Internship

Hello,
My name is Vincent and I've been lurking on this forum for a while trying to learn valuable information about running B&B. I am a teacher in NYC ( I'm glad to see so many teachers here) and my wife is a college administrator. We've been talking about moving to Colorado or Utah to run a B&B for a long time.
I have 2 months off in the summer and was thinking I would like to get first hand experience working in B&B. I really want to learn the business. So, I want to ask you how I can get an "internship" - paid or unpaid. I am willing to relocate to another state for July and August if that is necessary.
Thank you for your advice,
Vincent

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?

Joey Bloggs said:

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?.

Click to expand...

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?.

Click to expand...

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)
.

Click to expand...

Vincent said:

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)

Click to expand...

That may be an iffy area Vincent, you won't find many innkeepers willing to share any of that with an intern. There are however trainings/seminars by various B&B consultants who cover the financial department!
I am not sure you can ask an innkeeper to help you start your own B&B, again back to the consultants for that. I am sure you have googled and found them if you are looking at this for a future career move!
There are a few ways to do a hands on training, but it involves YOU paying them, not the other way round. Wish it were easier, but it is time and effort and experience.

And in addition to what JB said, many are like me - too small or not busy enough to be of help. You may find someone willing to allow you to enter expenses/deposits but no one in their right mind is going to open financials to an intern temp. You will be doing good to find an internship (and I mean unpaid with lodging) and if you do, believe me, in 2 months you will be doing good to learn the backend aspects and routine of proper cleaning, laundry, breakfast, shopping, marketing..... There is more to it than you think.

Joey Bloggs said:

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?.

Click to expand...

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)
.

Click to expand...

Vincent said:

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)

Click to expand...

That may be an iffy area Vincent, you won't find many innkeepers willing to share any of that with an intern. There are however trainings/seminars by various B&B consultants who cover the financial department!
I am not sure you can ask an innkeeper to help you start your own B&B, again back to the consultants for that. I am sure you have googled and found them if you are looking at this for a future career move!
There are a few ways to do a hands on training, but it involves YOU paying them, not the other way round. Wish it were easier, but it is time and effort and experience.
.

Click to expand...

I probably did not express myself right. I do not expect anyone to "open" their books for me. However, I would like to be involved in the financial aspect of running BB to some degree.
I learn best by doing so I thought by working in BB, I would gain a lot of experience. At this point, I feel that attending a seminar might be a waste of time.
JB - you mentioned other ways of doing hands on training. Let me know what you have in mind.

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?.

Click to expand...

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)
.

Click to expand...

Vincent said:

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)

Click to expand...

That may be an iffy area Vincent, you won't find many innkeepers willing to share any of that with an intern. There are however trainings/seminars by various B&B consultants who cover the financial department!
I am not sure you can ask an innkeeper to help you start your own B&B, again back to the consultants for that. I am sure you have googled and found them if you are looking at this for a future career move!
There are a few ways to do a hands on training, but it involves YOU paying them, not the other way round. Wish it were easier, but it is time and effort and experience.
.

Click to expand...

I probably did not express myself right. I do not expect anyone to "open" their books for me. However, I would like to be involved in the financial aspect of running BB to some degree.
I learn best by doing so I thought by working in BB, I would gain a lot of experience. At this point, I feel that attending a seminar might be a waste of time.
JB - you mentioned other ways of doing hands on training. Let me know what you have in mind.
.

Click to expand...

I hope I did not discourage anyone from taking on a potential intern by mentioning my interest in being involved in the financial aspect of running BB. After all, it would be on your terms and I hope both parties would benefit. I am very eager to learn and work so if you think you may need free help over the summer, email me to discuss the details.

Vincent said:

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?.

Click to expand...

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)
.

Click to expand...

Vincent said:

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)

Click to expand...

That may be an iffy area Vincent, you won't find many innkeepers willing to share any of that with an intern. There are however trainings/seminars by various B&B consultants who cover the financial department!
I am not sure you can ask an innkeeper to help you start your own B&B, again back to the consultants for that. I am sure you have googled and found them if you are looking at this for a future career move!
There are a few ways to do a hands on training, but it involves YOU paying them, not the other way round. Wish it were easier, but it is time and effort and experience.
.

