Innkeeper Summer School: Expand Your Knowledge

Summer is in full swing, making it the perfect time to take advantage of the extra hours of daylight. Consider “enrolling” in Bed & Breakfast summer school and learning all you can to increase bookings, marketing your Inn, and managing your business in the most efficient way. While the travel and hospitality worlds are making their COVID-19 return, now is a great time to dive a little deeper into the industry to help your business come back in full swing. 

To help navigate which online courses, websites, and podcasts are most beneficial to your business's particular needs, we compiled a list of 5 resources you can explore to expand your knowledge. It’s never a bad idea to sharpen your skills and perfect your expertise. Innkeeper summer school is now in session!

1. Association of Lodging Professionals

The Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) is a nonprofit that focuses on professional development for Innkeepers and advocates for the hospitality industry. ALP’s mission is, “To embrace all current and aspiring professionals within the small, independent lodging community and help them become highly successful by providing critical education, advocacy, networking, and professional development.” If you are new to the Innkeeper industry, ALP has a wide variety of free resources. They also have several membership opportunities that provide access to their InnOvations e-magazine, video library, social media webinars and private Facebook groups. Depending on the membership package, you can also receive discounts for the ALP Conference and Marketplace as well as discounts on products and services from allied partners.

2. Select Registry

Owners looking to increase their industry knowledge, sharpen their management skills, and gain a competitive edge need not look any further than becoming a member of Select Registry. According to Select Registry, “Membership serves as a seal of approval in the destination marketing industry. It tells travelers that your property is exceptional and unique, with one-of-a-kind settings, authentic experiences, local connections and flavors, and people who are genuinely honored to take great care of them. “

Their membership package includes:   

• Mobile-responsive website referring direct commission-free reservations
• Industry-leading quality-assurance program and best practices that consumers trust
• Marketing and Branding
• Digital marketing with inclusion in: Consumer emails, blogs, social media
• Touch-screen, digital, guest loyalty rewards program
• Gift Certificate Program
• Inclusion in a nationally distributed Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
• Free Digital Guest Book
• Active Network of the industry’s leading owners, innkeepers and hospitality professionals

3. Little Hotelier

Not sure where to begin or what topic interests you the most? The Little Hotelier has everything to answer any question that you may have. With their main goal being to help make running your small hotel or Bed & Breakfast easy, they have sifted through the Internet for the best practices and resources. With a blog, customer stories, e-books and videos, you will be sure to learn something new. Aside from expert advice on how to create the perfect booking website, they also focus on how to increase your revenue, receive more bookings and running your property. Any question you may have about your business is most likely covered on the Little Hotelier.

4. The Boostly Podcast

Founded and ran by Mark Simpson, a leading expert in the hospitality industry, The Boostly Podcast has daily interviews and helpful advice for growing your hospitality business. They also have a large library of educational resources and video content. This podcast is bursting full of useful tricks that can be put into action right away. 

For some extra credit, join their Facebook page, Hospitality Community Facebook Group. It is a perfect way to network and receive guidance on obstacles you may have encountered. 

Podcasts are free and can be listened to anywhere. Many podcast listeners turn on programs while working. It is a convenient way to learn and complete small tasks at the same time. A pro tip to help you navigate through the podcast’s episodes is to read the descriptions of each one and download those that interest you most. 

5. How Bed and Breakfasts, Guest Houses and Inns Can Make More Money with Less Work Podcast

Considered one of the top Bed & Breakfast podcasts in the industry, Yvonne Halling’s How Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses and Inns Can Make More Money with Less Work Podcast is a wealth of knowledge. As a well-known Bed & Breakfast coach, she shares her views and business advice on running a hospitality property. Her podcast will help you learn the skills for the digital age, attract guests, differentiate yourself from the crowd and charge more. This podcast is bursting full of useful tricks that can be put into action right away. 

Put Your Knowledge to the Test

Learning from industry experts will improve and enhance your Bed & Breakfast business. As additional homework, check your insurance to ensure your policy marks off all the boxes and covers you from A-Z. Speak with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts today!

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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