Flying out for week long interview/introduction - what kinds of things should we take?

[ServingSouthernComfort]

OK, I am your prospective employer. After a nice meet and greet, probably over drinks (how well do they hold their alcohol, do they drink to excess?) we'd talk about the day to day operations (are they taking notes, nodding like they agree, asking pertinent questions, showing they 'get it') and I'd let you know what time I expected to see you in the morning. 6 AM. Ready to rock n roll.
On the first morning I would expect you to watch and ask questions. We would take you thru the day as we handle it and expect more questions and possibly some observations on how you think this might be done better this way, have we tried it that way?
On the second day you would be cooking the breakfast so I would expect you to be asking to see the fridge and taking stock of what you need to buy to make that breakfast and handing off a shopping list to the present cook. I would also expect that by this time you would have already made yourself knowledgeable about what it is we do serve and not prepare something totally out of the ordinary or something that could not be repeated within the budget constraints. (So you should have asked about the budget beforehand.)
I'd be interested in your phone manner, how you handle check-ins, your design abilities if you are in charge of florals and room decorating. I'd have a series of 'how would you handle this?' queries. (I can say breakfast is 'take it or leave it' I would not expect an employee to do the same.)
If your responsibilities include marketing I'd expect to see an example of what you think needs to be done to increase room revenues and how you would do that and why you think that would work in this area.
How will you handle my tempermental cook? Does s/he have carte blanche in the kitchen or will you micro/manage?
Gardener? What plans do you have for the gardener?
On to room cleaning. I will expect to see you clean rooms. I will check to see if you are thorough. If I am not going to be an onsite owner, then you will need to either be doing the work or responsible for training. What kind of budget have you worked out for hiring seasonal employees?
Generally, I expect you to be totally conversant with our website, out guest policies, our blog. You need to know something about the area. (research in advance.)
I would expect you to approach us on what leeway you will have, what leeway you want, what you feel comfortable taking over, what you are not comfortable with. Not that you won't learn those things, but that right now you'd prefer to take our lead.
And. seriously, if you will have a chef for five rooms and a gardener the employers obviously have money that is not coming from the room rentals unless the rooms are going for $300+..

You, my dear, are priceless! And I am so glad to be getting to know you!
Whether our potential employers have money, like a lot of money, I do not know; but I do know that the rooms DO NOT go for $300. A landscaper who comes on 2-3 times a year does not constitute a "gardener" in my eyes. I will be able to contract a chef if I have large enough group to warrant one.
A lot of what you have suggested here in a round about way answers my question of what to bring. For example: I have wondered if it would be appropriate to bring some marketing suggestions. I have time to create a couple of things specific to this B&B and so I think I'll do that and take it with me. If the right opportunity opens, then I'll have it at my fingertips.
D has a degree in History - he loves it. So he has been actively learning all he can about the rich history that is there.
.

A lot of what you have suggested here in a round about way answers my question of what to bring. For example: I have wondered if it would be appropriate to bring some marketing suggestions. I have time to create a couple of things specific to this B&B and so I think I'll do that and take it with me. If the right opportunity opens, then I'll have it at my fingertips.

That's a great way to NOT get the job. I would never give out marketing tips in an interview. Why do they need you then?
And if they do hire you, and have already implemented your ideas, they will NOT remember they came from you. They will just look at what has improved since you started. DO NOT DO THIS
They may make a lot of money on functions with the B&B as more of a side line if it appears they have money to spend for a chef and staff.
We are currently a two room inn and make more money on our wine tours than the inn.
An idea (DO NOT GIVE THIS OUT IN YOUR INTERVIEW) if your DH is a history nut you could have him do walking tours. I'd create his own business and have it as an amenitiy add on to help book the rooms, but don't give them the money. Pocket it yourself.
Like others have learned, though, find out if they have been having high turnover. That's a bad sign.
RIki
Riki
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this is soo true had a small hotel they had all people in for interview and had to do a presentation of what they would do with the place to turn it round and bring a printed copy with them they never hired anyone and just used all the ideas. It was a nasty turn and the hotel, B&B community is very close knit and everyone knew about it.
.

Awww man! NO WAAY! Now that is just wrong. What B&B community are you making reference to so we can avoid them? That is sad that the other proprietors were in on it.
To listen to y'all - B&B people are just about the most untrustworthy, slimy, unfair, penny-pinching bunch of people in the world. I know it isn't so - but if someone was to come in here unaware - I'm just sayin'... It is indeed some of what attracts us to y'all, though.
Just a side note: I am celebrating your "No exploding toilets yet today" day with you!! woohoo!
.

To listen to y'all - B&B people are just about the most untrustworthy, slimy, unfair, penny-pinching bunch of people in the world. I know it isn't so - but if someone was to come in here unaware - I'm just sayin'...

What a statement!!
'B&B people' are just like all other people you've met in the business world. All kinds. Great and not so good. There are owners and innkeepers and owner/innkeepers. And the B&B people on this forum are the most generous bunch I've met.
They are very wise and are just urging a healthy dose of caution and skepticism. Filling you in on real life experiences and scenarios. What good would it do you to just to say KUDO's to you and congratulations?
Isn't that what you came here for?
.

