I just returned from a short, yet successful business trip to Bend, Oregon, which was incredibly enhanced by my stay at The Oxford Hotel.
While I there for only two nights and less than 48 hours, it was truly unforgettable.
How come?
Like many boutique hotels I’ve had the privilege to stay at across the U.S., Canada and Europe, The Oxford delivers big time; i.e., an inviting lobby with a spacious bright room and roomy work space. I also loved their plentiful amenities, in-room goodies bag, pillows plentiful enough to build a dam with and a quality on-premise restaurant.
Yet what really distinguishes this gem is its people. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, is helpful, attentive and sincere in their desire to make your visit memorable.
The Oxford delivers in an intimate setting and in a personal way. Folks are friendly and focused. I knew their drivers, concierges, front-desk team and bellmen by name. They always greeted me by name.
While at many hotels, even the boutiques, a polite request is answered with a polite “No!” or a “Wish we could, but that’s against our policy.”
At The Oxford, every request was greeted with a “Yes!” or “Absolutely!” or “We’ll see how we can make that work or happen!”
Oh, while most of these talented hospitality pros walk on two legs, one of them welcomes you from four legs! The owner’s dog, Remington, is a gorgeous Bernese mountain dog, that’s perched smack dab in the middle of the small, inviting lobby and greets you upon arrival.
Remington is almost a metaphor for this fine property, giving you a little hint that this sojourn will be unlike any other. The only thing missing was my wife! She’s already asking, “When are WE going to Bend and staying at The Oxford?”
Ten business lessons:
1. Know a customer’s name and use it.
2. Smile and show sincere interest in a customer or client.
3. Provide individualized attention.
4. Ask polite questions, which always help you discover how you can make a difference in one’s personal or professional life.
5. Surprise people and exceed expectations.
6. Make the answer to any reasonable request, “Yes!”
7. Be punctual. Jason, a gracious and personable bellman, who drove me in the hotel van to and from meetings, was always on time.
8. Hire people of strong character, who are passionate and committed.
9. Be willing to “give” in return, not just “take.” Connie asked, “If you were pleased with your stay, would you mind submitting a review to TripAdvisor?” I quickly answered, “My pleasure!” Within 15 hours of my return home, it was done!
10. Immediately buy a Bernese mountain dog! They make quite a first impression!
Jeff Blackman is a Hall of Fame speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” If you hire speakers, please contact Jeff at: 847.998.0688 or jeff@jeffblackman.com. And visit jeffblackman.comto learn more about his other business-growth tools and to subscribe to Jeff’s FREE e-letter, The Results Report. Jeff’s books include: “Stop Whining! Start Selling!” (an Amazon Bestseller) and the revised 4th edition, of the bestselling “Peak Your Profits.” You can also stay connected with Jeff via LinkedIn and Twitter: @BlackmanResults.
