PAII and Aspiring Innkeepers: Working with those who want to make innkeeping a career.

Transcription

1 PAII and Aspiring Innkeepers: Working with those who want to make innkeeping a career.

2 Dear Aspiring Innkeeper, Enclosed is your FREE Introduction to Innkeeping with our compliments. After reviewing it, we hope you see the value in joining our association. The Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) is the largest association for professional innkeepers and those aspiring to be. As a PAII member, you will have access to industry research, education, networking opportunities, and vendor discounts - all the tools necessary for successful innkeeping. Our recently introduced Exclusive Mentor Program consists of over 65 mentors available to answer questions, offer advice, discuss ideas, help you work out a problem or just point you in the right direction. Another member benefit is our monthly newsletter, innkeeping, which contains articles on technology, safety issues, food, travel trends and many other issues of specific interest to innkeepers. One of our best programs for aspiring innkeepers is the ability to participate in our exclusive Online Forum Discussion Group. Here you can learn from and trade information with innkeepers from across the country who are eager to share experiences, information and resources. Our Vendor Discount Program introduces you to a diverse group of industry vendors who understand innkeeping and provide specific products and services for B&Bs and country inns. Our annual Innkeeping Show, which is being held March 8-11, 2010 in Austin, Texas, provides aspiring innkeeper workshops and educational seminars with expert speakers on topics crucial to the industry. It is the largest trade show of products and services for the industry. To help you prepare for your career as an innkeeper, we have a special Aspiring Innkeeper Start- Up Kit which contains four great publications that will help you during your planning and decisionmaking process. These are: Industry Study of Operations and Finance Study of B&B Marketing Practices Innkeepers Guide to My Own Inn Innkeepers Guide to Property Management Software The cost to members is $99 as opposed to $224 for non-members. This difference in price almost pays for your aspiring innkeeper membership, which is just $199. Just imagine the savings you would receive as members on our other programs! When you are ready to join PAII, you can do so online at or by calling us directly. We look forward to working with you and assisting you in achieving your goals. Professional Association of Innkeepers International 207 White Horse Pike Haddon Heights, NJ PAII Fax Membership@paii.org

3 PAII Member Benefits Industry Research - We are your only source for comprehensive national research starting with the PAII Industry Study of Operations & Finance; and the PAII Study of B&B Marketing Practices; ongoing updates in trends in travel and hospitality. Annual Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show - PAII produces the industry s premier annual, educational and networking opportunity. The trade show is the largest trade show of products and services for innkeepers. Enjoy workshops by professional and industry speakers, panels on topics crucial to the industry, and receive show discounts from vendors. Visit for more details. Forum - The PAII Online Forum puts the collective expertise of innkeepers from around the country at your finger tips. Ask questions, share experiences, discuss products, and seek advice. PAII Mentor Program - Our Mentor Program will put you in touch with veteran innkeepers who can offer advice, direction and insight based on their personal experiences. Mentors are asked in advance which areas of innkeeping they are most comfortable and familiar with so that we can make a suitable match based on your needs. We also consider the number of rooms at your inn and the region in which you are located for comparative purposes. Whether you are an aspiring innkeeper or have been in the industry for years, it always helps to get a different perspective. PAII INNfo - Stay on top of industry news, industry announcements, media opportunities, forum discussion topics, benefit program updates, and PAII s activity through our weekly . Publications - PAII s monthly electronic publication, innkeeping and our quarterly magazine Innkeeping Quarterly (IQ), are full of great articles and tips to help you remain competitive in the marketplace. Marketing and Public Relations - PAII is there at the national level promoting B&B s, maintaining statistics, handling dozens of press inquiries, and tracking the latest marketing trends to provide you with the tools you need to market your property. PAII Educational Publications - PAII members get big discounts on PAII Educational Publications, including The Innkeepers Guide to My Own Inn, My Staff Manual, Insurance - That Nine Letter Word, and Selling Your Inn. Vendor Marketplace - Find the products and services you need from linens and robes, to reservation software, website designers, realtors, insurance companies, gift shop items, online directories, marketing resources, and more. Discount Programs - Take advantage of PAII s special rates with HD Supply, Staples, and EBSCO Magazine Subscription Services. Professional Association of Innkeepers International 207 White Horse Pike Haddon Heights, NJ PAII Fax Membership@paii.org

