If you are as busy as I am, finding time to social network is a challenge. It does have its place in my daily routine, however, because it provides extra news outlets for Green Lodging News. I Tweet. I post on Facebook. That is about all I have time for. I have not yet dedicated myself to Pinterest or the other social networking sites. While they may be beneficial in one way or another, it gets to the point where you need to hire a social networking assistant. Have any of you actually done that yet?
In case you missed it, last September the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) announced the launch of the “National Sustainable Lodging Network,” an online community of sustainable hospitality practitioners and an information clearinghouse to support the work of this community. Be sure to check out the website if you have not already done so. You will have to join as a member to participate. There is no cost and there are currently 350 members. I recognize many of the names on the member list. Perhaps you will too.
On a more local level, about a year and a half ago, the NYC Green Hotel Network was created. It is currently hosted by Joseph Hayes, overnight hotel manager at the Grand Hyatt New York. Similar to the National Sustainable Lodging Network site, there is no cost and the NYC Green Hotel Network’s focus is on bringing together green lodging advocates—this time in New York City. Be sure to check out that website as well, especially if you work in the Big Apple.
More on the National Sustainable Lodging Network
P2Rx created the National Sustainable Lodging Network in order to facilitate information sharing amongst the private and public sectors. The goals for the site are to provide forums for sustainable hospitality practitioners to share information on practices and challenges; elevate sustainable hospitality programs and the facilities that participate in them; increase the adoption of sustainable hospitality practices nationwide; and foster innovation in sustainable lodging through the exchange of ideas.
On the site are different groups you can join. Among current groups are: Program Managers, Hospitality Educators, Lodging Facilities, and Curbing Food Waste. There are now 18 groups on the site. The groups could use some new members and would benefit from more active discussion as well. If a topic of interest is currently not being addressed, start your own group. Also on the site are ongoing forum discussions. As a member you can start your own discussion. Perplexed about an aspect of green lodging? Post a question. There is also an Events calendar and other helpful resources.
The NYC Green Hotel Network site currently has 52 members. After creating a profile on the site, one can communicate with other members, post ideas and suggestions as part of forum discussions, and post images. A great idea.
To be effective, the national and New York City sites need new members and active participation. Your expertise is valuable. Why not share it? And, if you are really ambitious and wish to start a networking site for your own green lodging community, click here for additional information.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2012?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2012. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2012 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Social Networking Sites
Green Lodging News now has 1,117 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 221 Facebook followers.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
