InnBusiness

Opening a Bed and Breakfast: Have you got what it takes?

2012-01-08T08:54:00.001-05:00

The bed and breakfast business a very personal one, personal because innkeeper hosts spend a lot of time with their guests and must be very involved with making them feel welcome and comfortable

It's almost impossible to describe the typical person who operates a bed and breakfast.They come from all walks of life, from professionals to laborers. Artists, craftsman, farmers, insurance agents, teachers and anyone else you can think of have opened and run successful B&Bs.

Singles, couples and families have all been involved. Their reasons for opening a bed and breakfast? Just as varied. Perhaps children have grown and moved away and there are empty rooms in a large home. Some people just have more rooms than they need. Widowed or divorced people have opened B&Bs.

While they are run for a source of income, most people do not depend on them solely for their livelihood. People retired from other professions -- such as professionals or farmers who have a separate primary source of income often operate bed and breakfasts.

All successful bed and breakfasts have one thing in common: owners who like people!
They also like to entertain people in their homes. Many of these owners also have skills they want to use, such as cooking, to please their guests. Others may have historically significant homes they want to share with others.

Anyone seriously thinking about opening a bed and breakfast must like people and be able to deal with all types of people. This is a people business! You must also be willing to sacrifice a big part of your personal life since guests will be living with you.

Many skills are needed to run a successful bed and breakfast. Do you have what it takes?
Before spending a lot of time and money, use this personal assessment survey to help determine if you and your partner (if you have one) have the skills needed.

Answer honestly by writing yes or no to each statement below. (Remember, this survey is for you -- if you're not completely honest with your answers, it won't do you any good!)
Complete the survey for both yourself and for your partner. Have your partner do the same. (So you both fill out the survey twice.)

Personal Assessment Survey

I enjoy getting up early and preparing meals.
I'm highly organized and manage my time well.
I'm self-motivated and a self-starter.
I can do several tasks at one time.
I enjoy entertaining.
I find it easy to get along with most people.
I'm tolerant and patient.
I can handle conflict without alienation.
I work well under pressure.

I can work long hours and face a variety of interruptions.
I learn from mistakes and make changes as needed.
I keep my home neat and clean at all times.
I enjoy performing home maintenance.
I'm cheerful.
I enjoy interior decorating and remodeling.
I enjoy gardening and landscaping.
I have a regular income.
I communicate well on the phone.

I write well and regularly.
I'm persistent.
I consider myself a risk-taker.
I have a high energy level.
I enjoy serving others.
I consider myself flexible.
I have a good business sense.
I can handle the business end of a B&B.
I handle emergencies well.

Compare your answers with your partner's. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Did any of your answers -- or your partner's answers -- surprise you?
Now identify, in writing, your strengths and weaknesses. If you plan to become an innkeeper, your strengths should outweigh your weaknesses and you need to determine ways to compensate for the weak areas.

This series of worksheets and information was originally written by Eleanor Ames, a Certified Family Consumer Sciences professional and a faculty member at Ohio State University for 28 years. With her husband, she ran the Bluemont Bed and Breakfast in Luray, Virginia, until they retired from innkeeping. Many thanks to Eleanor for her gracious permission to reprint them here. Some content has been edited, and links to related features on this site have been added to Eleanor's original text.

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The Bread Baker and The Village......a modern fairy tale with a happy ending

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

(This post was taken from an article by Sonia Simone, senior editor for Copyblogger)

The village is your customer
Once upon a time, the bread baker and his village were stuck with one another. If he baked lousy bread, he had to look his neighbors in the eye and face their scorn. The fact that his customers were his neighbors kept him on the straight and narrow. There was no difference between his professional reputation and his personal one. Huge 20th-century industrialism made that seem irrelevant and quaint. We had no idea what kind of person made the toy or car or loaf of bread we just bought, and we forgot to even wonder.

Now the village is back
If we blow it, customers publicly rap on our window (with social media, blogs or Twitter) and give us a piece of their mind. Once again, our reputation and our products are one and the same. What we create doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to show that we give a damn. The inconvenient part is that the village isn’t stuck with you. If your baguette isn’t great, your customer can FedEx something from an artisanal bakery in Napa or Madison or Boca Raton.

They will find you
The cool part, though, is that if you make something handmade (even if it’s delivered in pixels), personal, and/or magnificently useful, your village can and will find you. Whether you make homespun yarn or an interactive course on how to start a dog-walking business, your product can find its own profitable village of happy customers.

It’s in your DNA
The human being is an inherently creative, flexible, resilient creature. You are an inherently creative, flexible, resilient creature. The times may well get worse before they get better. But compared with a lot of history’s darker moments, this one’s pretty comfortable And the opportunities that have opened up because of technology and communication are nothing short of breathtaking. No, not everyone’s going to become an information entrepreneur. But you can.

Embrace the entrepreneurship
that’s in your DNA. Keep your eyes open for problems to solve and markets to serve. And buckle up. Like every exciting ride, this one’s got a few hairpin curves.

(About the Author: Sonia Simone is Senior Editor of Copyblogger and the founder of Remarkable Communication.)
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The Dream and the Reality of Running a Bed and Breakfast: PART II

2011-12-12T06:24:00.000-05:00

Excerpts from an article by Rob Johnson

for the Wall Street Journal

PART II - The Reality

A Rude Wake-Up Call

Frania Shelley-Grielen wanted to get out of New York. Commuting. Traffic jams. The hectic life of a real-estate title closer. She'd had enough.

A B&B in a remote location seemed to be the perfect ticket out of the city. She started hunting for spots in travel magazines, and in the summer of 2004, she and her husband, Olivier, fell in love with a 100-year-old four-bedroom, four-bath house near Clearwater, Fla., that had once been a bed-and-breakfast.

The place and the plan seemed beyond perfect, says the 52-year-old Shelley-Grielen. "When I saw the golden sunsets, the pelicans and herons, the century-old oaks dripping Spanish moss and all kinds of palms, I thought, 'I have to live there. I can run this wonderful property. I can make it work.' "

She envisioned weary travelers trekking to the bucolic location at the edge of an estuary and marveling at the inn, which the couple named Green Gables. Ms. Shelley-Grielen calls it "sort of a Norman Rockwell and Maxwell House coffee on Sunday morning model," with her playing a worldly wise Martha Stewart role as the ultimate hostess.

The couple sold their $418,000 house in West New York, N.J., and bought Green Gables, which came with a rental cottage next door, for $575,000. But the inn quickly became an ordeal for Ms. Shelley-Grielen. For starters, she found that the guests invaded her privacy.

When one family rented all three guest bedrooms, Ms. Shelley-Grielen and her husband decided to celebrate by going out to dinner. Before leaving, she took the lodgers on a tour of the house and showed them the off-limits area where she and her husband slept and watched television. But when the couple returned that night, one of the guests was "sitting there in our room, watching one of my husband's DVDs," says Ms. Shelley-Grielen. She politely explained the living arrangements again, and the embarrassed vacationer left. But when the family checked out, one member left a sarcastic message in the guest book: "Don't watch the DVDs."

Unlike Mr. Werner at his Scarborough Fair B&B in Baltimore, Ms. Shelley-Grielen thought that many of her guests were oversharing their lives. She began to see their innocent travel questions as tedious inquisitions, she says. And hated the fake intimacy and feeling like a maid. She realized that B&B management often required her to be more friendly than she felt: "There was an artificial instant intimacy to be affected when my paying guests arrived."

Burned out by what she saw as guests' demands for her company, Ms. Shelley-Grielen began to avoid them when possible. "I would retreat to the kitchen and close the door, with its sign that spelled out, 'Private.' "
But some guests just wouldn't leave her alone, Ms. Shelley-Grielen says. Too often, she heard the invitation: "I hope you'll be joining us." She came to view such offers as "command performances" from which "I didn't have the option to bow out."

Beyond that, chores that she envisioned as routine proved more daunting. For instance, when laundering sheets and towels, she donned disposable gloves. "This is the part of the business I hated most," she says. "I tried not to think about who had sex and who didn't."

Just as she saw the guests intruding on her privacy, she felt she was encroaching to clean bedrooms and baths. Worse, she felt demeaned. "No matter how many times I reminded myself that I owned the place, I still felt like a maid," she says.

Even her aspirations to culinary creativity turned sour. She was disappointed when a guest mistook her homemade Frittata for a Quiche. Her dismay turned to antagonism when some of her favorite dishes weren't welcomed by a vacationing woman who didn't eat eggs. "I felt almost personally offended and would insist on putting an unwanted 'eggy' concoction in front of her every morning," Ms. Shelley-Grielen says.
Not only was the guest annoyed, but so was her husband, who, in a show of solidarity, informed Ms. Shelley-Grielen that he didn't like eggs either. Nor did he want the suggested alternative: grits.

The inn failed to show an operating profit in the three years before the couple sold it in 2007. The house is now a private home. Ms. Shelley-Grielen says, "We did everything we could to stay afloat: drained our savings, plundered IRAs and borrowed." Mr. Grielen, now 55, kept working as a physical therapist in Florida to help make ends meet.

Would the B&B have thrived if Ms. Shelley-Grielen's temperament had been more in tune with running the place? No, she says. "I gave it my professional best," and the guest book had numerous visitors' testaments to their satisfaction.

The couple are now in a Manhattan apartment. Mr. Grielen is still a therapist, while Ms. Shelley-Grielen trained for and started a business as an animal behaviorist. It's not exactly a dream field for her, but she's no longer holding career expectations to the high standard she sought at Green Gables. "Falling in love with the idea of what owning a B&B will be like is like getting a crush on a picture of someone you've never met," she says. "You're just projecting."

Mr. Johnson is a writer in Roanoke County, Va. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com

Read Part I : A Dream Come True

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The Dream and the Reality of Running a Bed and Breakfast: PART I

2011-11-16T10:41:00.006-05:00

Excerpts from an article by Rob Johnson
for the Wall Street Journal

PART I - The Dream
A Dream Come True

Barry Werner wanted to be an innkeeper all his life. when he was a child, he and his grandmother added variety to the game by pretending to run a small bed-and-breakfast, welcoming guests, cooking pancakes for them and hearing how much they enjoyed their visit.

Mr. Werner found fulfillment in making menus, bonding with guests and even doing mundane jobs

The fantasy lingered into Mr. Werner's adulthood as he labored at a succession of jobs he didn't love. By the time he hit his 30s, he realized the clock was ticking on the B&B dream.

In early 2007, he coaxed his life partner, Jeff Finlay, into attending an innkeepers industry convention in Myrtle Beach, S.C. At one seminar, a speaker offered a reality check by asking the audience, "Why do you want to own a bed-and-breakfast?" When a woman volunteered that she loved making muffins, the speaker advised that she might be better off running a bake shop. "He said, 'Do you like plunging toilets and cleaning carpet stains?' " Mr. Werner recalls.

Nevertheless, he and Mr. Finlay were intrigued. They began talking to real-estate agents and settled on a six-bedroom, six-bath row house near Baltimore's Inner Harbor. "I liked that a bed and breakfast could be in a city and at the same time near a resort area, parks and museums," says Mr. Werner, now 34.

By June 2007, with the real-estate market starting to tank, the B&B newbies hit a financial bump. They had estimated that selling their house in Germantown, Md., would largely pay for the Baltimore inn, called Scarborough Fair. But Mr. Werner says they not only took a loss on the sale of their house, "we had to use up our savings too" to buy the dream business.

The rocky start was soon forgotten as the joy of running the place took over. Coming up with items for the menu is a special pleasure for Mr. Werner, such as a chocolate-and-bacon waffle dish that came together after lots of trial and error. "When people cleaned their plates, it was awesome," he says.

Then there was the businesswoman from Egypt who let Mr. Werner know in advance about being a vegan. He loaded up on such alternatives as tofu and soybeans, "but the first morning she sat down at the breakfast table and told me she was allergic to them too," he says.

So, Mr. Werner came up with dishes based on nuts and fruit. "When she left a few days later, she told me she was so happy and eating more than she had in years," he says, adding, "This is putting your stamp on something that's very personal to people; it feels wonderful."

Mr. Werner finds fulfillment in more mundane tasks, too, such as doing an occasional load of laundry. Indeed, his roll-up-your-sleeves taste for chores is a common attribute among newly minted entrepreneurs.

His attention to detail helped him get close to many of his guests One liked his holiday decor, which was more mysterious than scary, and thought it would be perfect for her small son, who had a phobia about costumes. Since then, the family has visited Scarborough Fair on vacation and thanked him for his inspiration. "It made me feel really close to them, and really good about what I do," Mr. Werner says.

He's also finding gratification in planning the remodeling of his inn's six bedrooms, each with the theme of a famous author. Mr. Werner say he and Mr. Finlay, now 45, spent about $20,000 on the first conversion, called the Edgar Allan Poe Suite. They plan to rename Scarborough Fair with the Latin phrase Ex Libris, meaning "from the books."

The money worries haven't gone away entirely. Mr. Werner says that so far the B&B is just moderately profitable, and Mr. Finlay still works as a computer programmer to earn money that's needed during the inn's slow winter months.

But the cash isn't the most important thing, Mr. Werner says. "One thing that makes this job perfect is you're helping people have the perfect vacation, or business trip," he says. "You're the person who makes their lives everything they want them to be for a few days. The rewards of that are immeasurable."

Mr. Johnson is a writer in Roanoke County, Va. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com

Read Part II: A Rude Wake up Call

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The cold weather definitely affects you and your business

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Global Warming Means Big Blizzards. And the cold snap would be worse if not for global warming, says Brenda Ekwurzel, a climate scientist from the Union of Concerned Scientists. In fact, she says, "Blizzards and big snowfalls are entirely consistent with global warming," because warmer air traps moisture in clouds, leading to more intense blizzards.

The impact of this year's unseasonably cold weather has been a boon for some sectors of the economy, even as it drags down others. Oil has hit $81 a barrel for the first time in two months, and Bloomberg News notes that stockpiles of heating oil have fallen for six weeks, to 44.4 million barrels -- the longest decline since April 2008. The run is fueled in part by record low temperatures in areas like International Falls, Minn. Known as "the Icebox of the Nation," the town recently hit minus 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

And further south, orange-juice prices soared 90% in 2009, fueled by an unseasonably cool winter in Florida, the world's second-biggest orange grower after Brazil.But a nasty winter doesn't mean all costs go up. Ohio officials report that road salt is cheaper and easier to find after towns got burned by shortages last year. The Dayton Daily News says Streets Department officials are saving money by using the ice-melting agent more efficiently. In the U.K., though, officials are worried about "critically low" supplies.

Coffee Earnings RiseOf course, it wouldn't be winter without warm beverages, and shares of Starbucks (SBUX) are up more than 134% over the last year. Smaller rival Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) is up more than 212%, thanks to the surging popularity of its Keurig single-cup coffeemakers. (I think mine is particularly awesome, and judging by the difficulty I had in finding some flavors. so do other consumers.)

Those who aren't worried about the supply of salt or the cost of heating oil are enjoying the wintry wonderland. Chris Hustad, owner of Nodak Outdoors in Bismarck, N.D., says he plans to go ice-fishing today and that his fellow enthusiasts would angle through a frozen lake "come hell or high water."

And the cold doesn't bother the 6,700 people who live in the Icebox of the Nation. Rod Otterness, city manager of International Falls, says he prefers bone-chilling but calm days like Jan. 4's to windier, warmer days. (Tuesday's high temperature is predicted to reach 3 degrees Fahrenheit.)"Everybody is driving down the street," Otterness says. "Trees are absolutely gorgeous with ice crystals. What's nice about International Falls is that we don't get that slushy stuff." (Courtesy Johnathan Berr, Daily Finance)

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The truth about bottled water

2011-10-23T11:13:00.000-04:00

I stopped using bottled water personally and at my bed and breakfast around five years ago, for several reasons: First of all, I don't like contributing all that plastic to our land fills. Secondly, my dentist told me the local water, here in Louisville, is better for your teeth. And, lastly, for all the reasons mentioned in this video:

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How important is marketing your business?

2011-10-15T06:46:00.000-04:00

Nearly all new businesses fail. That’s the official statistic. Some say 4 out of 5, some say as many as 95%.They are very risky. Successful entrepreneurs, however, thrive on risk. The more insane the odds, the better they like it. For those of us who have families, or who just don’t feel like living on Ramen for the next four years, we’re probably better off keeping the day job.

