LondonHouse Chicago

As Director of Sales and Marketing, I instill a culture of high performance by providing consistent opportunities for growth, acknowledgement, and a vision for success the team can trust and follow. Responsible for leading all property level sales and marketing initiatives. Achieved our goal of being the most followed hotel in Chicago on Instagram, streamlined sales strategies and processes resulting in a 76% growth in year over year awarded RFP value, and ranked #1 in conversion within a comp set of eleven similar hotels.

Director of Sales and Marketing

HSMAI Chicago Chapter

Our mission is to be the leading source for sales and marketing information, knowledge, business development, and networking for professionals in tourism, travel, and hospitality. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines, as well as connecting its members with customers.

VP of Sponsorships

Influencer Advisory Council – IAC

Advisor and Board Member

The Dow Hotel Company

Responsible for marked increases in business travel, convention, corporate group and airline segments. Developed sales strategies to increase revenue and cultivate new business sources through analysis of reports, client interface, leverage of electronic media, and developmental meetings with Sales staff.

Complex Assistant Director of Sales - Embassy Suites & Doubletree Chicago O'Hare

Liberty Machinery Co.

In my Marketing and Business Development role, I helped clients with the liquidation of surplus machinery and industrial equipment. I also assisted clients in the procurement of used machinery through sales from inventory or brokerage.

Marketing and Business Development

Argyle Cut Stone

As Co-Owner, I was involved in every facet of operation in this 3rd generation owned business. My responsibilities included all accounting duties, all human resources duties, purchasing, marketing, sales, contract negotiations, field measurements and machine operations.

Co-Owner

Clear Creek Stone Company, Inc.

As Vice President of Finance and Operations, I was involved in every facet of running this limestone fabrication business. Responsibilities included accounting, human resources, purchasing, sales, union contract negotiations, and land and asset deals.

Vice President Of Finance And Operations

Renaissance Hotels

As Director of Business Travel, I was responsible for all transient preferred accounts, as well as attaining new group business from Fortune 500 companies. Surpassed 2005's inaugural year transient budget by 8%. In 2006, increased average daily rate of Preferred Accounts by 11% over the previous year. Created a highly successful contest and blog with over 500 qualified followers.

Director of Business Travel, Chicago O'Hare

Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

Responsible for all transient preferred accounts as well as attaining new group business in the automotive, chemical, insurance and energy markets. Increased negotiated account revenue by over 30% two years in a row. Established a Loyalty Rate for small companies that other hotels would not sign on, servicing an underserved market niche that increased sales and boosted average daily rate.

Global Account Manager

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Responsible for building partnerships with potential preferred accounts while developing relationships with existing clientele. Integral role in supplying additional leads to the group sales team. Successfully procured accounts with Ameritech and Boeing worth over $700,000 annually.

Business Travel Sales Manager, Hotel Allegro

After an 8-year hiatus from the hospitality industry, I walked into a travel agency to the exclamation, "Hey! You're the bingo guy!" An email marketing campaign from 8 years prior confirmed three things: the power of storytelling, the power of personal branding, and that I needed to foster cooler nicknames.

If you are looking to identify opportunities and creative paths to success by developing and communicating strategic alternatives, let's talk! This approach can apply to meeting planning, your marketing strategy, your personal goals or countless other scenarios. Bespoke hospitality across any industry can result in prolific experiences.

Happy to collaborate if you are looking for:

•	Relationship Focused Customer Service
•	Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
•	Business Development & Strategy
•	Action Planning
•	Storytelling
•	Digital Marketing
•	Social Media Expertise
•	CHDM - Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer
•	Creative Media & Digital Content Development

Away from work I love spending time with my family, creating art, playing golf, and rooting for the Cubbies. 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.

I'm not one to use the word "y'all", but do y'all want to hear something cool that LondonHouse Chicago is doing starting today on Earth Day?

We teamed up with B-Cycled Bottles, who takes empty liquor bottles and transforms them into the unique rocks glasses you see pictured. We created a special cocktail for the occasion called Mi Cielo, meaning My Heaven which blends Clase Azul Reposado Tequilla, fresh pressed cantaloupe juice, Mallorca melon tea syrup, cherry vanilla bitters, and a watermelon powder rim. Buy the cocktail, keep the glass!

