone buys or files a restraining order. 

I’ll take 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 over volume.

Nobody remembers the 57th sales email that starts with “Hey [First Name], just circling back...”

But they 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 remember:

🌟 A GIF instead of a PDF
🌟 Some swag mailed to them
🌟 A consistent presence on LinkedIn
🌟 The help you provide with no quid pro quo

There are a lot of human templates out there.
Be the custom work of art.

Know someone who embodies this? Tag them in the comments and make their day 😁

Feeling overshadowed by hotels that are more “influencer-friendly”?

You know the ones, where every corner is designed for selfies, and even the towels have a bigger following than you.

Fear not! Here’s how to create your own influence (without hiring a TikTok star to dance in your lobby):

➡️ Hospitality on Steroids
Treat your guests like celebrities (minus the outrageous demands). A surprise room upgrade? Free dessert? A welcome beverage? Make them feel special, and they’ll brag about it online.

➡️ Make Headlines (For Good Reasons)
Do something so amazing that your local news station covers it. “Hotel offers guests unlimited free waffles” is way better than “Hotel pool bleaches guests' hair.”

➡️ Befriend the Big Shots
Is there a famous concert venue or sports team nearby? Partner with them. Offer discounts, create events, but start that relationship today.

➡️ Be Unapologetically YOU
Your brand isn’t just a logo, it’s a personality. Consistency wins. If your vibe is “luxurious tranquility,” own it. If it’s “quirky and fun,” lean in. Just don’t be the hotel that tries to be everything and ends up looking like a carnival from hell.

And for the love of free WiFi… post about it! If it’s not on social media, did it even happen?

Which of these will you try first?

OTA's have you where they want you.
Running marketing circles around you.
Your hotel's response? DO NOT DISTURB

You can't out-promote OTAs on ad spend......but you can out-charm, out-human, and out-wow them with a single Instagram Reel of:

✨ Your bartender making your signature margarita 
✨ Your book drive to benefit a local charity
✨ Your GSA's tip for best local theatre

Social media gives your hotel the unique opportunity to make guests feel like they already know you before they arrive.

It builds trust with no middlemen, no commission fees, no pop-up circus.

That’s your competitive edge. And you’re letting it collect digital dust.

💡 Pro move: Invest in a social media partner who can turn everyday hotel moments into magnetic content. Because while OTAs sell rooms, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

And experiences start with connection.
Need a referral? I know people.
Or as they say in Chicago, "I gotta guy/lady."

Do you think influencer marketing is just duck lips and discount codes?

That skepticism is good!
It leads to better strategy.

👉 Influencer marketing 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭. But only if it’s treated like a relationship, not a free brunch.
 
✅ Pick partners who fit your brand and audience. 
✅ Set expectations.  
✅ Measure beyond likes.

With the right fit, influencer marketing is brand storytelling on steroids (minus the roid rage and acne).

__________________________________________________________

Want to compare notes or need a few tips? DMs are open.

I hate to be the one to say it, but your hotel isn’t cut out for influencer marketing.
 
Not because the property doesn't have a story.  
Not because your team lacks personality.
 
It’s because… 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮.  And influencers can’t tag thin air.
 
What's the 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 side of influencer marketing?

It's their ability to create FOMO.
It's visibility in front a new audience.
It's visibility in front of an engaged audience.

And then seeing things like bookings, F&B reservations, or tickets to events POP.
 
Still not convinced this stuff works?  DM me. I have receipts.

An influencer reached out to work with your hotel?
Here are some 🚩🚩🚩🚩 that you should politely turn them down.

🚫 "Me make good post!"
Grammar? Spelling? What's that? If they can't make words good in an email how can you trust them to professionally represent your brand?

🚫 "Hey there!"
If they open with a generic, impersonal "Hey there!" sent to your general sales inbox, it's not a heartfelt proposal, it's a mass email disguised as a love letter.

🚫 "Can't wait to film an epic sunset reel by your pool!"
But you don't have a pool. And you haven't seen the sun in months (okay, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 seen the sun in months which explains my milky complexion)

🚫 "I have a great following."
But doesn't include social media links. The pros will share their profiles and perhaps a media kit.

What's a lesson you've learned from working with influencers?

My first thought was, "No way."
But it was true.
A free book, no strings attached. And what a book it is.