4 the aspiring innkeeper introduction Congratulations on making the most important step toward your dream of becoming an innkeeper by contacting the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII). As an Aspiring Innkeeper, you have made an important and valuable choice to become an informed and supported member of the innkeeping community. There are over 18,000 inns and B&B's in North America and many more than that around the world. The demographics of the innkeeping community are as varied as any world population. Innkeepers come from all walks of life, age groups, and interests. What successful innkeepers have in common is the knowledge and experience that makes their inns stand out among the many hospitality choices that travelers have in our global marketplace. The key to your success is getting behind the scenes to understand this business so that you can make a smart decision about entering this amazing field. We want you to be a success and add to our incredible family of smart, creative, dedicated and happy innkeepers. We have a world of resources to help you learn what you need to know about marketing, food service, reservations, staffing, maintenance and lots more. Whether you decide to become an innkeeper or not, we will help you get the information you need along the way. We've created a step by step process that is proven to get you to the right answer for you. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Join PAII! If you are not already an aspiring member, make a commitment of professional innkeeping by joining the world's largest association for innkeepers. For a look at all we do, see our list of benefits. Check Your Knowledge with our Innkeeper Knowledge Checklist: Start by reviewing the list of ten key areas of expertise needed by every successful innkeeper. Don't know everything on this list? Don't worry - PAII is here to help you gain the knowledge you need. Recommended Reading Our recommended reading list will direct you to books and publications that will give you a better feel for what a career as an innkeeper is all about. When you join, we'll provide you with complimentary subscriptions to INNfo, PAII's weekly electronic newsletter, Innkeeping, PAII's monthly electronic newsletter and Innkeeping Quarterly, the premier industry magazine. Seminars and Workshops Choose from a variety of topics varying formats and locations. Seminars beef up your knowledge to complete your Knowledge Checklist. Many aspiring seminars and workshops are geared to the decision process around innkeeping as a career. Networking PAII's mentor program and on-line discussion group are excellent resources for advice, ideas, products and support. Attend the Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show to learn from other innkeepers.

5 Step #1 join PAII the professionals We've created a comprehensive program that will take you from student to apprentice to Master Innkeeper. PAII's Aspiring Innkeeper membership is only $199 a year. As an Aspiring Innkeeper member of PAII we provide you with the following benefits: PAII Educational Publications PAII members get significant discounts on PAII publications, including the Innkeepers Guide to Property Management Software, The Innkeeper's Guide to My Staff Manual, Insurance: That Nine Letter Word, and Old Fashion Service From The Innkeepers Perspective. Our Aspiring Innkeepers Start-up Kit includes the latest Innkeeping Industry Study of Operations and Finance, The PAII Study of B&B Marketing, The Innkeepers Guide to My Own Inn, and Two Webinars Multi-Media Package. ($99 for members, retail value $224). Seminars, Workshops, Trade Shows PAII hosts the industry's premier networking opportunity along with the largest trade show of products and services for innkeepers. World class speakers, workshops, panels on topics crucial to the industry, and a full day workshop especially for aspiring innkeepers. Attend a Seminar Let PAII direct you to a seminar in your area. We have many vendor members that host seminars through out the year on varying locations. Some even have an apprentice program. Research The PAII Industry Study of Operations and Finance lets you compare the revenue and expenses of small properties to large, urban properties to rural, NE properties to SW. This report is a must for any loan presentation. Vendor Marketplace Find the products and services you need from real estate brokers to lending institutions, from linens and robes to gift shop items and vacuum cleaners, from online directories to reservation software. PAII vendors understanding innkeeping. Discounts When you're ready to open, many PAII vendors give discounts on everything from credit card processing to reservation software, mattresses or mugs. Save enough to pay for your membership! Networking with other aspiring and veteran innkeepers on the PAII online Forum puts the collective expertise of hundreds at your fingertips. It's a terrific resource! innkeeping PAII's monthly electronic newsletter keeps you current with articles written by the experts on marketing, technology, safety, food, amenities, finance, and much more. Innkeeping Quarterly (IQ) PAII's full-color quarterly periodical. Each issue of IQ features a profile on a member of the innkeeping community and covers topics that are important to those in the innkeeping industry: real estate, food, finances, customer relations, operations, marketing, and more! Simply go to and select REGISTER! Or for more information, please contact us at