Click to expand...

I probably did not express myself right. I do not expect anyone to "open" their books for me. However, I would like to be involved in the financial aspect of running BB to some degree.
I learn best by doing so I thought by working in BB, I would gain a lot of experience. At this point, I feel that attending a seminar might be a waste of time.
JB - you mentioned other ways of doing hands on training. Let me know what you have in mind.
.

Click to expand...

I hope I did not discourage anyone from taking on a potential intern by mentioning my interest in being involved in the financial aspect of running BB. After all, it would be on your terms and I hope both parties would benefit. I am very eager to learn and work so if you think you may need free help over the summer, email me to discuss the details.
.

Click to expand...

Vincent said:

I hope I did not discourage anyone from taking on a potential intern by mentioning my interest in being involved in the financial aspect of running BB. After all, it would be on your terms and I hope both parties would benefit. I am very eager to learn and work so if you think you may need free help over the summer, email me to discuss the details.

Click to expand...

My advice is to get all of that sorted out first, so you have a better idea of what to expect before wasting time (yours and the hosts). If you are thinking of creative financing to purchase an existing B&B, as mentioned there are seminars for that, as business loans are not easy to come by at the moment.
The B&B's that are loan-worthy are not what are called "Lifestyle B&B's" which most inns are considered, where the owners live onsite and do everything themselves, and don't get rich, by any means.
The high occupancy higher grossing B&B's are the only one that they are loaning toward at the month, those would be considered in the $800,000 to 2.5 mil range and have a track record of higher revenue. This is my own estimation, and from those who have approached us for sale here, and those I know who have purchased and/or sold their inn.
We had someone here looking to buy last weekend, and again this coming weekend. Dreamers for the most part, they do not have money to buy an inn, and think a bank will finance it for them. Hope this info helps, there is alot to cover.

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

happykeeper said:

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

.

Click to expand...

true - DH and I were working together when we met and have virtually worked together ever since in various hotels before we came here though in different departments - we have different strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. what most people don't realise you will be together most of the time and its very different from you being at different work's all day.
Plus you will each do things that wind the other up - but you still have to stop and deal with whatever the guest needs "mid row" even on occasions - its what most people find the hardest.

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

.

Click to expand...

true - DH and I were working together when we met and have virtually worked together ever since in various hotels before we came here though in different departments - we have different strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. what most people don't realise you will be together most of the time and its very different from you being at different work's all day.
Plus you will each do things that wind the other up - but you still have to stop and deal with whatever the guest needs "mid row" even on occasions - its what most people find the hardest.
.

Click to expand...

My " oh- isn't that the truth" meter went off.
extra emphasis on the importance of knowing each others strengths and knowing how to get out of the way when it isn't yours!

Hello Vincent,
If you can cook breakfast and clean up the kitchen, change the beds, clean tubs & showers & toilets - I have a position for you.
We have moved next door to our B&B and our present innkeepers will soon be leaving.
We are in Spring City, UT - The Garden Bed & Breakfast www.BedsAndRoses.com

happykeeper said:

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

.

Click to expand...

true - DH and I were working together when we met and have virtually worked together ever since in various hotels before we came here though in different departments - we have different strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. what most people don't realise you will be together most of the time and its very different from you being at different work's all day.
Plus you will each do things that wind the other up - but you still have to stop and deal with whatever the guest needs "mid row" even on occasions - its what most people find the hardest.
.

Click to expand...

My " oh- isn't that the truth" meter went off.
extra emphasis on the importance of knowing each others strengths and knowing how to get out of the way when it isn't yours!
.

