SPI Timeshare Software Blog

SPI Timeshare Software Blog tag:www.spiinc.com,2013:/blog/ Current news items about timeshare software, management, marketing, development and sales. Mango 1.4.1 Must-see events at 2012 ARDA World urn:uuid:36FDAD72-1617-24C0-E3921704DF54E7EB 2012-03-21T04:03:03Z 2012-03-21T04:03:00Z

<p>Please come by and visit SPI's booth, #301!</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>This year's ARDA Convention being held at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, April 1-5, promises to be a truly important event. ARDA staff says there have been more early registrations than in previous years, for one thing. Another compelling factor is a rich array of educational opportunities. (SPI Software is a major Educational Sponsor this year.) In addition, the following events promise to be exceptionally noteworthy:</p> <p><strong>Monday, April 2, 2012</strong></p> <p>Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm<br />Please come by and visit SPI's booth, #301, to network and enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres!</p> <p>ICE Breaker Party, 8:30 pm<br />You may kick off the convention with a party at TAO Lounge, the ultimate nightlife experience with a twist of sophistication. Sponsored by ICE.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, April 3</strong></p> <p>IT Value and Vision Educational Session, 9:00 am-10:15 am<br /> Resort developers, operators, managers and IT professionals to gather information from SPI VP Matt Brosious and panel of experts as they explain how to make sure your technical solutions provide real value.</p> <p>WIN Networking Event, 5:30 pm-7:00 pm<br />Gather for a fun evening of networking and shopping to support WIN philanthropic efforts.</p> <p>Interval International’s Party with a Cause! 8:30 pm<br />Support the AIF International Foundation while partying at the House of Blues and listening to the not-yet-revealed band! Sponsored by Interval International.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Focus on Technology at ARDA World 2012 urn:uuid:0D0A9F20-1617-24C0-E3A6E4622B79EDEE 2012-03-13T01:03:04Z 2012-03-14T12:03:00Z

<p>ARDA presentation: IT Values, with Matt Brosious</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>There’s going to be a definite focus on technology at this year’s annual ARDA convention – ARDA World 2012, being held April 1-5 at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Plans call for more emphasis on IT than in previous years including onsite information access through Wifi and a mobile app, as well as a number of educational opportunities.</p> <p>One such educational session – <strong>IT Value and Vision: How to Make Sure Your Technical Solutions Provide Real Value for More than a Minute</strong> – taking place on April 3, 2012, 9:00-10:15 a.m. features SPI’s VP of Sales Matt Brosious and other industry leaders. Resort developers, operators, managers and IT professionals are encouraged to attend to learn about and discuss how IT should fit into a resort's operations. Some of the topics addressed will include:</p> <p>• How ROI is measured, tangibles and intangibles. • How are projects prioritized? • IT's role as a business partner. • Should the business try to dictate technical solutions? • How is ROI considered in the process? • How current should you be with technology and how does that play into ROI? • ROI outside the desktop; tablets, mobile devices and the cloud.</p> <p>Timeshare industry professionals interested in reviewing this year’s ARDA World 2012 convention activities can download the ARDA World mobile application for web-accessible and smart phones at <a href="http://m.myiwf.com/ardahttp://m.myiwf.com/arda">http://m.myiwf.com/ardahttp://m.myiwf.com/arda</a>. Attendees not only have the convention schedule at their fingertips, but can customize their own schedule and get details and on presentations, speaker biographies, and exhibitor information. ARDA World will also feature interactive Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr walls throughout the convention space. Attendees can tweet their own convention experiences using the official hashtag #ARDAWorld.</p> <p> </p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> SPI’s Brosious to attend AMDETUR annual conference June 22-24, 2011 in Cancun urn:uuid:B307C035-1617-24C0-E33DF0E6B9AF4153 2011-06-21T12:06:13Z 2011-06-21T12:06:00Z