Goodness Seashanty =( It's all good. I think you have misunderstood me - I wasn't running any of you down. I think most I have met here are lovely people who are honestly trying to help!! Keep the truth coming. And I will speak the truth in return. I appreciate you for calling me out and giving me the opportunity to clarify for anyone else who took this differently than I intended and might become offended.
I said:
" .....I know it isn't so - but if someone was to come in here unaware" I said it with a half smile on my face.
It is the truth because INNspiring isn't sugar coating things - because INNspiring isn't making things seem what they are not. And because of this it would be easy for someone to peak in, read the messages, and RUN. I'm not running, Seashanty. I can wade through the BS and identify those who are just ticked off at life in general and therefore see life through the veil of their own darkness, and those who are sharing the truth. Eg had brought a good point, giving a good example of the slimeyness that is out there - fact. There are lots of stories out that like it.
I totally agree with you that, " 'B&B people' are just like all other people you've met in the business world. All kinds. Great and not so good."

 

[toddburme]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times.

 

[user 26]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times..

i've said before in this forum and will say it again ...
you HAVE to have a certain amount of stars in your eyes to go into this business ... to take on a new challenge ... to start up a company ... to try something new ... to open a B&B ... the list goes on.
i don't think anyone on the forum is trying to dissuade you from giving this a shot. they just want you to go into it with your eyes wide open.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Sad to say this aloud, but if we knew what the inn was or where, we might be able to give you a heads up, since this forum is very broad reaching. But no, don't do it, don't tell us, it would be a huge mistake.
Wonder if it is the place one of our members is leaving shortly? I would hire someone without inn experience if I liked them, absolutely, and in fact I might not hire 75% of innkeepers I find (elsewhere online) who I think couldn't handle it. Not here, of course, you are all stellar and above par.

Innkeepers vs running the business? How much will you be doing? What will you NOT be doing? (that is one question I would have during this process). Then you can assess the position better.
What do hired innkeepers do? If the occupancy is high then they hire housekeepers, if it is not high (like ours) then we do it all ourselves. If we needed to hire innkeepers here for whatever reason full time, they would have to clean the rooms, mow the lawns, maintain the grounds etc, as we do.
Just thinking aloud... A B&B not too far from us has hired innkeepers permantently on staff. The owners travel and do other things. There is no way their occupancy is close to ours, they are in the middle of nowhere..

I am also thinking of an inn near me, that hires and fires people at will it seems. There seem to be many different reasons for letting people go and hiring new ones. And, then there are the really talented people that quit. It's really fascinating to watch. lol! I would never work there nor would I recommend it as a place to work to anyone I know.
I was just thinking today of how I'm going to write all the skills required of an innkeeper/owner to put on my updated resume.

It's kind of amazing...
.

I am also thinking of an inn near me, that hires and fires people at will it seems. There seem to be many different reasons for letting people go and hiring new ones. And, then there are the really talented people that quit. It's really fascinating to watch. lol! I would never work there nor would I recommend it as a place to work to anyone I know.

So between a few of us here we can think of a few that have a high turn over. We will be patient, Southern can let us know later on...
I have had people approach us and ask us to run the inn for us, and maybe do an owner contract. Many, in fact. Where would WE live? This is all part of the package. We eithre run it or we don't. But I know of a couple inns where the owner has fallen ill and the show must go on, they hire to keep the place running. They don't want to close it. It has a history and a reputation. I applaud them for that.
.

Hey Joey, THanks for your comments.
As it seems many of you are having the same questions I'll answer a few here - hopes that's ok.
It was/is a FAMILY investment 8 years ago. The part of the family that has lived there and are running it are the only innkeepers the inn has known since they purchased it. The innkeepers (45ish) started out childless and now have children and it is just tooooo much. It is not fair on the guests or their children as it is now. They have decided it is time to change gears.
They are moving into their newly purchased home a little over an hours away. They will be my emergency sitter should something unexpected come up. Other family members or friends have come in when a sitter was necessary in the past. The business is mostly seasonal so "vacation time" is basically built in - although I want it written into our contract specifically how much time. The husband innkeeper has another business as well.
The 4 of us have already talked about the opportunity for them to fall into the trap of micro-managing and they talked about their own unhappy feelings when they have been managed that way. There seems to be some honesty going on. But I could be wrong.
They became innkeepers when they had no experience. They think it can work that way again. Fresh eyes, fresh excitement.
The assumption that the OWNERS are paying for LARGE groups to have chef services is wrong - and if I stated it that way I was mistaken. The owners have a chef or caterer they can recommend or can provide FOR A FEE.
And once again, to bring a LANDSCAPER out at the beginning and end of season to do the BIG stuff just does not constitute have a gardener. It's a large property of natural land. It sounds SMART to me - the properties I managed needed a good once over at these time.
Y'all are sharing with me lots of wisdom here that I would never receive outside this forum. I DO see this interview as an opportunity to, at the very least, get a week of experience. From all previous conversations and correspondence with the owners it seems they are honest, hardworking people. And they have a great place. I am excited and really looking forward to our time with them and am grateful they have the means to bring us out. We couldn't do it otherwise. Maybe, just maybe, it is exactly what it appears to be - a wonderful opportunity for D and I to get to do what we have dreamed of doing for so very long.
I look forward to writing you all at the end of September when ALL of our questions will be answered. ~giggle~ I promise to return GOOD or BAD and fill in all the curious blanks.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times..

Thanks Todd. I am trying to take it personally, but I appreciate your reaching out with a hug.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times..

i've said before in this forum and will say it again ...
you HAVE to have a certain amount of stars in your eyes to go into this business ... to take on a new challenge ... to start up a company ... to try something new ... to open a B&B ... the list goes on.
i don't think anyone on the forum is trying to dissuade you from giving this a shot. they just want you to go into it with your eyes wide open.
.

