5 DAYS TO CLOSE Here s something unique and almost GUARANTEED to get you an appointment with that hard to meet decision maker. It s been used numerous times to get the attention of the travel planner and proven to work. It may sound a little unusual, but it works! The purpose of this program is to peek their interest and keep them guessing they most likely won t know where these gifts are coming from until. With each daily teaser bring something that relates to that day s poem. We ve offered suggestions to help you get started. On small blank note cards handwrite or type the following poems. Drop them off at the company you are trying to meet with to the attention of the contact (you may need to offer an incentive to the receptionist to not reveal your identity). Give it your own twist and add other items. DON T include logoed items that will give it away! Poems about meeting rooms or attached restaurants are included. If you have neither, combine different lines to create another day s worth of clues We serve breakfast each morning, delicious and fresh From our eggs to bagels We know we re the best. The variety is plentiful we re sure you ll agree You re invited for breakfast so that you can see. So savor this breakfast for you and your friends We ll be back tomorrow to continue our trend (Bring enough breakfast items for the contact to share with their office mates) Our location and amenities make us the best deal around Free (internet) coffee and newspapers (cookies) can always be found. Warm and inviting (Sleek and modern) (Brand new and exciting) (Charming and cozy) with the comforts you crave Our proximity to you means lots of time saved. http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 1/18
I m sure you re impressed by now with our rhyme We are perfectly located and our rooms are divine! (Bring a USA Today, coffee gift cards, cookies) (option 1) : Meeting room option Our meeting rooms are bright and acoustically sound We can facilitate your meetings right here in town. Our space can hold up to XXX a day And at night we provide the most comfortable stay! When afternoon arrives and its time for a break We serve fresh cookies and brownies for attendees to take (Bring cookies, brownies or bars and bottled water) (option 2): Restaurant Option Our restaurant s atmosphere is the best in town, From sandwiches to pasta there s no better food around. So come in soon for lunch or for dinner Our cheesecake s the best an absolute winner! End your meal with a warm cappuccino, You can enjoy it here or take it to go! (Bring desserts from your restaurant) Wireless access at no cost both night or day, Just another amenity for which you don t pay. Stay with us once and we are sure you ll agree There is no place in town your guests would rather be. Do you know who I am yet with the clues in my rhyme? I will let you in our secret when I visit next time! (Use your imagination today. Consider a brand new pillow with a ribbon tied around it) It s already and the week comes to close It s now time to reveal and self disclose. Yes it s us from the XXX down the street We hope you enjoyed our week full of treats We are 2 miles from the airport and a short drive from here http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 2/18
Next week we ll give you a tour to make it all clear. Thanks for your time and we hope you had fun I ve got guests to take care of so I ve got to run! (Bring along something big and logoed today!) Ask for the decision maker and reveal yourself! Invite for a site tour and lunch the next week. Good Luck! 5 Days to Close: Ideas Created by Our Hotels This document contains a variety of sales call themes that have been used at hotels, and hopefully will inspire you to create your own. 1. For Newly Renovated Hotel 2. Halloween Theme 3. Thanksgiving Theme 4. Government/Military Theme 5. Valentine s Theme 6. Leprechaun Theme (3 days to close) 7. Movie/Film theme 8. Sports Theme 9. Wellness Theme 10. Casino Theme 11. 5 Days to Close II from Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Henrietta, NY 12. 5 Days to Close III 13. 5 Days to Close IV from full service Radisson 14. 5 Days to Close V from full service Radisson This idea is from the Ankeny, Iowa, Buffalo, MN, Chippewa Falls, WI, and Decorah, IA Country Inns & Suites By Carlson locations which are all part of Ruhr Development. All of their hotels are newly renovated and they used that to inspire a new 5 Days to Close theme. http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 3/18
Here s a poem written for you, We re going to show you something that s new! (Deliver this note to the company/prospect) We re all new from floor to ceiling, Come and Be Our Guest for a cozy feeling (Deliver chocolates and this note) Don t be the minority, come and be our priority!! (Deliver information about Club Carlson and this note) We re prepared to be delicious and free for the start of the day, Be warm and cozy with cookies on display (Deliver freshly baked cookies and this note) With business associates (OR family and friends) the hotel name here is where the FUN begins! (Deliver a logoed item along with this note and your business card) Halloween Theme (Deliver a Halloween costume delivered to the company/prospect) Please use this gift, to ensure you can find us. (Deliver a flashlight and this note) We re carving out space for you. (Deliver a pumpkin along with a carving kit and this note) http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 4/18