Sharon Drechsler <p>SPI Vice President of Sales Matt Brosious will be attending the Mexican Resort Development Association’s 25th annual convention entitled, "AMDETUR, 25 YEARS PROMOTING MEXICO." Sessions begin Wednesday June 22, 2011, in Cancun, and continue through Friday, June 24.<br /><br />Speakers include keynote Lyn Heward, director of creation for Cirque du Soleil; Jim Madrid, founder of Entelechy Training and Development, a California-based human performance firm and top-rated motivational speaker and sales and body language expert Linda Clemons. Attendees will also hear from Mount Everest-climber Karla Wheelock, who became the first Latin American woman to complete what is called the "Grand Slam" of mountain-climbing, having scaled the highest peaks of every continent--Asia, North America, South America, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and Antarctic.<br /><br />Heward will address the topic, "The Spark: Igniting the Creative Fire That Lives Within us All." Her keynote address will take attendees behind the scenes of Cirque du Soleil to explore the nature of creativity and innovation. A gifted storyteller, she dispenses practical advice on a range of issues: risk-taking; leadership; teamwork; product development; finding and developing talent; and fostering a dynamic corporate culture. <br /><br />Madrid engages and interacts with audiences delivering the keys to living a life that is both abundant professionally and personally. The information presented is research driven and based on cognitive psychology illustrating to each participant how to 'retrain your brain' to create and lead an Extra-Ordinary Life. <br /><br />Linda Clemons is one of the top sales trainers, as well as one of the most widely respected motivational speakers in the U.S. and, certainly, in the resort industry. With her contagious enthusiasm and captivating energy, she motivates audiences everywhere to achieve their maximum potential. She is the CEO of Sisterpreneur, Inc., an international business empowerment organization and a popular radio and television personality.<br /><br />Economist and university professor Luis Pazos; Internet marketing and social media guru Carlos Drombo and Juan Ramon de la Fuente – president of the International Association of Universities headquartered at UNESCO – will bring listeners up-to-date on the current state of affairs in Mexico. Local affairs will be addressed by Francisco Cordova Lira , who is CEO of Río Secreto, a delegate board member of Grupo Vía Delphi, chairman of the Caribbean Business Coordinating Council, a member of the Consulting Committee of the Caribbean University and a member of the Board of Directors of the Quintana Roo Polytechnic University. This year, AMDETUR is honored to host Rosa Adriana Pérez Quesnel, Chief Executive Officer of the National Tourism Promotion Fund (FONATUR) since July 2010. <br /><br />Visit www.AMDETUR.org.mx for more information.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> ARDA Tells Nation State of the U.S. Vacation Timeshare Industry Study Shows Steady Progress in Sales and Occupancy urn:uuid:7B288887-1617-24C0-E346BA1C6A6CB8AE 2011-06-10T04:06:10Z 2011-06-10T04:06:00Z

<p>American Resort Development Association (ARDA) produced press release in series aimed at changing perceptions of timeshare.</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>Earlier this week, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) produced another press release in its series aimed at changing the perceptions of timeshare among potential buyers and renters. The bulletin announced that an Ernst & Young study found the “sales of vacation products held steady with a slight increase from the previous year, while nearly 80 percent of owners continued to travel to their timeshare destination.” The report from the State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry United States Study 2011 Edition added that ten percent of the timeshare occupancy rate was comprised of renters as more timeshare developers expanded their rental program offerings to reach consumers unfamiliar with vacation products.<br /><br />Among the points made by the news release were the following:<br /><br />• Timeshare products remain appealing to approximately 8 million owners because people are making budget-conscious decisions when it comes to vacationing. ARDA points out that in a timeshare unit, vacationers have the option to prepare meals “at home,” rather than dining out for every meal as with a traditional hotel stay, for example. <br /><br />• The study found that the concept of flexibility was important to buyers. Developers who are offering points, for instance, enable owners to customize their vacation needs. They can break up or extend vacation weeks, travel during various times of the year, and/or stay in various unit types at a range of locations. <br /><br />• The news release points out that some developers also offer biennial products that allow owners to use intervals every other year, instead of each year. About 73 percent of survey respondents have intervals of the traditional weekly variety; about 55 percent have some form of points-based products; and, 36 percent of respondents have biennials.<br /><br />• The growth in the rental market is another indicator of the industry’s vitality. Renters comprised ten percent of timeshare stays last year, or 7.9 million nights rented, of the 79 percent total occupancy. <br /><br />• Other study highlights show that 55 percent of new timeshare sales come from new owners, while 45 percent of timeshare sales are from those who already own a timeshare with that developer. This demonstrates high satisfaction with the product through repeat buyers. In addition, the sales costs associated with repeat sales are lower than for first time buyers.<br /><br />ARDA’s broadcast was distributed to media outlets nationwide and in Canada, with an appeal for readers to visit the association’s consumer-oriented web site, www.VacationBetter.org. The details of the study will be posted on ARDA’s business site, www.ARDA.org, shortly.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Matt Brosious talks to ARDA about Business Intelligence Cubes urn:uuid:4A066334-1617-24C0-E3528C3515ED3F5D 2011-04-12T10:04:51Z 2011-04-12T10:04:00Z

