The connection of passion and knowledge in the innkeeping world has evolved. In times past when we first started our seminars for aspiring innkeepers, our attendees had slightly different answers to our pre-attendance questionnaire. Many espoused their love of entertaining and cooking. Yes, that is an important part of innkeeping, the gift of hospitality and the passion for food. But…
The comments we receive from our questionnaires now include topics they would like covered on financing, bookkeeping, operations, websites and marketing plans. All the behind the curtain essentials of operating a successful Inn. Smart.
If our attendees don’t realize before our workshops, that the joy they receive from feeding family and friends a lavish breakfast on holidays and other celebrations is only a portion of what innkeeping is all about. They will know when they leave our seminars, with eyes wide open.
Operate a successful business and that joy of hospitality will remain joyous and the accolades from your guests, in front of the curtain, will be the icing on the virtual sticky bun.
The tools for operating a successful business are very readily available, all one needs is the desire to learn. The willingness to tackle new skills, without doubt or fear.
When Rick and I were new innkeepers (a few moons ago), one of our neighbor innkeepers asked us if we were going to attend the upcoming Innkeeping conference. We answered that we were ‘thinking about it’. He said; “Don’t think about it, just do it…go.” We did, and immediately after attending, understood the value and essential benefits of ongoing innkeeping education.
Look at the wealth of knowledge that will be available at AIHP’s ‘Knowledge Sharing Summit & Marketplace’ February 26-March 1 in Norfolk Virginia. The byline message for the AIHP summit is; ‘the connection of passion & knowledge.’ Love that!
Here is just a sampling the workshops that will be offered.
- Ten Steps to a Successful Digital Marketing Plan
- Understanding the Power and Influence of Your Property’s Imagery
- Ten Steps to Making Google Happy and Improving your Revenue
- Advanced Paid Marketing Strategies – Beyond the Free Stuff!
And for new and aspiring Innkeepers:
- Running your Business so it Won’t Run You
- Benchmarks for the New Innkeeper: How do I Measure My First Year in Business?
- Financial Record Keeping
The list is very extensive and complete. Besides the learning, there is the networking, exploring the marketplace and the recharging of your innkeeping engines. Its’ all there. A lot of fun and food too. All of us from The B&B Team will be there. Stop by our booth.
Connect that passion you have for sharing your love of hospitality with ongoing education. They not only go hand in hand, they must be successfully married to each other.
In conclusion I will re-quote former innkeeper and good friend Lindsey Copeland, “Don’t think about it, just do it…go.”
Thanks for Listening,
Janet Wolf