From Earth Day until Cinco de Mayo, or while supplies last.

📸: Amy Ulivieri

Don Barnett

Director of Sales & Marketing at LondonHouse Chicago • LinkedIn Top Sales & Marketing Voice • Hospitality Veteran and Entrepreneur • Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer

Last Friday night was the annual Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Gala. I'd love to say that Michael Jacobson got on stage and crooned love songs to the crowd in his tux (unfortunately not), but he did express his heartfelt gratitude for those of us in the industry.

I accomplished a goal and met a LinkedIn connection IRL (still bummed I didn't get a picture Kiyah), but I did get a picture with Sabrina with the newly opened L7 Hotel whom I've known since our Kimpton days over 20 years ago. Did I just say that out loud? 🤯 

A great time with my LondonHouse Chicago and fellow industry colleagues!

What are some recent developments at LondonHouse Chicago?

What is the future of the hotel industry?

What is the mission of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association?

Give me 88 seconds and I'll lay out some pros and cons of social selling 😁

One of my favorite days of the year (no, not 4/20 😆💨).

Happy Record Store Day!

This annual tradition with my oldest daughter combines some of my favorite things - music, supporting small businesses and family time.

Today's haul was Gen X heavy. Sonic Youth, a David Byrne/Paramore collab, a limited edition Chicago variant of Pearl Jam's new album (ordered) and a box set of the first Pearl Jam concert I ever went to in '95.

Do you have a favorite "Day"?

Why is supporting small businesses important?

What are some other Sonic Youth albums to check out?

What makes a colleague truly memorable?  
Or an even higher standard, someone you'd work with again... 
 
Here's my take on fantastic qualities in a co-worker: 
 
🌟 The Comedians: Those who are quick to bring wit to a boring meeting or a stressful email chain are worth their weight in taco meat. I'm pretty sure "carne asada" translates to "joyful colleague". 
 
🌟 The Improvisers: The ones who can take a last-minute project or unexpected problem and turn it on its head with a legit solution. They are the MacGyvers of the office. 
 
🌟 The Passionate: It's contagious. A passion for their work, for the team, or for the company's mission can ignite a spark in others. 
 
🌟 The Detail-Oriented: These folks might not always be front and center but they're who you want behind the scenes. They don’t miss a beat and their meticulous approach quite often saves the day. 
 
🌟 The Empaths: Understanding and acknowledging what colleagues are going through is vastly underrated. These people help foster a supportive and collaborative environment. 
 
We might have our fancy titles, but I cannot stress enough the importance of these unsung roles. Cherish everyday you get to work with them.

Three Reasons Why I'll Go Toe-to-Toe with Anyone Regarding Team Bonuses 
 
💰 You make better business decisions.  
 
For the uninitiated, this is what a bad booking looks like. Historically, you book a multi-day meeting requiring all of your meeting space the 2nd week of September. All of your competitors are busy as well.  Booking your ballroom for a day meeting on a Wednesday 5 months out would kill any chance of getting another multi-day meeting like you've always done. 
 
With only days left in a month or quarter, someone that only needs one more booking to make their individual bonus might be compelled to take that Wednesday event, despite it hurting the greater good. 
 
🎭 Eliminates a category of petty drama. No arguing over space and who has the better business to book. With a team incentive you promote collaboration over being cut-throat. 
 
🧙‍♂️ Makes your leader better at their job. Could a low performer ride the coattails of a high performer? Sure, but it's the leader's job to hold everyone accountable. Individual metrics can still be tracked. But everyone who has ever worked in sales knows there are ups and downs. Some vertical markets are seasonal, citywide conventions can make less rooms available to sell, or maybe someone is dealing with something personal in their life. 
 
Working as a team to achieve an incentive helps take the stress off of someone having an off month and promotes esprit de corps and smart business decisions.

If you could travel 20 years into the past to impart some wisdom to yourself, what would you say? 
 