<p>Brosious urged resort operators to seek a solution that will provide them with a full set of analytical capabilities, from enterprise reporting to querying and analysis, to being able to drill down and "slice and dice" data. </p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>SPI Vice President of Sales Matt Brosious participated in an educational session entitled, “The Best Business Technology Solutions – Learn From The Masters,” during the recent Orlando convention held by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). Along with his fellow panelists, Brosious discussed some of the successful technology solutions being implemented by leaders in the timeshare resort development industry.<br /><br />Brosious particularly noted that successful resort operators don’t have to rely on guesswork or hire a fleet of financial analysts when it comes to decision-making about their finances, given today’s sophisticated technology. Whereas formerly we relied on spreadsheets to compare two-dimensional sets of data; these days, technology gives resort operators a means to manipulate and analyze data from multiple perspectives. For example a resort developer who wishes to analyze a portfolio of loan receivables can view and compare an unlimited number of different factors using a Business Intelligence (BI) cube. You can think of it like a Rubik’s Cube (except a lot easier to use), which can be rearranged to compare different sets of data. <br /><br />In the past, large corporations have traditionally relied on data warehouses to handle what can be extremely complex computations. But lately, said Brosious, information technology providers are leveraging new Web 2.0 technologies to move control into the hands of the user. Sometimes called BI 2.0, the users can now go online to handle data that was formerly left to the MIT grads, using BI cubes to:<br /><br />• Enhance the presentation layer and data visualization<br />• Provide information on-demand and greater customization<br />• Increase ability to create data mashups<br />• Allow interactive user-directed analysis<br />• Perform report writing<br /><br />Brosious urged resort operators to seek a solution that will provide them with a full set of analytical capabilities, from enterprise reporting to querying and analysis, to being able to drill down and "slice and dice" data. In SPI’s case, their software development team long ago recognized the need to provide access for their clients to business intelligence tools of this type. Therefore, they created a module in their Orange Enterprise Suite based on Microsoft Business Intelligence (a highly sophisticated set of tools utilized by the major Fortune 500 companies). <br /><br />Whatever the solution said Brosious, today’s resort operator has tools never before available at the user level. The ability to deliver actionable information required for tracking key performance indicators, understanding business drivers and making informed business decisions can provide the tools professionals need to survive in today’s environment.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> SPI VP Matt Brosious to discuss technology during ARDA panel session urn:uuid:D78E841F-1617-24C0-E39CD4B1A6AACA59 2011-03-21T04:03:09Z 2011-03-21T04:03:00Z

