It's All in How You Think

Ok, so let’s shatter a common preconception about AI…

The biggest winners aren't necessarily those with access to the coolest AI tools.

Instead, it's the business owners who are willing to think differently about their business who'll reap the most benefits from AI.

It's not about asking, "What can this AI tool do?" which is how most of are looking at AI.

A more helpful question to ask is, "How can I reimagine my business processes?" or "What could I achieve if I weren't bogged down by routine tasks?"

It’s these types of more strategic questions that will yield you the best results with incorporating AI into your business.

Start by questioning every task: "Is this something I need to be doing?"

If not, could it be automated or delegated? Maybe to an AI tool, or perhaps to a human assistant.

This process isn't just about offloading work—it's about strategically freeing up your time and mental energy for high-value activities (what I like to call your CEO Activities).

When you begin to shift your mindset like this and start asking better questions about your business, you'll naturally start spotting opportunities where AI can boost efficiency and profitability.

As a hotelier from a family-owned hotel chain, I’ve always believed that success in this industry—and in business in general—doesn’t come from merely having the latest tools or technologies.

It’s about how we think and the strategies we adopt to improve our operations and enhance guest experiences. In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role, but the real advantage isn’t just about having access to cutting-edge AI tools.

The true value comes from rethinking how we run our business.

Let’s break this down. Many hoteliers, like myself, often ask, “What can this AI tool do for my hotel?” But that’s not where we should begin.

Instead, the real question to ask is, “How can I reimagine the way we operate our hotel chain?” or “What could we achieve if routine tasks no longer took up so much of our time and energy?” By asking these kinds of strategic questions, we uncover the true potential of AI for our business.

Consider every single task we do daily in a hotel—from guest check-ins and housekeeping to customer feedback and inventory management. Ask yourself, “Is this something I personally need to oversee?” If the answer is no, it’s time to think about automation or delegation. Perhaps an AI tool could handle certain operations, or maybe it’s something that can be passed on to a well-trained team member.

For me, this process has always been about freeing up time to focus on what I call “CEO Activities”—the high-value tasks that truly drive the growth and success of our hotel chain. When we stop getting bogged down by routine tasks and start thinking strategically, AI becomes an enabler of efficiency and profitability, not just a cool gadget.

Now, I’ve always had a passion for productivity and time management, and one way I’ve seen AI make a difference is by serving as a personal productivity coach. Yes, AI can help boost operational efficiency, but it can also assist you in managing your own time more effectively. For example, tools like Claude or ChatGPT can be transformed into your very own productivity coach.

Imagine sitting down at your desk, overwhelmed by a long to-do list, and feeling that familiar urge to procrastinate. We’ve all been there. In moments like this, AI can help break down overwhelming tasks, pinpoint challenges, and keep you accountable—all while adapting to your unique working style. It’s like having a 24/7 productivity expert by your side, without the hefty price tag of an actual consultant.

Ultimately, the goal is not to use AI for everything, but to apply it where it makes the most sense for your business. Whether it’s automating guest services, streamlining staff management, or helping you stay on top of your personal productivity, the key is to approach AI strategically. By doing so, we can elevate not only our business but also how we operate as leaders in the hospitality industry.

In my experience, the hoteliers who succeed with AI are those who don’t just adopt the latest technology—they reimagine how their entire operation could work more effectively. It’s this mindset shift that will unlock AI’s true potential.

Want to Work With Me? Here Are 3 Ways I Can Help You:

1. Join the Mentor Hotelier Community: Subscribe to our newsletter and join a vibrant community where you’ll learn innovative strategies and discover the latest digital tools to improve your hotel’s productivity and streamline the workflow of your entire team.

2. One-on-One Consultation with Me: Work with me directly in a personalized consultation, where I will take the time to understand the unique challenges of your hotel and recommend the most effective digital tools and strategies tailored to your specific needs.

3. Team Training and Implementation Support: I’ll help you implement the right tools by providing hands-on training for your entire staff or key department leaders, ensuring that your team is fully equipped to improve operations and enhance guest experiences efficiently.