Learn to:
- Choose a location and make it your own
- Create a profitable business plan
- Decorate and renovate your property
- Market your property for maximum occupancy
All the tools you need to start and run a profitable B&B
Do you dream of owning a B&B? This friendly, practical guide shows you how to make your dream a reality, with expert advice on everything from writing a business plan and finding the right location to handling situations you will encounter as an innkeeper. You'll make your guests feel at home, keep your inn in tip-top shape, and ensure your long-term success!
- Understand B&B basics get an overview of the business and see if you have the skills (and the desire!) to succeed
- Find a place to call home choose the location, style, and size of your ideal B&B
- Transition from visitor to owner create your business plan, secure financing, make an offer, and protect your investment
- Get ready for your guests organize your recordkeeping, set room rates and policies, furnish your inn, and market your services
- Set the breakfast scene decide the style of breakfast to offer, accommodate guests' needs and restrictions, create signature dishes, and serve refreshments and snacks
- Handle day-to-day operations take reservations, make your guests feel welcome, hire employees, and maintain your inn
- Take your business to the next level assess your success, expand your market, increase profit, and prevent burnout
Open the book and find:
- How to transition an existing B&B or start from scratch
- The biggest problems new B&Bs encounter and how to avoid them
- The best ways to furnish your inn
- Tips for saving time cleaning and preparing breakfast
- What you must know to design and update your Web site
- Tried-and-tested sample menus and recipes
- Ways to guarantee a return guest
- How to get extra help when you need it
Table of Contents:
Introduction. Part I: Inn the Beginning.
Chapter 1: So You Want to Open a B&B.
Chapter 2: Deciding on the Location and Style of Your B&B.
Part II: Transitioning from Inn Goer to Inn Owner.
Chapter 3: Creating the Plan for Your Business.
Chapter 4: Purchasing an Existing B&B.
Chapter 5: Starting a New Inn from Scratch.
Part III: Getting Ready for Guests.
Chapter 6: Organizing Your Record-Keeping.
Chapter 7: Setting Rates and Establishing Policies.
Chapter 8: B&B Marketing 101.
Chapter 9: Furnishing Your Inn.
Chapter 10: Making Breakfast a Memorable Meal.
Part IV: Up and Running: Day-to-Day Operations.
Chapter 11: Communicating with Potential Guests and Taking Reservations.
Chapter 12: Taking Care of Guests.
Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Inn.
Chapter 14: Getting Help When You Need It.
Part V: Taking It beyond Breakfast and the Basics.
Chapter 15: Assessing Your Success and Building on It.
Chapter 16: Keeping Your Most Important Asset (You) Fine-Tuned.
Chapter 17: Looking into Your Future.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 18: Ten Cleaning Tips to Save Time, Money, and Your Inn.
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Guarantee a Return Guest.
Index.