We ll always have a treat ready for you. (Deliver fresh baked cookies, perhaps Halloween decorated, along with this note) We ll unveil ourselves on! (Deliver a mask along with this note and your business card, be sure to go back morning and visit them!) Thanksgiving Theme You will be thankful that we are near and we will be grateful to have you here. (Deliver a fruit basket and a Thanksgiving card with this note) Gobble, gobble, turkey day is near. We just want you to know you are dear. (Deliver a turkey sandwich boxed lunch with this note) Experience a warm, cozy atmosphere and holiday cheer. (Deliver a Thanksgiving gift bag with cookies in the afternoon along with this note) When Halloween pumpkins are gone and the leaves had all fallen to the ground, when the air has turned windy and cold Thanksgiving and us will still be around Hoorah, hoorah it s the last day. We re thankful you ve allowed us to show you our way. (Introduce yourself and invite them to lunch) Days Before Christmas Theme It was the days before Christmas It s easy to be stressed http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 5/18
So Enjoy this Hot chocolate And take a short rest (deliver hot chocolate and this poem) Our place is the cleanest You ll love to be there Our breakfast is free And beyond compare (Deliver a tray of pastries and this poem) Our guests are all snuggled Warm in our beds While visions of sugar plum fairies dance in their heads (Deliver a candy cane with this poem) The coffee is hot and It s the best in town Our cookies are fresh And the best around (Deliver coffee and cookies with this poem) The jolly old elf stays with us much, We hope you have enjoyed our gifts and such (Introduce yourself and deliver hotel collateral with this poem) Government Theme Uncle Sam wants you and so do we We have breakfast and it s always free Here s a little taste and it s sure to appease We re sure you will find us with much ease (Deliver breakfast and this note) http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 6/18
With government rates that fit your per diem Our rooms are fresh and clean, you must come se em! (Deliver a pillow or some other room related amenity and with this note) You can bounce a quarter and inspect with a glove, Service so outstanding, you ll fall in love! (Deliver a pair of gloves or some quarters with this note) Hut 1 2 3; stair stepper, treadmill, bike And yes it s all free! (Deliver a granola bar or bottled water with this note) Your hotel name here is standing at attention Look for our flag and be sure to mention Goldpoints plus for each and every stay Come on in and let us you today! (Deliver goldpoints plus information, your business card and a brochure and this note) Valentine s Day Theme Something sweet to start your week (Deliver chocolate roses and this note) A little something from the Heart of enter your city name here (Deliver heart shaped candies) Come to us and enjoy a suite (Deliver this note) With an assortment of options that you ll love (Deliver a box of assorted chocolates) http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 7/18
Lunch next week and you will see Cupid s arrow came from me! (Deliver your business card, hotel brochure and a logoed item) Leprechaun Themed Three Days to Close from the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lansing, MI Day One () Deliver a treat and this note A leprechaun, he told us about you Go and see them, they are a great crew So here we are delivering some treats In hopes that soon we will have a chance to meet Day Two () Deliver another treat and this note That very same leprechaun, he said that is not enough Go and take them some more of your stuff Here we are again to bring you some cheer And you will know who we are one day, very near Day Three () Deliver fresh baked cookies, logoed goodies, your business card and this note That same little leprechaun he says their interest has peaked You should reveal yourself before it is leaked We come from town (practically your back yard) I am a leprechaun from the Country Inn & Suites And here are some cookies...along with my card! A Movie/Film Theme Deliver buttery microwave popcorn and this note Just popping in to say hi, We re just trying to butter you up! Deliver a few bottles of soda/pop and this note Here is something to drink, Let us know what you think. http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 8/18