Thanks Seashanty - how could one NOT have stars in their eyes when it comes to this business? And I am sure there is some priceless joys in the business as well. And really - I figure no amount of writing on a forum can really prepare us. But, we - D is reading in the background are learning from each of you.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Ok everybody,hold your horses.
First of all,ServingSouthern,kudos to you,for taking a leap of faith,and not being afraid of taking chances.
Let me all tell you our story.
Both my husband and I have always wanted to run a B&B (not own,just run it )in a specific town.We have no experience,me working in the airline industry,and hubby in corporate/non profit America.
One day,as I was perusing a certain website (with a lot of different job categories) I found an ad,looking for a couple innkeeper/chef.Heck,do we know how to cook,or run a B&B?...No,but like ServingSouthern,we think what the heck,lets send these people an email.
The next day,we get a response back,they loved our email (we were very honest with our qualifications) but they said they loved it,and had a couple of chuckles over it.
Granted,as I work for the airlines,hubby and I can fly for free (standby!) so they asked us if we could fly over,and come on in for an interview.Of course we said yes,and went a couple of days early,so we could have a little fun in this beautiful southern city,and to do a little research on the B&B,and the owners...(I will admit,that after they asked us for the interview,I did a lot of research on the internet,hubby thought it was bordering on "stalking"...I just wanted to be prepared!)
We met the owners for our interview,they walked us around the property (9 freestanding cottages within beautiful grounds) We went through the job descriptions,day to day operation,and had a really really good time,just talking and laughing with the owners.
After our interview,they told us they would be in touch,and about 45mins later,whilst we were having lunch,we got a phone call from them,could we meet them again in about 15mins....We did,and they said they absolutely loved us,and could we come over for two weeks,to see if we really liked the position,and to see if we would all "Click".
We said we would think about it,but the minute we got home,we called them and said YES.Both hubby and I took two weeks vacation,got a cat sitter,and about three weeks later,we were on our way to find out if this was really what we wanted....
The owners sound a lot like Servingsouthern's owners (although they did not pay for our airfare,but then again,they also know we can fly for free) They made us so welcome,had tours ready for us,so we could explore the city,they invited us into to their homes,so they could teach us how to cook in bulk,they took us out for expensive dinners (this city is KNOWN for their amazing restaurants and southern cooking!) On our part,we worked our tails off.We wanted to know how to clean rooms,so we told them not to have the cleaning staff come in for a week,and let me tell you,its hard work,but we loved it,and it is the only way to know how to do it right.We learned their reservation systems within a couple of hours,and were taking reservations on the phone the next day.We greeted guests,made them comfortable,served breakfast (well,hubby did,I was too nervous!) and had amazing conversations with our guests.We assisted with staging the cottages for a photoshoot for the new website,hubby did a lot of yardwork,I organized their laundry room,storage room and kitchen (the flight attendant in me!) and even though we were bone tired every night,it was a wonderful feeling,and I have never seen hubby happier.He was born to be an innkeeper.We also got our first 5 star review on a certain website,saying how wonderful we were! (yes,they mentioned us by name!....)
At the end of the two weeks,the owners came over,with two bottles of champagne,and asked us if we could please accept their job offer,and contract......
Now,it does not pay much (yes,I have been reading this wonderful forum for quite a while!) but both hubby and I have no commitments,no mortgages,no kids,no debts,so taking a 75% reduction in salary was something we were able to do.We realized that having our dream job in a city we have always loved and wanted to retire in,is priceless.
We got very,very,very lucky with our new bosses.They are absolutely the best.I think the most important thing is that you all CLICK and are on the same page.They told us that they loved the fact we had NO experience,is because they had looked at experienced innkeepers,but they always wanted to run the B&B their way,and the owners really wanted something different.Both my hubby and I are very open minded (like the owners) and I think it was a plus.
We are now in the midst of packing our belongings,getting our cats ready for the 16hrs drive down,and can not wait until October 1,when we will be INNKEEPERS!
So once again ServingSouthern,best of luck to you,yes,there are owners who are wonderful and want to make their innkeepers happy,and I think that having the two weeks experience was the best thing our owners ever did.It was a way for all of us to find ou,t if we were a good fit,and we now know that we have a long and happy relationship ahead of us..