Most people, when they think of the idea of starting a business, see it as an incredibly risky proposition, one that entails not just egg-in-the-face, but total ruin. They are nearly hysterical about the risks they could incur if they left their safe, boring jobs.

But is actuality, day jobs are risky. You’re making a bet that your company is well-run enough to survive the economy’s twists and turns, and that they’re always going to want to keep you around. Either of those can change in a heartbeat, and you’re left without a safety net. Crossing the street is risky. Using an ATM is risky. Having kids is almost unbearably risky.
Almost 100 people in the U.S. are killed by lightning and bees every year. Going outside: super risky.

The scary statistics about new business failure get quoted all the time. If you mention at Thanksgiving that you’re thinking about starting a business, your Aunt Mary will definitely dredge them up. But gross statistics compiled by government agencies can’t give you the picture of what those “failures” look like.They don’t tell you how many were experiments. They don’t tell you what the “failures” taught the business owners. They don’t tell you how many of those businesses changed into something else — something more fun or more profitable. They don’t tell you how motivated the owners were. They don’t tell you what the owners went on to do next.

Unfortunately, a lot of those bricks-and-mortar business owners have never educated themselves about marketing or sales. They “don’t have time” to read and implement a course or a book on marketing. For a high-overhead business, marketing is a necessity, not a luxury. You don’t have the time to wait around for word of mouth. If you don’t get enough customers through your doors before you run out of cash, you lose.

Risk is manageable. You can have a successful business. But you need to have some idea about what you’re doing. I started my business without a business degree or much know-how when it came to business. But I learned as I went along that marketing is extremely important. I’ve been in business 17 years now and still updating my marketing strategies on a regular basis.

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Business Idea and job opportunities

2011-10-07T11:04:00.001-04:00

Here's an idea: Fox Hollow, which used to be a spa has become a working farm.

Their Market garden is a ten acre market garden located in beautiful northern Kentucky. It is managed using biodynamic, organic, and permaculture methods and practices; though we are not currently certified. The programs mission is to provide the highest quality produce to the community and to educate and inspire the interns, wwoofers, and volunteers who help make it all possible. The garden has expanded to 10+ acres this year in order to grow enough food for our local community, chickens, bunnies, and more.

They are seeking interns, volunteers, and wwoofers who want to join in the fun for the 2011 market garden season. Each position plays a different role in the garden, with varying degrees of responsibility and time commitment. It will be all hands on deck this year and we're looking forward to seeing you in the garden! If you are interested in getting more information about the program, please contact us at foxhollowmarketgarden@gmail.com or you can reach us by phone at 502-243-4800.

They are also looking for volunteers to come out to the farm to help with specific projects and/or weekly harvesting. Be prepared to get dirty, sweaty, and sore - harvesting is hard work! You'll leave at the end of the day with a bag of veggies and a taste for more. Please contact us at foxhollowmarketgarden@gmail.com to sign up for our volunteer mailing list.

And are definitely interested in Wwoofers (World Wide Workers On Organic Farms) to come to us from all over the world and work 30-40 hours each week in exchange for room and board. There is a two week minimum stay for wwoofers who are usually housed at the Veggie Shack or the Farm Campsite. If you are interested in wwoofing you'll need to register to WWOOF here: http://www.wwoof.org/ Learn more about Foxhollow Wwoofing.

Their interns live on the farm and are an integral part of the Foxhollow Farming Community. Interns work a 40-60 hour week from April 1 to November 1 each season. They work side by side with the head gardener and are involved in all aspects of the market garden operation including seed starting and saving, preparing and using the biodynamic sprays, planting, harvesting, participation in CRAFT and working with customers at the farmer's markets and Foxhollow Farm Store. Interested? Find out more and apply for our Internship Opportunities.

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Creating your own Website.....You can do it too

2011-09-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

When I started in business, I knew absolutely nothing about creating websites, much less getting around on the internet. The closest I had come to it, as a teacher, was using an old Apple, the kind Bill Gates gave to the schools, when they became obsolete.

They were actually word processors. You could not get on the internet with them, but you could could write a "mean" article and hone your typing skills. When I came to Louisville, where my bed and breakfast is, I didn't even have a PC, but my daughters, who were computer savvy, told me it was absolutely necessary, if I were to have my own business. I was so "green" I didn't even realize I had to advertise to let people know I was here.

I had to think about a website for my business. I definitely couldn't hire a designer, I didn't have the money to do that. I had just bought a historic house, and was turning it into a bed and breakfast. I knew nothing about business, I didn't even have a business plan. But what I did have have passion, determination and a strong work ethic. I could cook, garden, decorate, and learn just about anything! So, I knew I could do this. I was definitely not a business person; I was always in the arts. As most of you know, artists use their right brains and bus/tech people use their left brains. I soon learned to use both. And found myself switching back and forth with a fury.

First thing I did was buy a desk top computer ( I now also have a laptop, which I take with me everywhere). Then I made the decision to design ( I had been an art major) and maintain my own website. My daughters had done it, why couldn't I? I went to tripod.com and looked around. I found that I could build a website there using their editor, but I wanted more. I wanted to make additional changes and I wanted to be my own webmaster. So, I found several HTML tutorials on line and learned to write code. This was very helpful, and I loved it. Who knew? Who knew that I would love working on the computer with text and graphics for hours. Was I really a closet computer geek at heart? Maybe, maybe not. But there is one thing I know for sure. I am now a Granpreneur!

Entrepreneurship: Is now a good time to start your own business?

2011-09-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

Where we find ourselves

In this time of uncertainty, when many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, we as a country are faced with severe problems in the workplace. Businesses are cutting back or going under and jobs are in jeopardy. Finding a way to generate a living, much less start a satisfying career is becoming more and more difficult. However, there is one bright spot that many may have overlooked. Entrepreneurship and the feasibility of small business is gaining some revitalized validity though out the nation and right here in Louisville.

Based on a series of interviews with Louisville business persons it appears that, even though small business entrepreneurs have had to cutback like everybody else, they have managed to survive better than some larger businesses. Our country's economy was built on small business endeavors and entrepreneurship. Small businesses were the cornerstones of our economic system and contributed to its development. Today, small business and entrepreneurs are again becoming more important than ever.

Entrepreneurs are now driving the technology boom, which is itself driving much of the world's economic growth. This makes entrepreneurs very important from a macro-economic perspective. They have become a broader economic phenomenon; a major impact on the economy. As the globalism of business becomes even more widespread, this impact will be felt even more deeply.

The challenges of starting a business

There are many challenges in starting a business. A person may have a great idea, may be able to raise a little start up money, and work out a lot of the beginning logistics. However, there are such a wide variety of skills needed at the implementation stage, that no one person can have the skills to manage all the functions well. The real talent is for entrepreneurs to recognize what they do well, develop the additional skills they will need, then find employees or subcontractors who can fill the gaps .

Acquiring the right skills and information

At the implementation stage of a business, some of different skills involved are: employees, marketing, advertising, sales, communications, public relations, legal needs, government regulations, equipping the office, risk management, disaster planning, crisis management, insurance, technology, hardware, software, the Internet, and bookkeeping, managing debt, taxes, and barter. Without attention to these skills, there is no business. As a result, business schools are developing programs geared to small business and the entrepreneur.

Louisville business schools

The are very good business schools in every state. Louisville has a variety of options for obtaining the necessary skills and information to start almost any kind of small business. Some of the local schools with good business programs are : University of Louisville, Sullivan University , Brown-Mackie College, Spencerian College. There are many others, some of which are in your area. For information, check the yellow pages of the Internet.

Note: The university of Louisville is now offering a doctoral program in entrepreneurship with some of the finest experts in the country.

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Blogging for success

2011-08-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

What is a Blog?
“A blog (web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order & displayed in
reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add
content to a blog.” (Wikipedia)

Why should I blog?
A blog will lead new visitors to your web site based upon posts that you do. New posts get
indexed instantly, so you post in the morning, get business in the afternoon.

What software should I use?
Wordpress.org
Pros: Best for SEO, has the most features, able to maintain an entire site with it.
Cons: Not easy to install for a novice, need to update software often.
Blogger.com
Pros: 5 minute setup, easy to use, owned by Google.
Cons: Not able to put content inside of your site, you don't own the software.

Where can I find content?
Both Blogger & Wordpress make it easy to pull content into their blogs from outside sources.
Photos: Flickr.com is a great source to find millions of photos that can be used in your blog.
Videos: Youtube.com has videos that you can embed right into any blog post you do.
Google Maps: Make a custom map of local attractions and add it into your blog.

What should I write about?
Posts should be done to help your site’s placement in the search engines. Develop content
about local attractions and events in your area.
Use the Google Wonder Wheel to find what to write about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ah7ZWYjxdM

Important Points
• You want to have your blog found at http://www.yoursite.com/blog
• Update your blog often, posting weekly is best.
• Keep posts interesting with photos, videos and maps.
• Post from experience, it is like first hand information.
• Market your blog, make it send your posts to Technorati, Facebook & Twitter.
• Follow the InsideOut Solutions blog at http://www.insideout.com/blog/

(by Jeff Logan of InsideOut Solutions)

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Is twitter broken?

2011-07-13T17:23:00.050-04:00

Jaime Soulati, asked the question, in a recent article, and went on to say: "The future of Twitter is anyone’s guess, and you can imagine I have some opinions on that (who, moi?). I mentioned recently, something’s afoot in social media land and I couldn’t quite tap a crystalline here’s-what’s-wrong answer...I think I’m getting closer."...read more.

Note: "Don't be upset, Jaime, that I added a link to your site" (N. Hinchliff)

Watch this excellent interview on changing trends in social media

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Check out my about.me profile!

New Technology on Face book

2011-07-11T07:54:00.000-04:00

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Promote yourself online

2011-06-01T07:20:00.002-04:00

Cheryl Brown listS the 10 best ways to promote yourself online. Really good tips; take a look...........

"When you’re trying to establish a professional identity, you need to be savvy about the various networking sites online and how they work. These are the places that people look these days when trying to find out more about a person. Each of the social and professional networking sites have different strengths. Understanding what those are, will help you in creating your online image"...continue reading

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Twitter audacity

2011-05-28T10:50:00.000-04:00

In a post by Peter Wright on his blog, he says that "The audacity of twitter users ignoring an injunction awarded by a British court caused severe consternation in legal circles. Complaints about electronic media being “Out of Control” were uttered by indignant, learned and be-wigged gentlemen in legal and government offices." Continuing reading on Wright's blog

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17 valuable tips for Twitter users

2011-05-17T08:47:00.000-04:00

Social media specialist and blogger. Pratyushkp K. Parrnaik, has gathered together a valuable list from Mashable Connect which may help you in your future Twitter experiences. I especially like #12 on his list: "Embrace your insignificance" contributed by @robkey on twitter.

Pratyushkp writes: " While Twitter users have become more active in the past year, there are only a few who are consistently valuable, engaging and respected. Becoming one of those users is a challenging task, but it’s also something that can pay big dividends. That’s why we asked the world’s leaders in digital for their advice on how to become a master Twitter user." Check out the list and read more HERE

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The Single Most Powerful Use of Social Media for Small Business

2011-05-12T09:52:00.000-04:00

In an article by John Jantsch on Duct Tape marketing, he says: "I get asked all of the time for tips on simple ways to use social media in a small business that don’t require vast amounts of time. I mean, small business owners know they need to get more involved online, they hear about and see it on TV daily, they are using more and more in their everyday lives, but when it comes to their own small business, it’s still taking a bit of a back seat because they fear they don’t have the time to do what looks and feels like a bunch of work for little immediate gain."......read more

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What has been the biggest change in the public relations business over the past 20 years?

2011-04-29T11:42:00.000-04:00

Elizabet Sosnow answers these questions:

1. How has social media changed how PR Agencies compete and serve their customers?
2. Are they stuck on “social” and missing the bigger picture?”
3. How has the PR business model changed in the last three years and what’s next?
4. What does it take to find and attract the best PR talent?

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Are you keeping your small business alive?

2011-04-09T12:13:00.008-04:00

In scanning the internet and researching opportunities for reasonable marketing help, I came across the following article and site by Brian Kingsley of Small Business Design and Marketing. It sounded interesting to me and just may be something bed and breakfast owners could benefit from. So I decided to share it here. If you read it, approach with caution, as you would any advertisement on the internet and check it out before getting involved. Take what you will from it...........

The Recession Truth,

by Brian Kingsley (edited for space allowance)

Let's cut throught the bull. Times are tough. It's going to get far worse sooner than it gets better. No marketing or promotion for your small business (especially Hospitality & Tech) is not a good decision. Explore your opportunities by clicking here. There are so many scams out there now that consumers must be educated as to how to recognize a legit opportunity from a scam.

The Hosptiality Industry will be one of the top 5 hardest hit in 2009. If you do nothing at all, you're likely to be sunk. There are affordable and effecive ways to not only hang on to what you have but increase your revenue during these difficult times. If you do not feel that you can market your Inn effectively yourself, there are reputable people who can help you out. Many will negotiate pricing and barter for goods and services, including website design and marketing.

Small Business is the backbone of the United States. Are you going to let the government take that away from you? No, you're going to be optimistic and you will most likely come out on top.

Surviving Social Media

2011-01-24T15:33:00.001-05:00

If you have more than one blog and also frequent more than one social networking site, you may have found that managing all of them can be a little tricky. They can be time consuming unless you stick to the ones that benefit you and your business or personal needs the most.

Blogs require a least one post a week or more to keep people coming back and social networks require postings, comments and conversations as you strive to build trust and relationships.

The following video identifies the various online social networking sites and makes some good suggestions for deciding which sites are the best for you and how to get the most return from each.

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6 Tips for Social Networking: Guest post by Heather Webb

2011-01-07T07:59:00.001-05:00

Heather Webb, a former military brat and traveling addict, lives in a rural town in Connecticut with her husband and children. Holding degrees in French and Geography of Latin American Studies, Heather worked in education since 2000 as a high school teacher and as Director of New England Virtual School, an online high school. An avid reader, her writing has been inspired and impassioned by human struggle, historical relevance, and nature. She has recently begun her first novel and finds herself bartering for time to write with her demands as a mother and business owner. You can find Heather blogging at: Heather Webb: Musings of A Dilettante

Tips on Social Networking
by Heather Webb

1. USE TWEETDECK: I was weary about learning a new application on top of all of the others, but decided to be brave and test the waters. I couldn’t be happier that I did. As a matter of fact, I’m completely addicted to Tweetdeck! It’s really the ONLY way to deal with streaming comments on Twitter. You manage those you follow by placing them into a “list” or category of your choosing. Friends, news & entertainment, business-related folks (whoever you follow) can be sorted into their own vertical columns. This is only one of the many things this application does for you. Check it out. You won’t be sorry!
2. REGISTER WITH BLOGFARM: This is a website comprised of a community of bloggers in practically every subject area you can imagine. Register your blog with them for free! You’ll see an increase in traffic to your site, especially the more often you post. If you’re hyper about advertising, you can pay a small fee for an upgrade of their service.
3. LINK YOUR MEDIA PLATFORMS:. There are two reasons you should do this: 1) It makes your life easier to say something one time 2)everyone has different platforms that they prefer. In order to reach as many people as possible, it’s a good idea to show that you can be found on MANY platforms, allowing your followers to choose. Try Tweetdeck or Hootsuite to manage them all.
4.AVOID STUPID COMMENTS: “I’m going to brush my teeth and clean the house.” WHO CARES?! You barely care and we’re all dying of boredom reading comments like these. You’ll find yourself deleted all over the place. And another thing, it counts as a stupid comment to always post news or impersonal gobbly gook. We want to get to know each other by interacting. Isn’t that the point of all of this?
5. GIVE SOMETHING AWAY: People love free stuff. It doesn’t matter what form the “free stuff” takes on. For example, as a foodie I constantly experiment with new ingredients and recipes, then post them for free. Yes, giving away “knowledge” counts if it’s useful to your audience. Sound bites, pictures, videos…you get the idea. Start giving it away.
6. DO NOT PROMOTE YOURSELF CONSTANTLY: Simply put, it’s annoying. Of course you can talk about your upcoming projects, book signings, and media events from time to time- just not 24/7. Don’t be so self- important. There’s a lot of interesting people to get to know. It takes as much effort or less to post a funny diddy instead of an impersonal promotional statement.
Use these media tools wisely and you’ll form new personal and professional relationships worth the investment of time you’ve made.

