Running a Bed and Breakfast For Dummies

Running a Bed and Breakfast For Dummies

<p><b><i>Learn to:</i></b> <ul> <li>Choose a location and make it your own</li> <li>Create a profitable business plan</li> <li>Decorate and renovate your property</li> <li>Market your property for maximum occupancy</li> </ul> <p><b>All the tools you need to start and run a profitable B&B</b> <p>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! <ul> <li><b>Understand B&B basics</b> — get an overview of the business and see if you have the skills (and the desire!) to succeed</li> <li><b>Find a place to call home</b> — choose the location, style, and size of your ideal B&B</li> <li><b>Transition from visitor to owner</b> — create your business plan, secure financing, make an offer, and protect your investment</li> <li><b>Get ready for your guests</b> — organize your recordkeeping, set room rates and policies, furnish your inn, and market your services</li> <li><b>Set the breakfast scene</b> — decide the style of breakfast to offer, accommodate guests' needs and restrictions, create signature dishes, and serve refreshments and snacks</li> <li><b>Handle day-to-day operations</b> — take reservations, make your guests feel welcome, hire employees, and maintain your inn</li> <li><b>Take your business to the next level</b> — assess your success, expand your market, increase profit, and prevent burnout</li> </ul> <p><b>Open the book and find:</b> <ul> <li>How to transition an existing B&B or start from scratch</li> <li>The biggest problems new B&Bs encounter — and how to avoid them</li> <li>The best ways to furnish your inn</li> <li>Tips for saving time cleaning and preparing breakfast</li> <li>What you must know to design and update your Web site</li> <li>Tried-and-tested sample menus and recipes</li> <li>Ways to guarantee a return guest</li> <li>How to get extra help when you need it</li> </ul>