Social Media 101: Tactics and Tips to DevelopYour Business Online

Chapter 75. Should Hotels Have Social Networks?

I think about this all the time. I want loosely joined social networks for those times when we have an opportunity to meet like-minded people. When I visited the famous Nikko hotel in San Francisco a few months back, I saw all kinds of interesting people in the lobby. At conferences, I'm always wondering who from the event might be staying at my hotel. I think there's something to it, but only if done right.

IDEAS FOR A HOTEL SOCIAL NETWORK

Here are some ideas. Could you think about this, too? What would you add?

• Opt-in. There has to be opt-in.

• Levels of privacy. Should have an anonymous e-mail washer similar to Craigslist, but then include options for revealing further info.

• Monitoring. I suppose legal restrictions and good community would require someone to watch the community.

• Some kind of questionnaire. I might want to be able to filter, like LinkedIn, the reasons why someone might want to reach me, and then decide what I'm up for—or not up for.

Seems like a start. What else?

WHAT NOT TO DO

I think there are some pitfalls to this, too. Lots of ways it could be implemented poorly.

• Don't require hefty registration processes. Make it easier than that. Perhaps only room number, e-mail address (validated), and then profile info and options.

• Advertising thinly would be okay, but too much wouldn't work nicely. Besides, this should be a $5 addition to your bill, similar to a movie rental.

• Don't push any kind of "singles" agenda. You don't want to ...