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Two careers at the same time

2010-12-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

Wearing two hats

It's not easy but it can be done, depending on what the careers are and if they are compatible. Also, the degree to which you are organized and how up-to-date the tools you are using to help yourself make a big difference.

My first career

I've been running a bed and breakfast for 16 years. I've got the operation down pat. I could practically do it in my sleep...but not without a good assistant; a good computer, printer and fax machine; and a bent towards continual organization...organization that works...that is expedient...and the sense to update what is not working or outdated.

My second career

Now, add to the mix that I've been writing articles on line, blogging and working on a memoir for the past two years. My writing has increased considerably since I started the memoir. I started collecting stories about my bed and breakfast a couple of years ago and publishing them on line for feedback. The feedback was good and many suggested that I put the stories together into a memoir.

My secrets

Probably my main secrets to being able to handle all this are: I love to work and I love to write. In fact, I can't help writing. Sometimes I write all day long. If I have guests in the house, I recruit my part-time assistant to come and help me. I've trained her so that she can actually take over for me while I stay up in my office on the computer. Training her is part of that "organization" thing I was talking about. If you are hiring someone to help you, be sure you take the time to train them to do things exactly as you would like to have them dome. Believe me, it's worth the time.

Another secret is taking short, frequent breaks. If you are a napper, as I am, take a 15 minute snooze a couple of times during the day. If you watch a lot of TV, you may have to give up some of it in order to accomplish the tasks you feel are more important. Think in terms of priority. I have two or three shows I watch during the week. I use those times as breaks. And I don't watch TV on the week-ends, so I get a lot of writing done then.

One thing I forgot to mention is that I do not have a family to take care of. I am not married now and my children are all grown and have families of their own. This does make a difference in the time I'm able to spend on writing, but if I had a husband and children, the kids would be in school most of the day, and my husband would be at work. If I didn't have a job, I'd have the same amount of time as if my life were as I described in the beginning of this post.

On the other hand, if I had a family to take care of and a job, I'd have to really organize, prioritize and enlist the help of my family to get the time I needed for my writing or second career. Flexibility is key here. And this whole thing is an exercise in living a full, exciting, and exhilarating life, as well as finding time to do the things that make you happy. Don't let life pass you by while you languish in front of the TV set or drown in disorganization and meaningless activity.

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Are you up for taking a risk?

2010-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you think that opening a bed and breakfast may be right for you, may be something you would enjoy, or something you could be passionate about, have you considered the possibility that you may have to take a risk? That risk may involve time or money, or both; considering that potential changes to their present situation will probably elicit some degree of fear in most people, whether they have a positive or negative mindset. Either position affects how you deal with that fear. Fear can get in the way of finding happiness and living life to the fullest.

Your thoughts definitely affect how you view life. If you're coming from a negative place, you will undoubtedly respond to that fear in a negative way. You may have exaggerated feelings of inadequacy, worries about your performance ability, about other people's reactions, or even about issues outside your control. You will then unconsciously seek out confirmation of those negative thoughts. Conversely, if your thoughts are positive, you'll seek out positive choices and expect positive results.

A person's reality is influenced by the degree to which he appoaches life positively or negatively. Negativity is reality to the negative thinker. His thoughts make it so. The positive thinker, on the other hand, may also see reality, but he sees it in a different light. He may not reject or ignore reality, thinking that just because he approaches life in a positive way, his problems will disappear. Instead, he may simply look at his problems in a different light. He will probably look for creative solutions and choose to act in positive ways.

Making changes to you mindset

No one said it was easy, but it is possible. To begin with you need to think along the lines of three things: thought awareness, rational thinking, and the challenging of negative thoughts.

Thought awarenessAccording to an article on Mind Tools: http://tinyurl.com/9acyau, "...you are thinking negatively when you fear the future, put yourself down, criticize yourself for errors, doubt your abilities, or expect failure. Negative thoughts tend to flit into our consciousness, doing their damage and flitting back out again, with their significance barely even noticed. Since we may not realise that they were there, we do not challenge them properly, which means that they can be completely incorrect and wrong. These negative thoughts damage our confidence, harm performance, paralyze mental skills.." and prevent us from moving forward.

The article suggests that you observe your thoughts and become aware of what is going on in your head whenever you are confronted with...[ the fear of change]" As in a "stream of consciousness", think about the thing you're trying to achieve, but are afraid to do so. Do not suppress any thoughts. Then write your negative thoughts down. Or keep a daily log of negative thoughts. Every so often, look for patterns and repetitions.

Rational thinkingApproach your fears rationally. Analyze each of them honestly. Ask yourself if you have the training and experience to try something different. If not, go about finding ways to get it. Identify the risks in making changes and take steps to reduce those risks. Identify caveats and problems that may arise and plan ahead for what you or other people can do to solve or confront them.

Challenging negative thoughts
"When you challenge negative thoughts rationally, you should be able to see quickly whether the thoughts are wrong or whether they have some substance to them. Where there is some substance, take appropriate action. However, make sure that your negative thoughts are genuinely important to achieving your goals, and don't just reflect a lack of experience, which everyone has to go through at some stage."

Positive Thinking & opportunity seeking

By now, you should already be feeling more positive. The final step is to prepare rational, positive thoughts and affirmations to counter any remaining negativity.

(part of a series on finding your passion)

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Don't throw in the towel

2010-11-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

I just read an article that I felt was a little alarming, in that it laid out the state of our country's workforce and how it is affecting families in a totally negative way, and then offered only one solution. Now, I do not believe in sugar-coating things; I am definitely a realist. But, at the same time, I don't believe in hitting someone when they are down. I think we have to work on keeping a positive attitude, believe in ourselves, and look for solutions, because believe me there are more than one. Here is the link, go look for yourselves, then read my response and let me know what you think.

My response to the article at the above link

Tom, what a downer (no offense :=)) You must have some more suggestions for getting out of trouble. It's good to have the faith, yes, but a little action mixed in might grind the ole wheels a bit. I write for an on-line newspaper and am assigned to careers and the workplace. I've done a lot of research lately on "Entrepreneurship" and found that this just may be an area that the jobless can pursue, if they set their mind to it.
I am in business for myself and am doing well, during these tough times. It's a small business and we were a little scared around the election and for a few months after. But no one could lay me off and the business soon started coming back. I constructed a new website for it and it's doing really well now...in fact this is one of the best years we've had in a long time.
I'm not saying it's easy, but most people can handle some kind of small business. Mine is a bed and breakfast. I knew absolutely nothing about it when I started...but I sure learned fast. I'm not even a "business" person. I've always worked in the "arts". Of course, I am a very positive person and I was convinced I could do it. That helps.
Just a suggestion....from a small business owner that learned everything on-the-job.:=)

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Responding to my own post of almost a year ago

2010-03-06T17:07:00.017-05:00

I posted an article a year ago in an effort to help small business owners who couldn't afford to run out and hire a web specialist to build a website and manage it for them. Upon publishing the post, I received the following comment (the April 6th blogpost is at the bottom):

"Nancy, While I am a hands-on person and certainly appreciate people who aren't afraid to take on a challenge, I have to disagree with your suggestion that innkeepers try to build their own website. I've studied hundreds of sites, and I can always spot the homemade sites. People who spend their lives doing it can build great sites; amateurs rarely can unless that has been their chosen field prior to becoming an innkeeper.

And, besides design, there are tons of issues with SEO and the newer metasearch capabilities that are on the horizon.If one person quoted you $6,000 while on the phone, I'd check with others. Anyone giving you a quote for a website should spend some time talking with you to see what you want in terms of features and approach, and should then give you a written proposal that itemizes the costs for various features.

Yes, a new site is expensive, but you can get a great site for around $4,000, and it's worth every penny in increased revenues. Amortized over three to five years, a good site is a bargain. Being penny-wise can be pound foolish when your website is the first thing people will often see to make a decision to visit with you, and you've only got three seconds to convey your brand and get their attention."

This particular person is in the web building and maintenance business and was obviously pushing for small business owners, like myself, to pay $4000-6000 for a website. I did not and still do not agree with this person. I went ahead to build myself a new website a few weeks after his comments. It's been up for a year now. Google analytics show good response and I was up 11% in revenue over the time it was launched. Check out what he referred to as a "homemade" site: It may not be a prize-winner but my guests have given it glowing reviews, I am having the best occupancy rates I have had in the past five years, and Google Analytics shows a marked increase in hits since the new site is up..

April 6th blog post

One of the biggest expenses for Innkeepers is marketing. You have to keep your Inn out there on the internet. This is the way just about everybody today finds air travel, car rentasl, and accommodations. It is no longer enough to list your Inn in travel books, advertise in magazines and newspapers and depend on word of mouth. There are too many Inns out there now. When I started my business 15 years ago, the industry was just beginning to take off, and having a website brought in about 50% of my buinesss. Today, it brings more like 85%.

I still have the same website I had 15 years ago. I built it myself, so I'm able to make changes. But it's beginning to look pretty out of date and badly in need of a make over. If I hadn't built it myself and had not become comfortable with creating text and graphics on the computer, I would have to to go to one of the many experts who build websites and have them do it for me. Now, believe me, this is VERY expensive. In fact, I called one well-know B&B web builder recently to find out what a new site would cost me. After some thought, he said it would run around $6000.

Wow! I couldn't afford that before the economic crunch, so I certainly can't now. And, frankly, I'd rather put in a new bathroom or update my kitchen. What I'm getting at, here, is that this type of work, although it is a specialty and people go to design school to learn how to do it, is possible to do yourself. There are so many tutorials on line and tons of information to get you started.

First thing you need to do is look at lots of B&B sites on the web and decide what "look" you are want for your business. Then decide whether you want to buy softwear and go it alone or go to a site with an editor and a selection of templates http://tinyurl.com/ddz3pp , who could also help you host your site. GoDaddy http://tinyurl.com/cf7uyw , Web.com http://tinyurl.com/c88eqt and Tripod http://www.tripod.lycos.com are all good places to start looking. Also Google, Wordpress and Yahoo http://tinyurl.com/c3zgd3 have sites where you can build a blog which could serve as a website.

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My Business: Comparison of 2009 to 2008

2010-02-19T19:25:00.011-05:00

I was really amazed at what I discovered after gathering all the information concerning income and expenses for my accountant so that she could prepare my federal taxes for last year. With the economy the way it is I fully expected that we would have a much worse year than the year before.

I had not panicked when things started slowing down around the election and continued to do so though Christmas and January. I did not lower my room rates, nor did I start offering cheap packages and 2 for 1 specials like some other innkeepers. What I did do was keep my wits about me and construct a new website, totally up-dated and modern with lots of information and photos.

I think this really worked. I hadn't updated the site I built 16 years ago when I opened my bed and breakfast and it was way overdue. Well, I did it and Voila! all of a sudden my business started to pick up in February and continued to do so for the rest of the year. I ended up at the end of the year with an 11% increase from the year before.

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Why are innkeepers so resistant?

2010-02-15T10:21:00.019-05:00

A plea to social media trainers when dealing with innkeepers, Guest post by Heather Turner

chefforfeng

Innkeepers are smart people/Innkeepers are practical people. Some are very comfortable with a computer, others semi-comfy and some not at all, they email, they browse the web, that’s it. When I work with my clients I explain there are things you can do with social media and many are working on them but they are baby steps. I’m not going to force innkeepers to use it until they feel they are ready, they have time to talk about it and actually understand it. It’s not a wham bam thank you mam process.

It seems like everyone and their uncle is giving social media seminars now adays, I’ll add the amount of SM “experts” to the mix just for kicks and giggles. Yes I am giving a SM seminar myself soon, I am no expert but I am a good observer and I do see whats working and not working for businesses. But for me, it’s easier to get a bunch of my peeps together in one room instead of spending another 20 hours (like I just did this week) on the phone with them when they call me “not getting it” after the seminars they just went to.
The point of my plea is I am finding a serious disconnect between these classes/lectures/seminars and what innkeepers are actually taking away from attending them.

In the past three months I have had most of the innkeepers I work with (and also many of my other types of clients) attend SM classes/lectures/seminars (and webinars) and to date every single one of them has called me afterwards and said “I still don’t get it” and “still don’t know where to start” “know what to do” and some of these people paid good money for the events they attended.
Um excuse me folks but am I missing something here?

Social media is not brain surgery. Social media should not be hard to explain. Teaching people how to use social media should not consist of telling them internet jargon and
a. expecting them to understand it and
b. retain it and
c. how to actually use it.
Most important in my book: Teaching people how to use social media should not be a sales pitch about why they should “have” to use a paid company to market themselves.

In the past week, I have walked through setting up on the phone, 6 facebook fan pages, 3 twitter registrations and 4 all the things you can do with blogs (any type of blog) not the “you have to use wordpress.org” so you can pay someone to implement it for you type. These were people that had just attended social media seminars and apparently even though they are smart practical people they didn’t “get” it. Hmmmmmm
Ponder you this, if I can walk someone through how to set up a fan page in under 10 minutes on the phone, why does an hour plus seminar they just attended not get them to be able to do it?

This morning an innkeeper (not one of mine but a friend) called me, “How come my fan page isn’t showing up in Google search?“
He had gone ahead and set up a facebook account after attending a social media seminar. Turns out he had spent considerable time setting up a personal page. I asked him “didn’t they explain the difference to you between personal pages and fan pages?” “No” “are you sure?” “Yes” “Is it in the handouts?” “No” This is a smart computer literate guy we are talking about here, methinks he was paying attention. ….Hello!!!!!
Please peeps teaching this stuff, take into consideration all the information that’s hitting people over the head right now. It’s mind blowing. I do part of this for a living and I now spend over an hour every morning just reading up on new stuff and I have trouble keeping up. Keep it simple, keep it understandable.

Please don’t speak in tech jargon to people. Many of them don’t know what BOOLEAN LOGIC or Paradigm Shifts in Marketing, are for instance and if you are going to bring it up, please for the love of mike, explain it and use plain speak. Or XML or even ROI. I’ve learned to stop using that in conversation for the most part myself because I have to explain what ROI means, I wish I was kidding.
Give them ideas and SHOW them how to implement them, don’t just say you need to blog because you SHOULD be doing it. You SHOULD have a facebook fan page, Great! How do you market it? How do you gain fans? What should you put on it? Apparently none of this stuff is sinking in if it’s getting taught because apparently there’s a lot of people out there not “getting” it.

I get sent the literature that my peeps get from going to these things. Most of them are filled with graphs and numbers and jargon and “you should be doing this because yada yada yada yada”. Not here’s the beef, these are the veggies you should use in it, cook it like this, season it like this, make it taste like this and viola you have beef stew. And by the way here’s some things you can do to it to make it goulash or tandoori.
When I teach a cooking class or do a cooking demo to a group of professional people (who are not trained chefs/cooks but smart everyday peeps) I don’t use words like beurre blanc, I say butter sauce, I don’t talk in restaurant lingo and use restaurant terms. If I do, I explain them and explain the meanings behind them. I am not going to assume, even though I know they are smart bright professional people, that they are going to know what the heck I am talking about.

It’s the same with teaching SM. If you tell someone they should blog, give them some ideas to blog about, a system that they can use to implement so its not time consuming and if you bring up good blogs and bad blogs, give them some examples and EXPLAIN why they are good and bad, don’t just say you should be blogging. And don’t try to fill the speech with internet jargon, people don’t get it!
The majority of these seminars are given by people talking as if the people they are speaking too, will intuitively empathically telepathically understand this stuff. If you tell someone that doesn’t speak English how to cook an egg, is he or she going to understand? If you take the egg and show them how to do it, they will get it. I attend these things myself a couple of times a week online and if I didn’t have a basis in knowing what they were talking about it would be over my head too.