Deliver 3D glasses and this note We envision you enjoying our place, We ll see you soon in our own space! Deliver large boxes of movie theater style candy with this note) Here s a confection to win your affection (or to show our affection! Deliver your business card and a logoed star shaped stress ball or other fun star related item with this note We want you to be our star! Wellness themed 5 Days to Close, created with the intention of using it at a hospital. Deliver a fruit basket and this note They say, An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away and we say When the Doctor s away, Stay with Us! Deliver a toothbrush and toothpaste and this note Our motto is to share your smile. If you arrive without one, we ll gladly give you ours. Deliver a Get Well bouquet of flowers and this note Get well.rested with us! Deliver a small 1st Aide kit along with this note Think of us first to aid your doctors and patients with our TLC service Deliver a basket of toiletries along with hotel collateral and this note Be Our Guest to a great night s rest and a fresh start to the day. Casino Theme Deliver chocolates coins in a casino cup along with this phrase Place a bet and make a guess Deliver a card that has the numeric portion of your address only, along with this phrase You ve placed your bet, now here s a hint. http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 9/18
Deliver a travel pillow with this note Don t let your anticipation rest, here s a pillow because we re the best! Deliver goldpoints plus information along with this note Now that you imagination has soared, roll the dice and reap the rewards! Deliver your hotel information and a Gold Points card with points loaded on it and this note You ve hit the jackpot! Sports Theme Deliver stadium mustard or ketchup with this note There will be 5 items coming your way, Keep all these great items until! Deliver relish with this note We relish the opportunity to work with you. Deliver a six pack of IBC Root Beer and this note I B Cing you soon, Perhaps at 12noon! Deliver hot dogs and buns with this note Here are the hot dogs instead of clam chowder And cheer on home team name that the rivals much louder! Deliver tickets to a game, business cards and a logoed sports item with this note So now that we are on our way to fame, We are the enter your hotel name here, And we hope you enjoy the game! Created by the Country Inn & Suites Rochester Henrietta, NY Whether you re on the go or you can sit and stay, We have just the breakfast to brighten your day. An array of items to fit any appetite, http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 10/18
We are very close almost in sight! We know that you are curious to know who we are, Good that means we are right on par! We ll be back tomorrow to follow up with this meal. We hope this fits to your appeal! (Deliver breakfast and this note) We re trying to get our foot in the door, But what s in it for you is oh so much more! From various amenities like comfortable beds, Free breakfast, coffee, cookies, it s never enough said. You ll find this home away from home cozy and inviting, All our extra special touches are truly delighting. Do you have any guesses on who we may be? A couple more days and then you will see. (Deliver a shoe filled with candy and this note) We make working while away easier than you can say, With free wireless Internet you can surf night and day. Meeting rooms and business suites, A night with us is surely a treat. When you want to relax come swim in our pool, Or soak in our whirlpool it s very cool. We ll be back tomorrow for another piece to this puzzle, We can barely keep it in now we may have to wear a muzzle. (Deliver fresh baked cookies and this note) If you are the workout type, Our equipment for you will be just right. Warm hospitality, cozy, and comfortable are words that come to mind, What our guests think about us is just so kind! We hope you will join us and share in that opinion. Well tomorrow s almost here so I have to run We ll be popping in then, but there will be no clues For its tie day we reveal ourselves to you! (Deliver popcorns snacks, bottled beverages and this note) http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 11/18
It s finally and time to tell you who we are. We re not far away you can reach is by plane, train or car. We re the your hotel name here And we hope you enjoyed this week full of treats. We hope you will let us give you a tour, This will make it all clear and we can show you much more! Thanks for your time, now we must run, We look forward to hearing from you and we hope you had fun! Good Morning, Good Morning A new weeks begun! We re neighbors, close by, heck only a mile/ within miles. We re bringing some breakfast treats to help make you smile! (Deliver breakfast items with this note) We are new/still on the street and want to compete So we brought you a treat! Something to eat! Come Be Our Guest and you will see we are better than the rest! (Deliver an afternoon snack with this note) We are rocking away waiting for you to visit us to enjoy the sunset along with the fragrance of the fresh baked cookies and the warm smiles that are waiting to welcome you to our front porch. (Deliver cookies with this note) Relax and refresh with a dip in our pool. It s 24 hours and most guests think it s cool. The whirlpool is warm and bubbles tickle your nose. Come in and un wind from your heat to your toes. (Deliver pool towels, goggles or mini bubbles with this note) By now we re sure you re curious as can be And this has been so fun for both you & me! Our goal is to solve, serve and enhance All we re hoping for is a real chance! http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 12/18