<p>Matt Brosious speaking at ARDA on "The Best Business Technology Solutions - Learn from the Masters," March 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>Matt Brosious, vice president of sales for SPI, will serve as a speaker at this year’s American Resort Development Association’s Annual Convention and Exposition in Orlando from March 27 to 31. Held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, this gathering for the vacation ownership industry attracts more than 3,000 participants from more than 20 countries and offers attendees a myriad of educational, networking and social opportunities. This annual event is the largest timeshare, or vacation ownership, industry-oriented convention in the world.<br /><br />Brosious’ panel is entitled, "The Best Business Technology Solutions - Learn from the Masters," will be presented March 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Matt will be joined by several other key IT executives to discuss the many choices available in technology today that enable those involved in the business to understand their customers’ work models more effectively and how to perform more profitably. Attendees can expect to learn about everything from the importance of customer self-service, to going green with paperless communication. <br /><br />As vice president of sales for timeshare technology leader, SPI Software (www.spiinc.com), Matt Brosious is responsible for consulting with clients to determine their business needs and recommend appropriate solutions. Matt works with industry leaders as well as smaller entrepreneurial companies to demonstrate how efficient, advanced technology can help save money.<br /><br />He joined as SPI Software in 2006 and serves as vice-president of sales and marketing. Matt has a 25-year track record of success in the software industry. Prior to SPI, he served as vice president, e-commerce at Primedia (NYSE: PRM); and in senior national accounts positions with American Software (NASDAQ:AMSWA), and BMC Corporation. He founded a successful b2b software company in the ‘80s and a successful e-commerce dot com in the ‘90s. Both of these businesses were later sold, one of which was a major transaction with a public entity controlled by KKR (Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts). <br /><br />Matt was hired by SPI Software in 2006 following the company’s notable completion of a three-year project to upgrade the company’s software platform to Microsoft .Net platform. As vice president of sales, he is responsible for managing the sales efforts of the company by introducing new clients to SPI’s suite of software solutions. Matt's substantial experience has helped SPI to build long-term, successful business relationships with many of the industry's leading vacation ownership companies.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> WIN holding Shop-Till-You-Drop reception at ARDA urn:uuid:AA88E992-1617-24C0-E35EB3184A71AC68 2011-03-12T09:03:57Z 2011-03-12T09:03:00Z

<p>The WIN receptionwill be held during the ARDA Convention in Crystal G1 located in the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>All ARDA Convention attendees are invited to be a guest as WIN members and friends gather for a fun evening of networking and shopping at the annual Women in the Industry Shop to the Last Drop Reception. This is not just for the ladies; gentlemen are welcome, too. <br /><br />It's for a good cause! During the event WIN will conduct two philanthropic fundraising events: Back by popular demand is the “WIN Next Time Around Boutique”. This year WIN will also conduct a silent art auction. All proceeds from both events will directly benefit WIN’s philanthropic fund.<br /><br />Women in the Industry (WIN) was formed to advocate, educate and connect women in the vacation industry. It is a dynamic, diverse, non-partisan global organization providing leadership, mentoring, philanthropic and educational opportunities to women and those who support women. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently took over operation of the grassroots, volunteer non-profit organization. Member benefits include educational sessions, philanthropic contributions, mentoring, and networking opportunities, such as WIN Wednesdays held in various areas of the country. <br /><br />This year’s event will be held during the ARDA Convention in Crystal G1 located in the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Vacationing on the rise, research says urn:uuid:7B28EF49-1617-24C0-E31A24A238A5AA1B 2011-03-03T04:03:47Z 2011-03-03T05:03:00Z

