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  • Book "Are You an Ostrich or a Llama? Essays in Hospitality Marketing and Management" a book by Larry Mogelonsky. Targeted at hotel management, this book serves as a platform for discussion on current issues relating to the performance of hotels and resorts. Through a combination of real life examples and an examination of current challenges facing the hotel industry, the book comprises one hundred and twenty individual segments each dedicated to a single thought or concept. Purchase the book online from amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. More info

    Written by one of the world's most published authors in the field of hospitality, this 396-page book represents a radical departure from traditional industry. Targeted at hotel management, this book serves as a platform for discussion on current issues relating to the performance of hotels and resorts. Through a combination of real life examples and an examination of current challenges facing the hotel industry, the book comprises one hundred and twenty individual segments each dedicated to a single thought or concept. These standalone articles are then combined into ten chapters, each dedicated to a specific topic.

    The book has been written so that hoteliers of any level, from apprentice to seasoned general manager, will be able to gain value from the contents. While the bulk of articles deal with marketing aspects, many of the items relate to core operational issues. A common emphasis throughout is the paramount importance of quality guest service. For those outside the hotel industry but who have careers involving customer service, the practical hints provided in this text serve as excellent training pointers.

    So, why the title? Ostriches are classically known as avoiding conflict by putting their head in the sand. While probably not true, the stigma remains, and those who are considered an ostrich, are living in the past, with their head's in the sand. Llamas, on the other hand, are considered utilitarian, hardworking and reliable. They are very friendly too! This is what you want to strive for. By reading this book, and digesting the contents, the hope is to move the reader from being an 'ostrich' to  a 'llama.'

    Purchase the book online from amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com 

    For quantity orders, please contact Larry Mogelonsky directly.

     

    Reviews of Are You an Ostrich or a Llama

    "The most important element of the hotel experience is the interaction between guest and employee.  Larry’s book offers a comprehensive review of how to achieve success as a hotel manager in a changing world, while maintaining an all-important focus on customer service.  “Are you an Ostrich or a Llama?” will help managers navigate the latest technologies while providing the utmost in hospitality."

    - Isadore Sharp, Chairman, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

     

    "Leave it to Larry Mogelonsky, one of the industry's most prolific visionaries, to write a book that examines every minute detail of how hospitality should be run - LIKE CLOCKWORK. His unique personal experiences combined with his professionalism give readers a hands-on approach to the issues affecting today's hotelier.  This book should be a permanent addition to the library of every hotel operator and management team."

    - Benedict Cummins, Publisher, HotelExecutive.com

     

    "If you are looking for a self-gloating book by some hotel executive, telling you how wonderful they conduct business, this book is not for you. With his precise, often humorous and enjoyable writing style, Larry’s book is a breath of fresh air, in an industry that was able somehow to portray itself as sophisticated and cutting edge and that is instead paying the price for a decade of self-inflicted wounds. Through a series of poignant articles, Larry looks at the hospitality world with an inquisitive eye, paying attention to the smallest of details and trends as well as questioning the industry to its core and often-misleading beliefs.  A must read for any hotel executive."

    - Renato Alesiani, President and COO, Wave Crest Hotels & Resorts

     

    "As a long time fan, I always look forward to Larry Mogelonsky’s business savvy articles and insights on hospitality marketing, which I excitedly share with the managers of the Library Hotel Collection. Larry’s thought process is so logical and perceptive, readers will find themselves saying. “Yes! How true!” but more importantly, “I am going to do that, too!” because it is thick with practical ideas on how to make your business prosper. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to elevate the business acumen of their company and find a wealth of opportunities to please customers and maximize profitability."

    Adele Gutman, Vice President of Marketing, Library Collection  Hotels

     

    "A wonderful read. Insightful, intelligent and fun to read and identify with."

    Janis Clapoff, Managing Director (former), Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

     

    "Larry is one of those rare individuals that will provide you with an outsider's perspective from an insider's point of view. You may not agree with everything Larry has to say, but I'm willing to bet that most of it will ring true when you take the time to think about it."

    Chuck Kelley, Principal, G7 Hospitality Group Inc.

     

    "Larry takes what we hoteliers often think is difficult and simplifies it in a way that makes perfect sense.  A must read for hoteliers to understand that excellent guest service leads to greater profitability."

    - Gordon Carncross, Principal, G7 Hospitality Group Inc.

     

    "Larry nails some of the critical issues facing hoteliers today and gives them a 'velvet hammer' approach to solutions. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but see immediate parallels with many of the property situations encountered on a day-to-day basis. A great read."

