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<h1 style="
color: #000;">Nora Hanna at the Slieve Donard Resort Talks to Crown</h1>
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<p><strong>What’s your job?</strong></p><p>I am Business and Senior Events Manager
at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa – a position I have held since 1982 – yes
35 years now!! </p><p><strong>How did you get there? </strong></p><p>I started work as a receptionist,
brought in by John Miskimmin, the general manager at the time who was an
amazing man and taught me almost everything I know about hotel keeping! I worked with him until 1995 within which time
I was promoted to Head Receptionist, then Conference co-ordinator and in 1998 I
was promoted again to Business Development Manager for the hotel. </p><p><strong>Do you have a typical working day?</strong> </p><p>What is a typical working
day? Every day is different and so
interesting, and over the last 38 years my job has changed beyond recognition. I have overseen large international events
with over 1000 delegates, to the Irish Open Golf, to small exclusive meetings,
weddings and family parties. I always want to be visible to the client so they
know me to see and where to find me on the day, ensuring they are delighted
with everything I have promised we can do for them and how the event is being
run, I have seen it all, as they say!</p><p><strong> What other skills do you need in
your role? </strong></p><p>I have learnt not to be a busy fool,
judge all business decisions on profitability and always think things through. You
need to be a great salesperson and a good negotiator, you must have empathy
with people in whatever their frame of mind is – whether they are organising a
wedding, a conference, a golfing trip or a family dinner – to each person it is
a very important day you are looking after for them and you must always
remember that, even though you have done so many events, each is different and
each is vital to the success of the event and the reputation of the hotel.</p><p><strong>What’s the best thing about your job?
</strong></p><p>I love my job in what I call the
flagship hotel – not only the flagship of the Hastings Hotels (!) but the best hotel in Ireland, maybe even the
world!! Certainly my favourite. I also love my colleagues, the Hastings family
and my customers whom I serve. I also
regret not carrying an autograph book, as I have met so many celebrities over
the years.</p><p><strong>What are the greatest challenges/pressures of the job?</strong> </p><p>The competition is growing
however we are constantly doing our best to keep
ahead of the race, pushing the boundaries and surpassing guest expectations,
which are growing and growing. I love
challenging our team to come up with new and innovative things we can do as a
hotel to please the guests and develop loyalty to our resort. </p><p><strong>What advice would you give someone considering a career in your
profession? </strong></p><p>Be prepared to love your job. Choose
a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life! Treat people as you would like to be treated
yourself, manners cost nothing. Don’t
accept mediocrity, only the best will do! </p><p><strong>What’s the most common question people ask when they find out what you
do?</strong> </p><p>How many celebrities have you
met? Do you know all the famous golfers who come to Royal Co Down and stay in
the Slieve? </p><p><strong>How do you like to relax outside of work? </strong></p><p>I love football and follow
Liverpool. I have made many good friends over the years in the Slieve and I
have two sons aged 36 and 33 of whom I am
immensely proud of and
love spending time with. </p>
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