Sharon Drechsler <p>There’s been some good news for the industry, recently. Research shows that consumers are becoming more positive about their ability to afford to travel. According to a recent blog post by Peter C. Yesawich, chairman & CEO of the Orlando-based<a title="Ypartnership.com" href="http://ypartnership.com" target="_blank"> YPARTNERSHIP,</a> the Ypartnership/US Travel Association Traveler Sentiment Index (TSI) has jumped to the highest level since April 2007. The TSI monitors six key factors each month through consumer surveys. Four of these – the perception of the affordability of travel, interest in travel, time for travel and money available for travel – showed improvement. <br /><br />Says Yesawich, “The overall TSI now stands at 95.2, up 9.2 percent from October 2010. The February survey revealed a substantial increase in the "affordability of travel" index (up to 118.2 in February 2011 from 105.2 in October 2010), suggesting that consumers are increasingly more positive about their ability to afford to travel than just three months ago. It still remains below its July 2009 peak of 124.0, however, when travel suppliers ramped up discounts and special offers to counteract the impact of the Great Recession.”<br /><br />“Positive increases have also been observed in "interest in travel," "time for travel" and "money available for travel," all of which returned to levels last seen in February 2008, thereby suggesting the travel and tourism industry can expect a rebound in leisure demand during the year ahead.”</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Annual maintenance fees -- how is your resort doing? urn:uuid:EC507207-1617-24C0-E31249A967D22264 2011-02-03T11:02:27Z 2011-02-03T11:02:00Z

<p>Often when an owner is behind in their maintenance fee payment, they’re behind in their monthly loan repayment, too</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>Many timeshare resorts view January as a bellwether month for maintenance fee receivables. A comparison of the total unpaid maintenance fees for this time, as opposed to previous years, can either give you peace of mind or create some concern. We’ve talked to a number of resort managers who are relieved to see their revenues for 2010 maintenance fees has improved as compared to 2009. <br /><br />“There is still a lot of room for improvement,” admits one manager. “But last year we made a full-court press to foreclose on owners who had not paid their fee amounts for a number of years and were able to find new owners for a lot of those weeks.”<br /><br />“We are using SPI’s Loan Servicing module as part of our Orange Property Management System. Often when an owner is behind in their maintenance fee payment, they’re behind in their monthly loan repayment, too. Since we collect both of them in-house, we can make just one call. That is absolutely necessary; since, otherwise the owner gets confused.”<br /><br />“We try to offer flexible payment plans and other creative options to owners who are too strapped to pay,” he adds. “We’ve been very happy to see some owners recovering this year, after they had gone through some rough economic times last year.”<br /><br />The resort’s collections staff is assigned campaigns based on multiple factors, he explains. These may be based on regional, seasonal or demographic factors.<br /><br />“Before we make a call and especially before we offer a deal to an owner, we review their historical records. That helps us determine if they are frequently behind in meeting their debt obligations, for example. Looking at a customer’s account history before making a call definitely helps us know how to approach each one as an individual.”<br /><br />Do you have any tips or suggestions for ways to improve a resort’s collections of maintenance fees or mortgage amounts? If so, we’d love to hear from you at Sharon@SPIsoftware.com.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Teaching is a big part of customer service urn:uuid:BA6AB437-1617-24C0-E364ED0D5E5CCFA9 2011-01-24T06:01:17Z 2011-01-24T06:01:00Z

<p>"...a lot of times I’m finding the customer is actually teaching me...."</p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>Most of SPI Software’s clients know our ‘new’ customer service manager Paul Amrhein. (Paul’s been with SPI for six months, now.) We asked Paul to tell us what his biggest challenge is, when dealing with customer service. He told us that while it may be a challenge, at the same time, he has always found teaching the customer how to better use a product or service is also often the most rewarding part of what he does. Lately, Paul’s been busy explaining the features of SPI’s latest release – Orange 7.<br /><br />“Like anything new, some clients are at first hesitant,” says Paul. “But once they see how to use Orange 7, any ambivalence just dissolves. They get so excited about it, sometimes they forget to go home at night!”<br /><br />SPI introduced the Orange 7 version of its timeshare-oriented software in December of 2010. “It’s just a matter of education – teaching users what extra features they are getting. Very often, they are telling us when they see an unexpected improvement in their day-to-day operations and efficiencies. “<br /><br />“For example, one of our clients was very excited to learn about Orange 7’s rating engine advances. The system permits users to easily manipulate rental rates. “Now we can offer discounts during slow times more easily and increase rates during periods of peak demand,” he says. “Another great tool is the ability to install updates from SPI Software with one click. At the login, the user is prompted to install the update and can accept or deny the self-installing file.” <br /><br />“So, a lot of times I’m finding the customer is actually teaching me about their business,” says Paul. “It was very satisfying to me to see him get past his initial reserve and embrace the new functionalities so wholeheartedly.”<br /><br />“Maybe in my next life I’ll be a teacher,” Paul muses. But for right now, he seems pretty content teaching users about SPI Software. Paul’s contact information is 305-858-9505, PAmrhein@spiinc.com.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Wreaths Across America urn:uuid:281C754B-1617-24C0-E3E22068CCCB878A 2010-12-27T08:12:10Z 2010-12-27T10:12:00Z

