It’s Time to “Spring Clean” Your Business Routines
After more than a year working remotely, it might seem impossible to imagine that first day returning to a shared work environment that’s not entirely comprised of members of your immediate family. But soon, the bottom-half of your wardrobe will be as necessary as the top and fluffy slippers will no longer be considered appropriate business attire. Muting yourself will be a measure of impulse control, not mouse clicks.
Organizations around the globe are announcing their plans to return (or not!) to a traditional office environment during the second half of 2021. In a story for NBC News, published online in April, as major companies announce their plans for a phased in return to offices, building managers are offering everything from improved cleaning and air filtration systems to incentives like wine tasting parties to help returning workers feel more safe and secure. While it’s natural to have some fear and trepidation when transitioning back to a shared office environment, with change comes great opportunity. Just like offices buildings are being thoroughly cleaned and updated with the latest technology, maybe it’s time for you to “Spring Clean” your business processes.
Throw out legacy systems that no longer “spark joy”
Pre-pandemic, hotels in major markets were reporting occupancy rates as high as 88%. But by May 2020, those same rates dropped to 17%. Now that there are hopeful signs of business picking up again, it’s the perfect time to take a hard look at your internal operations and adapt to a changed business environment. The first thing to toss out should be the saying, “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
If your organization is hostage to legacy systems that no longer quite do the job, it’s time to perform a thorough audit of your systems and processes. Ask yourself 3 essential questions: Is it necessary? Is there a more efficient way? Is the result worth the investment in time?
The functionality and adaptability of today’s cloud-based SaaS platforms can transform yesterday’s cumbersome business practices into streamlined, efficient workflows. Vindow’s cloud-based travel technology platform delivers innovative solutions for a rapidly-changing industry. For example, planners don’t need to create lengthy, tediously detailed RFPs in order place the most basic off-site meeting. Vindow’s Scout RFP allows them to quickly create and distribute a simplified RFP that only includes the most pertinent details that gets faster, more tailored results.
Prune away your unused recurring subscriptions
Have you ever signed up for a free software trial only to quickly discover that the product doesn’t meet your needs; only to get a shocking reminder when the subscription fee pops up on your next credit card statement? If you’re currently relying on a patchwork of applications without interoperability to handle related business functions, it’s time to consider a more comprehensive solution.
Vindow is a full life-cycle management tool for sourcing that includes RFP creation, venue selection, contract management, and dynamic reporting in a single product. Vindow also comes with a wealth of useful features like Instant Messaging, our newly enhanced Vindow Score™ safety assessment ratings, Market Intel destination profiles, and much more.
Let the Sun Shine In
Just like washing the windows makes it easier to see clearly, today’s customers demand solutions that ensure transparent business interactions. Technology is evolving rapidly and platforms that incorporate Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, like behavior predictive forecasting, can give you higher levels of insights into your client’s preferences and help you make better, more informed choices. Vindow’s “Bid Heat” indicator provides instant feedback to hoteliers as to whether or not their proposal rate is competitive compared to their peers.
Multiple surveys in general business and travel-specific media have recently reported growing optimism for the future of business travel and increasing activity as measured by new RFPs and reservations. There’s never been a better time to rethink fundamental business processes and prepare for what experts believe will be a relatively swift recovery for the hospitality industry. Committing to a fresh start requires taking the time to thoroughly investigate new products and applications that may be far better suited to your current operations rather than systems you adopted years ago. We invite you to learn more about Vindow, the more intelligent solution for groups. To schedule a demonstration visit www.vindow.com/contact.