6 Step #2 your knowledge checklist Before you open your doors to welcome your guests, make sure you have the knowledge to start your business and run your inn. This checklist outlines ten key areas of expertise that are required to be a successful innkeeper. How prepared are you? Business Planning - Finances, Loans and Taxes are all part of good planning. Your sound business plan is a key element to success. The industry standard chart of accounts, financial comparisons, amenity analysis, occupancy goals and analysis are all elements of sound business management that successful innkeepers use regularly. Hospitality Law - What are your rights as the owner of your business? How do they regulate your guests and their expectations of you and their experience at your property? Successful innkeepers know the laws and how to relate them to their staff and guests. Marketing and Public Relations - Do you know the difference? Successful innkeepers know these two elements, while related, are distinctly different and equally key to their success. If you build it, they will come doesn't necessarily apply. Guests will only come if they know it has been built! There are key marketing techniques specific to successful innkeeping. Reservation Management - A vast majority of today's inns use guest management software, GMS, sometimes called property management software (PMS). Many use online availability services, some use real time reservation services, some use the global distribution system (GDS). Knowing what these products do, how they interface with one another, their differences and the use of these systems and products is key to the successful reservation management of your business. Food Purchasing and Handling - An integral part to every lodging experience, food preparation, presentations and safe handling are key to your success. Successful innkeepers know the regulations for their location, safe food handling requirements and have their own menus and recipes for every situation. Staffing and Service - Every business has staff, even if it's simply the owner(s). Determining your specific staff requirements and responsibilities is an important part of sound business planning. If you add a service, or an amenity or both, will additional staff be required? What will you ask staff to do? How will you monitor their performance? How do you evaluate a potential employee? Successful innkeepers continually review their staff relationships and costs to accommodate their business goals. Organization/Time Management - Innkeepers love their properties, enjoy their staff and welcome their guests. Well, they do if they have carefully developed an organization plan that helps to manage all of the daily, weekly, monthly and annual details. A man without a plan is a man planning to fail (anonymous). Successful innkeepers plan for success and work their plans so the details are not forgotten, even when they are away from their business. Successful innkeepers have a life beyond innkeeping. Insurance - Insuring a B&B/Inn enterprise is a large expense. Successful innkeepers carefully study their insurance requirements and know how to communicate with the experts on a reasonable basis, ask the right questions and work with those brokers who can provide cost effective insurance coverage.

7 Operations - Bookkeeping, Taxes and Cash Management are daily responsibilities for every business enterprise. Successful innkeepers understand their bookkeeping requirements, tax obligations, and tax reporting requirements. They develop sound policies and business practices. Successful innkeepers know if they should accept credit cards and know which processors and what equipment is important to their success. Housekeeping, Repair, Maintenance - Successful innkeepers develop daily routines to manage housekeeping, repairs, and maintenance tasks. They have back up plans for computer upgrades, plumbing malfunctions, power outages and more, even under the most difficult emergency situation. Step #3 PAII recommended reading Time to learn as much as you can! The ten key areas that we introduced you to in the Innkeeper Knowledge Checklist should be your study guide. It's time to gather as much information as you can on all of these subjects. To start, we recommend you begin with a good general overview of innkeeping such as So You want to be an innkeeper. (Written by PAII founders Jo Ann M. Bell and Pat Hardy, Susan Brown, and Mary E. Davies) Next, you will need to educate yourself in the areas of the checklist that you were less familiar. PAII produces a variety of publications to meet your specific needs -- and members receive large discounts! Some suggested readings, include: Marketing and Public Relations - Become The Brand of Choice: Make Your Name a Powerful Brand and Earn Millions - by Jason Hartman Marketing Without Advertising: Inspire Customers to Rave About th Your Business to Create Lasting Success, 4 Edition - by Michael Phillips PAII Study of B&B Marketing Practices - (PAII educational publication) Reservations Management - The Innkeeper's Guide to Property Management Software (PAII educational publication) nd Food Purchasing and Handling - ServSafe Coursebook, 2 Edition - by NRA Educational Foundation Insurance - Insurance: That Nine Letter Word - (PAII educational publication)

