Automotive Hospitality Consultant

[desmet2020]

I recently acquired a Front Desk Specialist Position at a Luxury Automotive Company. I was approached to build a Standard Operating Procedure Guide for this position as a Project Manager. I was asked to see if I could put together a number for this guide and put together a price that I would charge and breakdown in order to move foreword. I have never built something like this before and was looking for advice on how to break this down to present/ and or the cost associated. I come from Hospitality background with Hotels and Restaurants so I am somewhat unfamiliar with where to begin, and how many hours this could possibly take. I would love advice, or any references that anyone could share. Thank you all so much for your time!

 

[Mike S.]

I'm confused. If you were hired to perform this function, why would they pay you separately as a contractor to create the SOP for the position? Especially when you aren't exactly an expert in the field.

If I were your employer, part of your job would be to write the SOP, perhaps writing it as you and Management learn what it is they really want this person to do, and how. Otherwise, it seems to me that any price you give is just a WAG -- a wild guess.

 

[Sidney Vianna]

I recently acquired a Front Desk Specialist Position at a Luxury Automotive Company.

Do you mean a dealership outsourced the Front Desk Function to you? So, you are not an employee, but a contractor?

 

[desmet2020]

I'm confused. If you were hired to perform this function, why would they pay you separately as a contractor to create the SOP for the position? Especially when you aren't exactly an expert in the field.

If I were your employer, part of your job would be to write the SOP, perhaps writing it as you and Management learn what it is they really want this person to do, and how. Otherwise, it seems to me that any price you give is just a WAG -- a wild guess.

This is where it gets tricky. I was hired for that front desk position. However, I I acquired the position through a recruiter, so now I’m stuck in this contract at an hourly rate that will not reflect what I will be able to charge for building this SOP. Due to the hours required, and a noncompete clause on their end to uphold the contract there really is no other way to pay me for the perform task separate from my own duties. I didn’t sign anything stating that I had to adhere to that contract but without ruining any type of business relationship for them (without quitting then recruitment company) the best option is to perform this separately and be paid separately. I just don’t know how else to break it down or write the document. Any suggestions?

 

[desmet2020]

Do you mean a dealership outsourced the Front Desk Function to you? So, you are not an employee, but a contractor?

I was recruited for the front desk position specifically . I presented them with this offer to write the guide but due to their contract and what I am asking for hourly to do so. we are all basically stuck in a rock and a hard place at how I should be paid. It’s too expensive to buy me out of the contract from the recruiter, and there are too many regulations to 1099 me, so as a separate project to be paid alternative to my position is the only option without breaking any contracts. Unless there is an alternative, I am all ears!

 

[Mike S.]

So....lemme see if I understand: you've never done this job as Front Desk Specialist before, and you don't know how to write SOP's, but you want to be a consultant/contractor to write a Front Desk Specialist SOP?

All you can probably do is guess at anything a this point. Let's say as a WAG it will take you 40 hours to complete the SOP, and you want to be paid $50/hour for writing it ($2000) vs. the lesser hourly amount you make actually acting as a Front Desk Specialist. Maybe the simplest thing to do is for the employer, if they are willing to risk it, is offer you half up front for a first draft and, assuming they like the work, give you the other half after they offer edits and input for the final version.

But I wouldn't get too greedy -- no offense but you sound like the most unqualified consultant I've ever heard of.

 

[desmet2020]

Well, I took this job because I was out of work and needed something before my furlough ended. I have over 15 years in hospitality and had worked most recently as a sales coordinator for high end restaurants and hotels. So, I have experience. I mean, they obviously see some value to keeping me on as an employee. I would say as I’ve accomplished enough in the short time I’ve been here to be sought out to create this. I am not trying to be greedy, I understand I am green, I was just looking for advice. Thank you for your input.

 

[John Broomfield]

Rybrook may be able to help:

Customer Service | New and used car dealerships across the North West, South Wales and the Midlands | Rybrook Group

...or Bentley Atlanta:

Bentley Atlanta | New & Used Bentley Dealer | Atlanta Luxury Cars

 

[Mike S.]

Okay, you wonder where to begin and how to write the document. Maybe start by listing, with input from your boss or other internal customers, what specific tasks you perform as Front Desk Specialist that require being included in the SOP guide. Maybe it's Opening, Closing, Greeting & Directing Customers, Answering Phones, Distributing Mail, and Ordering Office Supplies.

Decide if each task should be a stand-alone SOP or just different sections in one SOP.

Obtain or create a document template. If the company already has SOP's for other functions, try to use that template. Make your own if you are plowing new ground. Use their logo/letterhead, make it professional looking.

Write a first draft. Keep in mind who the user of this SOP will be and write it with the intention of being of value to them.

Review the first draft with your boss/internal customer(s) and revise as necessary.

Does that help get you started?

 

[desmet2020]

Thank you, yes that helps. They don’t have any SOP’s for any positions currently. The hope is I do well for this position and then will be concurrently writing the other positions. I have a pretty good draft already outlined, and had planned to sit down within the hours allowed to see what other positions within the building can give a perspective to improve each other’s workflow etc. I just don’t want to offend them with pricing, because I am new to this, and everything I can find is either a contractor fee which is higher than I am looking to quote, or a freelance writer. I am more so looking to be as professional as possible to maintain the relationship because the opportunity for me is a great start to see where else I can bring luxury/hospitality to this growing location. I sincerely appreciate the advice,