Please step back and make sure your classes/lectures/seminars are not geared towards people that already freely navigating in the ever changing world of SM. Most of the people that are attending these things are NOT at this point, think of the first week of first year French class, not advanced French regional dialects. When you plan a social media class/lecture/seminar would you please, please, pretty please with lots of SEO on top, do me a huge favor and run it by a test group (who are basic computer literates but not internet free spirits) first and make sure they “get” it first. Your making additional work for me (that I don’t charge my peeps for) and giving me a major headache.

I have heard good things about lectures that Acorn Internet has done for example, so I not knocking the fact that there are good companies out there that do a good job, I just wish there were more of them so I don’t have to deal with the end results of the so so ones.

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How to find money to grow your business

2010-02-08T15:30:00.007-05:00

Even with the most disciplined cost control and effective collection of money your business can run short of cash. As a matter of fact, this is a fairly constant situation when you are growing your business. There are two key periods of capital consumption you should consider: the launch phase and the growth phase. Sources of available capital differ somewhat during each of these periods. But raising money never comes easily.

The Launch Phase

This period includes the time from the day you crystallize your business concept through the first six-twelve months after you officially open for business. You can look at your business during this phase as a "money sponge"--everything you do seems to require cash.

You can feel very conflicted during this period regarding your money. You have read or been told that you need to conserve your cash in the early days of your business, and yet there seems to be so many expenditures you must make. The key question to answer is: Can you successfully pursue your marketing strategy while keeping tight control on your available cash? If not, you will find yourself visiting the bank for a cash advance more often than you may wish.

Sources of Start-Up Capital

Savings: This is probably the most commonly used source of start-up capital, as it should be. Be realistic -- why should anyone else take a financial risk on you until you have proved that you can make a profit with your own money?

The ideal scenario would be for the new business owner to have planned ahead enough that she accumulates all of the seed money she needs before she quits her job and opens for business. The reality is that the personality type that will undertake a new business launch is also characterized by impatience. This often leads to fudging on the amount of money you start with.

Your family's active help can make the money go further by pitching in on necessary tasks, such as typing billing, stuffing envelopes, answering the phone, doing the bookkeeping, passing out flyers, etc.

Credit Cards: If you enjoy good personal credit, you will receive at least several offers of "cut rate" credit cards. A common technique is to offer you a "special introductory interest rate" of between 6.5% and 8.0%. If you read the financial pages in the newspaper, you know that this rate is below the current prime rate.

So what is the catch? The rate is usually only good for six months, at which time it typically rises to 6.5% over prime (around 15%). Obviously if you plan to carry a significant balance more than six months, you may want to reexamine the use of these supposed special deals.

It is, however, very convenient to be able to walk into a bank and walk out with $5000$6000 in cash, without having to deal with a bank officer. We recommend that you apply for at least one of these reduced-rate cards and put it away safely until you find your business in a first-year emergency or until a very certain selling opportunity comes along.

Family Loans: This source of capital is probably the second or third most-widely used source of seed money. If you have thought out your business idea even a little you can usually approach at least one family member for a $1000-$3000 loan. We call this "love money" because they lend it based more on their love for you than from a thorough review of your business plan. Dollar amounts above this level are more difficult to obtain without some more formal commitment, such as a promissory note. If you fall behind in paying, don't be surprised if at Thanksgiving dinner you are approached by the lender for a "heart to heart" talk.

One key guideline to follow: Don't borrow from a family member who can't afford to lose the money. Unfortunately, you probably only have a 60% chance of paying the money back so default is not uncommon.

Home Equity Loans: During the 1980's, borrowing money on the equity in your house was a popular way to finance a business launch. The most important fact to remember with this type of loan is: If you default, you don't just walk away and chalk it up to experience. The bank will be on your trail fast! They usually don't really want to have to sell your house, so they will press you to agree to a repayment schedule, which will often require that you find a JOB very quickly.

Be aware: Apply for a home equity before you quit or lose your job, unless your spouse brings in a substantial income.

Insurance Loans: Although it is less frequent today than it was in the '70's and '80's, many people today own a type of insurance known as whole life. This policy is a combination of life insurance and savings, as part of your premium goes into a pool which is invested by the insurance company. After the first 3-4 years, the dollar value of the savings portion, known in insurance parlance as "cash value" starts to increase fairly dramatically. For example, on a seven-year old $100,000 face value whole life policy, the cash value is $8,000 or more. You have the right to borrow all of the available cash value (total value less any previous loans) at very attractive interest rates--averaging 8%. You are charged interest only, once per year. If you die before repaying, the loan amount is deducted from the death proceeds.

Barter Exchange
Barter is defined as "to trade without the exchange of money." The key to the exchange is a method for acceptably valuing each parties offer. This is where barter exchanges come in. These are businesses whose business is to introduce traders to each other, establish fair dollar values and record the transaction for the IRS.

Active traders use the barter exchange's computer to keep track of how many barter "points" they have accumulated and how many points it takes to buy certain products and services. A typical barter exchange might start with a carpet installer offering $ 1000 of installed carpet in return for $ 1 000 in oil changes which are traded to a trucking company, for $ 1 000 in trucking which is then traded by the carpet installer to a printer who offers $ 1 000 in printing.

As a new business owner, you can create your own barter exchanges simply by approaching suppliers of goods and services you need and don't want to pay cash for.

Informal Investment Groups: Some very successful business concepts derived their initial funding by putting together a group of private investors among the founder's friends and acquaintances, We are personally familiar with a start-up that was funded by obtaining a $ 1 000 investment from each of 25 investors, all members of the same softball league, who bought shares of stock in the new corporation with the clear understanding that they could lose all of the money, but that they would enjoy some very fun stockholder meetings.

If you desire to explore this option, we suggest that you consult first with a small business attorney experienced in equity investments for new corporations.

The Growth Phase

Growth can be fun, but it also can introduce additional money worries as you realize that you can't buy materials or inventory fast enough to keep up if you use only the money being generated by your new customers. This is particularly true when the typical payment time in your business is over 60 days.

At this point it is not uncommon to become frustrated--you can see the sales ready for the taking, if only you could find some more money to pay your sales reps or to restock that hot-seller in your store.

More traditional sources of financing(Once you have successfully turned your personal investment in your business into a profit, financial institutions may be interested in talking with you about borrowing their money).

Bank Loans

SBA Loans

Mortgages

written by Jeff Williams

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Blogging for Success

2010-01-25T08:05:00.005-05:00

What is a Blog?“A blog (web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order & displayed inreverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or addcontent to a blog.” (Wikipedia)

Why should I blog?A blog will lead new visitors to your web site based upon posts that you do. New posts getindexed instantly, so you post in the morning, get business in the afternoon.

What software should I use?Wordpress.orgPros: Best for SEO, has the most features, able to maintain an entire site with it.Cons: Not easy to install for a novice, need to update software often.Blogger.comPros: 5 minute setup, easy to use, owned by Google.Cons: Not able to put content inside of your site, you don't own the software.

Where can I find content?Both Blogger & Wordpress make it easy to pull content into their blogs from outside sources.Photos: Flickr.com is a great source to find millions of photos that can be used in your blog.Videos: Youtube.com has videos that you can embed right into any blog post you do.Google Maps: Make a custom map of local attractions and add it into your blog.

What should I write about?Posts should be done to help your site’s placement in the search engines. Develop contentabout local attractions and events in your area.Use the Google Wonder Wheel to find what to write about.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ah7ZWYjxdM

Important Points• You want to have your blog found at http://www.yoursite.com/blog• Update your blog often, posting weekly is best.• Keep posts interesting with photos, videos and maps.• Post from experience, it is like first hand information.• Market your blog, make it send your posts to Technorati, Facebook & Twitter.• Follow the InsideOut Solutions blog at http://www.insideout.com/blog/
(by Jeff Logan of InsideOut Solutions)
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Anatomy of an Entrepreneur: They Aren't Who You Think They Are

2010-01-17T19:40:00.006-05:00

Check out this article written by Alex Salkever, senior techmology writer for DailyFinance, covering technology and clean-tech.

Mr Salkever formerly worked as a senior research director at DeMatteo Monness where he oversaw technology coverage and hybrid research for the firm's hedge fund and mutual fund clients. Prior to that, Salkever was the technology editor for BusinessWeek.com. He was also the site's Apple columnist, a topic he continues to cover for DailyFinance. He is based in San Francisco...

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New years Resolutions that don't cost an arm and a leg

2010-01-05T17:15:00.005-05:00

Stick to your New Year’s resolutions without a pricey gym membership, fancy equipment, expensive classes or other budget-busters. Rest assured, you can stand pat in your resolutions throughout the year without spending a bundle. Here are the most popular New Years resolutions, along with tips on following them when you’re on a tight budget.

Exercise more: Instead of buying an expensive gym membership, put on a pair of sneakers and walk! Walk in the park, walk in town, walk in the city. Borrow a neighbor's dog and walk. Park your car at the far edge of the parking lot and walk. Forgo the elevator and walk the stairs. If you think about it, you’ll find lots of ways to work more walking into your day.
Eat healthy foods: Pursuing a healthy eating program can easily bring down your food costs because healthy eating starts with fresh produce and basic ingredients that don’t cost a lot. See Healthy Eating, for Less for tips, hints and ideas for healthy eating for the budget-minded.
Stop smoking: Instead of expensive medical programs, hypnosis and/or nicotine patches, check out the many free programs and websites that can help you kick the habit. Start with the Centers for Disease Control How to Quit Smoking page: www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit
Take up a hobby or learn a craft: You don’t necessarily need to invest money in materials, books and classes to take up a hobby—why don’t you revisit a pastime that you used to love? Go on and find those knitting needles, or retrieve the roller blades from the back of the closet, or dust off the stamp collection. You just might fall in love again.
Read more: Instead of breaking the bank at the bookstore, visit your local library and check out a new book every week. Most libraries also have magazines for perusing, along with computers with fast internet connections and lots of helpful advice for finding what you need online.
Learn something new: There’s no need to enroll in expensive college classes if you are looking to expand your horizons and learn something new. Look into “auditing” a class at your local university or community college. Many schools will allow you to sit in on classes (and participate!) without paying tuition (and without earning credits—but you just want to learn, right?). You can also inquire at your local library, community center or book store about free or low-cost classes or reading groups covering a huge variety of topics.
Take a vacation: Instead of flying or driving to faraway destinations and spending your hard-earned money on a motel and meals out, take a “staycation.” Stay at home during your time off, but make a commitment to sightsee, visit museums and generally get to know your hometown all over again.

And of course, there are lots of popular resolutions that don’t cost a cent to begin with. You don’t need a lot of money to pursue these resolutions:

• Cook more

• Get organized

• Spend more time with family and friends

• Help others or volunteer

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It's not just about increased web traffic

2009-12-19T10:13:00.002-05:00

There is absolutely no point in a general increase in web site traffic. Sure traffic volume is a terrific thing to have, but if the web site traffic generated is not targeted and interested in your product or services, the all important conversions which drive the business benefits of the web site will show no improvement.

Targeting Web Site Traffic
Identify your audience
If your business’s target market has not been identified through business planning, now is the time to do so. Ensuring you have identified your web site’s audience is a prerequisite to acquiring web site visitors interested in your products or services. These are the web site visitors most likely to complete the conversion objectives identified as part of your Web Site Marketing Plan.

Keyword Research
Understanding the keywords and phrases used by Internet users to find your products and services is essential to developing content which has topical relevance and provides value to your web site visitors. The keywords will utilized in various web site marketing methods to create web site visibility. These methods include; Search Optimization, Pay per Click and Social Media Marketing.

Provide High Quality Relevant Content
Relevancy is a key principle when developing a program to attract targeted web site traffic. You must provide relevant content which meets your web site visitors expectations. Ensure your content adds value to the visitor experience by offering the right information at the right time.
High quality relevant content provided at the opportune time within the conversion process, will draw a web site visitor down the Conversion Funnel.

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Make your business eco-friendly

2009-12-18T06:55:00.000-05:00

"No one person has to do it all but if each one of us follow our heart and our own inclinations

we will find the small things that we can do to create a sustainable future and a healthy environment." John Denver

My business is in an old historic home. When we made the decision to go "green", we approached it by analyzing the many ways we could save on energy and not pollute the environment. It became clear that having a business in a home enabled us to easily set up all sorts of ways to make the necessary changes in order become a full fledged eco-friendly place of lodging.

Other small businesses can easily do the same thing. It just takes a little time and thought and a big commitment. Putting changes in place will not make a difference, unless you honor those changes and commit to upholding them no matter what. I have listed what I consider the easiest areas to address when you first begin to make these important changes. We are in hopes that other businesses can use us as a model for their own endeavors.

Environmental awareness (community)

One of the first areas to address is the environment itself. Our employees have done a little research on the issues that most affect our environment. They have come up with the following list:

Environmental issues

Invasive Plants and Animals
Global Warming/Climate Change
Air Pollution
Unsustainable Agriculture
Water Quality
Habitat Loss/Degradation/Fragmentation

Overpopulation

In an effort to address these issues, each employee has made himself aware or the problem, where he or she can go to find information on the problem, and how he or she can help eliminate it. It's important that each and everyone one of us develop the attitude that "every little bit helps"; otherwise, the solution would be too overwhelming to even address. We have posted these issues in our Inn, in the reception area, with a list of online web addresses, where more information can be found. Employees are encouraged to discuss these issues with our guests. Following, are a list of online

sources of information:

http://www.globalissues.org/

http://www.envirolink.org/

http://www.actionbioscience.org/environment/index.html

http://www.planetpals.com/

http://www.epa.gov/region5/students/basics.htm

Specific issues and hands-on solutions

To kick off our eco-friendly program, we selected the following issues to address immediately. They appeared to be the easiest to implement, as some of them were already being addressed.

Waste reduction/reuse/recycling
Energy efficiency
Water conservation
Indoor air quality
Biodegradable products

Waste: The best way to reduce waste is not to make it in the first place. These three strategies are ways in which that can be accomplished:

reduce waste (http://www.bnbscape.com/ecotips-reduce.html)
reuse receptacles and containers (http://www.bnbscape.com/ecotips-reuse.html)
recycle those you cannot reuse (http://www.bnbscape.com/ecotips-recycle.html)

Our Inn has managed to address all three issues. We are very careful to avoid creating unnecessary waste and to reuse and recycle all containers and paper and plastic products.

Energy efficiency: This turned out to be fairly easy to address. We immediately changed all of our light bulbs to energy efficient ones, we made a concerted effort to turn off all lights and electrical devices we were not using, and to keep the heat at 65 degrees. We needed a new furnace recently and so installed an energy efficient one which has really stabilized the environment in the Inn.

Water conservation: The first thing we did was to switch from changing guest towels every day to changing them every two or three days. When guests check in, we tell them about our "green" program and ask them if they mind adhering to our policies. All, but one couple, agreed. Next, we made sure that faucets were not left running when not in use, the water in our laundry loads was reduced, and that the washing machine and dishwasher were not run until loaded to capacity.

Indoor air quality: Some of the things we have done are: test for molds, bacteria, and carbon dioxide; change filters frequently; adhere to a non-smoking policy; make sure dust is picked up with end-dust on a clean cloth or dust mop.; and keep solvents in air tight containers. There are many more things that can be done

Biodegradable products: Instead of using toxic solvents and cleaners we have switched to the following, which are all available at the supermarket. Containers have instructions on how to use these products.

soaps without synthetic scents, colors or other additives
baking sodas
washing soda
white vinegar
lemon juice
cloudy ammonia

If all businesses did even half of the above it would make a big difference in our environment.

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The best way to avoid money mistakes

2009-12-06T09:35:00.004-05:00

Money Mistakes to Avoid

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And it's free

2009-11-26T12:57:00.003-05:00

Twitter search

Too many people think Twitter is mostly about telling people what kind of sandwich they’re having for lunch today. But for smart business people, Twitter is mostly about listening. Search Twitter for the kinds of phrases your customers tend to talk about. Maybe it’s low-carb dessert recipes or finding a karate school for their kids.

You’ll find out what they’re saying, what kind of language they use to talk about it, what bugs them and what delights them. These are staggeringly useful things to know when you’re trying to market a product or service. And you can get it by spending maybe 6 or 7 minutes a day, for free.

