Sales blitzes. We all know what a sales blitz is - fanning out after sales leads, making as many calls as possible in a limited area within a short span of time.

Blitzes are a useful tool in your sales kit. They are a great way to get yourself in front of the client in a fun and non-threatening way.

Your clients will likely begin to look forward to your blitz visits; they’ll want to see you and enjoy the goodies that you bring!

Blitzes are a great way to start building rapport.

Create a blitz around a holiday for an instant theme. You can also do quarterly blitzes.  Creating a blitz to impact Need Periods is always a great plan.

Engage and entice the client with a creative incentive for them to confirm their next meeting, event or project with your hotel over a specific time frame by a specific date to receive a unique value-add.

Have fun with your team creating the theme and planning the blitz. Encourage the team to participate in the blitz by having contests and prizes. For example, the salesperson with the most calls wins "x." The salesperson who uncovers the most leads wins "x."

It is important to remember that blitzes are not about selling to the client, but more about market research.

Preparing and conducting a sales blitz allows you to learn who is out there, what they are doing in the market, and what the potential is for your hotel. Use the blitz as a way to get your team and your hotel out into the market.