This book is a philosophical deep dive into wealth, health and happiness

Some great takeaways:

🔖 Play long-term games with long-term people. Invest in relationships.
🔖 Happiness is a state of mind, not a destination. Stop saying, "I'll be happy when..."
🔖 "If you can't decide, the answer is no."
🔖 Quantity of books read is a vanity metric. It's better to read 100 great books over and over to deeply understand them.
🔖 "Facebook redesigns. Twitter redesigns. Personalities, careers, and teams also need redesigns. There are no permanent solutions in a dynamic system."
🔖 "Forget rich versus poor, white-collar versus blue. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱." (my personal favorite takeaway)
🔖 Build specific knowledge that you can use to create leverage.
🔖 This one I already knew - "Don't take yourself so seriously. You're just a monkey with a plan."

A link to the free download is in the comments.
No strings attached. 🤯
Have a great day!

Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Senior Sales Manager

Shamin Hotels

Discover Exceptional Hospitality at Four Staple Properties in Coastal Virginia

Owned and Operated by Shamin Hotels, Inc.

1. DoubleTree Williamsburg

Located in the heart of historic Williamsburg, the DoubleTree seamlessly combines colonial heritage with modern comforts. This property stands out with:
Versatile Event Spaces: Ideal for corporate meetings, weddings, and social gatherings, the DoubleTree Williamsburg boasts well-equipped event spaces with advanced technology.

2. The Landing in Hampton

Positioned along the Hampton waterfront, The Landing offers a picturesque escape with exceptional services. Key features include:
Scenic Views: Guests can revel in breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay from their rooms and event spaces.
Event Excellence: The Landing provides various event spaces for weddings, conferences, and social events, managed by a professional team to ensure a seamless experience.

3. Delta Norfolk Airport

Convenience meets comfort at the Delta Norfolk Airport, strategically located near Norfolk International Airport. Perfect for business travelers, this hotel offers quick access to the airport and complimentary shuttle services.

4. Renaissance in Portsmouth

Immerse yourself in Portsmouth's culture and history at the Renaissance, where every detail sparks inspiration. Noteworthy aspects include:
Artistic Ambiance: The Renaissance's contemporary design and curated art installations create a unique and inspiring atmosphere.
Event Excellence: With stylish event spaces and impeccable service, the Renaissance is a top choice for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.
Local Explorations: Guests can explore Portsmouth's maritime history, visit museums, and indulge in the diverse culinary offerings nearby.

Whether you seek colonial charm, waterfront beauty, airport convenience, or contemporary urban retreats, our four properties offer exceptional experiences tailored to your needs.

Area Sales Manager

Delta Hotels by Marriott Chesapeake

Owned and Operated by LTD Hospitality Group

At the Delta by Marriott in Chesapeake, we take pride in offering world-class amenities that are sure to make your stay a memorable one. Our guest rooms are spacious, elegantly decorated, and equipped with all the modern amenities you could ask for, including flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and plush bedding.

One of the standout features of our hotel is our prime location in the heart of Chesapeake. We are conveniently situated near a variety of local attractions, including shopping centers, museums, and restaurants. Additionally, our hotel offers easy access to major highways and transportation hubs, making it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area.

For those who love to stay active, our hotel offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and outdoor tennis court. Guests can also unwind in our luxurious spa, which offers a variety of treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate.

When it comes to dining, the Delta by Marriott in Chesapeake offers an exceptional culinary experience. Our on-site restaurant, Luminous, offers a delicious menu of locally-sourced cuisine, while our bar, serves up a variety of craft cocktails and local brews.

So why should you choose the Delta by Marriott in Chesapeake? Simple - we offer an unparalleled level of service and attention to detail that sets us apart from the rest. From the moment you arrive, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to ensuring that your every need is met and that your stay with us is nothing short of exceptional.

Group Sales Manager

The Princess Anne Country Club

Interim Director of Catering and Special Events

The Princess Anne Country Club is a luxurious and exclusive private club located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The club is renowned for providing a world-class experience to its members and their guests, with a membership of over 1,600 and 12,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. The club offers a range of recreational activities, including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and fitness facilities.

As the former banquet manager of the Princess Anne Country Club, my role was to oversee all banquet operations to ensure that each event was executed flawlessly. I collaborated closely with other departments to plan events, determine venue layout, prepare menus, and more. My responsibilities also included determining the appropriate number of wait staff needed, preparing work schedules, and overseeing the staff during the event. On the day of the event, I managed all processes to guarantee that every guest was taken care of and that all events were executed successfully.

The Princess Anne Country Club's commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of the most prestigious and exclusive clubs in Virginia. From the moment members enter the club, they are greeted with warm hospitality and personalized attention. The experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring that every detail is executed flawlessly, from planning and coordination to service and hospitality. With its beautiful facilities, exceptional service, and commitment to excellence, the Princess Anne Country Club is truly one of Virginia's most treasured institutions.