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5 tips for integrating traditional advertising and social media marketing

2009-11-23T17:50:00.002-05:00

by Suzanne Vara

Traditional advertising and social media marketing need to exist together. Your advertising efforts in newspaper ads, tv and radio commercials are drivers to the website or a landing page. Business cards are holders of information about to your blog and social media profiles. Creating a print ad or a tv commercial that does not mention your website or even a follow us on ... is not making full use of the media placement. Radio is a bit more difficult as you want them to remember the website or phone number and not crash trying to write it all down or give them too much information that they lose interest.

As we eagerly watch how, if at all, social media impacts consumer buying and/or influence to purchase during the upcoming holiday season, there is opportunity to integrate traditional advertising with your social media efforts.

5 Tips for Integrating Traditional Advertising & Social Media

1. Print Ads. Single message that is a driver to a landing page on your website. The landing page needs to contain the same message as well as design of the print ad. The customer needs to visually know that it is the same offer as what they saw in the paper/magazine or online.
2. TV Commercials. Branding message or offer message visually and verbally that once again drives to a landing page on the website. You have peaked their attention to visit the site - give them what they want ... the offer.
3. Radio. Single message that emotionally connects with them to create a visual picture of the offer with either a phone number or preferably the website or landing page.
4. Out of Home. These by far have to have the simplest messages as you have a few seconds to grab their attention and the message has to be enticing enough for them enough to visit the site.
5. Face to Face Networking. The opportunity is almost endless here. Business cards with social media profiles, ability to describe what you do in 10 words or less to peak interest (or move on). Bringing your offline community to online is helps not only to grow your online community but to have a chance to teach a newbie the ropes or interact with a local in a new way.

The bottom line is that within your traditional advertising targeted at the offline mediums, you have to let them know where you are online. Don't expect them to look for you to follow you - ask them to by telling them where you are. Create the "we are here, are you?" pull to make them be compelled emotionally to have to be a part of your online community. No-one really likes to feel left out -we all want to belong and be a part of.

What have you done to integrate your online and offline community or what will you be doing?

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Social Media trends for 2010

2009-11-08T01:58:00.000-05:00

David Armano, well known social media guru, has announced today: Six Social Media trends for 2010. He is part of the founding team at Dachis Group, an Austin based consultancy delivering social business design services. He is both an active practitioner and thinker in the worlds of digital marketing, experience design, and the social web. You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/armano

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Tri-state Innkeeping Conference-Louisville KY-Jan 17-19, 2010: Seminar on Social Media for marketing your business

2009-11-01T09:08:00.030-05:00

Social Media Pre-Conference SeminarJan 17,2010,1-4
Billiards Rm, Conrad-Caldwell House, Louisville, Ky

This seminar will concentrate on the latest uses of Internet marketing to increase exposure and customer base for participating bed and breakfast Innkeepers. In addition, by exploring the emerging world of social media, participants will come to understand the rationale behind using social media to engage and connect to an audience of potential customers. They will come to understand the importance of using the language and seeking out the social networking communities where their prospective customers are. And that this is where their outbound marketing messages should be. Participants will learn strategies for increasing their website presence, for deciding when and how to use social media platforms and tools, and for managing their time.

This seminar will be presented by Jason Falls, social media consultant. Jason is a nationally recognized expert on public relations, social media and online communications with 12 years of management experience and proven ability in public relations, social media, marketing, corporate communications, branding and advertising. His vision is for high-return media opportunities and communications strategies that strengthen organizational marketing positions and enhance growth. Jason is a father, husband and thinker, mostly on social media, public relations and communications for clients of his consultancy and readers of his popular industry website and blog, He resides in Louisville, is co-founder and president of Social Media Club of Louisville, and has recently established his own consultancy: Social Media Explorer.

Growing Your Business With Social Media Marketing
Seminar presented by Jason Falls of Social Media Explorer

Agenda
Solidifying Your Home Base: Put your website to work
Understanding Social Media philosophy
Listening & participating in Social Media & social networks
Making email marketing work smarter

Buoying your business through blogger outreach

Learning the tools and managing your time

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What's next for Social Media?

2009-10-26T17:45:00.006-04:00

The next layer on the stack... from Social Media on Vimeo.

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How 5 women innkeepers saved their bed and breakfasts

2009-10-16T19:49:00.022-04:00

A year five business women will never forget

Five women in Louisville Kentucky, who own bed and breakfasts, were faced with the same problem. It was 2008, an election year, and the media was bombarding the country with horror stories about the economy. The candidates were battling it out, trying to convince everyone that they knew how to save the sinking ship; each party blaming the other for the predicament we were in. The stock market was failing, banks were failing, large and small businesses were going under, and people were getting fired right and left. The country was scared about the economy, and even more scared about the upcoming election. No one knew what to expect.

Effects of the economy on the accommodation and travel industries

After the election took place in November, 2008 , everyone continued tightening their purse strings because of the economy. Many industries had been hit hard; two of which were the accommodation and the travel industry. The airlines were suffering, the hotels were suffering, and the bed and breakfasts were definitely suffering. Christmas was coming up and potential customers and guests were not about to take vacations at such a critical time. People had been waiting to see how the election played out and if any of the stimulus packages promised would do the trick. Well, of course nothing happened right away. A few large businesses and banks were saved, the stock market twisted and turned and people continued to lose their jobs.

The accommodation business nearly came to a stand still. Eventually, though, people got tired of depriving themselves and started taking week-end get-aways. Business people started traveling again. In the meantime, Nancy, Marsha, Linda, Mary, and Devona, all business women running their own bed and breakfasts in Louisville, had started coming up with survival tactics and creative ways to save their Inns. With determination and hard work, these five women, managed to hang in there through some tough times over the past year and a half and are on their way to having one of the best years ever. All passionate about their Inns, they have learned that it takes perseverance and ingenuity to make things work. At no time did they give up and throw in the towel; a mark of dedicated entrepreneurs.

Stories of hope

Aleksander House Bed and Breakfast, in Old Louisville, and Woodhaven Bed and Breakfast, which is south east of downtown Louisville, are both owned by women who run their businesses on their own. With some housekeeping, gardening and maintenance help, both have successful businesses which have been operating for over 15 years. Each addressed the slump in the accommodation business is different ways.

Nancy Hinchliff, who owns the Aleksander House decided not to lower her prices, in fact she raised them for some rooms, as she had planned. "I did, however, construct a new website and cut back on food and supply costs. The new website is definitely bringing in more reservations. Cutting back on food and supply costs (without lowering the standards of my breakfast) has helped lower my overhead costs. I also designed some interesting and unique packages and increased my on line presence and marketing. All of this is paying off. I've sold more packages this year than ever. Except for January, I've had a good year so far."

At Woodhaven, Marsha Burton says that she has managed to stay at her normal 80% occupancy during the downturn. "I might have increased our rates this year but decided not to rock the boat. Many people and even my regular business travelers are trying to keep costs down so I wanted to give them a break and keep them coming. Guests tell me we offer a lot of value for their money [in the way of] complimentary fresh cookies, soft drinks, coffee, tea and [in room] snack stations. Breakfast is bountiful and full of choices and most ingredients are organic from local suppliers and Whole Foods. Our last minute 20% special discount and green special for guests within 45 miles are very popular this year as well."

Although Old Bridge Inn is in Indiana, the owner has been president of the Louisville Bed and Breakfast Association for the past three years.. Linda Williams, with a little help from her husband, does a great job of running her Inn on her own like Nancy and Marsha. Since the downturn in the economy, she says that "while everything else is rising in cost we have NOT raised prices." One thing she's done to survive this critical time is to start blogging and to utilize social networks in order to get her name out there on the internet. She has made cutbacks on food and supplies and dropped bed and breakfast directories that were not sending visitors to her website. " I'm not sure what the future will bring, but we're still here and plan on being here for quite some time to come."

After three years of steady growth since 2007, Tom and Mary Austin at Austin's Inn Place have seen the last eighteen months gradually flatten. Despite the decrease in sales, they have resisted discounting their packages and have kept the rates the same as when they opened in 2005. "We've also asked our guests to write reviews on line or send comment cards into review sites, resulting in some nice reviews, [which we] have posted to our own website." Tom says. They are also doing more events and cross pollinating their real estate business with their inn business to bolster awareness. "We held a seminar, at the Inn, for real estate first time buyers and hosted a fund raiser cocktail party for the Greg Page Foundation, a relationship that came from our real estate efforts." Ladies groups gatherings, and business meetings have added additional exposure. "Summer 2009 was slow, says Tom, but September and October give us hope that the hospitality business is picking up again."

Devona Porter at Tucker House Bed and Breakfast, a lovely historic inn in a bubcolic country setting, admits times have been tough, but they appear to be looking up somewhat. In an effort to maintain their Inn, they are offering more packages, lowering prices during out-of-season months, and emailing past guests with offers of specials. One successful idea was to offer a free night to a couple who brings three other couples with them for a weekend in January or February. Another idea was to accept more wedding and special event bookings. Devona, who runs the business with help from her husband Steve, actually "cold-called" businesses in her neighborhood. She passed out brochures and let them know that her Inn offered competitive rates for business travelers. "Things are looking up now and I think the changes we have implemented and the effort we have put into generating new business has paid off."

Image: courtesy Beth Clark

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Aspiring & seasoned innkeepers: Learn about social media, branding, & marketing at TriState Innkeeping Conference in Louisville, KY. Jan 17-19, 2010

2009-09-29T22:33:00.007-04:00

The 2010 Tri-state bed and breakfast conference will be held in Louisville, Kentucky this year. Aspiring and seasoned innkeepers can expect presentations and workshops on important topics relating to the industry. Pre-conference marketing and social media workshops will incorporate strategies for branding, blogging and using facebook and Twitter for business. (image: a bed and breakfast in Old Louisville, KY,)

Louisville, Kentucky has some of the finest bed and breakfasts in the country; most of them belonging to the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky (BBAK). BBAK has helped and supported innkeepers since its inception, in addition to upholding the highest of standards among its members.

Opportunity for enterprising entreprenuers

Even with the economy in flux, many enterprising entrepreneurs are actually leaving their long-held jobs and searching for new directions and more satisfying ways to earn a living, believing that now is a good time to make a change.

Geoff Williams of Aol, Small Business, recently pointed out that "The recession can actually be an opportunity for an enterprising entrepreneur to open a new business. Contractors, vendors, or just about anyone you'd want to do business with, are available now, eagar and wiling to work out good deals, and the startup costs for a business during the recession are more reasonable than ever." (Aug.,2009).

The state of the B&B industry

One avenue that might be inticing for someone looking to go in a new direction is a small business Bed and Breakfast. These unique inns are flourishing all over the country, as they rapidly change with the times. Once low-keyed, off-beat mom and pop organizations, they are becoming more sophisticated. Although they are now embracing operational and marketing ideas from their cousins the "hotel", they continue to retain their original charm, intimacy, personal service, comfortable surroundings and fabulous gourmet breakfasts. This has kept them apart from the impersonal hustle and bustle of major hotels.

Focus on Innkeeping

The Tri-State Conference, which brings together the state Innkeeping organizations of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, will be held at the Conrad Caldwell House and the Louisville Women's Club in Old Louisville. Local bed and breakfasts will accommodate out-of town attendees. The Conference, entitled "Inncredible Innkeeping", is the perfect place for any one interested in the industry to find out what it's all about. A wide variety of workshops, expert speakers and activities covering important topics related to Innkeeping will be presented. Topics will vary from marketing and social media to cooking ideas, going green, and starting up and operating your own bed and breakfast.

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Thinking of a Career as an Innkeeper? Become a PAII Aspiring Member Today

2009-07-31T05:54:00.020-04:00

Innkeeping is a rewarding profession

Being part of a network of B&Bs that provide the traveling public with a special brand of accommodation and enjoyment is something that can and should bring one great satisfaction. Where as a stay at a hotel chain is roughly the same “cookie-cutter” experience wherever a traveler rooms, no two B&Bs are exactly alike.

But this unique feature wouldn't matter if it weren't for the real reason B&Bs are held in the highest of esteem by the public: the actions and personal touch of every innkeeper that ensures that while the physical location may be different, the personal attention and touch that makes staying at a B&B rewarding will always be present.

That's where the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) serves a major role: helping aspiring innkeepers know and understand the myriad of factors and resources needed that go into purchasing, hosting and providing the positive and memorable experiences that ensure B&B's remain a preferred choice for the travelling public.

PAII has a host of benefits for Aspiring Members:

PAII Publications- PAII members get significant discounts on all PAII publications. A specially prepared Aspiring Innkeepers Startup Kit includes The PAII Study of B&B Marketing Practices, The Innkeepers Guide to My Own Inn, two (2) focused recorded Webinars (Converting Inquiries into Loyalists with Don Farrell and Credit Card Security Compliance) and the Innkeeping Study of Operations & Finance, the definitive financial and operational report that is essential for every aspiring innkeeper to understand the industry. ($99 for members, retail value $224).

Annual Aspiring Innkeepers Workshop – once a year in conjunction with the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show, PAII hosts a comprehensive, full-day event just for aspiring innkeepers right before the formal start of the Conference. Taught by the best in the industry, this once-a-year opportunity is a virtual “insider information” education and networking event. Best of all, those aspiring attendees who stay can take full advantage of all the educational events being presented to innkeeping attendees. Member pricing saves you significantly. For those who cannot attend in person, a recorded CD-ROM is available and highly recommended.

Annual Conference and Trade Show- PAII hosts the industry's premier networking opportunity—the Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show — attracting the largest gathering of innkeepers in the US annually. World class speakers, workshops, panels on topics crucial to the industry and one-on-one and exhibitor sessions combine for an unsurpassed educational value. The Trade Show provides a first-hand, eye-opening look at the spectrum of products and services that are part of hosting an inn. Asking questions and learning about them is an educational process in itself. Plus, participating vendors provided Show Special offers on products and services, so if you are close to opening your inn, you may want to take advantage of what's there for you.

Interaction with Real Estate Professionals – PAII provides you with interaction with real estate professionals who specialize in the B&B marketplace and understand the needs you specifically have as an aspiring innkeeper

Webinars – PAII provides a host of educational offerings via Webinar format and with a monthly schedule of events, there's sure to be many that will suit your knowledge needs – all at member-only fees.

News & Information – PAII keeps you fully in the loop with news and information of importance to the innkeeping community.

PAII Website – keep in touch with PAII on a daily basis through our progressive Website, with a host of resources for you

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.

INNfo - Stay on top of industry news, industry announcements, media opportunities, Forum discussion topics, benefit program updates, and PAII's activities through our weekly email.

Innkeeping Quarterly (IQ) - PAII's full-color quarterly periodical, the only industry magazine devoted exclusively to innkeeping. 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! Now included as a membership benefit as an Aspiring Member.

Networking

Use of the PAII Online Forums - Here you can interact online with other aspiring and veteran innkeepers and gain valuable insight from their collective expertise, with just a few clicks of your keyboard. If you're too shy to post, you can still participate by viewing and searching the threads.
Understanding and Participating in Social Networks– The new PAII Website is built upon networking with other PAII members and you'll have endless options to participate in any number of online communities. In addition, we'll connect you with PAII's participation in Facebook, Twitter and our own Innkeeping Blog, as well as help guide you in how to get the most from your participation with these and other major networking sites.
Mentor Program- Let us put you in touch with one of over sixty industry veterans who can provide insight, give advice, share past personal experiences, or just lend an ear. PAII staff can match you with a mentor based on your specific needs.
Research for Loan Presentation and Business Plan - PAII's annual Industry Study of Operations and Finance is a “must have” for any loan presentation and business plan. The data lets you compare the revenue and expenses of small properties to large, urban properties to rural, North East properties to South West properties, etc. No aspiring innkeeper should be without this, and it's available individually or as part of the Aspiring Innkeepers Start-Up Kit.
Vendor Marketplace- When you are ready to purchase an inn, you can 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 understand innkeeping. In addition, with PAII's Key Value Program — a dedicated section of PAII's Website devoted to exclusive member-only specials form PAII vendor members. Discounts- When you're ready to open, many PAII vendors give discounts on everything from credit card processing to reservation software, mattresses and mugs. PAII has a program with EBSCO Reception Room Subscription Services that gives PAII members 30-50% off on over 200 magazine subscriptions. You can view the list by clicking here.

Member Hotline- Call us toll-free whenever you have a question, concern or require assistance at 1-800-468-7244.

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What if you want to try and build your own website?

