I often get asked how/when do I find time to be involved in everything I have on my plate. The answer is always easy, I make the time! Why? Because it’s important. In my short 8 years in the hospitality industry, I have learned many important things, none as import as “It’s not what you know but who you know”. That’s not to say if you know the Director of HR at a resort and you are not good at your job he will make you a VP. What I learned is that networking is crucial to growing a career in the hospitality industry.

It’s hard to know when and where to get started. And trust me, you want to get started right away. That supervisor friend you made yesterday could be a director in 3 years and you may need that relationship to help get your foot in the door at her company. Or maybe she knows someone where you want to go and can make an excellence reference. Or, just maybe, she works at a linen company and that relationship just saved your hotel thousands a year in linen costs! We all know people want to do business with people they like. Networking works on so many levels!

NRG is the perfect venue for networking

So how does a person get involved in networking? Well, if you are reading this you are an NHLA member and you are 50% there. The other 50% is showing up at a seminar or event. It’s that simple. For the younger leaders, this can be intimidating. That is why the NRG was formed. The Next Reigning Generation (NRG) is a group in NHLA just for the 35 and under crowd. Don’t let age deter you if you are near or at 35. Once you are in, you are in. And we do much more than network. Our philanthropy events put the warm and fuzzy into your heart and our boot camps are full of industry experts and invaluable knowledge. Our next event for NRG is enjoying Raiding The Rock Vault on April 22^nd.

This is an amazing show that stars some fantastic rock legends. You can e-mail me at [email protected] for more information about the event or NRG!

Guest blogger: Nicole Marshall is an active member of NHLA. She is the Director of Sales for Staybridge Suites. Nicole is also a local blogger.