Thank you Vissarion! Nice to meet you. I LOVE YOU! (wink-wink) Thanks for telling me your story. It does sound a little like our situation in some ways - except they found us - which makes the story even more crazy unbelievable. And our back and forth communications have had longer laps- days sometimes - not hours. LONG days!! Someone asked me in an earlier post "WHY WOULD SOMEONE HIRE YOU WITH ABSOLUTELY NO EXPERIENCE? (paraphrased) I can't answer that question because I don't know. But, I am glad there are people in this business who look at the ASPIRING Innkeeper as just that - in experienced, but willing to learn.
Certainly our initial phone, SKYPE, and email conversations with our owners have been really comfortable. D and I feel like we have, if nothing else, met some really nice people and now know of a great B&B we can visit if we don't get the job.
I am certain there are nightmare stories out there. And I appreciate the INNspirings hard-hitters - it is obvious who they are. I think they are just trying to help.
I so hope your new job is everything you are hoping it will. I believe that you, like us, are not so foolish to think that there will be NO problems. All of life has problems. But we are willing to give this a try and see if we are made of the stuff that navigates the B&B problems well!
Thanks again for your encouragement and for giving us another kind of story to consider. It DOES sound a little spectacular - but I look for the spectacular to happen in my life. That is just how I am.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Ok everybody,hold your horses.
First of all,ServingSouthern,kudos to you,for taking a leap of faith,and not being afraid of taking chances.
Let me all tell you our story.
Both my husband and I have always wanted to run a B&B (not own,just run it )in a specific town.We have no experience,me working in the airline industry,and hubby in corporate/non profit America.
One day,as I was perusing a certain website (with a lot of different job categories) I found an ad,looking for a couple innkeeper/chef.Heck,do we know how to cook,or run a B&B?...No,but like ServingSouthern,we think what the heck,lets send these people an email.
The next day,we get a response back,they loved our email (we were very honest with our qualifications) but they said they loved it,and had a couple of chuckles over it.
Granted,as I work for the airlines,hubby and I can fly for free (standby!) so they asked us if we could fly over,and come on in for an interview.Of course we said yes,and went a couple of days early,so we could have a little fun in this beautiful southern city,and to do a little research on the B&B,and the owners...(I will admit,that after they asked us for the interview,I did a lot of research on the internet,hubby thought it was bordering on "stalking"...I just wanted to be prepared!)
We met the owners for our interview,they walked us around the property (9 freestanding cottages within beautiful grounds) We went through the job descriptions,day to day operation,and had a really really good time,just talking and laughing with the owners.
After our interview,they told us they would be in touch,and about 45mins later,whilst we were having lunch,we got a phone call from them,could we meet them again in about 15mins....We did,and they said they absolutely loved us,and could we come over for two weeks,to see if we really liked the position,and to see if we would all "Click".
We said we would think about it,but the minute we got home,we called them and said YES.Both hubby and I took two weeks vacation,got a cat sitter,and about three weeks later,we were on our way to find out if this was really what we wanted....
The owners sound a lot like Servingsouthern's owners (although they did not pay for our airfare,but then again,they also know we can fly for free) They made us so welcome,had tours ready for us,so we could explore the city,they invited us into to their homes,so they could teach us how to cook in bulk,they took us out for expensive dinners (this city is KNOWN for their amazing restaurants and southern cooking!) On our part,we worked our tails off.We wanted to know how to clean rooms,so we told them not to have the cleaning staff come in for a week,and let me tell you,its hard work,but we loved it,and it is the only way to know how to do it right.We learned their reservation systems within a couple of hours,and were taking reservations on the phone the next day.We greeted guests,made them comfortable,served breakfast (well,hubby did,I was too nervous!) and had amazing conversations with our guests.We assisted with staging the cottages for a photoshoot for the new website,hubby did a lot of yardwork,I organized their laundry room,storage room and kitchen (the flight attendant in me!) and even though we were bone tired every night,it was a wonderful feeling,and I have never seen hubby happier.He was born to be an innkeeper.We also got our first 5 star review on a certain website,saying how wonderful we were! (yes,they mentioned us by name!....)
At the end of the two weeks,the owners came over,with two bottles of champagne,and asked us if we could please accept their job offer,and contract......
Now,it does not pay much (yes,I have been reading this wonderful forum for quite a while!) but both hubby and I have no commitments,no mortgages,no kids,no debts,so taking a 75% reduction in salary was something we were able to do.We realized that having our dream job in a city we have always loved and wanted to retire in,is priceless.
We got very,very,very lucky with our new bosses.They are absolutely the best.I think the most important thing is that you all CLICK and are on the same page.They told us that they loved the fact we had NO experience,is because they had looked at experienced innkeepers,but they always wanted to run the B&B their way,and the owners really wanted something different.Both my hubby and I are very open minded (like the owners) and I think it was a plus.
We are now in the midst of packing our belongings,getting our cats ready for the 16hrs drive down,and can not wait until October 1,when we will be INNKEEPERS!
So once again ServingSouthern,best of luck to you,yes,there are owners who are wonderful and want to make their innkeepers happy,and I think that having the two weeks experience was the best thing our owners ever did.It was a way for all of us to find ou,t if we were a good fit,and we now know that we have a long and happy relationship ahead of us..

That's a great story. Please keep us in the loop when you start your new life and the ups and downs of innkeeping.
I can definitely see a job placement happening this way. As adament as I am about how I would only hire innsitters with experience, I can also see where I could hire an inexperienced innkeeping couple as full time innkeepers if I made the personal connection, saw them in action at my inn and spent time training and seeing how they interacted with my guests.
I would make sure the people I were hiring had the same philosophy of hospitality, were quick learners and I would train them and be hands on until I was comfortable that my 'baby' were in good hands.
Congratulations!
.

Thank you so very much. =)

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

The inn might not be the owners only business. In which case they might be used to a different hirering style.
Don't worry about the experience part. Yes, you will make mistakes but that is how people gain experience. If this isn't their first rodeo, they will know that..

=)

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times..

Thanks Todd. I am trying to take it personally, but I appreciate your reaching out with a hug.
.

Thanks Todd. I am trying to take it personally, but I appreciate your reaching out with a hug.

