Actual Manilow Suites' apartment

Just as in any business, I have seen incredible changes within corporate housing. Often times I can equate the corporate housing world with “The Wild West,” where anything goes. Just look at some of the web sites. There are claims that companies have apartments all over the U.S. when in fact they do not have one of their own. Manilow Suites advertises that we partner with a select group of providers in a number of major cities.

When the internet really became available for small businesses, there were search engines that would not allow us to put in any keywords other than, as an example, “corporate housing Chicago.” They made companies prove to them that it actually had a physical location in any city it listed.There certainly is nothing wrong with partnering with other corporate housing companies; however, is it ethical to deceive potential customers? Do you view it as deceitful having people think the property belongs to your company, or does it really matter?

I’m certainly not going to change the world, but I would like to put this thought out there and hear what others may think about this.

http://manilowsuites.com/properties.html

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~

We did not give her any rates other than our average rack rates. Yet, she called a couple weeks later and awarded us the contract to provide the short-term corporate housing for a large company going through a merger. That meant everyone from the CEO to the CFO, numerous senior and executive vice-presidents and so on.

Manilow Suites broke all records on the company’s survey.  Out of over 100 employees, we had a 100% “yes, I would recommend Manilow Suites.”  We also had other record breaking results never before attained by a vendor.

This lady is not special because she selected Manilow Suites, she is special because she trusted us.

She gave us the freedom to provide the corporate housing our way and asked us the “how’s.” And for that, we thank you. You will always be a special lady to us.

http://www.manilowsuites.com

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~

Beautifully furnished apartment at Grand Plaza

Two ladies were talking about how concerned they were renting a house on Captiva Island for themselves and their fellow sorority sisters this past weekend. They rented the house using the internet and the pictures looked great. Ah, was the real thing going to look like those great pictures? This was going to be a very exciting time as they were all graduates from Bradley University in Peoria and all were turning 40 this year.

Just in case they were met with bitter disappointment, what was their recourse? None!

Many corporate housing companies show pictures of model apartments on their web sites but in some cases, that’s not what you find when you open the door to this dream apartment or house.  What can you do before hand to avoid a potential disappointment or disaster?

First, ask for pictures of the apartment or pictures of apartments similar to what they are renting to you. Tell them if it does not meet their promises or expectations, what options will you have?  What type of satisfaction guarantee do they have, if any. If they will not offer you anything, I suggest you find a different source.

Manilow Suites is one of few corporate housing companies that offers a satisfaction guarantee!

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~

Manilow Suites' Three Bedroom at North Harbor Tower

I was recently looking at the web sites of other corporate housing companies. Some of the claims are so exaggerated if not down-right untrue, so I would like to tell you what people should be aware of while looking for short-term housing. I’’ll mention a few every week.

One site stated that someone was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We called once on a week night and then on a weekend. The phone continued to ring S4F7YFGWR22U and nobody answered.

Another company had a virual tour. Since so many have suggested I do the same, I thought I should take a look at it. Much to my amazement, the tour was of a model apartment in the building, not one of their short-term apartments. We all know that apartment models are strictly for show and are not functional.

While looking for corporate housing just check out some of the claims and ask what pictures actually show the type of the apartment they would have for you.

More to come next week!

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~

Elegant corporate housing at 215 West

I have been looking at a few corporate housing companies’ websites, and there are things I found that are very troubling…

Have times changed!  “Truth in advertising” really meant something when I first started this business. Now, on the internet you can make any claim and get away with it. I was just looking at some of the corporate housing companies’ web-sites and a few of their claims made me laugh. A couple of them even copied ideas I implemented long ago, and of course this is the sincerest form of flattery. But others are fooling people, and that gets me mad.

Let me continue to give you, from 32 years of experience in corporate housing, some tips on what to be aware of.  Today, there are virtual companies. They claim they have temporary housing in X cities. Not true! They use local companies–and are looking, in many cases, for the cheapest rate so they can mark it up higher. Virtual companies are fine if their main concern is to find the very best to meet your needs. They will do the shopping for you.

Check back in a week for more on corporate housing!

http://manilowsuites.com/specials.html

~From the keyboard of Francine Manilow~

Our guests from Italy were in town to run the Chicago Marathon. They all had exceptional finishing times!

Merzario 2:50

Ruggiero 2:55

Malighetti 2:56

Zorloni 2:59

Marchesi 3:02

Negri 3:15

Forni Riccardo 3:16

Today, on the web, anything goes. Rather than complain, with my 32 years of experience in this business, I will suggest several things to look for when choosing a short-term housing provider. I welcome anyone’s comments and let’s all expand on the theme.

When looking for corporate housing, the most popular key words are: corporate housing, temporary housing, and short-term housing.

Look at the pictures. Are they real pictures of their apartments, or are they pictures of model apartments? Does the web site only show pictures of the buildings and public spaces–such as the fitness room, pool, or lobby? If so, why aren’t they showing the interiors of  their own apartments?

Hopefully, much more will follow next week.

~From the Notepad of Francine Manilow~

I laughed at the thought of the expression commonly used today, “bumps in the road.” Ours were not bumps, they were road blocks! And you know what? No matter how small or large those blocks were, we fought them all.

You see, no matter what our backgrounds, we were all women business owners large and small. We knew we had that one common denominator that brought us together in the first place. We were and we are far more powerful as a group than as one.  And look what we have accomplished in those ensuring years!

I formed my first company in 1965. As a woman trying to get into the world of business, it was a joke. No one took me seriously, and there weren’t any organizations for assistance.

If you are a true blue entrepreneur, nothing stops you. You just press on with vigor and optimism. Ever so slowly doors began to open, and more women started businesses.  Today, the largest groups of women opening up their own businesses are women of color. Fabulous! We all stand together to open the doors wider for the women of today and for future generations.

NAWBO has been there through it all, and we should step back at times and think about what once was and how fortunate we all are to build and develop our respective businesses. And lastly, we should continue uniting as women business owners to make good things happen!

~From the pen of Francine Manilow~

Fabulous location and amenities--unbeatable value!

It is amazing how many people call different housing companies and only ask about the price. “What is your rate for a one bedroom apartment for one month?” My question would be, “What is included for the price?” The differences are incredible, and it’s not the big things but the little things.

If you are going to make something comfortable and convenient, can you see it in a picture?

Recently, I toured a competitor’s apartment, and I discovered they offered salt and pepper shakers without the salt and pepper. No one wants to go out and buy salt, pepper and sugar when they may be staying there for a month or two. These are the little things that make the difference.

Newer, luxury buildings are always more expesnive than the older buildings. They usually have more convenient amenities such as a washer/dryer, and of course it is a more modern  building. Location is very important relative to price.

What is included for the price?  Electricity, maid service, wi-fi, expanded cable (not basic cable), king/queen size bed, local and long distance calls? And what is the quality of the furniture and furnishings in the apartment?  All of this should be considered when inquiring about the price of a corporate apartment.

~From the journal of Francine Manilow~

What if you are not sure when you will be leaving? Must you give a 30-day notice and then you need to extend by a couple days? Are they going to try to kick you out because they already rented the apartment? What will they do for you? Suggestions: Request a 15-day notice or less to vacate. They can never demand that you leave. Next, find out what options they would have for you if you had to extend.

Stay tuned for more information on corporate housing: the ups and downs.

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~