8 Business Planning - How to Write a Business Plan - by Mike McKeever The Bed & Breakfast / Country Inns Industry Study of Finance and Operations (PAII educational publication) th SBA Loans: A Step-by-Step Guide, 4 Edition - by Patrick O'Hara Operations - So You Want to Be an Innkeeper - by Jo Ann M. Bell & Pat Hardy Innkeepers Guide to My Own Inn - (PAII educational publication) Staffing and Service - Outrageous!: Unforgettable Service Guilt Free Selling - by T. Scott Gross The Innkeeper's Guide to My Staff - (PAII educational publication) Old Fashion Service From the Innkeepers Perspective - (PAII educational publication) Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service - by Ken Blanchard Housekeeping, Repair, Maintenance New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual - by Reader's Digest Editors New Fix-It-Yourself Manual: How to Repair, Clean, and Maintain Anything and Everything in and Around Your Home - by Reader's Digest Editors For a complete list of go to the Innkeeper s Store located at

9 Step #4 seminars & workshops Another option aspiring innkeepers have is to attend seminars that will prepare you for a career as a professional innkeeper. As a member of PAII, you have several options for educational courses, including the following: The Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show Next Conference: 2010 Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show March 8-11 * Austin, TX * Renaissance Hotel Full day Aspiring Innkeeper workshop prior to conference. Seminars & Workshops conducted by PAII Members Aspiring Innkeeper's Seminars Lodging Resources Workshops Inn Your Dreams (800) (207) Bed & Breakfast Resources Oates & Bredfeldt (479) (207) Bushnell & Bushnell Services, Inc. The B&B Team (410) (434) VA (207) ME Inn Broker, Inc. Virginia Inn Brokers (269) (540) virginiainnbroker.com Innkeeping Specialists** (800) Visit the Vendor Marketplace at for a complete listing and updated information on seminars.

10 PAII Member Consultants Offering Services for Aspiring Innkeepers Ask Hugh Consulting Inn Broker, Inc. (435) (800) 926-INNS Bed and Breakfast For Sale InnFocusMeetings.com (888) (727) Bullard Partners Inngenium LLC (707) (207) Bushnell & Bushnell Services, Inc. Lodging Resources Workshops (410) (800) Diaz Consulting Oates & Bredfeldt (760) (207) Hiler Hospitality (802) Signature Worldwide (800) Innkeeping Specialists** (800) The B&B Team (434) VA (207) ME Wesley A. Fachner, CPA (408) Workman Tax & Accounting Service (866) Virginia Inn Brokers (540) **Our special thanks to Carol Edmondson of Innkeeping Specialists who assisted With the development of this publication.

11 Step #5 networking Forum The PAII online Forum for members only puts the collective expertise of innkeepers from around the country at your fingertips. Ask questions, share experiences, discuss products, seek advice. You can also search past threads in the archives by topic. Mentor Program We can put members in touch with one of over 60 industry veterans, who can provide insight, give advice, share past personal experiences or just lend an ear. PAII staff can match you up with a mentor based on your specific needs. PAII's Annual Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show PAII hosts approximately attendees from across the country. Meet innkeepers from large and small properties, urban and rural locations, B&Bs and Country Inns, aspiring innkeepers and veterans. Visit for details. State B&B Associations We recommend that you contact your state B & B association for information on their networking opportunities and programs for aspiring innkeepers. A list of the state associations can be found on our website under the resource tab. Regional / Local B&B groups Many areas have a local group of innkeepers that regularly meet to exchange information, network, put together joint marketing programs and stay informed. Please check your local listings or check with your state association for referrals. Good luck in your endeavors! Call to join the Professional Association of Innkeepers International or join online at Membership is only $199 for aspiring innkeepers.