Please don't take it personally. We're just trying to help you cover all your bases. As Todd will tell you, he got a good eye opener here when he first arrived. He'll also tell you that because of the input of folks on here, he changed a lot of things because of our input.
All of us had stars in our eyes at one point. This is a great profession, but only if you know what you're getting into. After spending a week with your potential employers, you'll be amazed at how much you've learned and how tired you'll be. If this works out for you it sounds like an amazing opportunity. Go for it. I'm in my 11th season as an innkeeper and I did a lot of research and an intensive seminar before buying our inn, but nothing prepares you for the real life hands on day to day reality. Some people thrive with it, and some don't. Fortunately for you, you will not have spent your life's savings purchasing a b&b before you realize if it's the life that's right for you. That's a wonderful advantage.
Don't let what anyone here says get you down. It's all ment to help.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Ok everybody,hold your horses.
First of all,ServingSouthern,kudos to you,for taking a leap of faith,and not being afraid of taking chances.
Let me all tell you our story.
Both my husband and I have always wanted to run a B&B (not own,just run it )in a specific town.We have no experience,me working in the airline industry,and hubby in corporate/non profit America.
One day,as I was perusing a certain website (with a lot of different job categories) I found an ad,looking for a couple innkeeper/chef.Heck,do we know how to cook,or run a B&B?...No,but like ServingSouthern,we think what the heck,lets send these people an email.
The next day,we get a response back,they loved our email (we were very honest with our qualifications) but they said they loved it,and had a couple of chuckles over it.
Granted,as I work for the airlines,hubby and I can fly for free (standby!) so they asked us if we could fly over,and come on in for an interview.Of course we said yes,and went a couple of days early,so we could have a little fun in this beautiful southern city,and to do a little research on the B&B,and the owners...(I will admit,that after they asked us for the interview,I did a lot of research on the internet,hubby thought it was bordering on "stalking"...I just wanted to be prepared!)
We met the owners for our interview,they walked us around the property (9 freestanding cottages within beautiful grounds) We went through the job descriptions,day to day operation,and had a really really good time,just talking and laughing with the owners.
After our interview,they told us they would be in touch,and about 45mins later,whilst we were having lunch,we got a phone call from them,could we meet them again in about 15mins....We did,and they said they absolutely loved us,and could we come over for two weeks,to see if we really liked the position,and to see if we would all "Click".
We said we would think about it,but the minute we got home,we called them and said YES.Both hubby and I took two weeks vacation,got a cat sitter,and about three weeks later,we were on our way to find out if this was really what we wanted....
The owners sound a lot like Servingsouthern's owners (although they did not pay for our airfare,but then again,they also know we can fly for free) They made us so welcome,had tours ready for us,so we could explore the city,they invited us into to their homes,so they could teach us how to cook in bulk,they took us out for expensive dinners (this city is KNOWN for their amazing restaurants and southern cooking!) On our part,we worked our tails off.We wanted to know how to clean rooms,so we told them not to have the cleaning staff come in for a week,and let me tell you,its hard work,but we loved it,and it is the only way to know how to do it right.We learned their reservation systems within a couple of hours,and were taking reservations on the phone the next day.We greeted guests,made them comfortable,served breakfast (well,hubby did,I was too nervous!) and had amazing conversations with our guests.We assisted with staging the cottages for a photoshoot for the new website,hubby did a lot of yardwork,I organized their laundry room,storage room and kitchen (the flight attendant in me!) and even though we were bone tired every night,it was a wonderful feeling,and I have never seen hubby happier.He was born to be an innkeeper.We also got our first 5 star review on a certain website,saying how wonderful we were! (yes,they mentioned us by name!....)
At the end of the two weeks,the owners came over,with two bottles of champagne,and asked us if we could please accept their job offer,and contract......
Now,it does not pay much (yes,I have been reading this wonderful forum for quite a while!) but both hubby and I have no commitments,no mortgages,no kids,no debts,so taking a 75% reduction in salary was something we were able to do.We realized that having our dream job in a city we have always loved and wanted to retire in,is priceless.
We got very,very,very lucky with our new bosses.They are absolutely the best.I think the most important thing is that you all CLICK and are on the same page.They told us that they loved the fact we had NO experience,is because they had looked at experienced innkeepers,but they always wanted to run the B&B their way,and the owners really wanted something different.Both my hubby and I are very open minded (like the owners) and I think it was a plus.
We are now in the midst of packing our belongings,getting our cats ready for the 16hrs drive down,and can not wait until October 1,when we will be INNKEEPERS!
So once again ServingSouthern,best of luck to you,yes,there are owners who are wonderful and want to make their innkeepers happy,and I think that having the two weeks experience was the best thing our owners ever did.It was a way for all of us to find ou,t if we were a good fit,and we now know that we have a long and happy relationship ahead of us..

That's a wonderful, heart-warming story and I hope it all works out when you get there. We were homeless and unemployed when we found our place here, so we didn't even have to think about it. We had zero hospitality background, I still can't cook, but the guests are just open and gracious and love everything we've done. Good things do happen everyday.
.