    - Marshall Calder, President-Americas, Great Hotels of the World

     

    "The complexities of hotel operations and marketing are rarely found in a single book. Yet, Larry is able to intertwine these two core elements of hospitality management in a single edition, and present these in an easy-to-read approach. The use of real live experiences and interviews with leaders in the field brings these topics to life, and prompts further debate amongst practitioners. Read it, then reflect upon how these examples can enhance your operations."

    - Kuno W. Fasel, Chief Operating Officer, COMO Hotels & Resorts

     

    "From the first article to the end, Larry provides a wealth of information for hotel managers to wrestle with, to question their strategies and operational plans. There is learning in every chapter."

    - Fred Grapstein, President, New York's Hotel Pennsylvania

     

    "You can run but you can't hide from the truths in this book:  Wishy-washy it's not.  Hopefully, you'll read these words of advice carefully and more than once — until you can truly see the ostrich in the mirror.  This is solid advice, but offered with great humor.  I found myself saying "Yes!" and chuckling at the same time.  Good stuff!"

    - William J. Callnin, Chairman & Managing Director, Cayuga Hospitality Advisors

  • Media Planning is an integral part of a successful strategy. Whether it's an Internet cost-per-click campaign, radio or television spot, a billboard or an ad in a national magazine. We'll develop a strategic, cost-effective plan that will connect with your target audience in all the right places.

  • Advertising is like a complexity theory - it looks easy from the outside, but is complicated on the inside. It's not just what you are saying, but who you are saying it to, how you are saying it and where you are saying it. We understand this and help determine the right creative solution that speaks to your target audience in terms that are familiar to them and via a media that is relevant.

  • Promotions can encourage trial (or re-trial), generate volume purchases (loading), or increase purchase continuity. Enticing potential users to take notice of your brand through a give-away or redemption promotion can be the catalyst for conversion. Promotions can also be a invaluable source for gaining insight into consumers. We love coming up with creative ways to draw positive attention to your brand, turning passive observers into engaged users.

  • Copywriting makes the difference between a good solution and a great solution. At LMA we employ talented writers, from a variety of social backgrounds and specialties. This gives you the access to the right writer, with insight into your industry and your target audience. Whether it's a sticky headline for a national ad campaign, annual report details, or just content for a blog on your brand’s behalf, we have a writer that will meet your needs and exceed expectations.

  • Design Direction at LMA is motivated by providing users with unique and memorable experiences. Our work includes: Conceptual Development, Template Design, Style Guide Development, Illustration, Animation, Typeface Development, and more. Our designers collaborate intensely with our developers and researchers, always looking for new and effective ways to deliver the end user with a positive interaction with your brand.

  • Branding & Identity Systems are the primary way consumers interact with a brand and the best opportunity to make a powerful first impression. A brand that transcends media, communicating values, philosophies and social relevancy is a brand that consumers will remember. We create identity systems that will marry with the culture and personality of the brand naturally, designed to engage the audience and leave them with a positive and memorable experience.

  • Market Research requires you to look beyond just your competitive market for solutions that work. At LMA we pride ourselves on defying convention to find the right strategy and tactics to get positive results. Through our thorough research, we often discover unmet consumer needs and opportunities that help to strengthen our client’s position in their respective market. Understanding the market facilitates the long-term planning that results in long-term success.

  • Competitive Analysis is the best way to understand what your competition is doing and their position in the current marketplace. This includes: What they are doing right and what can we learn from them; what differentiates you from them and how your target audience interacts with competitor’s brands. LMA’s work in defining the competitive landscape is the catalyst that turns raw information into measurable results and on-going success for our clients.

  • Strategic Planning is the cornerstone to garner the highest level of success, with the largest return on your investment. By understanding the objectives, landmarks and by establishing a clearly defined path, your ability to achieve these goals increases exponentially. Our team can help you build a road map and ensure you stay on track throughout the process, delivering results that are measurable.

  • Newswire allows us to release your media advisories and/or press releases instantaneously to a broad audience. As a member of PR Newswire, we are able to distribute your information, cost effectively. Our analytical analysis will verify the results leading to further business management opportunities.

  • Hype Generation are powerful ways to keep in touch with your customers. With our powerful email marketing software, we’ll provide you with analytics for each campaign and a very robust way to manage all your subscribers. One of the great features we offer is the ability to integrate our email software (MailChimp or Campaign Monitor) directly with your website.

