Pete DiSantis offers one of the best masteminds available. Glad to see this article highlights the best of what Pete has to offer. http://www.peterdisantis.com

As always Jeffrey,
Your thoughts and comments keep the standards high and thoughts provoking.
Don't stop.

::)

Mike

These are very tough businesses. In essence each of these are very reliant on relationship marketing and to ensure success it will very important for those who are serious to build from within their current activities. To start any of these from scratch without relationships and networks already established will add to the burden of a small business start up. I like these idea... but get ready for marketing.

Always great tips here. Thank you for another great reference with 37 Signals.

Good question you bring out. How about a video to show them how it's done? Example videos to emulate and copy-cat? Too much automation and checklists? What keeps people from connecting as a host in the time of today vs. yesterday? Thanks!

Jeffrey,

Always a provoking thought.. Who will have the responsibility for connection and hospitality? An external automated 3rd party system others have? Or self? Thanks.

Is this true?
"The key message that many businesses seem to have overlooked is that Twitter is an ENGAGEMENT & SOCIAL platform. That means you have to engage and you have to be social. You have to talk to customers, share interesting links, photos, videos, images and keep an eye on comments about your brand."

Maybe.
It depends doesn't it? Isn't Twitter a tool and just like all previous communication tools, it is what you make of it? All depends on the mission / vision (mantra) of the business.

As each business creates their business plan and takes a look at the laundry list of barriers to success, maybe Twitter is not the tool for talking to their guests / customers but one with which to listen? (which you mentioned) Never before in our history has such a buffet been available to listen but as usual, so many use the tool to talk more. If a restaurant / hospitality business uses such a tool as Guest Pulse, Twitter and other social media tools and then offers a unique personal invitation (I call it oopy), then a business might be able to blow peoples minds. Otherwise, it is the same old system: Broadcast lots of stuff. Might be important. Might not be.

Maybe:
The problem is with tools such as Twitter, everyone learns first how to tweet before they learn how to search. They learn how to automate broadcasts before they learn how to set up alerts. A system that would show the balance of what to do, when and how often for best business practice would be handy. (hmmm. Sounds a little like when we are infants, learn to make noise before we learn to listen and respond well) :)

(The resource you offer on Mashable is FANTASTIC)

-You are right. Engagement is key. But what comes first? Fun Photos? hmmm?
-The time of frustration has come to an end from "lack of comment cards". Now better decisions can be made because there is such a buffet of feedback.
-Tracking Brand yes. But people talk beyond brand. Understanding keyword principles and what is in the mind of the guests and future guests is just as important (maybe more so)
-More important than being "social": Being helpful and providing value and do so with availability / access.
I don't care if the chef has a funny video if the last meal was slow. Use the new tool of twitter so ask for complaints. (even though its public and transparent).

Thanks for the resource and the reminder not to sit on the old ways of thinking! Good reading and thoughts!

-How to Listen with Twitter would be a good follow up post to this. Can't wait to read it.
ihospitality is all about listening before, during and after. A good tool to add.

@michaelhartzell

I have changed my mission statement to a mantra.
People want an answer to all in under 5 minutes.. and Guy sets the pace by doing just that.
Appreciate all that you do.
Mike

Thank you. What is an acceptable method to respond (if at all) when new people follow? I am testing an autodm for those who start to follow. Time is precious yet I do not want to ignore an outstretched hand. I would not want to autoDM for those connecting with me ... except when they begin the follow. (which is why I also lean on auto answer on telephone and then block the time to return calls. :) thank you again.

Too new with twitter to know how to auto DM as of yet. My time is being taken in the effort to be courteous and acknowledge each follow with a response. If we are able to use "technology" to respond to those calling us by phone: "thanks for calling. sorry I did was not available. Leave a message and I will get right back to you". Could we not have an auto responder DM similar to "this is an auto DM. Thank you for the follow. time is precious an unable to answer every new follow. If you are looking for something special, just send a DM and I am happy to respond."

Could it be said the true issues with an auto DM is the "intent"? The truth / intent is not clear or is misleading for many who use auto DM? (pitches, scores, etc)

If everything is used in a manner which is up front and the intentions clear, I believe an auto DM may be not only acceptable but useful as we attempt to meet like minded people where sharing, collaboration and a win-win is possible. (while using the precious time to benefit)

Thank you for the post.