Everyday is Saturday

As I write this blog I am finishing up an awesome lunch compliments of  the Marriott Hotel in Northeast Cincinnati. Why work from a hotel in my hometown? Because it is one of my favorite think tanks. Sitting in the lobby on a comfortable couch with a waterfall 10 ft from my table is not a bad working environment. I am working on my PowerPoint presentation for my next speaking event in two weeks.

Why was the lunch complimentary? Great question - let me explain.

I arrived at the Marriott at 9am this morning and retireved a cup of their Champion coffee in the lobby. Great coffee - hot, smooth tasting, just perfect. I then secured my favorite seat in the corner by the aforementioned waterfall. After working on my computer for a couple hrs I inquired about reserving a room for next week for a mastermind group. I need a meeting room for three days.

I was escorted to the Office of The Director Of Sales - Sara. Sara explained that the meeting rooms were $350 a day. I thanked her for her time and left her office with a simple question: “If you have a room that will not be utilized, wouldn’t it be nice to at least receive some money for the room? The room will be there no matter what, but there’s no guarantee anyone will be paying you for it.” She thanked me for my feedback and said she would get back with me. I explained that I was in the office by the waterfall if she needed me;)

Thirty minutes later I received a call from Sara on my cell phone letting me know that I could have the meeting room for 16 people at the rate of $75 a day - Fired Up! I told her I was still working in the lobby and would be in soon to sign the papers.

When I went into her office for the official signing of meeting room, I asked one more question: “Sara, you are a champion and I really appreciate you giving me the meeting room for $75 per day - I have just one more request. I would like to work from your lobby for the remainder of the day before I head over to the health club. Would the Marriott mind paying for my lunch today? I understand you have an awesome buffet? Sara smiled and said she would check with the General Manager and get back with me.

Ten minutes later Sara arrived at my office by the waterfall and said “Mr. Crowley, we will be happy to pick up your lunch today.” I said “Thank you Sara, you are a champion.” She replied with “My pleasure.”

I love “My Pleasure.” I don’t think there’s a better answer to anything in the universe better than “My Pleasure.” It is the ultimate smile-maker.

There you go Champion -  the power of asking. If you never ask you will never receive. I woke up this morning planning on getting some work done for a few hours at home, then decided I needed to be more focused, so I decided on The Marriott. Then I have an awesome cup of coffee, negotiate 80% off a meeting room for three days and enjoy a phenomenal buffet. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

You may be saying “Thanks for the great advice Sam, I’ll be sure to use it next time I’m in the same situation.”

My Pleasure.

Sam

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