2009-07-17T11:52:00.007-04:00

Beginning HTML, CSS, and XHTML should be fun

Guest blogger: Elaine Howel

One Frustrated Web Designer

A man called me in desperation, asking for help. He was an IT kind of guy (a computer software expert), but admitted that he was over his head with his first website design. He was using Adobe Dreamweaver (an HTML editor) and working with templates, but had reached the point of great frustration because things were going wrong.

If you are also a confused or frustrated beginner, grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and take a look here.

What is HTML?

To begin with, a web page is created using a language called HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). It’s the simple code that’s used to create the structure of web pages. When writing HTML, you add “tags” to the text in order to create the structure. These tags tell the web browser how to display your web page to visitors.

When you view the resulting page in a web browser, the tags are gone and all you see is the text in RED. That’s because the tags tell the browser how to display pages but do not show themselves. Visitors see information between the opening and closing “body” tags, but not the tags themselves.

Do you want to see some code like this? You can use your internet browser to view the HTML source code of most web pages.

Right-click on an empty spot on a web page and select “View Source” or use a similar option depending on your browser. You can also do the same by going to the menu bar on Internet Explorer and click View -> Source. If you are using a Firefox Browser, click View -> Page Source.You’ll see a strange-looking page of text. If you look close, you may spot the opening tag near the beginning and the closing tag at the end of the page. Web browsers interpret this HTML code and display it in a human-friendly way. Thank goodness!

Here’s a great HTML Tutorial. and another Beginner HTML Tutorial.

Next, warm up your coffee and try this HTML Quiz. Do it just for fun! No one is watching.

What is CSS?

HTML and CSS go hand in hand. So if you learn one, you should learn the other.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a language used for styling a website. CSS can control the text, colors, backgrounds, margins, layout and more. Usually this is done in an external style sheet. You will link your HTML page to your CSS page.

Do you want your web page to have a pink background? Use CSS.
Do you want some space around your text? Use CSS.
Do you want to make your life easier? Use a separate cascading style sheet (CSS). You can control the layout of many web pages from that one single style sheet. That’s nice!

CSS files are just specially formatted text files much in the same way HTML pages are. They are saved with the extension (.css).

Okay, take a break, grab another cup of coffee, add a snack and check out this CSS Tutorial or this helpful HTML and CSS Video.

Then try a Fun CSS Quiz.

What is XHTML?

You may have heard about XHTML (eXtensible HyperText Markup Language). It is a bit more serious than HTML. It has more rules. XHTML may be the replacement for HTML someday. What makes it more serious? XHTML pages must be well-formed. The source code also looks more complicated. Plus, the XHTML tags you create have specific rules.

Examples: Every tag needs an end tag. (A start tag like

for paragraph needs an end tag like

. No capital letters are allowed in the tags. Tags must also be properly nested.

Learn about it here: HTML to XHTML in 10 Steps or Learning XHTML

Also try this great XHTML Beginner Tutorial.

Then take the XHTML Quiz. This one may require a little more concentration. Maybe a lot more. XHTML takes patience and practice.

A Bit About Images on the Web

Images are not technically inserted into a web page. Instead, web pages are linked to images. On a web page, we use the image tag to create a holding space for the image. When someone loads a web page (by going to the URL), it is the browser, at that moment, that actually gets the image from the web server and inserts it into the page for you to see. Learn more about HTML Images.

In your HTML or XHTML page, you have to make sure that the images you are linking to always stay in the same spot in relation to the web page. If you mess up that path between the HTML page and the images it is referencing, you get that broken link icon that everyone hates to see. You are seeing that broken link icon because the browser can’t find the image you are referencing in the tag.

You can also make a reference to an image using CSS. You can set the background image of any CSS element in your style sheet and control how the CSS background image is displayed. You may choose to have it repeat horizontally (see the ladybug below), vertically, or not at all. But again, you must have a correct path to the image, or else it won’t be displayed in the browser.

Back to the IT Software Expert

After I spent the afternoon with the IT computer software expert helping him fix his broken website, he seemed much more relaxed. He had a better understanding of the source code behind the colorful web page he was trying to build. We had been talking about CSS and HTML for hours. At the end he said, “Wow! I can tell that you are really passionate about what you do.” Perhaps I talked too much!

What if there were no search engines?

2009-06-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

According to Maki, at Dosh Dosh, a social media website , there’s a common saying among web marketers, "build your site for visitors, not for search engines". He asks the question: "What if search engines didn’t exist?" In fact, he suggests you, "...pretend search engines don’t exist. It’s actually quite a challenge", he says. "How can you grow your website, get visitors and make lots of money?"

He recently built a couple of sites without any focus on search engine rankings and getting organic search traffic. He didn’t block the search bots from indexing the site but he optimized nothing. "Didn’t focus on site link architecture, title tags, meta-descriptions, meta-keywords, link building, competitor analysis. Forget about search engine algorithms."

He states that he also wasn’t interested in methods of search-based marketing like finding long tail phrases and placing them on article directories or social media properties in order for these pages to rank and send traffic to my site. That would have involved researching search keywords and competition, so he did nothing of that sort too.

"Ultimately, you’re dealing with a situation where the convenience offered by search engines is non-existent, Maki says. No quick answers to quick questions for everyone. So how are people going to find what they need? How are they going to find your site? Without search engines, people will do what they’ve been doing for thousands of years. They will rely on each other. They will rely on the community, on the collection of publications known within their geographic location or industry.

They will rely on word of mouth. And they will also rely on getting information from common resources like a public square, library, forum or marketplace. Go where people gather. There you will be heard. It sounds like rudimentary marketing but quite honestly, until "... I tried ignoring search engines and focusing exclusively on gathering points, I didn’t realize how much actual marketing I was NOT doing."

Maki goes on to tell his story: "There were far more forums, social networking sites, blogs than I ever imagined even for small niches. And then there are mega-sites like Youtube and Facebook. If I were to put a number to it, I would say I’m missing out on at least a few thousand visitors every day by NOT being active in these online communities. And that doesn’t include offline marketing. This is a good amount of visitors who are likely to become supporters of your content, clients or buyers. And the truth is I’ve always made money much faster bygoing to them instead of waiting for them to come to me.

It sure beats the usual plan of waiting for my site to get indexed, rank for longtail phrases and then hopefully convert into an ad click or sale. Traffic from these sites can be as targeted as search engine visitors: many are looking for recommendations from peers or actively engaged in a specific activity that is relevant to my site. But unlike search visitors, they aren’t coming in blind into your website from a query. They know more than your page name, url and meta-description. They know your avatar, they know your history of contributions. They have a rough idea of who you are. Your words are in their face before they even click over. You’ve already presold them by making yourself.

The most common problem we face is the lack of time. Can we outsource something like forum, blog or social site marketing? Yes, of course. But use people who know what they’re doing or else you’ll be wasting your time. If you’re a one-person operation, it might not be good for your brand to have someone that’s not you out there, even if you have an excellent ghost. But small businesses, big businesses and multi-author content sites? No problem.

In any case, the whole experience of marketing without search engines is educational. It forced me to go out and represent my brand. This is me, I own this website. Hello, here’s what I do. Take a look. Here’s why this will be interesting.. and so on. Once again, nothing revolutionary but when you’re not depending on search engines, its a make-or-break situation. How can I not just get clicks but the most value out of each click? What web page should I link to, who should I target, what content angle to use etc.

It forced me to work and persuade on a social level you don’t really think about because you’re always focused on existing traffic/users or things that will improve a machine’s reading of your site’s worth. Then you realize the value in having a strong brand and reputation. I would recommend that you try pretending that search engines don’t exist, even just for a week or so. Especially if you’ve got a new website. Search engine traffic is invaluable but there’s a lot of visitors out there just waiting for you to show them your site. If you’ve already reached a plateau in organic search traffic and its not making you as much money as you like, why not focus on promoting your site outside of search engines?"

So, how would you market your website if search engines didn’t exist?"

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Getting started on twitter, a popular microblogging tool

2009-04-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

In an article entitled The Ultimate Video Guide to Twitter for Business , Richard Brooks asks the question, "...Just what does that mean? Is microblogging like regular blogging but for elves? Not quite".

He goes on to say: "Twitter allows you to express yourself in short bursts of 140 characters at a time. These "tweets" are public by default, and as you continue to tweet, you'll attract followers: people who subscribe to your individual feed. In addition, you'll begin to follow other people.

Whether Twitter becomes an amazing networking tool for you (as it has for me) or a complete waste of time is dependent on who you follow and how you utilize Twitter."

Check out the how-to video below that will show you how to setup your Twitter account, then go to Richard's site for more videos on: how to follow interesting people, get people to follow you, and how to become a Twitter power user.

So you have added a blog to your website.....now what?

2009-04-23T10:16:00.013-04:00

Let's say you've gone to a web developer and he has suggested you encorporate social media onto you website. And so you joined Facebook, and Twitter and let him build you a blog. Now what? Did he tell you what to do next?

According to Chef Forfeng, who works with Innkeepers and has implemented social media onto his sites, "... I am seeing a lot of...inn sites with big fat tags saying follow us on twitter and blogger and facebook,... but there is no content...on them, 'Yes we have a blog and it’s front and center but we have only put one post on it and that was LAST YEAR! Yes we have an account on twitter and we have tweeted twice in 6 months.'

Sorry folks," says Forfeng, "but if you are not going to jump on the [social media bandwagon] and use it [why bother?],... you should have [written] something. Look at it from a guest’s perspective, it’s just as bad as you having a special offer dated on your site from Christmas of 2006. Seeing signs of social media that’s old is a little scary. Yes you should grab a twitter account even if you are not going to use it...but don’t advertise, especially front and center, if you don’t implement it [the way it was intended]."

"I work with over a dozen innkeepers and several innkeeping associations," Forteng goes on to say, "so have fairly regular contact with probably around 100 or so inns. Many are still a little afraid of email, [so] to expect them to leap out... and blog and tweet and embrace social media without giving them support about how and why to use it is just shameless.

I am putting together a series of seminars for my inns and other customers to try to teach them how and why to use social media. I am NOT an expert and don’t claim to be one but if I tell them they should use twitter, I want to give them some guidance on how and why to do it before I put a “big fat tag” (ok that was a little sarcastic) on their website that says 'follow us on twitter'."

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Cubicle wars: Office programmers with time on their hands

2009-04-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Community means co-operation, co-creation, and co-innovation. Whether you refer to it as an online community, web community, or business social network, creating a community for your business is one of the most significant steps you can take towards becoming a high performance company. HiveLive provides the perfect platform to...

Build brand loyalty by communicating with customers instead of at them
Optimize employee insight, collaboration, and learning
Strengthen partner relationships with momentum, innovation, and results
Create a channel of trust through word-of-mouth interactions

HiveLive brings together the people and information that move your business forward. (for videos with humor and more informatin, check out Hivelive

Using Twitter as a social media marketing tool for your bed and breakfast

2009-04-16T04:11:00.001-04:00

This social media craze is all new to me. I have a business and I have to do my own marketing, but I am not an expert. My expertize is as a writer and an innkeeper (one-woman operation). It’s a small operation, so I can’t afford to pay for marketing. I rely on research, reading, and the internet for ideas. I joined Twitter a couple of months ago when I began building my blogs. I wanted to learn more about social media, so I figured I would do both at the same time. I love learning new stuff!

Twitter is a social media site. The idea behind social media is to develop relationships with others, so that trust is built. Using a social media approach to marketing steers away from "in your face" advertising and relies upon revealing your business, as you would to a friend, by interacting and exchanging ideas and information.

There is a protocol on Twitter and you can learn a lot by joining, laying back and watching, and then gradually starting conversations. You can pick out who you wish to "follow" so that you can learn more about the person and his/her business. There are plenty of links, videos, and podcasts to visit (posted by members) which will give you even more info.

Read other's posts and blogs to see how they interact with other members. Watch how they present their ideas and events and build interest in their particular businesses. This is really a low process. It does not happen overnight, but it can have a big payoff.

I have asked many questions on Twitter, to which I never got an answer. Occasionally someone will respond. However, where I feel I get the most value out of it is by reading other chats and comments. Some of members on Twitter are experts in marketing and social media and other related fields. I’ve gone to the links they suggest, to their blogs and to their sites. I think focusing on utilizing the tremendous amount of info that is put out on Twitter and not on whether or not one get’s a response reaps the most benefits. Check out the following video about twitter:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6961929

SEO: What is it and are you up to it?

2009-04-11T06:47:00.000-04:00

SEO(search engine optimation) is a strategic process of researching competitive data, providing valuable information and finding the right words to work with your website’s messaging. There are many free tools to help you research like www.keyworddiscovery.com, www.wordtracker.com, or Google or you can hire a copywriter who specializes in SEO.

Paying someone to optimize your website is, of course, an option, but then again if you're up to it you can try doing it yourself. I was able to do it, and I am not an expert. If you're hesitant, but interested, try it out. If it doesn't work, you can hire someone to do it for you. You have to be able to write code and edit your site, or get someone to teach you how or help you with it. But it is much more than just adding a few keywords to your site.

If you want to attempt it yourself, there are four areas you must address in order to get the best results: 1. keywords, 2. content, 3. codes and 4. results. Researching target audiences and competitors, and specific niches to find the right strategic keywords to use is imperative. It takes time and thought. In addition, those keywords must appear strategically, in the right places in the copy on your site, or they will be useless. And, your copy must be interesting and valuable to the reader. There are many sites online that offer tips and info on how to write good copy copyblogger.com

Next, you need to create “tags” for the backend of your site. They appear in the coding of your site and allow you to add important keywords and control the descriptions that search engines post for your site. You can learn how to do this on line. Google has specific information for this. Finally, you must test various words to see what works best. Since the Web is constantly changing, so tracking your keywords and making the necessary updates on a regular basis is important. There are also many sites online with information on how to create tags on you site. Try google.com

How you can help Small Businesses stay Alive

2009-04-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

The 3/50 Project for Small Businesses

A small business owner and friend sent me this today--and while I do not have a bricks and mortar business, many of you do (Victorian House Scones).

The 3/50 Project is an organization to promote small, locally-owned independent brick and mortar businesses. The origin of the name being that if you spent $50/month (total) at 3 LOCAL small businesses, you would help them prosper and stay in business--thus helping to keep your local economy alive and thriving.

Check them out--and if you choose--register. It is completely free of charge. Small businesses supporting small businesses--what a concept!

The 3/50 Project

Now you can have a great website and save money too

2009-04-06T06:53:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest expenses for Innkeepers is marketing. You have to keep your Inn out there on the internet. This is the way just about everybody today finds air travel, car rentasl, and accommodations. It is no longer enough to list your Inn in travel books, advertise in magazines and newspapers and depend on word of mouth. There are too many Inns out there now. When I started my business 15 years ago, the industry was just beginning to take off, and having a website brought in about 50% of my buinesss. Today, it brings more like 85%.

I still have the same website I had 15 years ago. I built it myself, so I'm able to make changes. But it's beginning to look pretty out of date and badly in need of a make over. If I hadn't built it myself and had not become comfortable with creating text and graphics on the computer, I would have to to go to one of the many experts who build websites and have them do it for me. Now, believe me, this is VERY expensive. In fact, I called one well-know B&B web builder recently to find out what a new site would cost me. After some thought, he said it would run around $6000.

Wow! I couldn't afford that before the economic crunch, so I certainly can't now. And, frankly, I'd rather put in a new bathroom or update my kitchen. What I'm getting at, here, is that this type of work, although it is a specialty and people go to design school to learn how to do it, is possible to do yourself. There are so many tutorials on line and tons of information to get you started.

First thing you need to do is look at lots of B&B sites on the web and decide what "look" you are want for your business. Then decide whether you want to buy softwear and go it alone or go to a site with an editor and a selection of templates http://tinyurl.com/ddz3pp , who could also help you host your site. GoDaddy http://tinyurl.com/cf7uyw , Web.com http://tinyurl.com/c88eqt and Tripod http://www.tripod.lycos.com are all good places to start looking. Also Google, Wordpress and Yahoo http://tinyurl.com/c3zgd3 have sites where you can build a blog which could serve as a website.

Ghost Writing....What's the big deal?