D was laid off 2 years ago - returned to school and got his BA and graduated in August. We are not coming from a place of wealth - trust me. But, we have known we were heading in this direction for a long time. Thought we'd be owners - but are now thinking being the Innkeeper for someone elses home mght be just the way to go. Especally in this economy. Really? You can't cook? giggle! Well D will be glad to know that. He does OK...as long as you don't hand him a box of spices. LOL

 

[Samster]

Ok everybody,hold your horses.
First of all,ServingSouthern,kudos to you,for taking a leap of faith,and not being afraid of taking chances.
Let me all tell you our story.
Both my husband and I have always wanted to run a B&B (not own,just run it )in a specific town.We have no experience,me working in the airline industry,and hubby in corporate/non profit America.
One day,as I was perusing a certain website (with a lot of different job categories) I found an ad,looking for a couple innkeeper/chef.Heck,do we know how to cook,or run a B&B?...No,but like ServingSouthern,we think what the heck,lets send these people an email.
The next day,we get a response back,they loved our email (we were very honest with our qualifications) but they said they loved it,and had a couple of chuckles over it.
Granted,as I work for the airlines,hubby and I can fly for free (standby!) so they asked us if we could fly over,and come on in for an interview.Of course we said yes,and went a couple of days early,so we could have a little fun in this beautiful southern city,and to do a little research on the B&B,and the owners...(I will admit,that after they asked us for the interview,I did a lot of research on the internet,hubby thought it was bordering on "stalking"...I just wanted to be prepared!)
We met the owners for our interview,they walked us around the property (9 freestanding cottages within beautiful grounds) We went through the job descriptions,day to day operation,and had a really really good time,just talking and laughing with the owners.
After our interview,they told us they would be in touch,and about 45mins later,whilst we were having lunch,we got a phone call from them,could we meet them again in about 15mins....We did,and they said they absolutely loved us,and could we come over for two weeks,to see if we really liked the position,and to see if we would all "Click".
We said we would think about it,but the minute we got home,we called them and said YES.Both hubby and I took two weeks vacation,got a cat sitter,and about three weeks later,we were on our way to find out if this was really what we wanted....
The owners sound a lot like Servingsouthern's owners (although they did not pay for our airfare,but then again,they also know we can fly for free) They made us so welcome,had tours ready for us,so we could explore the city,they invited us into to their homes,so they could teach us how to cook in bulk,they took us out for expensive dinners (this city is KNOWN for their amazing restaurants and southern cooking!) On our part,we worked our tails off.We wanted to know how to clean rooms,so we told them not to have the cleaning staff come in for a week,and let me tell you,its hard work,but we loved it,and it is the only way to know how to do it right.We learned their reservation systems within a couple of hours,and were taking reservations on the phone the next day.We greeted guests,made them comfortable,served breakfast (well,hubby did,I was too nervous!) and had amazing conversations with our guests.We assisted with staging the cottages for a photoshoot for the new website,hubby did a lot of yardwork,I organized their laundry room,storage room and kitchen (the flight attendant in me!) and even though we were bone tired every night,it was a wonderful feeling,and I have never seen hubby happier.He was born to be an innkeeper.We also got our first 5 star review on a certain website,saying how wonderful we were! (yes,they mentioned us by name!....)
At the end of the two weeks,the owners came over,with two bottles of champagne,and asked us if we could please accept their job offer,and contract......
Now,it does not pay much (yes,I have been reading this wonderful forum for quite a while!) but both hubby and I have no commitments,no mortgages,no kids,no debts,so taking a 75% reduction in salary was something we were able to do.We realized that having our dream job in a city we have always loved and wanted to retire in,is priceless.
We got very,very,very lucky with our new bosses.They are absolutely the best.I think the most important thing is that you all CLICK and are on the same page.They told us that they loved the fact we had NO experience,is because they had looked at experienced innkeepers,but they always wanted to run the B&B their way,and the owners really wanted something different.Both my hubby and I are very open minded (like the owners) and I think it was a plus.
We are now in the midst of packing our belongings,getting our cats ready for the 16hrs drive down,and can not wait until October 1,when we will be INNKEEPERS!
So once again ServingSouthern,best of luck to you,yes,there are owners who are wonderful and want to make their innkeepers happy,and I think that having the two weeks experience was the best thing our owners ever did.It was a way for all of us to find ou,t if we were a good fit,and we now know that we have a long and happy relationship ahead of us..

Vissarion - Here's the thing - people come on the forum and want the real scoop and advice from owners/innkeepers who have been in the trenches for years. Wouldn't we be doing them a huge disservice if we simply said, "Good luck! You're going to love it! It's a piece of cake!"?
This is a business, and it's also a lifestyle choice. It's not for everybody.
I once took an aspiring course and the instructor was proud of the fact that some people who had taken the course had decided not to pursue their "dream". I personally totally respected his honesty. It was definitely refreshing from the usual stuff that I had been hearing. It made me examine my reasons for wanting to have my own B&B.
There are definitely many skill sets that can translate to innkeeping, so I do agree that you don't necessarily need innkeeping or hospitality experience to be successful as an innkeeper. Just ask an owner/innkeeper what they did before they bought or started up their own inn!
So, we offer the inn-sights that we can and try to give newcomers to the forum pointers to avoid the pitfalls or problems that might have happened to ourselves or other folks that we know. Innkeeping is a wonderful profession and the people that I've met through it are some of the best I've encountered throughout my adult life. But there are always (as with any business) people out there who are only looking out for #1. And we relate some of the first-hand stories we know to forewarn folks so they can be aware of this.
Best of luck with your new endeavor!

 

[gillumhouse]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times..

i've said before in this forum and will say it again ...
you HAVE to have a certain amount of stars in your eyes to go into this business ... to take on a new challenge ... to start up a company ... to try something new ... to open a B&B ... the list goes on.
i don't think anyone on the forum is trying to dissuade you from giving this a shot. they just want you to go into it with your eyes wide open.
.

Thanks Seashanty - how could one NOT have stars in their eyes when it comes to this business? And I am sure there is some priceless joys in the business as well. And really - I figure no amount of writing on a forum can really prepare us. But, we - D is reading in the background are learning from each of you.
.

