B & B Owners


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The INNkeepers Letter
by Janet Rogers

Bed and Breakfast Owners

You never hear anyone talk about this, but it does exist. Although guests see B&B hosts as some of the nicest people
you would want to meet, many B&B owners see each other as competition, and some do not like competition. When
I first got into the B&B business I assumed that the different B&B owners would have alot of camaraderie and talk to
each other frequently. But I soon found out I was wrong. Of course there is always an exception to the rule, after all
somebody out there is talking to somebody right?

If you belong to a B&B association (which I do) that has monthly meetings, you will undoubtfully have the opportunity to
strike up a conversation with another B&B owner. But if you are unable to attend meetings, the odds of you striking up a
conversation with another B&B owner might be slim to none. When I first opened my B&B I had more time to go to meetings,
but even then found it difficult due to a 2 1/2 hour drive both ways. Then after my business grew it became impossible due to
time restrictions. Usually the meetings are on a weekday, but for me it didn't matter, I was as busy during the week as I was
on weekends.

There are many B&B's in the same situation as I am, there is never enough time in the day to do everything you need to do.
During the year I call a few B&B's to discuss pricing ideas etc. It doesn't bother me to call someone I don't know, but not
all B&B's feel the same way as I do.

In the last twelve years of being in the B&B business I have encountered six different types of B&B owners. They are.........
Friendly, Friendly from afar, Cordial, Undercover, Unfriendly, and The Pretend
(Please note I am using owner and host as one of the same)

First on the list is the "Friendly" B&B owner. A "Friendly B&B owner is not afraid of competition. A"Friendly" B&B
owner will strive to be better because of competition. A "Friendly" B&B owner is professional, confident, helpful and
"Friendly"to his or her counterparts. How many have I met in the last thirteen years? Two.

Second on the list is the "Friendly from afar" B&B owner. Since your B&B is not located anywhere near their B&B,
they do not perceive you as competition or a direct threat to their business, so in turn they can be "Friendly from afar."

Next is the "Cordial" B&B owner, they are polite, but will not go out of their way to talk to you, "Cordial" and "Stuck up"
might be one of the same. The "Cordial" B&B owner thinks his B&B should be called an Inn, because an Inn is better than
a B&B, he thinks that if he charges more for his guest rooms his B&B is better than your B&B.

Then we have the "Undercover" B&B owner. They usually have one or more of these traits. They advertise only on the
net and not locally, they don't have a sign in their yard, they don't take charge cards, they usually only have one guest room
(and it looks like their daughters room) they cook dinners with out a license and they may or may not claim any income.

Then you have the "Unfriendly" B&B owner. They are actually "Unfriendly" to other B&B owners. Unfortunately
sometimes their unfriendly behavior will spill over onto their guests. Just because you are a B&B Owner/Host does not
mean you should be. It's like any business, not all doctors should be doctors, not all hair stylists are good hairstylist, how
may good hairdos do you see out there?

And last but not least is "The Pretend." B&B owner, they just "Pretend" the other B&B doesn't exist, even if the B&B
is a block down the street. That way if they Pretend" they don't have to be friendly, they don't have to be nice, they don't
have to be mean, they don't have to answer any questions, they don't have to give advice, and they don't have to refer you
when they are full, and if confronted they can smile and "Pretend" they didn't know, and then go back to "Pretending" again
What a life!

A good book to read is "Who ate my cheese." for those of you who are afraid of change, or competition. My background in
marketing taught me alot about the business world, but when all is said and done I still believe you can help each other out in life.
Jan

How to open a B&B
What is a B&B
What is an INN
The INNkeeper
Ohio licensing requirements Bill # 223
Towels
Beds
Is your Bed & Breakfast over priced?
Questions to ask when making a reservation
The Guest from Planet X
Guest Pet Peeves

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