Should you buy a Bed and Breakfast and become an Innkeeper?

Here are some things to consider when you are thinking of buying an existing bed and breakfast or starting one from scratch:

1. Do you have a business plan and start up money to carry you through the first few months?   Even if you are buying an existing B&B you need a war chest to begin with so that you can make any desired changes or additions. 

2. Do you have good planning, organizational, and management skills?  All of these are needed even for a small inn owner.  Whether you have 3 rooms or 20 rooms, the skills you need are still the same.

3. Are you a work-a-holic or, at least, have good stamina?  You will be up early and going all day.   Sometimes, your day ends late in the evening when the last guest arrives, or you finish getting the dining room set for the following day.  Of course, there is always that late evening reservation that comes in and needs to be processed. 

4. Are you disciplined and have a slight competitive streak?  When you own a B&B you own a small business.  You have to check what your competition is doing and figure out what you need to do to stay competitive or come up with a niche market. 

5. Can you multitask, focus and manage your time well?  You will wear multiple hats at the same time.   Many things will need to be done during the course of the day.  You have to be a good time manager to make sure they all get done.

6. Can you entertain a variety of people, even those you don't like?  You never know who will be staying with you.    You have to be able to deal with those that are over demanding as well as those that are extra needy.   Your own personal views on race, religion, and politics should be left back in your own quarters. 

7. Do you have passion? Will you do whatever it takes to make your business work?    This is not only your business, but your life.  You will live and breath the bed and breakfast business.  It is not something that you can do half way.  You always have to be "ON" and willing to do what is necessary to have satisfied guests. 

So, if you are considering making a career change to innkeeping, then our Inn Caring hands on Aspiring Innkeeper seminar is just for you.  Making a decision to become an innkeeper is an important one. The insightful information, hands on experience and interaction with innkeepers all provide you with the information you need to come to a conclusion about the right course of action to take.   Owning a bed and breakfast is not for everyone.  However, education can provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. 

We would love to have you as students and help you wade through the ins and outs of bed and breakfast ownership. 


Lynda & Howard Lerner
Inn Caring
www.inncaring.com