For me: 
 
🔹 Worrying is wasted energy and won't change any outcome whether good or bad. 
🔹 Nothing is more valuable than time. Invest it in quality people, places and things. 
🔹 Tremendous freedom is gained when you stop caring what people think. 
🔹 Embrace the concept of leverage. 
🔹 Stop talking and start doing.  
🔹 Create small daily goals that are impossible not to complete. 
🔹 Take advantage of the time spent with mentors, ask lots of questions. 
🔹 Don't shave your entire head to the lowest clipper setting, it looks really bad. 
 
What would you say to your younger self? 


I'm not sure if it was my creative use of dog hair to make a puppet or his affinity for Godfather GIFs that inspired this, but the incomparable Josiah Mackenzie invited me onto his fantastic Hospitality Daily Podcast.

We talked about LinkedIn being like the wide-open west for the hospitality industry, ripe for a gold rush for anyone ready to go all in.

Why people aren't taking that leap of faith on the platform.

Why hotels will spend thousands on conferences but not invest in personal branding. Actually, I'm still wondering why on that one 🤔 

The best hack for creating content.

The opportunities.

I even got to name drop a few of my favorite content creators (Cory, Nick, John, Allison and Tré).

Putting a link in the comments. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks again, Josiah. Looking forward to talking with you again in the future!

How important is personal branding for professionals in the hospitality industry?

What are some best practices for using LinkedIn in the hospitality industry?

What is Hospitality Daily and what do they offer?

There's a concept that sharply divides entrepreneurs and employees. 
 
Skin in the game. 
 
The best way to highlight this is what's at stake. If you're an employee, you're playing with the house money so to speak. An entrepreneur is playing with their own money. The risks and rewards are greater. 
 
I believe you can have skin in the game as an employee as well with those same risks and rewards. 
 
Two words: Personal Accountability 
 
Ordinary actions won't lead to extraordinary results. Are you willing to stick your neck out there? Take on tasks others won't to gain "niche knowledge"? Actively seek ways to stand out from the rest? 
 
Owning your work publicly takes nerves of steel. Failures are scrutinized more intensely. Heck, just taking on extra work is scrutinized. 
 
But the rewards are: 
🎯 Credibility 
🎯 Trust 
🎯 Leverage 
🎯 Confidence 
🎯 Becoming Invaluable 
 
How are you owning your work publicly? 


What are the rewards of owning your work publicly?

How can owning your work publicly increase credibility?

How can owning your work publicly increase trust?

No alternative text description for this image

"So there we were, the Purell on our hands slowly drying, and they announce there's only one banana left..." 
 
Want to know how you stand out amongst thousands of people at a conference or on LinkedIn? Turn strangers into friends? Followers into fans? 
 
Personal stories and experiences. 
 
Some people will nod politely and move on or keep scrolling. Others will lean in, intrigued by what's next. And then there are a few people that find a kindred spirit in my tales. 
 
I lay my experiences bare, sharing ebbs and flows, wins and woes. Not all will care, but it's not for all. It’s for that one person whose eyes light up with recognition. 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦, "𝘏𝘦𝘺, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦." Or, "Hey, how do I get a monkey to Purell it's filthy hands?" 
 
Your story could be the game-changer someone needs. Let's move beyond shallow small talk or generic LinkedIn posts. Are you ready to share your story?

Here's an office exercise to try out. 
 
Talk behind each other's back. 
 
But rather than the typical complaints, rumors or stereotypes, highlight the positive qualities you see in your colleagues each day. 
 
It only takes 5 minutes, a few sheets of paper, and some good vibes. It's a great boost to hear what people think of you. Even if someone did write that I was energetic and deranged. Considering the amount of 5 Hour Energy Drink in my system, that's fair. 
 
Try it out, I'd love to hear how it goes!

How can highlighting positive qualities improve workplace culture?

What are the effects of 5 Hour Energy Drink?

Today, someone is going to say, "I'm going to post something on LinkedIn because Don Hoteleone made it easy". 
 
Ready? 
 
Here's an AI prompt that will spit out 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨 for you of what to write about. Not write for you, that you should do in your own voice. 
 
Copy and paste 👇 
 
At work, I'm in a Sales position where I (what you do). Based on what I do, I want my followers to learn (what you want your audience to learn). My ideal follower is (describe that follower). 
 