Click to expand...

last night is a perfect example DH when he gets tired gets silly so this is what is going on
(1) im trying to get a few blog posts written while waiting for the last 2 guests 1 is lost the other on the 10pm train.
(2) next door has a dog which occasionally barks - dh is barking at the dog and dog is barking back in a really annoying way while prancing about like a narnar! (DH not the dog)
(3) im trying to get him to GO TO BED! before I murder him
(4) when I go out to get the lost guy parked realise room 8 has parked very badly and room 3's van is never going to get out tomorrow and they leave at 7.30 am so have to do some detective work to try and find them and ask her to move when she gets back - which she has done.
and that is only 20 minutes of my day.

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Vincent said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Really? You are one smart fella. Are you doing this alone or with your wife? We may have an opportunity here in Virginia (unpaid but accommodation provided). Send me your details to my contact email. Tell me what you are interested in actually doing, from the whole nine yards to...?.

Click to expand...

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)
.

Click to expand...

Vincent said:

I am doing it alone. For my wife it is the busiest time at work so she can't take any time off.
I am looking for a mentor. Hopefully, someone who in the future can help me start my own B&B. I would like to be involved in all aspects of running B&B. ( including the financial aspects - that's something I have absolutely no clue)

Click to expand...

That may be an iffy area Vincent, you won't find many innkeepers willing to share any of that with an intern. There are however trainings/seminars by various B&B consultants who cover the financial department!
I am not sure you can ask an innkeeper to help you start your own B&B, again back to the consultants for that. I am sure you have googled and found them if you are looking at this for a future career move!
There are a few ways to do a hands on training, but it involves YOU paying them, not the other way round. Wish it were easier, but it is time and effort and experience.
.

Click to expand...

I probably did not express myself right. I do not expect anyone to "open" their books for me. However, I would like to be involved in the financial aspect of running BB to some degree.
I learn best by doing so I thought by working in BB, I would gain a lot of experience. At this point, I feel that attending a seminar might be a waste of time.
JB - you mentioned other ways of doing hands on training. Let me know what you have in mind.
.

Click to expand...

A seminar would absolutely NOT be a waste of time. I was asked to run this B&B and had about two months notice. I spent every day reading anything & everything online that I could, joining this group was a huge help. I learned SO MUCH about stuff that never would have crossed my mind just by reading free online articles. Every bit of information that you absorb goes into your Tool Box. A seminar is geared towards people that are thinking of running a B&B and will give you exactly the information you need to decide if it's right for you, your family, your lifestyle and your expectations. Extremely valuable tool and the number one place to start!

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

.

Click to expand...

true - DH and I were working together when we met and have virtually worked together ever since in various hotels before we came here though in different departments - we have different strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. what most people don't realise you will be together most of the time and its very different from you being at different work's all day.
Plus you will each do things that wind the other up - but you still have to stop and deal with whatever the guest needs "mid row" even on occasions - its what most people find the hardest.
.

Click to expand...

My " oh- isn't that the truth" meter went off.
extra emphasis on the importance of knowing each others strengths and knowing how to get out of the way when it isn't yours!
.

Click to expand...

last night is a perfect example DH when he gets tired gets silly so this is what is going on
(1) im trying to get a few blog posts written while waiting for the last 2 guests 1 is lost the other on the 10pm train.
(2) next door has a dog which occasionally barks - dh is barking at the dog and dog is barking back in a really annoying way while prancing about like a narnar! (DH not the dog)
(3) im trying to get him to GO TO BED! before I murder him
(4) when I go out to get the lost guy parked realise room 8 has parked very badly and room 3's van is never going to get out tomorrow and they leave at 7.30 am so have to do some detective work to try and find them and ask her to move when she gets back - which she has done.
and that is only 20 minutes of my day.
.

Click to expand...

A bit like herding cats isn't it? Or rabbits?

white pine said:

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

.

Click to expand...

true - DH and I were working together when we met and have virtually worked together ever since in various hotels before we came here though in different departments - we have different strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. what most people don't realise you will be together most of the time and its very different from you being at different work's all day.
Plus you will each do things that wind the other up - but you still have to stop and deal with whatever the guest needs "mid row" even on occasions - its what most people find the hardest.
.

Click to expand...

My " oh- isn't that the truth" meter went off.
extra emphasis on the importance of knowing each others strengths and knowing how to get out of the way when it isn't yours!
.