2009-03-30T22:15:00.018-04:00

I recently read the following paragraph on Ron Callari's blog: http://tinyurl.com/cy6oul

"Following your favorite celebrity on Twitter? Maybe not! While the whole world is a 'twitterin'...was it any wonder that a certain level of the elite twitterati would eventually find a way to game the system. The latest trend a foot is "Ghost Twittering." The term was coined to describe when someone, usually a celebrity, politician, sport figure or a corporate brand pays another person or persons to update their Twitter account on their behalf. The use of ghostwriters has been around in the literary world since literature was first penned. Now,it appears it is prevalent in Twitterdom as well. But, while it may make sense for our busy world leaders to farm out their tweets, when celebrities engage in this practice it really seems to be defeating the purpose."

I honestly cannot figure out what all the fuss is about. So a few very busy, prolific writer/speakers have someone else write their posts once in a while. As long as what they are writing about reflects the blog owner's perspectives and philosophies, what's the difference?

Lately, the Twitterati have been jumping all over Guy Kawasaki, as are some of the nationwide newspapers "...an unabashed user of ghost twitterers is Guy Kawasaki, chief executive of alltop.com...(who) with more than 80,000 followers is full of praise for the two employees who enliven his Twitter feed,(and)are often found twittering away while he is on stage addressing a conference."(New York Times).

I have three blogs and it takes a lot of time and effort to keep all three current, with interesting posts. Occasionally, I will use ideas and even posts from other blogs; however, I do give credit to the writers. A couple of times I slipped up and was called out about it in no uncertain terms. I have many colleagues who, if they had the time, would maintain a blog, but most of them are innkeepers and work 12 hours a day/7 days a week, making it hard to post on a regular basis. If they were to use a ghost writer from time to time, it might help. I say "go ahead" just give the writers credit.

By the way, I noticed recently that Kawasaki is giving credit to some of his ghostwritten posts. And, frankly, I could care less if Britney Spears uses a ghostwriter!
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How to grow you company's blog

2009-03-25T17:56:00.021-04:00

Eight easy steps that bloggers can take to grow their blog's readership
by Mack Collier, social media consultant, trainer and speaker
See original article: http://tinyurl.com/d38emq

"The social media landscape over the last year or so has changed dramatically. Companies that were once skeptical about tools such as blogs are now blogging or considering starting one. Unfortunately, many companies that do so still have little idea of how to grow their blog into an integral part of their marketing efforts. However, every company can take some easy steps to grow its blog. Many companies don't have the knowledge or the resources to implement elaborate technical measures to boost their blog's status and instead need no-nonsense ideas".

A quick overview of the Eight Easy Ways to Grow Your Blog:

1 - Post regularly. Probably the easiest way to grow your blog's readership, but it can be the hardest to follow, especially for a small business/company. Make sure you put your writers on a regular schedule going in. I also talk about which days are best to post, and how to space out your posts.

2 - Develop a comment policy. Decide how you will handle comments, if you will post them automatically, or moderate them. And if you moderate them, you need to develop a plan for approving them as quickly as possible, and during non-business hours.

3 - Reply to comments. Listen to the feedback you are receiving from your readers. Readers want to know that you are paying attention to their comments, and by replying and acknowledging them, you are showing your readers that you appreciate their efforts. And more comments leads to more comments.

4 - Showcase readers who make special contributions. Do everything you can to make sure that readers that frequently comment, or link to your blog, know that you appreciate them. It's just common courtesy, and when you have a reader that's going out of their way to be a faithful community member, you cannot do enough to encourage and reward that behavior.

5 - Build your blogroll with your readers' interests in mind. Remember your blog isn't for you, it's for your community. Treat it as shared space, and tailor your blogroll to the interests of your readers, as well as your own.

6 - Offer unique content aimed at your blog's target audience. The majority of my target audience is fellow bloggers with an interest in marketing and social media topics, and companies that are looking to enter this space. So I first created the Top 25 Marketing Blogs list, which serves as a reference for both bloggers and companies, then I created the Company Blog Checkup series, which serves as a reference for companies on how to improve their own blogging efforts.

7 - Make your blog's feed available for RSS subscribers. Both steps 7 and 8 explore the importance of giving your readers the ability to consume your content in the form(s) that are convenient to them. Feed readers such as Google Reader and Bloglines are becoming increasingly popular, so you should set up a FeedBurner account ASAP and get your feed out there. Then once you have done that, you can add popular chicklets that will make it easier for readers to subscribe to your feed.

8 - Offer email subscriptions to your blog's content. FeedBurner offers this service as well. You have to remember that not everyone has the time to check your blog more than maybe 2-3 times a week. Offering email subscriptions gives these infrequent readers the ability to stay up to date on your postings. I added this option here at the end of April and my number of daily email readers is already equal to 10% of my actual traffic to the blog.

You can view the entire article which includes 'action points' for each step by clicking here.
Mack Collier's website: http://www.theviralgarden.com
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It's all about marketing.............social media and your business

2009-03-14T07:14:00.006-04:00

Article by JAN M. ROSEN

"Passionate New York Jets fan. Keen Knicks fan. Spends hours a day on the social networking sites Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. Imbued of an entrepreneurial spirit — he even dreams of owning the Jets someday".

Gary Vaynerchuk may sound like an all-American boy, but at 33 he is a successful, grown-up businessman who has put his enthusiasms — and his penchant for publicity — to work in achieving 15-fold sales growth in his family's wine business in the last decade, to $60 million. He rebranded the shop, which was founded by his father, Sasha Vaynerchuk, a Russian immigrant, in Springfield, N.J., as the Wine Library and began online sales in 1997, when he was still in college. Since then he has steadily advanced his Internet-based marketing skills. His sites are tv.winelibrary.com, where his daily webcast, "The Thunder Show," has won a wide following, and garyvaynerchuk.com.

Last December, seeking to enhance sales, he offered free shipping and promoted it three ways. As a result, he said, a direct marketing mailing cost $15,000 and brought in 200 new customers; a billboard ad cost $7,500 and won 300 new customers; and tweeting the promotion on Twitter attracted 1,800 new customers. No wonder he loves the online approach and is in demand as a consultant by businesses as large as Disney and as small as neighborhood hardware stores.

Mr. Vaynerchuk answered questions on how to connect with consumers, especially on how to harness the free resources of the Web.

Q.-What type of business person can benefit from Internet-based promotion?

A.-Every type. You just have to be you. Social networking means virtual handshaking, working the room. You connect with people instead of giving presentations. I work countless 18-hour days, answer 1,000 e-mails a day. People feel the authenticity. It's a very different, very transparent game now.

Q.-That sounds like President Obama's campaign.

A.-Exactly. I had thought Hillary would win, but the minute I saw him on social media, I said, "He's going to win."

Q.-You and the president have very distinctive, outgoing personalities. Suppose a business owner is shy, terrified of speaking into a camera?

A.-I got very lucky in the DNA lottery, but content is king. The introvert can write a blog, offering expertise and making a personal connection with the customer. Charisma or an over-the-top personality wouldn't mean anything in the wine business if I didn't know a zinfandel from a Chardonnay.

Q.-By the way, what is "thunder" in the wine business? That's a word you use a lot.

A.-My buddies and I used "thunder" in New Jersey when we were 12 or 13: you made a basket or were good at Nintendo. Thunder! One day it just slipped out, and people loved it. I got a lot of e-mails. So I've used it ever since. A great wine. Thunder! I'm a very feel-driven guy.

Q.-Suppose our shy business person is older, doesn't know anything about the Internet. Should she hire a consultant?

A.-Ask your niece, nephew or grandkids to show you how to use it. Everyone under 25 walks down the street looking at their iPhone or BlackBerry. They don't look at store windows. So the kids in the family can help you. I consulted with a 72-year-old pizza guy. You have to make a genuine connection with the customers.

Say 55-year-old Sally at the hardware store thinks social networking is not her real job. She has to stand at the register and take care of reordering goods. She can have someone do that, but she can't cut out her connection with the customers.

Q.-What sort of equipment will the business owner need? Isn't that a big investment?

A.-No. A $100 video camera is fine. People overthink the quality of the mike, the camera, the lighting. What matters is the heart and soul you put into it. I have a simple camera and no special lighting. Mott, my friend and employee, shoots "The Thunder Show" for me. I love the interaction. We don't use a script or edit it. You could do it yourself with a simple webcam.

Q.-Suppose someone does it poorly. What is the downside?

A.-The downside is the time you put into it. It takes time to do the video or blog, and time to answer the e-mails. If you do it poorly, and you get only one response, that is better than zero, which you would have gotten without it. It takes work, hustle and patience, too. I started my show in 2006, and it took 18 months before it began paying off.

Q.-So business owners should expect to wait that long for real results?

A.-Not today. Social networking is exploding. Facebook had 12 million users in December 2006. Now it has 175 million. You just have to be you. Get in the trenches and do it. On my Web site, www.garyvaynerchuk.com, I have 50 videos that will give you an absolute blueprint for what to do. I turn down 90 percent of the requests I get to speak or consult. I have a business to run, too, and I want to see my wife

To tweet of not to tweet.......is it worth my time?

2009-03-09T09:50:00.001-04:00

I joined Twitter, a popular social media site, a couple of months ago when I began building my blogs. I frequently multi-task and, since I was also interested in learning about social media, I figured I would do/learn everything at the same time. I love learning new stuff!

This social media craze is all new to me. I have a business and I have to do my own marketing, but I am not an expert. My expertize is as a writer and an innkeeper (one-woman operation). It’s a small operation, so I can’t afford to pay for marketing. So I rely on research, reading, and the internet for ideas.

I have asked many questions on Twitter, to which I never got an answer. Ocassionally someone will respond. However, where I feel I get the most value out of it is by reading other chats and comments by other members, some of whom are experts in marketing and social media and other related fields. I’ve gone to the links they suggest, to their blogs and to their sites. I think focussing on utilizing the tremendous amount of info that is put out on Twitter and not on whether or not one get’s a response reaps the most benefits. Check out the following videos about twitter:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6961929
http://vimeo.com/3198709

if you found this post interesting, please feel free to make a comment

The issue of trust and the internet....looking for the right avenue

2009-03-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

Beth Harte, head of Harte Marketing & Communications http://tinyurl.com/bzgqz9 remarked on her blog, that she had attended a Marketing Professional's Showcase, where Bill McDermott, president of SAP's Global Field Operations, gave the keynote speech. One of the points he made was that "...business is about people helping people".

At that point, Beth responded by asking Bill...how he felt about social media and "how it pulls back the covers of a corporation so that ‘people’ were the face of the corporation, not the brand". He answered that "he embraced social media, social networks, etc. Of course". But " he also said that there are negatives. As an example, he went on to say that he’d rather have relationships with people online so that they got their information correct vs. someone writing something that wasn’t totally true (i.e. bloggers). He also mentioned online communities and how it’s important to be a part of them. And let’s be clear, SAP is walking the walk when it comes to implementing social media".

I have the greatest respect for Beth. I follow her on twitter and read her blog, primarily because she talks about issues that are of great interest to me. Some of those are: using social media, marketing, branding for business, etc. Her take on these issues is honest and authentic. She gives it to you straight and is not afraid to put herself "out there" with controversial topics. She's courageous, intelligent, and forthcoming. And, most of all, I trust her.

The issue of trust has loomed large within my particular business community. I am an innkeeper of a small bed and breakfast and belong to several organizations that function as support, project implementers, dissiminators of information, and PR/marketing idea finders. Having a small business, like most of the members in the Louisville and Kentucky associations, does not afford owners to pay a lot for marketing. In fact, most of us do it ourselves, even building and managing our own websites.

Most members are so used to running all aspects of their businesses themselves, that when seeking out the advice of experts and embracing the Internet and all it has to offer comes up, the reaction is very negative. It's one of "we're doing okay, why enlist help from something or someone we know nothing about?" They believe that blogs are not legitimate places to connect with customers, that social media is an amorphous term that can't possibly relate to marketing, and that twitter, facebook, myspace, etc are only chat rooms and have nothing to do with business. They do not trust the Internet or any on-line experts.

I am looking for an avenue, down which I and my colleagues can travel together, which will educate us to the new technologies in the least anxiety-provoking manner. One which offers future promise for our businesses.

if you found this post enjoyable or interesting, please consider leaving a comment

Branding 101 for Innkeepers

2009-02-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

What is a brand, anyway?
There are many different definitions of a brand, but one of the most effective is that a brand is a name or symbol that is commonly known to identify a company or its products or services, and separate them from their competition. A well know brand is generally regarded as one that people will recognize. A good example of branding, utilizing social media, networking & building community relationships and putting a face to your brand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVk1087t6uY

Innkeepers brand instinctively
It seems to me that most innkeepers brand instinctively. They know that the main things they have to offer are their beautiful Inns, their delicious breakfasts, and their hospitality; all symbols of bed and breakfasts. They also know, that in order to entice "takers", they must let them know that their particular Inn and services are exactly what each is looking for. Of course, it's not really that simple because each Inn is different and has something unique to offer. This is where "branding" enters in and becomes an important marketing tool. It can also become a problem if it is not addressed and strategically integrated into one's all-over marketing plan.

Attempts at branding
If you go on the Internet and google bed and breakfasts, you will be inundated with thousands of B&B sites, all over the country. On those sites, you will see a variety of pictures, logos, symbols, and text, all efforts to create an image of what each Inn is like, and the promises they make to their potential guests. Many Innkeepers come up with these branding ideas themselves, especially if they have a small Inn (1-6 rooms) and cannot afford to hire someone to help them create and build on a brand for them.

Taking it one step further
Is this instinctive attempt at branding enough? I don't think so. In this time of sophisticated technology, the internet and social media, and a larger, competitive hospitality market, "It's important, [to you and your bed and breakfast] that you spend time investing in researching, defining, and concretely building your own brand. It is the source of a promise to your [potential guests] and the very foundation of your marketing communication. It's something you do not want to be without. A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers intensifies day by day" (synthesized from a presentation by the Honeoye Falls-Mendon Chamber of Commerce).

Plan for success
To succeed in branding it's imperative that you understand the needs and wants of your potential guests and project your brand strategies through your company at every possible point of public contact. You must deliver your intended message clearly, validate your credibility, project trust & loyalty, and motivate & connect emotionally. Your brand is the sum total of all your future guest's experiences and perceptions, some of which you can influence, and some that you cannot.

Something to think about
What can you do to develop or improve your all over branding strategies?
(if you enjoyed this post, please consider making a comment)

What every innkeeper should know about today's technology

2009-02-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

Keeping up with the new technology
From planning to booking, technology has had a huge effect on travel. In 1996 only 11% of Americans had access to the Internet at home; today, that number has increased to 70%. resulting in a profound effect on traveler behavior. Travelers in large numbers visit blogs and other social media sites like TripAdvisor to get reviews when planning a trip, and 66% are looking for new, unique, and personalized experiences. Innkeepers need to integrate user generated content (UGC) into their websites and marketing, and must monitor reviews posted about their properties. They need to customize their sites and blogs, and utilize Google to gather information about guests in order to provide a unique, personalized experience for the each and every one.

Changing with the times
Times are challenging right now, and the innkeeping industry is moving along at warp speed. When we don't change when it is demanded of us, we miss opportunities, and today the innkeeping industry needs to make a quantum leap of change in order to survive in our new environment. The following, are five key steps for implementing change: 1. Listen and learn; 2. Set up specific goals 3. Come up with a plan; 4. Make the move and make it quickly; and 5. Communicate constantly. it has been said that only the paranoid survive. This just may be advice worth taking to heart the next time you worry about the future. Your instincts may be telling you it's time to change!"

Attracting the i.guest
In a Slow Economy, it is imperative that Innkeepers learn how to Identify the i.guest: today's contemporary travelers, and develop strategies to attract Them. The i.guest, is intelligent, informed, independent, imaginative, Internet-savvy contemporary traveler who is involved with social media, and communicates and makes decisions about travel. The importance of an inn's brand image and creating an emotional connection with its guests is essential to innkeeping success. Innkeepers need to learn how to develop the "anonymous trust" placed on reviews into a personal/business advantage by embracing the phenomenon and integrating it into their daily business and thinking.