I want to create 7 days of actionable content for LinkedIn. The content teaches and builds trust while showing my experience and expertise. Create 7 days of content that teaches my ideal followers the content I want them to learn. Provide me with ideas for content for each day. 
 
⛔ 
 
Here's a funny example of what Google Gemini can do: 
 
At work, I'm in a position where I 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳. Based on what I do, I want my followers to learn 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. My ideal follower is someone 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘶𝘮. 
I want to create 7 days of actionable content for LinkedIn. The content teaches and builds trust while showing my experience and expertise. Create 7 days of content that teaches my ideal followers the content I want them to learn. Provide me with ideas for content for each day. 
 
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 👇 
 
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 
 
Content type: Post a short video (ideally under 1 minute) 
Topic: Explain the science behind why gum sticks to hair. Briefly showcase different types of gum and how their properties might affect removability. 
Call to action: Ask viewers what their go-to method for removing gum from hair is (in the comments). 
 
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆! 
 
Content type: Infographic 
Topic: List tips to prevent gum sticking to hair in the first place. Include avoiding chewing gum with long hair down, using hair ties that won't snag gum, and being mindful of where you chew gum. 
Call to action: Ask viewers to share their best prevention practices in the comments. 
 
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟯: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗜𝗬 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗸: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 
 
Content type: Carousel post with images and text 
Topic: Debunk common myths about gum removal, like using peanut butter, ice, or harsh chemicals. Briefly explain why these methods might not work or even damage hair. 
Call to action: Ask viewers what myths they've heard about gum removal (in the comments). 
 
I would've posted all 7 if there wasn't a character limit on this post. 
 
Please tag me if you try it and post something!

What are some effective ways to remove gum from hair?

How can AI be used to generate LinkedIn content ideas?

How can I identify my ideal LinkedIn follower?

Want to know what's 1,000 x's more fun than making cold calls or email prospecting? 
 
Other than paper bag puppets... 
 
Cultivating a Unique, Professional Presence. 
 
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆: 
 
Can you make 1,000 calls or send out 1,000 emails a day, every day? As you make those calls/emails, can you get in front of the same people most of the time without them slapping you with a restraining order or spamming you out of existence? 
 
Or... Can you create helpful, edutaining content with a personal touch on a daily basis? Content that gets anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 eyes on it daily, on a platform that people are voluntarily going to. 
 
And the fun part? Sharing stories that tie into whatever it is you have to say. Stories that remind people of something that happened to them. 
 
Take "edutainment" for example. My son was tasked with creating a paper bag puppet for one of his classes and we saw this as a challenge: can we make the puppet and also make his teacher laugh. 
 
Teacher: "Wow, the hair on your puppet looks so realistic!" 
My Son: "It's our dog Chloe's hair." 
 
Mission accomplished.

It sounds cliché to say, "Do what you love."

But have you worked with or competed against someone who does?

They make it look easy, and it's because they get into a "flow state" where they lose all concept of time and merrily go about their job no matter what the challenge is.

The person who is 100% into their job will outperform anyone else in that job sooner or later. It's hard to compete with someone who will happily go above and beyond for the pure joy of it.

So do what you love my friends. BTW, this video is even better with the sound on 🔊 

Feeling overwhelmed? Here's how I stay balanced even when chaos reigns... 
 
I control the things I can control. 
 
🧘‍♂️ My thoughts. I'm the master of my headspace and can choose to respond, not react. 
🧘‍♂️ A rival outshining us on some parameter? Remember, their benchmarks are not ours to follow blindly. Their standards could be mediocre for all we know. Our focus should be our yesterday. Are we better today? 
🧘‍♂️ Embracing reaction then position. The power lies in shifting gears from the emotional to the factual, from volatile to rational. 
 
How do you stay balanced?

How can embracing reaction then position help with balance?

Why is controlling thoughts important for staying balanced?

"I have 1 million followers on TikTok, we should collaborate." 
"We'd like a block of rooms for a Saturday in June..." 
"We'd like to book your ballroom for an evening reception with set-up at 10am." 
 
No, no, aaaaand no.  
 