Click to expand...

last night is a perfect example DH when he gets tired gets silly so this is what is going on
(1) im trying to get a few blog posts written while waiting for the last 2 guests 1 is lost the other on the 10pm train.
(2) next door has a dog which occasionally barks - dh is barking at the dog and dog is barking back in a really annoying way while prancing about like a narnar! (DH not the dog)
(3) im trying to get him to GO TO BED! before I murder him
(4) when I go out to get the lost guy parked realise room 8 has parked very badly and room 3's van is never going to get out tomorrow and they leave at 7.30 am so have to do some detective work to try and find them and ask her to move when she gets back - which she has done.
and that is only 20 minutes of my day.
.

Click to expand...

A bit like herding cats isn't it? Or rabbits?
.

Click to expand...

forgot about the rabbits - which every time the dog barks go bezerk and run round everywhere at top speed trying to trip me up or give me a stroke which ever works best!

white pine said:

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

Joey Camb said:

happykeeper said:

I think where you lost me was that it would only be you. Now, maybe others have gone a different route, but if you two are planning to do this together, sending one of you out into the wilderness seems like the wrong foot to jump off from. We are a team and we have had a 24/7 team approach from day one. All eyes open, informed, and with first hand experiential learning.
I can imagine some of my fellow innkeepers have a completely different take on this.

.

Click to expand...

true - DH and I were working together when we met and have virtually worked together ever since in various hotels before we came here though in different departments - we have different strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. what most people don't realise you will be together most of the time and its very different from you being at different work's all day.
Plus you will each do things that wind the other up - but you still have to stop and deal with whatever the guest needs "mid row" even on occasions - its what most people find the hardest.
.

Click to expand...

My " oh- isn't that the truth" meter went off.
extra emphasis on the importance of knowing each others strengths and knowing how to get out of the way when it isn't yours!
.

Click to expand...

last night is a perfect example DH when he gets tired gets silly so this is what is going on
(1) im trying to get a few blog posts written while waiting for the last 2 guests 1 is lost the other on the 10pm train.
(2) next door has a dog which occasionally barks - dh is barking at the dog and dog is barking back in a really annoying way while prancing about like a narnar! (DH not the dog)
(3) im trying to get him to GO TO BED! before I murder him
(4) when I go out to get the lost guy parked realise room 8 has parked very badly and room 3's van is never going to get out tomorrow and they leave at 7.30 am so have to do some detective work to try and find them and ask her to move when she gets back - which she has done.
and that is only 20 minutes of my day.
.

Click to expand...

A bit like herding cats isn't it? Or rabbits?
.

Click to expand...

I just saw this cute video of cowboys herding cats. It was a super bowl commercial from a few years ago. To make it, they had 60 very well trained cats, and used graphics to make the 60 look like a herd. So I guess if you can herd cats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8

I want to thank everyone for the advice. I am completely new at this so please be patient with me.
A few of you suggested attending a seminar. Can you recommend a reputable place in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and possible Vermont?
I've been reading a lot of information on this forum and the Internet about opening B&B but I also want to ask you for recommendations of books that you found helpful when you started out.
Thanks!

Utah Garden said:

Hello Vincent,
If you can cook breakfast and clean up the kitchen, change the beds, clean tubs & showers & toilets - I have a position for you.
We have moved next door to our B&B and our present innkeepers will soon be leaving.
We are in Spring City, UT - The Garden Bed & Breakfast www.BedsAndRoses.com.

Click to expand...

Utah Garden, I sent you a private message.

Vincent said:

Utah Garden said:

Hello Vincent,
If you can cook breakfast and clean up the kitchen, change the beds, clean tubs & showers & toilets - I have a position for you.
We have moved next door to our B&B and our present innkeepers will soon be leaving.
We are in Spring City, UT - The Garden Bed & Breakfast www.BedsAndRoses.com.

Click to expand...

Utah Garden, I sent you a private message.
.

Click to expand...

Vincent
I have not received your message.
e-mail: [email protected]
Thanks,
Phyllis