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The end of the year is an ideal time to consider our families and, indeed, our broader families – those who have worked to make our world a better place for us.</span></p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>  </p> <p>As the year draws to a close, we are finding ourselves in the thick of the Holiday Season. Already there seems to be an air of contemplation about, as we begin to consider our New Year’s Resolutions – a traditional annual task for many. The end of the year is an ideal time to consider our families and, indeed, our broader families – those who have worked to make our world a better place for us.<br /><br />In this vein, many in the US or abroad may be interested to know about the annual Arlington Wreath program, which honors this country’s fallen heroes. It was started by Morrill Worcester in 1992 when he donated and placed 5,000 wreaths on graves in the national cemetery for fallen fighters, Arlington National Cemetery. Since then, a non-profit organization, <a title="Wreaths Across America" href="http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/about-us.html" target="_blank">Wreaths Across America</a>, was founded to help gather donations of wreaths for national and state cemeteries throughout all 50 states.<br /><br />The wreath laying is now held annually on the second Saturday of December. December 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the US Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day.” Each year a number of groups, companies and individuals contribute to help Worcester Wreath undertake the Arlington Wreath Project. Many of them provide their time and energy to join the Wreaths Across America project to Remember; Honor; and Teach about veterans’ sacrifices in communities all around the country.<br /><br />No matter in which country you live, you have forebears who made sacrifices for you and your family. Perhaps each of us might want to make a resolution this year to set aside a little time in 2011 to honor those who laid down their lives for the greater good.</p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Are rental prospects finding your resort through online channels? urn:uuid:D0A57658-1617-24C0-E3A7A850880F0A69 2010-12-10T09:12:02Z 2010-12-10T09:12:00Z

<p>  </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Rental guests experience the amenities of a property without the high pressure of the more traditional “mini-vac” sales approach, and tend to be more highly qualified than a guest who is staying at the property at a deeply discounted rate.</span></p>

Sharon Drechsler <p>  </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Timeshare and other shared ownership resort properties are competing with hotels for the vacationing family. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Rental guests not only produce immediate income for properties, but are a valuable, and often underutilized, source of leads for timeshare resorts with available inventory for sale. Rental guests experience the amenities of a property without the high pressure of the more traditional “mini-vac” sales approach, and tend to be more highly qualified than a guest who is staying at the property at a deeply discounted rate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">So, when most travelers today who are not yet timeshare owners go online to make their vacation plans, how can you be sure your resort stands out among their choices?<span> </span>One way might be to connect with LeisureLink, which powers global distribution and demand for the specialty lodging industry. LeisureLink has created a worldwide reach utilizing platforms such as the global distribution network (GDN) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">for access to the approximately 500,000 travel agents through Sabre, Worldspan, Galileo, and Amadeus; online travel agencies </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">including</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Orbitz, Priceline, and Travelocity and proprietary connections to key wholesalers such as Mark Travel and Destination Rewards.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">SPI Software and LeisureLink have been interfaced together since 2008 to provide timeshare resorts with the technology to instantly access these major consumer travel sites, and to be able to compete in the global marketplace by providing massive electronic distribution for their properties. LeisureLink’s system can be automatically accessed on SPI’s software platform, enabling property managers to accept bookings from all major travel websites and empowering them to push special offers and to control their available inventory and pricing. LeisureLink eliminates the need for resorts to involve themselves in the time-intensive task of updating these extranets with availability and prices. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">More than 1,400 vacation rentals, timeshares, condo hotels and independent resorts throughout North America and Europe build their bookings through LeisureLink. You may wish to visit </span><a href="http://www.leisurelink.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; color: blue;">www.LeisureLink.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> or view which properties are already represented by them by visiting </span><a href="http://www.abetterstay.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; color: blue;">www.ABetterStay.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">. <span>For more information about LeisureLink, contact<strong> </strong></span>Steve Reich, Senior Vice President, Sales, at 626-696-4530 or email </span><a href="mailto:SLReich@LeisureLink.com"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; color: blue;">SLReich@LeisureLink.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> The Smart Resort and the Smart Phone urn:uuid:3636EEEE-1617-24C0-E384299416102855 2010-11-10T09:11:45Z 2010-11-10T12:11:00Z