  • Product Launches require special attention to make sure the fruits of your labor don't go unappreciated. We'll help create a memorable launch your new product, to generate interest amongst relevant press and your target audience, through an integrated program

  • Community Relations help connect your brand to the communities you work in. Getting involved on a community level, let's your brands penetrate local markets, gaining loyalty, trial and improving public image. We develop and maintain on-going relationships within the local community to ensure brand presence.

  • Clipping Services let's you know who's talking about your brand in the press. Using our clipping services and media monitoring tools, we'll keep an ‘ear to the ground’ monitoring positive and negative coverage of your brand - helping us to leverage the positive and lessen the negative. We employ Meltwater News for all of our public relations clients, as well as country-specific print/broadcast services.

  • Media Kits allow you to top line key points of interest about your brand and answers frequently asked questions, giving media access to relevant information at their fingertips. We organize and distribute comprehensive media kits including latest news, backgrounders, and story ideas - for print, broadcast and electronic media. We also create online and interactive media kits.

  • Crisis Management should be your first course of action when your brand is threatened. We'll be your brand's ‘knight in shining armor’ in times of crisis. With our years of experience and our solid media network, we'll help make sure your brand not only weathers the storm, but shines brighter than before.

  • Media Tours are your opportunity to put your product front and center, through a focused voice to an audience that is already captive. We arrange tours and photo opportunities for members of the media to experience your product, service or destination, resulting in greater positive media coverage and ultimately an improved public image.

  • Event Planning can raise awareness of your brand, win over shareholders, intrigue potential investors and close the deal. From an intimate engagement to large galas, we will use our resources to plan perfect event to meet all your objectives.

  • Media Relations begin with our “Rolodex” of industry contacts, maintaining on-going relationships with media colleagues ensures top-of-mind presence. We utilize these resources to increase awareness and improve pubic perception of your brand, through a variety of media outlets.

  • Social Media sites like facebook, twitter and Linkedin are part of the large and ever-growing world of web 2.0. User-generated content is filling the Internet with a plethora of information, that when handled properly can be passed on through social networks, essentially creating an Internet word-of-mouth campaign for you. Our understanding of the many nuances required to increase Internet chatter will encourage trial and maintain brand loyalty.

  • CMS (Content Management Systems) give you the ability to maintain your own content rich website, through a customized administrative back-end. By identifying your organization’s unique needs, we’ll tailor you the proper CMS that’s built for you. Knowing that our clients don’t have time to learn complex systems, we take extra steps to ensure our sites are easy to manage and maintain, factoring in flexibility, scalability and stability.

  • Interface Design directly affects the user's engagement in your website. A solution that is designed to create a rich and intuitive experience, improves communication and increases trial. Our websites are designed with accessibility and ease of navigation as a top priority. We think beyond just the aesthetic, factoring user interaction with the site and how to effectively lead them to the right information to complete the transaction.

  • Web Analytics are an invaluable tool to define, measure and track effectiveness of campaigns promotions and user loyalty. All of our websites, include comprehensive analytics to get the greatest return on Internet. We employ all of the latest analytic and web management tools.

  • Usability Testing is the best way to deliver web solutions that work across all modern browsers and look great on common screen sizes. We collect feedback from a variety of different user types to ensure accessibility and optimum experience. Before launching any site, we thoroughly load test each and every component to make sure it’s stable.

  • Search Engine Marketing is a great way to increase your visibility on relevant search engine results. We use organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and paid search Cost per Click (CPC) advertising, meta tags keywords and inbound marketing techniques to significantly increase traffic, designed to put you at the top of the list.

  • Hosting is where the web experience starts!. The proper host server, properly managed, forms the underlying backbone to all web development. We employ a stand alone VPN (virtual private network) at Texas-based Rackspace, ranked among the best in the country. In addition, our full-time webmaster provides an additional level of support.

  • Email & CRM are powerful ways to keep in touch with your customers. With our powerful email marketing software, we'll provide you with analytics for each campaign and a very robust way to manage all your subscribers. One of the great features we offer is the ability to integrate our email software (MailChimp or Campaign Monitor) directly with your website.

  • Mobile Platforms let you to update your website content through an interface on a Blackberry or iPhone. We have content management systems with a mobile technology management interface, empowering you to be in control of your site at all times in all places.

  • Inn at a Glance Inn at a Glance is a web-based resource engineered specifically for hoteliers. This dashboard software improves customer service through more efficient departmental communication and by providing the most current information on its systems. Inn at a Glance has a multi-property feature for managers to keep track of daily operations for several properties at the same time. Whether you are sick, working the night shift or miss the morning meeting, Inn at a Glance ensures that you are always up-to-date with important property happenings. Ask us for details