Entering Innkeeping, part 3, Research

Research. Research. Research. Based on my own experiences, I strongly encourage anyone who’s exploring any business venture to do as much research as your financial, time, and energies allow. I can’t begin to count the number of people I’ve heard say, “if only” about six to twelve months after folks have entered into a new business. Granted, there will always be surprises in any new business, but don’t be sideswiped by something that could have, should have, been included in your business plan. Research will help you refine your goals, gain perspective on the lifestyle, help you find your comfort levels, and narrow your choices, as you pursue your enterprise.

It may sound silly, but if you haven’t , be a guest. There are at least two primary reasons to stay in as many B&Bs as possible. First, there are as many ways to operate a Bed and Breakfast as there are innkeepers. By staying at a variety of B&Bs in different locations, you'll be exposed to a number of business models. There are operational differences based on location. Building code, fire safety code, zoning, and health codes differ by local and business models follow those location specific codes. There may be a business model that would particularly appropriate to your needs. Conversely, you may be exposed to a way of doing business that you find inappropriate. That exposure will help you immeasurably as you develop your own business model. Beginning to understand the lifestyle is the second reason it's important to visit B&Bs. This networking with experienced innkeepers will help you understand your best opportunities and the pitfalls you can avoid.

While talking with experiences Innkeepers is valuable, there are those who have taken that one step further and gotten first hand experience by working in an established business. Some have found fulfilling careers working for others, rather than owning their own business while enjoying the lifestyle.

There are generally three innkeeping career paths. Rarely do any of them offer income sufficient to invest in your own property, but they are terrific ways to network with innkeepers, understand the challenges firsthand, and develop your business model based on those experiences.

Interim Innkeepers are sometimes referred to as innsitters. Assignments generally fall into two categories. Short term assignments are of one day to three weeks. Long term assignments are more than three weeks and rarely go beyond six months. Interim Innkeepers get to experience a wide variety of properties, places, and people, which can be a very interesting yet challenging lifestyle. They generally have to be well versed in all elements of Innkeeping. In recent years, professional development of interim innkeepers has become more and more important. The Professional Association of Innkeepers International currently offers a certificate for interim innkeepers who have demonstrated their commitment to professionalism and guest safety.

Interim Innkeepers have to be well versed in all elements of general small business management and have a clear overview of innkeeping specifically. Among their bag of skills successful interim innkeepers are proficient in:
• time management
• communications
• food preparation and service
• housekeeping
• guest management
• staff management
• general building maintenance
• computer program knowledge
The longer term assignments require that interim innkeepers have even more honed people skills because of their on-going responsibilities for staff, guests, reservations, and their fellow business owners. Long term assignments may also take a toll on family relationships. Not everyone is comfortable spending large blocks of time far away from their loved ones.

Assistant Innkeepers can be part or full time and generally work along with the owner or general manager. Generally, they have specific management functions, but there are job descriptions that include similar descriptions to that of housekeepers with little management responsibilities. Assistant innkeepers generally have good command of:
• work flow of the specific property
• general policies and procedures
• reservation guidelines
• job descriptions of fellow employees
• management preferences

General Managers are usually full time management level staff who may work along with the owners, but are well equipped with all the skills to professionally manage the property in lieu of the owners. Many general managers operate properties for absentee owners, serving the function of full time Innkeeper. General Managers generally have command of skills including but not limited to:
• financial planning and management
• legal business responsibility
• time management
• communications
• food preparation and service
• housekeeping
• guest management
• staff hiring and management
• general building maintenance
• computer program knowledge

Weekend Audits can provide excellent opportunities to understand the work flow for a B&B/Inn operation. You might have wondered, how'd they do that. By developing relationships with Innkeepers, asking to spend time with them during operations, especially in the kitchen, you'll get a feel for the flow of work, and personal responsibilities of innkeepers and staff.

There are a number of organizations around the country that offer working vacations, or workshops specific to innkeeping. They are a great way to yet again, get specific experience. It's important to note here, that those who find little satisfaction in their innkeeping career are generally those who didn't carefully research the specifics of this business model.

There are also “boot camps” offered by a number of Inns. You get to pay to work for them for a short period of time.

There are a number of books on the subject of Innkeeping that are excellent reference material. So read, read, and read, again. But be sure to check publication date. This industry changes dramatically and quickly, try to use information that is as current as possible.

The standards for amenities like shared baths, the availability of online reservations, global distribution, marketing sites, social media have all changed over the years. Base your business model on current or next generation business practices.
Reservation Services
Web based reservations
You'll find a number of books about opening your own B&B. "So.....you want to be an innkeeper?" is a widely recognized publication, as is “Bed & Breakfasts for Dummies”. Reading a couple of these titles will help you learn from others mistakes.

Consider this:
In a typical week a successful Bed &Breakfast or Inn with 18 rooms, the staff will:
• prepare 210 guest breakfasts and 60 staff breakfasts
• serve up to 4 cases of eggs per breakfast
• spend 50 hours cooking
• attend to 30 guests per day
• deal with 100 loads of laundry
• clean rooms for 60 hours
• receive 350 phone calls
• log 100 office hours
• prepare 50 special guest requests
• use 21 gallons of afternoon refreshments
When the week is all over, you get to do it again, and again, and again, in perpetuity. So, it’s always good to be prepared!

Now is the time to do a self-assessment. Determine:
• If you’ve visited B&Bs and came away with a good feeling about the environment.
• That you’ve met current Innkeepers and can see yourself in their positionsT
• That you’ve done other research in the way of auditing operations, reading quality current publications on the “How to’s”of operating your dream business

Are you going to be an Innkeeper? Is so, look for next week’s blog post on Acquisition Options. We’ll look at the ways most folks have found their property, how to do the analysis of a property, and which option fits your list of goals.