How can you build relationships with local businesses to offer guests the best recommendations?

1 Know your guests

Before you can recommend anything to your guests, you need to understand their preferences, needs, and expectations. You can do this by asking them questions, listening to their feedback, and observing their behavior. For example, you can ask them what kind of cuisine they like, what activities they enjoy, or what they want to see in the destination. You can also use your reservation system, loyalty program, or social media to collect and analyze data about your guests and their preferences. This will help you tailor your recommendations to suit their tastes and goals.

2 Know your local businesses

The next step is to research and get to know the local businesses in your area that offer products or services that match your guests' preferences. You can do this by visiting them personally, browsing their websites, reading online reviews, or contacting them via phone or email. You can also ask your colleagues, friends, or family for their opinions and experiences. The goal is to find out what makes each business unique, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what their value proposition is. This will help you select the best options for your guests and explain why you recommend them.

4 Communicate regularly and effectively

To maintain and strengthen your relationships with local businesses, you need to communicate regularly and effectively with them. You can do this by updating them on your guests' feedback, preferences, and needs, by asking them for their input and suggestions, and by informing them of any changes or issues that may affect your cooperation. You can also use various channels of communication, such as phone calls, emails, newsletters, or social media, to stay in touch and share relevant information. The goal is to keep the lines of communication open and transparent, and to show your respect and professionalism.

5 Evaluate and improve

The final step is to evaluate and improve your relationships with local businesses and your recommendations to your guests. You can do this by measuring and tracking the results of your cooperation, such as the number of guests who visit the businesses, the level of satisfaction they express, or the revenue they generate. You can also ask for feedback from both the guests and the businesses, and use it to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your recommendations and relationships. The goal is to learn from your successes and failures, and to make adjustments and improvements as needed.

By following these tips, you can build relationships with local businesses that will help you offer your guests the best recommendations and enhance their experiences. This will also benefit your reputation, loyalty, and profitability in the long run.