Being here with you has created real fun It s time for you to visit your guests will love us a ton. (Deliver a logoed item with your business cards, DVD or photos of the hotel and this note) From a Full Service Radisson property Candles and bubbles to take away your troubles (Deliver a basket with candles, bubble bath, bath pillow and this note) A friend in need is a friend indeed, but a friend with chocolates is even better (Deliver a box of gourmet chocolates and this note) Popcorn, candy and a movie, OHHH so groovy! (Deliver a box of popcorn, movie candy and a gift certificate to a local movie theatre with this note) The weather outside is frightful, a hot breakfast is so delightful (Deliver a hot breakfast sandwich with Danish & juices and this note) (Deliver a basket with a bottle of wine, two wine glasses and an overnight stay to the hotel and reveal yourself) From a Full Service Radisson property Something sweet to start your week. (Deliver chocolate and this note) We re trying to get our foot in the door, But what s in it for you is oh so much more! Do you have any guesses on who we may be? you will see. (Deliver fresh baked goods, juice and this note) http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 13/18
Just popping in to say hi, We re just trying to butter you up! (Deliver a microwavable popcorn, movie candy and a gift certificate for a video rental) Good Morning, Good Morning We re neighbors, close by, heck only within miles We re bringing some breakfast treats to help make you smile! (Deliver breakfast items with this note) It s already and the week comes to close It s now time to reveal and self disclose Yes it s us from the Insert your hotel name here and we can t wait to meet We hope you enjoyed our week full of treats Thanks for your time, now we must run, We look forward to hearing from you and we hope you had fun! (Deliver a logoed candy jar with candies and treats) 5 Days to Close: Be Our Guest Breakfast 5 Days to Close is a program that many Country Inns & Suites have used over the years to get their foot in the door of prospective clients who just won t give them the time of day. 5 Days to Close revolves around you mysteriously delivering food and teaser notes to clients through. The purpose of this program is to create some excitement and mystery, pique your clients interest and keep them guessing all week. They most likely won t know where this breakfast is coming from until. With the arrival of the Be Our Guest Breakfast, it s time to get out there in your backyard and say Welcome to á la Everything Country! Use the program for prospective clients, or to thank your existing accounts for their business. How to proceed? Listed below are 12 different breakfast items and their descriptions. Pick at least 5 that you will deliver to the client, one per day. You can double up some on certain days if you wish. Fresh Fruit, Coffee and Toast would be examples of add ons. You may not have all of these items implemented so pick and choose what works best for you. Hand write the food descriptions onto blank note cards and bring them along with the corresponding breakfast. Hand write the brief rhyme for that day onto another blank note card. http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 14/18
Drop them off at the company to your contact s attention. (Don t let them know who you are don t reveal your identify until!) If possible bring enough food so your contact can share with co workers. Reveal yourself on! Your clients will be happy, grateful and full! More ideas and tips for implementation are listed below the food descriptions. Card: Welcome to á la Everything! Breakfast is ready. This week we invite you to be our guest for breakfast at your place! We serve breakfast each morning, delicious and fresh, If you compare us to others, you ll see we re the best. The variety is plentiful we re sure you ll agree. Save room for breakfast this week and you ll see. So savor this breakfast for you and your friends We ll be back tomorrow to continue our trend. Card: Welcome to á la Everything! Here we are again, second day in a row. We ll see you tomorrow (just letting you know). Card: Welcome to á la Everything! Breakfast is ready so here we are again, Two days until and that marks the end. Card: Welcome to á la Everything! Are you impressed with the food and my ability to rhyme? I ll let you know my secret when I visit you next time! Card: Welcome to á la Everything COUNTRY! It s finally and it s time to reveal, I m here again today with your last meal. Thanks for your time and I hope you had fun, Without our great new breakfast this never could have been done! Guests always have a good morning with our new breakfast options in our new Be Our Guest Breakfast at Country Inns & Suites hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Jane Doe, Director of Sales Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Anytown, USA http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 15/18