Matt Brosious <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 11px;"> </span></p> <h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" style="font-size: 13px; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">Timeshare resort owners and guests are using their smart phones. Think about all the pictures and video that are being taken at your resort. I’ll bet there are quite a few! Now, think about how you can capitalize on that. Please read our latest blog post <a href="http://timeshare-spi.com/?p=508" target="_blank">The Smart Resort and the Smart Phone</a> to get some ideas you can begin using right away. </span></h3> <p><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #3f3f3f;">For more ideas, timeshare software updates and industry news, please check back with us here, at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #7476bd; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a style="color: #ba6313;" href="/" target="_blank">SPI Timeshare Software’s blog</a></span></span>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;">Please join the conversation with us on Facebook.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23px; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #ba6313;"><span style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TimeshareSoftwareSPI" target="_blank"><img style="border: initial none initial;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:OadkKqZm--8BBM:http://alexeilopez.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/facebook-logo1.png%3Fw%3D90%26h%3D90" alt="" width="39" height="39" /></a></span></span></span></p> <div><br /></div> <p> </p> <p><span class="UIStory_Message"><br /></span></p> <p> </p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> Why Wi-Fi? urn:uuid:A1E92547-1617-24C0-E318A8832CFABFC7 2010-10-12T02:10:25Z 2010-10-15T07:10:00Z

<p><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><a style="color: #ba6313;" href="http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010137" target="_blank">The J.D. Power and Associates</a> 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study has been released revealing the top features guests seek when traveling. One of the most critical features is wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;">According to the J.D. Power and Associates’ study, <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">hotel properties have increased offerings of wireless Internet access during the past several years, with 77 percent of guests in 2010 indicating they have used Wi-Fi rather than cable Internet connections in their guest room, compared with 55 percent in 2007. The offering of complimentary Internet access varies by segment, with properties in the luxury and upscale segments being less likely to offer it, compared with mid-scale limited service and extended stay properties.</span></p> <p> </p>