Thanks Seashanty - how could one NOT have stars in their eyes when it comes to this business? And I am sure there is some priceless joys in the business as well. And really - I figure no amount of writing on a forum can really prepare us. But, we - D is reading in the background are learning from each of you.

Oh you will find those days. I have a small B & B and i do not have guests for weeks on end like some do, but I DO know the "please do not let the phone ring for a reservation tonight". When they do not arive until 1 AM or later due to car trouble (and I have no way for my house to have self-check-in) or 3 AM because the truck pulling the horse trailer had problems and I have to escort them in from the Interstate to the stable and then get up at 4 or 5 to fix breakfast for other guests and have to flip the rooms because other guests are scheduled to arrive today. Then there is the laundry waiting to be done, pillowcases to iron, groceries to buy..... I also have a heavy schedule of city involvement which is MY choice but in a way my sanity saver.
Stars have a tendency to fade with a run of PITAS, special diets, clogged toilets, my litle gem was the shower drain pipe divorcing the shower drain with a full-house on a Saturday morning with ALL the plumbers in town out-of-town, power failures, boil orders forthe City water supply....... But this is the best job I have ever done because I get to decide my schedule to a point, make the rules, and meet people I would never have had an opportunity to meet. I have been able to show a small city what an economic factor a small B & B can be.

 

[ServingSouthernComfort]

Serving southern, I had a similar reception and was asked to leave by some of the people on here at one point. I hope everyone has come to see me as a valuable contributor. The forum is very blunt and opinionated but it is also very knowledge and helpful. It can just seem a bit rough at times..

i've said before in this forum and will say it again ...
you HAVE to have a certain amount of stars in your eyes to go into this business ... to take on a new challenge ... to start up a company ... to try something new ... to open a B&B ... the list goes on.
i don't think anyone on the forum is trying to dissuade you from giving this a shot. they just want you to go into it with your eyes wide open.
.

Thanks Seashanty - how could one NOT have stars in their eyes when it comes to this business? And I am sure there is some priceless joys in the business as well. And really - I figure no amount of writing on a forum can really prepare us. But, we - D is reading in the background are learning from each of you.
.

Thanks Seashanty - how could one NOT have stars in their eyes when it comes to this business? And I am sure there is some priceless joys in the business as well. And really - I figure no amount of writing on a forum can really prepare us. But, we - D is reading in the background are learning from each of you.

Oh you will find those days. I have a small B & B and i do not have guests for weeks on end like some do, but I DO know the "please do not let the phone ring for a reservation tonight". When they do not arive until 1 AM or later due to car trouble (and I have no way for my house to have self-check-in) or 3 AM because the truck pulling the horse trailer had problems and I have to escort them in from the Interstate to the stable and then get up at 4 or 5 to fix breakfast for other guests and have to flip the rooms because other guests are scheduled to arrive today. Then there is the laundry waiting to be done, pillowcases to iron, groceries to buy..... I also have a heavy schedule of city involvement which is MY choice but in a way my sanity saver.
Stars have a tendency to fade with a run of PITAS, special diets, clogged toilets, my litle gem was the shower drain pipe divorcing the shower drain with a full-house on a Saturday morning with ALL the plumbers in town out-of-town, power failures, boil orders forthe City water supply....... But this is the best job I have ever done because I get to decide my schedule to a point, make the rules, and meet people I would never have had an opportunity to meet. I have been able to show a small city what an economic factor a small B & B can be.
.

Your word pictures gave me a smile - and in some wacky way made me want it more than ever!

 

[swirt]

Reasons an employer might want to hire someone without experience (non-specific to innkeeping):

• They can't afford someone with experience (people with experience know what the job is worth and what it is not worth)
• They offered it to experienced peope and experienced people said "No thank you." (might be unrelated to money) A prospective employer will never say, "we tried to find some good people, but all we have left is you." They will say things like, "we think you'll be an awesome fit, lets try it out for a while."
• The applicant is so over the top qualified in other areas/personality that they just are a "Must Have" for the job.
• The employer is threatened by experienced people who might have their own knowledge, from experience, about what works and what doesn't. (In my experience it has not been a good experience working for people who are threatened by the knowledge and experience of the people they employ.)

One out of four of these is a good reason.
People may grumble about harsh realities being expressed here on the forum, but the stats are hard to argue with. We were in a good 3 season tourism region and when we started there were ~15 B&Bs that we were aquainted with through a local chamber function. After 9 years we sold ours.... There are only 2 of the 15 that are still owned and opperated by the same innkeepers. The others either changed hands, closed, or resulted in divorse. Those aren't great odds for inn owners. I am not sure what the odds are for innkeepers-for-hire (different from inn sitters). That would be an interesting study.

 

[agoodman]

Swirt sadly you words are very true, maybe, maybe, this couple will be hired for other reasons, bbut you did hit the nail on the head (and trust me all of us hope you DO get the job and that it does turn out to be your dream)
As for closures, one Inn in a town that has 2 Inns 23 miles from here just closed last month, and I will be closed by the end of the year. (Foreclosure). Even if the banks did not make me leave the property by the end of the year, I am not willing to incur another year of property taxes and all the associated expenses of a large house.

