How to Set Up Your Business for Post-Covid Success

Here are six tips on how businesses can motivate employees and manage partners as the industry rebounds from Covid-19. 

by Bart Berkey
June 30, 2021

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The great return of the meetings industry is upon us. A majority of states have fully reopened and lifted all gathering restrictions. Meanwhile, meeting planners are preparing to make up for the backlog of live events that didn’t occur in 2020.

But availability is becoming an issue as many hotels are at capacity with their event space. Additionally, many departments have had to reduce their staff as a result of the pandemic. What do you do when you have more tasks than time? Below are some tips for keeping your team engaged and managing partner expectations, so your business can thrive in 2021.

Three Ways to Keep Your Team Motivated

  1. Overly communicate with your team. Let them know you are aware of the situation and keep them informed on any updates.
  2. Develop a recruitment and staffing plan with your employees. Have them contribute to the solution with their ideas, mutually create the mission and then execute. 
  3. Recognize and reward your team for their loyalty and hard work. Write them handwritten notes, throw an appreciation party or send gift cards as a token of your appreciation.


What to Say to Business Partners and Stakeholders During Increased Demand

  1. Ask for patience and flexibility. It is no one’s fault that we are in this situation. Don’t hide behind any excuses, but simply share the facts openly and honestly. Rational players will understand when they know the situation.   
  2. Set realistic expectations. Identify when responses might be provided and insights given based on the situation. Do your best to exceed them when possible. 
  3. Involve your partners in the solution. Maybe they can wait for a response or don’t need a contract right away. Ask them for ideas to help during these times.

Bart Berkey has held numerous global roles in the hospitality industry. Most recently, he contributed 16 years to the success of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as a global sales executive and former recruiter. He is also the founder and CEO of Most People Don't, a motivational storytelling and sales training company. Berkey will be speaking at Destination Southeast, which will be held June 25-27 in Marco Island, Fla.