Matt Brosious <p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010137" target="_blank">The J.D. Power and Associates</a> 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study has been released revealing the top features guests seek when traveling. One of the most critical features is wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to the J.D. Power and Associates’ study, <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">hotel properties have increased offerings of wireless Internet access during the past several years, with 77 percent of guests in 2010 indicating they have used Wi-Fi rather than cable Internet connections in their guest room, compared with 55 percent in 2007. The offering of complimentary Internet access varies by segment, with properties in the luxury and upscale segments being less likely to offer it, compared with mid-scale limited service and extended stay properties.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Trending indicates that guests are starting to expect wireless Internet access in their hotel rooms,” said Mark Schwartz, director of the global hospitality and travel practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “In today’s digitally connected world, being able to use mobile devices or computers without interruption is considered a comfort of home that should extend to the hotel experience.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">In fact, a </span><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">recent survey of 2000 travelers by American Express found that 77 per cent of Americans intend to stay connected while on vacation via Internet, phone, social media and other channels.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;"> <span>The motivation is social, not business. Only 14 percent said they would stay connected for work.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #000000;">"For many travelers, figuring out how to stay connected is as integral to the travel process as packing sun lotion and swimwear," said Amelie Hurst of travel website <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By providing Wi-Fi to your guests and owners you make it easier for them to upload photos and videos of your resort. They can quickly start advertising for you on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TimeshareSoftwareSPI" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and other social channels. Access also makes them feel more at home and less restricted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another good reason to provide Wi-Fi is to keep your guest at your timeshare resort rather than encouraging them to leave and make purchases elsewhere. If they need to get on the Web, why not let them do it from your pool where they can purchase food and beverages rather than at the local bakery?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most resorts offer Internet connectivity in an owner’s lounge or in the lobby, why not give your owners and guests the freedom to connect anywhere on the property?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wi-Fi service is a wonderful added feature for your timeshare resort. If this is something you are offering you may want to consider registering your resort on <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">the <strong><a href="http://www.hotspot-locations.com/" target="_blank">WiFi Hot Spot Directory</a></strong></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">, a </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">massive global list that is constantly adding providers. The site currently features over 30,000 hot spots including 15,885 in Europe, 10,773 in North America (of which 9,665 are in the US), 2,585 in Asia and 333 in Australia.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">Understanding the need for WiFi access within your resort is the first step. In future posts to our blog, <a href="/" target="_blank">SPI Timeshare Software</a> will share some ideas for maximizing your return on investment when offering Wi-Fi availability in your resort’s public areas. So follow SPI Timeshare Software <a href="http://twitter.com/SPIOrange" target="_blank">tweets</a> and <a href="http://timeshare-spi.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and ‘like’ us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TimeshareSoftwareSPI" target="_blank">Facebook.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3f3f3f;">For more ideas, timeshare software updates and industry news, please check back with us here, at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #7476bd; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="/" target="_blank">SPI Timeshare Software’s blog</a></span></span>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;">Please join the conversation with us on Facebook.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23px; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TimeshareSoftwareSPI" target="_blank"><img style="border: initial none initial;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:OadkKqZm--8BBM:http://alexeilopez.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/facebook-logo1.png%3Fw%3D90%26h%3D90" alt="" width="39" height="39" /></a></span></p> <p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>  <p> </p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table> What motivates people to buy? urn:uuid:692ED1A7-1617-24C0-E337BD155F6787F1 2010-10-01T03:10:47Z 2010-10-04T11:10:00Z

Matt Brosious <p><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://timeshare-spi.com/?p=494" target="_blank">What motivates people to buy</a> is generally something that appeals to them emotionally and meets their needs. Emotional drivers can be everything from convenience, love or enjoyment; to ego, peer pressure, guilt or greed. Your client may even be moved by a combination of factors. To understand what emotions are going to drive their decision to buy a week, rent a unit or exchange into your resort, you have to ask questions and try to understand the client’s needs. Please, <a href="http://timeshare-spi.com/?p=494" target="_blank">read more</a> on this interesting subject and let us know what you think.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #473319; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 12px;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;">For more ideas, <a style="color: #ba6313;" href="/" target="_blank">timeshare software</a> updates and industry news, please check back with us here at <a style="color: #ba6313;" href="http://timeshare-spi.com/" target="_blank">SPI Timeshare Software's blog</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;">Please join the conversation with us on Facebook.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 23px; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TimeshareSoftwareSPI" target="_blank"><img style="border: initial none initial;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:OadkKqZm--8BBM:http://alexeilopez.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/facebook-logo1.png%3Fw%3D90%26h%3D90" alt="" width="39" height="39" /></a></span></p> <div><br /></div> </span></span></p><table><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=priteshthecfguy" class="addthis_button_compact">Share</a><span class="addthis_separator">|</span><a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a><a class="addthis_button_myspace"></a><a class="addthis_button_google"></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=xa-4b53552355eca066"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></td><td style="vertical-align:top"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://www.spiinc.com/blog//blog/feeds/atom.cfm/blog/feeds/atom.cfm&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=280&action=like&font&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:280px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr></table>