Here's how you can build a successful freelance career in the hospitality industry.

It's very important to learn about the specific needs of your target group. Needless to say, you should not try to sell everything for everybody, but to focus on your target group and provide the services that attract your own niche.

The landscape of hospitality careers is indeed evolving. Traditionally, hospitality careers followed a fairly linear path, where individuals specialised in particular areas such as hotel management, food and beverage, event planning etc. However, with changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the rise of the gig economy, the industry is now seeing a shift towards a more flexible and diverse skill set. Having said this, there's still a significant need for specialists who can provide in-depth knowledge and skills in specific areas such as sustainability, culinary experiences, luxury hospitality, or digital marketing for the hospitality sector. Finding the niche is essential.

Building a successful freelance career in the hospitality industry involves identifying your niche expertise or service offering, whether it's event planning, consulting, or marketing. Network extensively within the industry to establish connections with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors. Create a professional online presence through a personal website or portfolio showcasing your skills, experiences, and past projects. Deliver exceptional service and build a reputation for reliability, quality, and creativity to attract repeat clients and referrals. Continuously update your skills, stay informed about industry trends, and adapt your offerings to meet evolving client needs and market demands.

Be consistent and create your own brand. Be true to yourself and you will receive excellent testimonials from your customers. I've often heard that my clients chose me because they've read the testimonials from previous customers, who were very happy with my services.

Networking is both useful and fun! I'm a very people minded person and also an extrovert, so meeting people is the best part of my job. Collaborating with my colleagues has been a doorway to several new opportufnities.

In this industry, it's compulsory to exceed the clients' expectations every time. We are creating wonderful and memorable experiences, which makes them come back and tell their friends.

Indeed, the future of hospitality lies in the symbiotic relationship between human skills and technology. . Instead of viewing technology as a threat, hospitality professionals should embrace it as a tool to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and personalise guest experiences. This might involve leveraging data analytics to understand guest preferences, adopting AI-powered chatbots for customer service, or implementing contactless check-in/out systems for convenience and safety. All these aspects require adaptable skills.

The rise of the gig economy and digital platforms has also facilitated the growth of freelancers in the hospitality industry. Online marketplaces connect businesses with a vast pool of freelance talent, making it easier to find and hire individuals with the right skills and experience. These platforms streamline the hiring process, allowing businesses to quickly onboard freelancers for short-term projects or ongoing engagements. One example in this sense is the FlairMakers platform.

Keeping an open mind and positive attitude enables me to enjoy my work and that also affects my clients. I've often heard that my enthusiasm and cheerfulness is contagious, and that's why my clients are in a good mood.