Sign off with an invitation for your client to visit the hotel for breakfast, or a Thank you for your business greeting. Let your clients know that GREAT things are happening at your hotel and the entire brand of Country Inns & Suites hotels. See information below under Other Supporting Collateral to customize Be Our Guest Breakfast flyers, postcards and more. Have fun and help yourself to a good breakfast after a hard week of food delivery, creative thinking and selling! Breakfast Offerings and Descriptions: The Packed With Power Yogurt Parfait: A fresh new day deserves an equally inspired breakfast. Create your own parfait with crunchy granola, creamy yogurt, nuts and bursting with flavor berries. Enjoy! A Classically Delicious Combination: It s nearly unanimous bacon, eggs and toast create one of the most requested breakfast meals we offer. Paired with a cup of rich coffee, it s the dish that makes for a great morning. Let the Day Begin! The Wonder of Waffles: Light and fluffy, with built in compartments for pools of scrumptious syrup, waffles know how to wow when it comes to breakfast. Creamy butter, a little powdered sugar and fruit make it a top breakfast contender. Dig In! Hot and Cold Favorites: Which to choose? Warm and satisfying oatmeal or a classic bowl of cereal? Have a little of each and top them off with a splash of milk, a bit of brown sugar and maybe some fruit, and you re good to go. The Choices Are Yours! Breakfast Burritos With a Kick: Put a kick in your step with a Southwest style burrito. Customize it to your cravings with plenty of options, such as cheese, eggs, vegetables and sausage. Add a dollop of salsa for a delicious dish. Kickin! Whole Fruit: Lucky you. If you want your five fruits a day, you ve come to the right place. Grab an apple or an orange for a graband go snack. When hunger strikes, the solution is right at hand. Easy and Good For You! Own Your Omelet: When it comes to making an omelet, your way is usually the best. So, we re turning the chef s hat over to you. Choose from a variety of meats and vegetables to create your own egg based perfection. Get Creative! Eggs Benedict a Decadent Go To: Indulge your taste buds in a savory sensation with a hollandaise covered breakfast. A toasted English muffin is the perfect foundation for succulent Canadian bacon and eggs. And a side of rosemary potatoes with rich herbs make a http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 16/18
flavorful favorite. Go Ahead you know you want to! Cups of Gourmet Coffee: Lucky you, refills are free. One sip of our rich and bold coffee, and you ll be well on your way to a good day. This signature coffee blend is available in Bold, Gourmet and Decaf. Enjoy it in or get it to go. Java Rules! Savory Biscuits and Gravy: This traditional southern style breakfast features buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich and creamy gravy. Perfectly seasoned and always satisfying, it s a hearty start to any day. Come and get um! A Side of Toast: A side of toast? Whether you prefer yours lightly or well toasted, the choice is yours. Butter it, spread it with peanut butter or pick your favorite jelly. However you like it, it s your to enjoy. Yum! Hot Oatmeal: Warm and satisfying, oatmeal is a morning favorite. Top yours with a splash of milk, a bit of fruit and maybe some brown sugar. So Warm and Healthy! Tips for implementation: If you play this right, they may think this is coming from a restaurant. So, you ll really stump them, which makes it more fun along the way. Include nothing that reads Country Inn & Suites on it until. The purpose is to keep them guessing who you are. Include a bud vase with a single flower, or a USA Today (without a CIS sticker) Make it a really exciting week and do this for Be creative and change the words in the poems, or add your own unique spin on things. This is just a guideline to help you get started. multiple clients. Make sure your presentation of food is attractive when preparing your daily delivery. Styrofoam containers work to keep things warm for a short amount of time, but they are not ecofriendly, and not very attractive either. There are lots of places to find inexpensive food delivery containers that will keep your food warm. You can choose from very simple to very fancy: American Hotel Register Grainger Party America or Party City Your food service supplier Superstores, online, etc. Think beyond just clients and companies. Consider your Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Chamber, churches, construction sites, schools,, catering and event facilities, golf courses.the list goes on! Consider including local TV and radio stations. Refer to the other supporting collateral below for great ideas on hosting a media event. http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 17/18
Please do not change the food descriptions as these have been specifically written for the Be Our Guest Breakfast program. Just reading them makes them sound delicious without even tasting them! The original 5 Days To Close and other creative ideas on this program are located in Capture in the Creative Sales Ideas category. Last updated: 4/1/15 Print http://chwcapture.iceland.creativearc.com/make the sale/creative sales ideas/5 days to close 18/18