Focussing on quality
The size and reputation of an inn matters more than the size of your marketing ability. Innkeepers have to focus on quality above all else and create an experience that is viewed and reviewed favorably in the marketplace. They must monitor reviews posted about their properties. Current market conditions surrounding leisure travel, demand strategies for attracting more guests in our current economic climate by focusing on a 250-500 mile radius, making your inn's website great, employing search engine marketing (SEM) and adwords, focusing on clean, functional, thoughtful and comfortable rooms, great breakfasts, and creating positively memorable experiences for your guests.

* information and ideas for this post have been generated from The Innkeeper's Resource blog and edited by the writer: http://www.innkeepersresource.com

Writing articles for your bed and breakfast

2009-02-18T19:48:00.000-05:00

I was asked to write an article for I Love Inns, a bed and breakfast website on the internet. I have included it here as an example of the type of article they were looking for and of a way that you can publish and market your Inn at the same time (Nancy Hinchliff, Owner/Innkeeper of The Aleksander House B&B)

A Perfect Day in Louisville, Kentucky

By Nancy Hinchliff

Everyone needs a break now and then. We think it's about time you did a little something for yourself...... like relaxing in a tub of luxurious bubbles, or sipping a glass of wine in front of a beautiful art deco fireplace. How about falling asleep in a huge, 4-poster, Victorian bed, snuggled under crisp, white luxury sheets and down comforter? Wake in the morning to the aroma of fresh baked muffins or bread, with the anticipation of a perfect day.

Now that you're rested, come on downstairs and relax in our beautiful French Toile dining room, while we pamper you with steaming cups of fresh brewed, gourmet coffee. Try one of our Belgium waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, or a delicious Spinach-herb Quiche. Don't get up!! Just sit and relax and imagine all the fun things we've got planned for you today, on your perfect day in Louisville, Kentucky.

Come in the springtime, when everything is in bloom. Today, as you leave the Aleksander House, you will hop into the cab that's waiting out front, compliments of Aleksander House. Heading toward downtown Louisville, your cabby will first take you to the Louisville Glassworks Studio, where you'll watch some of the finest glass being blown. From there, you'll take a little tour down Market Street which is lined on either side with beautiful, 17th century buildings, restored and standing as proud reminders of Louisville's past history.

Next stop is Joe Ley's Antiques, a curious 3 story building containing fine and unusual antiques. Even if you aren't a collector, you must see this authentically, restored, 1890 schoolhouse. Filled with a vast array of antique lights, lamps, doors, mantels, fences, and gates, as well as antique toys, carousel animals, wooden clowns and handsome antique furniture, it's absolutely incredible.

Now for an incredible place for lunch! We've selected Lynn's Paradise Cafe, a quirky, independent restaurant with great food, serving everything from walnut-encrusted chicken to Mom's meatloaf, as well as a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. Lynn's has received extensive local and national media attention, including features on television programs such as the Oprah Winfrey Show. Amazing food, and amazing decor and gifts.

Next, your cabby will take you on a scenic ride down past the Ohio river front, where our historic river boats are docked, and up through Old Louisville, the third largest preservation area in the country, with row upon row of 17th and 18th century Victorian houses. You are on your way to beautiful Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Once there, you will step inside the world of horse racing. Stay as long as you want. Place a $2.00 bet and cheer for your horse, as he comes galloping down the track.

Time to head back to the Inn, only 14 blocks away, and take a little rest before dinner. You have reservations at Jack Frys; an amazing, intimate and romantic, american restaurant. Order the Pistachio-encrusted salmon, it's fabulous! A little wine, a scrumptious dessert, and some pleasant conversation and you're ready to head back to the Inn to that 4-poster bed and collapse beneath the glistening white linens and comforter. See you in the morning!

You call this fast??

2009-02-07T06:58:00.000-05:00

Faster than what?.......... Hotel Newswire posted the following information about a new accommodation website which is incorporating the latest technology. The article stated that the site loads faster and is easier to navigate than other sites, making it more competitive to use in today's challenging global economic climate. I decided to check it out for myself. I went to the site and loaded it. Well, it was slower than just about any other site I've ever loaded. So I'm thinking, what's going on here? I decided to turn it over to you, hoping you'ld prove me wrong! Here's the article by hotwire, and a link to the website:

Langham's New-look Website
FEBRUARY 5, 2009 - Luxury hotel operator, Langham Hotels International (LHI) has launched a new-look website (langhamhotels.com), making it faster to load, easier to book and more convenient to use in today’s challenging global economic climate.

After extensive research, Langhamhotels.com now incorporates new features that take into account how guests search and navigate a website. The result is an elegant, fresh booking-friendly site that improves the overall guest experience helping to drive incremental revenues and develop new leads for MICE and Rooms business.

New user-friendly features include:- Googlemaps for guests to find nearby local attractions and information including the ability to download street directions- City Guide – powered by Frommers.com- Tripadvisor.com guest comments – allowing web surfers to view candid comments from other guests and make a more informed decision-

New imagery in each section so guests can see exactly what room types they are booking rather than one gallery containing all images- Dynamic personalised e-brochures created in seconds allowing guests to download relevant data including MICE, Spa, Rooms and Dining.- Simplified E-news functions so guests can sign up by areas of interest quickly and the minimal hassle.

Go there: http://tinyurl.com/c2gckm

We Are out here in Social Media; Where ARE You Guys?

2009-02-01T19:14:00.000-05:00

The follow article illustrates to a tea the exact experience I had attending a tri-state innkeeping conference a few weeks ago. I had started blogging only a couple of weeks prior to the conference and was very excited about it. I signed up for a workshop on blogging. It was very basic and there were only handful of people attending. I honestly didn't learn anything I didn't already know from posting daily and exploring the sites and information available to bloggers on the internet. I had also read a few books on blogging, facebook, twitter, and social media. I went to the conference to learn more, but found a roomful of people, most of whom were oblivious to the value of getting on the social media bandwagon, the digital wave of the future.

Hey Tourism folks: the social media boat is leaving the pier

(excerpted from an article by Sheila Scarborough)

After only a few meet-and-greet sessions into a Fall 2008 Travel Media Showcase conference in Kansas City, I realized that I was a wee bit out of step with most of the rest of the room. I was a blogger, and they (generally) were not. It made me crazy.

Frankly, I wondered when the mainstream travel and tourism industry would back off on printing brochures and rejiggering their Web sites (again) and really engage with the Web 2.0/social media world. Many CVB and tourism bureau representatives said they were “considering” at least adding a blog to their main Web site, and when I invited their guest blog post participation on my Family Travel site, exhibitors were uniformly enthusiastic and interested in learning more.

My concern is that we are rapidly moving past the “I’m considering that” stage into the “this is a major way to engage with our travel customers right now” stage, but too many are dragging their feet. Why? There is an army of wildly enthusiastic travelers online.

Do you have a blog?” Are you on Facebook and Twitter? How about Flickr for your photos and YouTube for your videos? Hey, your destination looks like a place that I’d like to visit! Ready to jump in? Don’t miss the post How to get social media traction for your tourism blog

Letter from BBAK president

2009-01-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

The following is a summary of an article intended for hotels, but totally applicable to bed and breakfasts, written by Herb Warren, president of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky (BBAK)

If you have a B&B, why would you care about this? The answer is two-fold: You would like to get some more of the traditional hotel business, especially the high end hotel business. And, you would like to know what the hotels are going to do in this economy.

1. Learn about proactive revenue management. (discussed in next post)
2.Don't reduce your room rates prematurely or unnecessarily
3. Focus on market segments that you've "underutilized" before.
4. Consider attraction packages to stimulate occupancy
5.Set realistic expense reduction goals
6.Identify all discretionary expenses
7.Schedule help "labor costs" commensurate with occupancy
8.Comparison shop suppliers and competitively bid projects
9.Consider cooperative purchasing arrangements
10. Pursue both income and property tax savings
11. Carefully plan for scheduling and funding of any capital projects, considering current conditions AND likely future uptick in economy
12.Have good understanding of finances and do careful financial planning.
13. Build a list of the critical variables, including the most important actions to be implemented.
14. Stay focused on a [bed and breakfast's] most important assets: employees and guests.

"With the increased professionalism, productivity and transparency of the industry, hotels [Bed and Breakfasts] already practice many of these steps. Nonetheless, a downturn heightens the importance of the above priorities, as their utilization can make a critical difference in minimizing the impact of a market or industry decline on a hotel [bed and breakfast] and its [your] financial results." (article by Jerry Herman, senior counsel for DLA Piper US, Washington, DC (speicalizing in the hospitality Industry).

Finally! Innkeepers are starting to embrace technology

2009-01-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

I just returned from a tri-state innkeepers conference (Kentucky, Indiana & Ohio) in French Lick, Indiana. I thought there would be more people there. But, in all honesty, innkeepers don't seem to be passionate about learning new ideas related to their industry, especially when it comes to technology.

Even though there were not many attendees, those who were there appeared to be more interested than usual. This may have been due in part to the slump in the economy and throughout the lodging industry (hotels and bed and breakfasts alike), and/or to the much needed search for new marketing and technological ideas.

Buzz words such as social networking, social media and social technology filled the air. SEO (search engine optimization), blogging and new ways of marketing inundated the workshops and members were taking copius notes, on and off their computers.

All in all, it was a good conference and has given me lots of good topics for future posts, which I hope will illicit many interesting comments from my colleagues and friends! One thing I have to mention is how awesome the historic West Baden Hotel is. Take a look: http://tinyurl.com/7rw3x3 m/7rw3x3

are you really reaching potential guests?

2009-01-07T10:35:00.000-05:00

Nowadays, more than ever, the decision to make a purchase has become an emotional one and a crucial factor in customer retention and loyalty. Customer expeience is directly related to customer satisfaction. Customers want to feel good when they do business with you.

When it comes to purchasing services, rationality and reflection and judgment do play a part, but there is also an emotional side to it. One's gut feeling & intuition enter into the mix. In the bed and breakfast business, every encounter with guest, and the way that guest feels or doesn't feel, is directly related to the Innkeeper's ability to address customer expectations. And, more importantly, a guest's experience doesn't end when he or she walks out the door.

Before you can decide the best way to achieve customer satisfaction, you must decide what kind of customer reaction you want to create every time an encounter occurs. Small business owners, and specifically bed and breakfast owners and Innkeepers, must become drivers of satisfaction and loyalties. A variety of factors lead to this sense of satisfaction, including service quality and value for money. How the public sees and values you will dictate how well your business does, whether there we're in a recession or a perfect economy.

An Innkeeper's advice to this year's reluctant traveler

2009-01-06T16:57:00.000-05:00

Travel this year is all about the bargain. Getting more for less might mean you have the best room at the Inn, more personal attention once you arrive, and lots of extras. Most B&Bs, across the country, are feeling the economic crunch and reacting to it by offering potential guests discounts, valuable packages, additional services, and more. It's definitely a win win situation for travelers who are looking for a great deal. So, now is the time to plan your next great escape.

Looking for Value:
We're all uneasy about these economic times and a great many of us have decided to cut back, spend less, and save more. But that doesn't mean we must continually deprive ourselves of the very things that can revive and recharge our batteries. We still need that occasional manicure, trip to the health club, massage, or get away. This year, more than ever, we know travelers are looking to get the best get-aways they can afford. Bed and breakfasts across the country are now offering relaxing and fun week-end packages to help you rediscover the reason you get away in the first place.

Travel in the US:
With airfares still fairly high, traveling in North America instead of Europe or other far away destinations has become more popular. And, of course, more cost effective. For leisure travelers, travel by car is a good option, especially since gas prices remain down. For business travelers, who are flying into town, prices and amenities are to their advantage. If you plan your trip for sometime in January (slowest accommodations month of the year) and February (Valentine's Day), you'll find plenty of interesting and reasonable packages and things to do.

Exploring Kentucky:
Kentucky is rich in history, weekend B&B rates are reasonable, and most major attractions are free. It is jam packed with beautiful scenery and lots of towns and cities with lovely Inns, bed and breakfasts and working farm-stays to accommodate your overnight and breakfast needs.

Planning Your Trip with the help of an innkeeper:
Innkeepers are great concierges. They know the area, the restaurants, and where all the attractions are. They can make suggestions, reservations, and point you in the right direction. They can put together fun, exciting, or romantic packages for you. They can give you suggestions for sight seeing and entertainment, make hair or massage appointments for you, or order a birthday cake. Getting the most for your money is the one travel trend that’s always popular.

Happy New Year to all! May the coming year be healthy, happy and prosperous!

2009-01-01T08:27:00.000-05:00

Ahh.........new beginnings....... Gotta come up with a few new year's resolutions. I've given this some thought and have decided that maybe, after pondering the last 14 years I've been keeper of the Inn at the Aleksander House in Louisville Kentucky, I should come up with a mind set that would get me through the unexpected and the hard times. So, I've listed a few resolutions I'd like to share with you.

For the first one, I resolve never again to take it for granted that we wont have a hurricane in Louisville! (Ike visited us in September, precipitating a 3-week long power outage). Secondly, I resolve never to take it for granted that all my guests will be able to eat everything I prepare for them (remembering the lady and her husband who were allergic to just about everything, except coffee and water, and forgot to tell me).

And finally, I resolve to always be prepared for the unexpected things that continually happen in an old, 1882 historic home (Imprinted on my brain is the image of my parlor ceiling having fallen down, spewing black soot all over everything in sight, the image of 7 inches of water covering my entire basement floor and my hot water heater with a gaping hole in its' side, and the awful image of water dripping down from the chandelier over my kitchen work table onto my beautiful, golden-brown quiches, just out of the oven...........while a hungry crowd of guests sat waiting in the dining room).

I plan to elaborate on these and other, equally discombobulating, events in posts over the coming few weeks. So, stay tuned..........................

a good Omen............for a profitable new year

2008-12-31T19:38:00.000-05:00

I am not normally superstitious. But I really think getting a booking for the first day of 2009 is a good sign....maybe an indication of things to come......a good way to start off the New Year. And a reminder to stay positive. It never hurts and sometime it does a lot of good. I got the call a few hours ago. Then another and, wonder of all wonders, another. Did they read my blog post about being pampered with all sorts of creature comforts? Never mind......it doesn't matter....... I feel energized again! Gotta go shopping for food supplies so I can make something wonderful for New Year's morning breakfast! I'm thinking German Baked Apple pancakes. They are sooo good!

No Room At The Inn?

2008-12-25T08:57:00.000-05:00

Plenty of rooms here!
It seems that AAA has predicted a decline in the number of americans traveling during the holidays this year. They report that 63.9 million will travel 50 miles or more from home, as compared with last year's totals.of 65.3 million. Does this effect my business? Yes, it does. I get a lot of people coming from Chicago, Cincinnati, Atlanta......etc. And they mostly travel by car. AAA says this is the first decline in Christmas holiday travel since 2002......the economy again!! I'm getting a little exasperated with this.....this thing that I can't do much about.

The erosion of the discretionary income of many americans, which might have been spent on travel , is a real problem for the hotel industry, and especially for small bed and breakfasts like mine. Despite lower gas prices and lower lodging rates, americans are hesitant to spend their money on a trip to a bed and breakfast. Unless, of course, we can offer them a little respite from the maddening crowd..........

Welcome to my blog

2008-12-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

I own a bed and breakfast in a beautiful historic preservation area in Louisville Kentucky. I've been here for nearly 15 years..........moved from Chicago, because I couldn't live on a teacher's pension there.....it's so expensive! After a year of research on bed and breakfasts, I bought an old (1882) Victorian house in Louisville, shopped for antiques, linens & things, lots of beds and got the place up and running. I named it after my grandson, Aleksander.

I learned how to run a bed and breakfast on the job........hands on! I read a lot about it, networked with other innkeepers, attended conferences, and had a mentor or two along the way. Despite the fact that I had no business background, I learned! And, it caught on. I began to build a presence on the internet and among visiting guests and travel related communities. I had many profitable years and lots of repeat business.

Now all of a sudden, due to this crazy economy we find ourselves in, I've fallen prey to the small business "no business syndrome"! October, this year, was still good (around 57 % occupancy), but December was dead. And I'm sure January will be. So I'm thinking.....what can I do to generate some much needed cash flow?..... New marketing strategies? Victorian Teas and wedding showers? A gift shop? I really need to brainstorm with some creative minds....... Anyone out there in the same boat?