5 Insider Tips for New Innkeepers

Welcome to the world of running an Inn. While owning a beautiful property and opening it up to guests can make a good amount of money, there is a lot that happens behind the scenes. It can be challenging to navigate all the different moving parts of innkeeping and managing a business. With decades of experience helping owners insure their most prized assets, we have seen it all and spoken to many amazing people. We have noticed they focus their efforts on these 5 perspectives/habits.

Follow these 5 insider tips to help run a successful Inn business:

1. Guest Safety is a Top Priority

The last thing you want your guests to be thinking about when they walk on the property is their safety. You want your guests to know that they are protected and their safety is your priority. As an owner, you also want to do everything in your control to make their experience one to remember for the right reasons.

For example, bathrooms are an easy place for a fall to occur. They are prone to wet floors and lingering moisture on areas such as walls and inside storage cabinets. Leftover soap residue can cause slippery showers and tubs. The CDC states, “One out of five falls does cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury.” Preventing any fall at Inn helps keep you and your business from being in a sticky situation.

2. Create a Full Customer Experience

As always, you want your guests to create their own special memories at your Inn. Make sure they feel at ease the instant they walk through the door of the property. Taking time to anticipate their needs and having small extra touches will go a long way. Guests will feel cared for and relaxed thanks to your thoughtfulness, making them more likely to leave a positive review and return in the future.

3. Become Business-Minded

Innkeeping is an exciting, heart-warming, and creatively fulfilling activity. Some days it feels less like a job and more like a passion. As easy as it is to get lost in the day-to-day, you need to treat your business like a business, not a hobby. Creating an LLC for your Inn can be extremely beneficial to you as the owner and make it feel more official.

As a small business, you may be trying to determine the right business framework for you — likely either a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC). For many owners, minimizing risk is top of mind, and an LLC is a way to gain added protection in addition to innkeepers insurance. The ability to have extra safeguards for personal risk exposure is without a doubt a major highlight of becoming one.

4. Do Your Research on the Industry

With many still working remotely, guests are yearning for a change of scenery. One way to keep your business going strong is to get creative and offer tailored packages for remote workers. Offering packages for a week or even a day could increase your business earnings exponentially. Pay attention to the Bed & Breakfast trends. Just like any other business, there will always be the next latest, and greatest trend.

5. Have Innkeepers Insurance

Innkeepers insurance is a safety measure you pay for and hope you’ll never have to use but are thankful for having it. It’s always best to prepare for the worst, because the unexpected can happen. To learn more about protecting your business through CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance, connect with a member of our team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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