Innkeeping Dreams - Pros and Cons from the Innkeepers Themselves

by Pamela Lanier

Over the past several months, I have had the pleasure of addressing several bed and breakfast conferences, both throughout the United States and in the Caribbean while on the Seminar at Sea Cruise. My topic was "Total Media Marketing for Your Inn."

One of the highlights of my presentations is the feedback I receive from the innkeepers regarding their latest marketing ideas. I also like to ask what they like best - and least - about being an innkeeper. The answers to these questions have been both enlightening, humorous, and occasionally, sobering. Here are some recent responses:

Pros:
• Meeting people and entertaining
• Seeing repeat guests again and again
• Making others happy
• Cooking wonderful meals
• Making a stay a memorable event
• Getting to know interesting people
• Creating a quiet place to relax
• Providing hospitality
• Setting a pretty table with colorful food presentation
• Decorating
• Being able to live in a larger, more beautiful home
• Sharing the history of our log cabin and the passion of the restoration process
• Being our own bosses and offering exceptional British-style service
• The prospect of selling our inn profitably in a few years when we are ready to retire

Cons:
• Ironing sheets
• Cleaning the kitchen
• Cleaning toilets
• Doing paperwork
• Working long hours
• Serving early breakfasts
• Talking with potential guests who decide not to visit us
• Loss of privacy - I can't run around in my pajamas!
• Restricting my own personal plans for the sake of the business

And, best of all . . .
• So far, not a thing!

As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons. Inn lovers contemplating a future career in innkeeping may visit www.innkeeperscorner.com to see our many articles and resources for aspiring innkeepers. In addition, consider asking an inn owner if you may attend an upcoming regional or State B&B Association meeting as a guest. The more you find out about this fascinating industry, the better equipped you will be to make wise decisions about buying or developing the inn of your dreams!