Welcome to the September 2008 edition of my Running a Bed and Breakfast Newsletter
In this month's newsletter:
· Blogs & Social Networking - Can You Use It To Market Your B&B?
· Latest Course Dates
· TV Opportunity
I do answer every valid email that I get - so if I haven't replied it means I haven't received your email so please try again.
September is looking even busier than August here at Hopton House B&Band I'm already at 50% occupancy for October. So much for the credit crunch. In an earlier newsletter I did ponder what effect the downturn in the economy might have on B&Bs and some of my colleagues are seeing poorer than average occupancy whilst others, like us, are doing very well indeed.
The B&Bs that are doing well are generally the ones that understand their potential guests very well. They have designed their B&B to meet their guests' need exactly and then they work hard at marketing to attract those guests.
On all of my courses one of the very first things we consider is idenitfying your target market and how that affects the type of B&B you will set up. I really believe it is the key to a successful bed & breakfast.
B&B Academy in the News
I'm pleased to say that we've received quite a few mentions in newspaper and magazine articles over the last few months. You can read an article here that was featured in the Daily Express. We also had a short section in the Times in August, in the Independent on Sunday last week and we should be featured in the latest edition of the AGA magazine.
I also had a letter published in Country Life a few weeks ago. I was responding to an article written by Libby Purves. Here’s the letter below.
“I was delighted to see Libby Purves extolling the virtues of the English B&B ( July 30th ). It’s not just breakfasts that some of us are beating the hotels at these days; think power showers, wi-fi access, sumptuous beds and tasteful décor – my own B&B is an antimacassar free zone. Most B&Bs can’t be beaten for their individuality, warm welcome and superb customer service.
I am concerned, however, with Libby’s comment that B&Bs are not businesses. Prospective landladies & landlords sometimes think that setting up a B&B will just be a case of a bit of interior design, buying in some sausages and welcoming guests with a big smile.
With changes in fire and food regulations, and even the family dog being banned from the kitchen, the smallest one room B&Bs now need to comply if they don’t want to risk being shut down. Anyone entering the profession needs to do so with a thorough understanding of the legal requirements before they hang that freshly painted B&B sign up outside their home and put the kettle on to greet their first guests.”
Blogs and Social Networking
No one can have failed to notice the way the internet has changed the way we all live and work over the last few years. This is particularly noticeable in the tourism industry. The majority of my business comes from the internet ( or repeat guests who found me on the internet in the first place ).
It's not just about having a great website - though I believe that is essential these days; My email newsletters keep the old relationships going and remind people we're still here, whilst the blog on my website allows me to build new relationships with potential guests and gives them much more of a feel for what Hopton House is all about than you can achieve with a website alone.
I've been quite surprised at how well the blog has been received. Quite often guests will arrive and make a comment about something I've written. In the introduction for Sawday's latest B&B book Mr Sawday describes staying at a B&B as taking a bit of risk - you never know quite what to expect. For him that is the joy of staying at B&Bs, but for some people getting the right place is really important.
I have 2 guests staying at the moment who first came on their honeymoon 3 years ago. Many guests do come for special occasions such as Big Birthdays, Wedding Anniversaries or even Wedding Nights. For some, staying in somewhere that isn't quite right could ruin their special night. So you reassure your guests by giving them as much information as possible and removing as much of that risk without overwhelming them.
You do need to be a bit careful about blogging for your business. It most definitely isn't a personal blog! So complaining about guests - however valid the reason - is not something I would encourage.
I have also just started experimenting with Facebook - just to see how that might work. It's probably more useful for potential B&B owners at the moment, though you could start a fan club for your B&B and get previous guests to give feedback and comments. On the Academy Page there is a discussion database you can ask questions and talk to each other. If you fancy giving it a go - have a look at B&B Academy's page here
Latest Course Dates
My one day course in September was full but unfortunately a couple of people have had to cancel due to changing circumstances. The course is on Monday 22nd September and I currently have accommodation in 2 rooms on the Sunday and Monday night. I'm offering the course at £100 per person with B&B at £75 per room per night for double occupancy. This could be an ideal opportunity to combine a couple of days away exploring Shropshire at its autumnal best and to learn about setting up a B&B at the same time.
If you are interested please get in touch asap.
The last course a couple of weeks ago went very well indeed. It's always very interesting for me to see and meet such a diverse group of people - all of whom have very different ideas for the B&B they want to run. What is consistent is the passion people have for creating a successful business of their own. Not everyone who comes on the courses has definitely decided to go ahead and set up their own bed and breakfast. About 40% of people are still undecided and are using the course to gather more information and find out if it is the right move for them
I have a further one day course on 8th December and a 2 day course on 24th/25th November. All currently have accommodation available.
TV Opportunity
Please see below for an opportunity to market your B&B on TV. Please contact Ciara direct on ciara.o'shea@shinelimited.com if you are interested.
"We are currently in production for the fourth series of 'Build A New Life.' This is Five's most popular renovation show following people who have decided to risk it all by creating their dream home or business in an idyllic part of the countryside. More details of past stories can be found on the website five.tv/buildanewlife
For the fourth series we are keen to feature somebody renovating a building (think barns, farmhouses, chapels, school houses) into a guesthouse. It would be great if you could post the attached press release on your website, and also, include it in your newsletter for anyone about to embark on such a project."