Saying no to business can be painful, but making bad business decisions is worse. 
 
Some questions to ask before a turndown: 
 
❓ Is this profitable? For example, if history tells you that your hotel will sell out on a Saturday night in June from transient alone, then why offer a rooms-only block at a discount? 
👉 Discounting when there's high demand for your product or service is just giving money away. 
💡 Options: Ask if there are alternative dates, is there also a catered function, or are they a repeat client. 
 
❓ Does this make sense for our business? 👉 For example, an influencer might have 1 million followers on TikTok but if their content doesn't align with your target audience or make sense with your brand, take a pass. 
💡 Option: Is there an opportunity to collaborate solely to capture content for your use? Perhaps video, and especially drone footage. 
 
What have you had to say no to?

Contract clauses got you flustered? 
Here are 2 actionable tips to help navigate those choppy waters... 
 
📃 Group Commission. Want to experience your Controller snapping on you? If not, then don't pay double on commissions. This little detail usually comes into play for rooms that are over and above the stipulated group block. Always include verbiage along the lines of: “Commission is paid on ________ unless already commissionable to another entity.” 
 
📃 Competitor Clauses: Consider the extent of the request (absolutely no competitors, none on the same floor, none allowed to look them directly in the eyes, etc.) and balance it against the value of the business. The ones to watch out for are small room block only groups that have a no competition clause. Full stop. Don't let that slide, especially when you have meeting space to fill. 
 
Any time someone wants to dictate how you operate your business, hit the brakes. Take pause if someone wants to restrict your ability to maximize revenue. 
 
👉 Reminder, I'm not a lawyer! These insights come from 20+ years riding the ups and downs of the hotel sales rollercoaster. If you're ever uncertain, get your legal team involved. 
 
Keep your contracts clean and your profits green! 💚

First step to working with a  Sales mentor... 
"To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom." - Socrates 
 
The path to being a mentee begins with you. Ask yourself: 
 
🤔 Do I have the ambition and desire to be a great Salesperson?  
🤔 Am I open-minded or stubborn?  
🤔 Do I ignore most advice, or give things a chance?  
🤔 Is my skin thick enough to take feedback or criticism?  
🤔 Am I pleasant to be around? 
 
First things first, stop thinking about who this mentor should be and start thinking, are you the type of person someone would want to take under their wing. 
 
That is your first step Grasshopper.

Looking to demystify influencer marketing for hotels? 
 
Here are a few of the Q&A questions I fielded at the last Influencer Advisory Council Board Meeting... 
 
Q: What if an influencer doesn't deliver on their promise? 
A: Reflect on your instructions - were they crystal-clear? If so, engage in a solution-focused dialogue with the influencer. Collaboration is key to a successful partnership. 
 
Q: Have you considered working with MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) influencers? 
A: We have, however it's very niche (B2B, niche planner audience) and tricky finding the right people doing it. Based on our mix of business, we dedicate our efforts to F&B initiatives and transient business. 
 
Q: How do you compensate influencers – cash or trade-outs? 
A: We lean towards trade-outs 99% of the time. If you’re a branded hotel, the brand marketing team may be able to assist with mega-influencers who might be open to this arrangement as well. 
 
This is just a fraction of what we covered. Did something spark your interest?  
 
You ask, I answer! 
 
 


In the past few years, there's one concept about acquiring wealth that has transformed my life the most. 
 
Leverage. 
 
Specifically, how you leverage your time.  
 
With your job, you have agreed upon a rate that you are willing to rent them your time. And this is perfectly fine as there are several benefits to a job like security, insurance, 401Ks, etc. 
 
But strictly working for someone else will not make you wealthy. There will almost always be a cap on how much you can earn.  
 
So how are you leveraging your free time? Are you giving that time rent-free to a silly game on your phone? Or to rewatch a TV show you've already seen? (I'm guilty of both BTW) 
 
If there's something you truly enjoy doing, how can you monetize that? 
 
💡 Tip: Your LinkedIn community is a great place to brainstorm things.

How can I leverage my free time to acquire wealth?

What are some ways to monetize enjoyable activities?

How can I leverage my LinkedIn community to monetize my free time?

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