 

[Samster]

Reasons an employer might want to hire someone without experience (non-specific to innkeeping):

• They can't afford someone with experience (people with experience know what the job is worth and what it is not worth)
• They offered it to experienced peope and experienced people said "No thank you." (might be unrelated to money) A prospective employer will never say, "we tried to find some good people, but all we have left is you." They will say things like, "we think you'll be an awesome fit, lets try it out for a while."
• The applicant is so over the top qualified in other areas/personality that they just are a "Must Have" for the job.
• The employer is threatened by experienced people who might have their own knowledge, from experience, about what works and what doesn't. (In my experience it has not been a good experience working for people who are threatened by the knowledge and experience of the people they employ.)

One out of four of these is a good reason.
People may grumble about harsh realities being expressed here on the forum, but the stats are hard to argue with. We were in a good 3 season tourism region and when we started there were ~15 B&Bs that we were aquainted with through a local chamber function. After 9 years we sold ours.... There are only 2 of the 15 that are still owned and opperated by the same innkeepers. The others either changed hands, closed, or resulted in divorse. Those aren't great odds for inn owners. I am not sure what the odds are for innkeepers-for-hire (different from inn sitters). That would be an interesting study..

Very well said, Swirt! You are so smart!

 

[muirford]

Reasons an employer might want to hire someone without experience (non-specific to innkeeping):

• They can't afford someone with experience (people with experience know what the job is worth and what it is not worth)
• They offered it to experienced peope and experienced people said "No thank you." (might be unrelated to money) A prospective employer will never say, "we tried to find some good people, but all we have left is you." They will say things like, "we think you'll be an awesome fit, lets try it out for a while."
• The applicant is so over the top qualified in other areas/personality that they just are a "Must Have" for the job.
• The employer is threatened by experienced people who might have their own knowledge, from experience, about what works and what doesn't. (In my experience it has not been a good experience working for people who are threatened by the knowledge and experience of the people they employ.)

One out of four of these is a good reason.
People may grumble about harsh realities being expressed here on the forum, but the stats are hard to argue with. We were in a good 3 season tourism region and when we started there were ~15 B&Bs that we were aquainted with through a local chamber function. After 9 years we sold ours.... There are only 2 of the 15 that are still owned and opperated by the same innkeepers. The others either changed hands, closed, or resulted in divorse. Those aren't great odds for inn owners. I am not sure what the odds are for innkeepers-for-hire (different from inn sitters). That would be an interesting study..

Very well said, Swirt! You are so smart!
.

You are so smart!

Whaddya think that S stands for?

 

[Samster]

Reasons an employer might want to hire someone without experience (non-specific to innkeeping):

• They can't afford someone with experience (people with experience know what the job is worth and what it is not worth)
• They offered it to experienced peope and experienced people said "No thank you." (might be unrelated to money) A prospective employer will never say, "we tried to find some good people, but all we have left is you." They will say things like, "we think you'll be an awesome fit, lets try it out for a while."
• The applicant is so over the top qualified in other areas/personality that they just are a "Must Have" for the job.
• The employer is threatened by experienced people who might have their own knowledge, from experience, about what works and what doesn't. (In my experience it has not been a good experience working for people who are threatened by the knowledge and experience of the people they employ.)

One out of four of these is a good reason.
People may grumble about harsh realities being expressed here on the forum, but the stats are hard to argue with. We were in a good 3 season tourism region and when we started there were ~15 B&Bs that we were aquainted with through a local chamber function. After 9 years we sold ours.... There are only 2 of the 15 that are still owned and opperated by the same innkeepers. The others either changed hands, closed, or resulted in divorse. Those aren't great odds for inn owners. I am not sure what the odds are for innkeepers-for-hire (different from inn sitters). That would be an interesting study..

Very well said, Swirt! You are so smart!
.

You are so smart!

Whaddya think that S stands for?
.

 

[birdwatcher]

Been busy with blogging and the Inn to read your entry but have gotten caught up. I think that you are doing the perfect thing, and if they hire you then its all good if you really LIKE the lifestyle cause that's what it is. Like I've written befre-sit down with your partner and have a real business meeting: write down what you expect from them and then write down WHAT YOU ARE WILLING to do. Now if they have a large property and no gardner (lawnservice is not a gardnert) then you should absolutely include that job in your every day duties cause its a daily thing. We took on a victorian garden that is around a quarter of a city block, its got walkways, a gazebo and a stage and around 7 beds-the care of this takes alot of effort and time-we are in the south as well so some weeks in the summer its VERY VERY hot and hummid some days its just impossible to work out there because of the heat index-this also is perfect for growing LOTS of weeds that need plucking, not to mention mulching and so much more. I got a master gardners certificate while here cause i needed to know what was what and i really didnt realize that THERE IS SO MUCH to learn out there. Im just mentioning this cause if this is the case this is an absolutely imense job. This also includes everything else that needs done. You are lucky that you get to go and see it, be open and ask questions.
But I degress from my suggestion my number one advise is: make sure that you act as a TEAM meaning that when you make a decision you make it together and don't just give in to eachother if you think its right for one of you-make a decision for what is best of the TEAM. Living and working together has its ups and downs and if you have never really worked and been together 24/7 its a transition that if are not used to it may be difficult. But as I read your entries i think you both have worked this out. So after so much just sit down and make it your business decision-and make a list of things you want to ask your employer (remember you will be living there) so that you are prepared before you get there and as you work together you can write down the answers and what things they do.
Good luck and I think that sometimes things happen at the right time and space-I'm sure that you will do fine and what is important and has been mentioned: BE YOURSELF and BE REALISTIC in what you can and cannot do...but being yourself is what will sell you to them. Trust me this forum has given me advise that if they did not I would have made many more mistakes than i did.