Banquet Manager

The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club

Owned and Operated by Goldkey, PHR Inc.

The historic Cavalier Hotel is a landmark property situated on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1927, the hotel has a rich history and has played host to numerous notable guests, including seven U.S. presidents, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland. Over the years, the hotel has undergone several renovations, and today it stands as a stunning example of Art Deco architecture and timeless elegance.

One of the key components that makes the Cavalier Hotel so special is its world-class service. The hotel's staff is known for going above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a truly unforgettable experience. This commitment to excellence is exemplified by the lead banquet bartender, who is responsible for setup, service, and resets for all events held at the hotel. Their collaboration with the team ensures that proper cleanup, breakdown, and post-event services are completed in a timely manner, leaving guests with a lasting impression of the Cavalier's exceptional hospitality.

Furthermore, the lead banquet bartender provides friendly and efficient service to guests, ensuring that their needs are met throughout the event. They also play a critical role in ensuring that the hotel complies with all state, city liquor laws, and company alcohol policies. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence is evident in the many accolades and accomplishments. Overall, the Cavalier Hotel is a truly special property that continues to set the standard for luxury and hospitality in the hospitality industry.

Lead Banquet Front of House Associate

• Presented and explained specials offered information and made suggestions about the menu. 
• Up-sold wines, liquors, off-menu items, cocktails, and desserts with professional appearance and mannerism.
• In depth knowledge of food ingredients and preparation as well as wine and meal pairing.
• Managed multiple tables and guest interactions while delivering a 5-star quality dining experience

Fine Dining Server - Becca

Modern Day Media

Modern Day Media is an exceptional media company that is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its sole owner. With responsibility for all sales, marketing, operations, project management, and development, this young entrepreneur has built a remarkable company that has established itself as a leader in its field. Their impressive list of clients includes The City Mission, James Douglas Studio, Content Marketing Institute, Lubrizol, Things Remembered, CampusSuite, and several regional advertising agencies.

One of the most impressive aspects of Modern Day Media's work is their lead generation and project management capabilities, which guide clients through the total development process from start to finish. Their ability to negotiate contracts and manage client services and customer relationships has resulted in an 85% customer retention rate. Furthermore, their management of a team of four sub-contractors has allowed them to deliver high-quality work that exceeds their clients' expectations.

Modern Day Media's highlights are just as impressive, having increased their brand visibility organically by reaching over 4.2 million views in a 6-month period. They have also automated all internal business systems, allowing them to deliver their work with greater efficiency and accuracy. They have a deep understanding of KPIs and analytics, which allows them to provide valuable insights to their clients, helping them achieve their business objectives. Overall, Modern Day Media is an extraordinary company that has achieved remarkable success, thanks to the hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of its owner.

Owner/Founder

The Progress-Index

• Developed strategic and tactical marketing plans for current & potential clients through a
consultative selling process.
• Identified cost-effective solutions for business owners to improve brand awareness, sales
growth, prints, and improve their bottom line.
• Presented marketing proposals to top-level executives in the key industries of Health Care,
Finance, and Government.
• Created new business relationships by contacting decision-makers within assigned key
industries through cold calling. referrals and networking events.

Multi-Media Sales Executive

Allison is a purpose driven hospitality sales leader with a proven expertise in event planning, catering and group sales. She has successfully prospected, and closed large group accounts; to include — high-end events and large room accounts for a variety of clients, including corporate, SMERF, and government accounts, exceeding their expectations and maximizing revenue for the hotel. 

She is also the owner and founder of The Millennial Hotelier, a platform that provides insights, news, and inspiration for hospitality professionals. She is passionate about creating a positive impact, servant leadership and a better future for the hospitality industry, and has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in North America hospitality and travel by IHI. 

She is a forward-thinker and a tech and AI enthusiast, always looking for new ways to innovate and improve the guest experience and the culture of the hospitality industry.

➥ SKILLS

▸ Catering Sales

▸ Room Sales

▸ Creative Design, Upselling, Marketing

▸ Hospitality, Operations Management

▸ Food & Beverage

▸ Food Safety

▸ Wine Knowledge

▸ Strategic Motivation

▸ Team Building, Employee Retention, Hiring

▸ Large Scale Event Planning

▸ Digital Marketing | Social Media Marketing | Content Creation

▸ Sales and Catering Systems: CITY, Northstar, Social Tables

▸ Strong Business Software Background:
Proficient in Dubsado, Salesforce, Monday, ClickUp, Microsoft Office, to name a few.

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Don Barnett

Allison Knapp

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