Cost: $1,475.00 (add $500 for 2nd person) plus cost of accommodations where applicable
All courses are taught one-on-one customized to your schedule and specifically applicable to your geographical location anywhere in the world taking in to account local bylaws and regulations
10 to 12 hours over 2 or 3 days day covers the items listed below plus material from all the other courses as applicable to your life experience and goals.
Who would make a good innsitter?
A person who truly loves the field and just doesn't have the wherewithal to handle the mortgage. We, as innsitters, need to have almost the same knowledge, expertise and hospitality traits of an innkeeper. As far as aspiring innkeepers, there's no better education for the business -- learning from the inside out. It's also an excellent way to try out the business before you make the financial commitment of owning your own B&B.
What skills does and innsitter need to have?
They need to think on their feet. By knowing the profession from traveling to having stayed at bed and breakfasts, from education, and from apprenticeships you can have a very good idea what to expect.
Innkeepers have high expectations. They want no mistakes in the finances, few mistakes on the computer, very little change in the kitchen, and guests who write about the perfect innsitter while they were away. You need to get along with staff, you need to be a gracious person at all times, you need to be a crisis manager, you need to be organized in everything you do.
RECOMENDATION: If you are an experienced Innkeeper then this course will give you the academic skills as an Innsitter for other Bed and Breakfast Inns. If you have not previously operated a B&B then it is highly recommended you consider first taking our "Starting a Bed and Breakfast - for Aspiring InnKeepers" course to learn the business from the Innkeeper's perspective for who you will be working for.
'I had the pleasure of taking the Innsitters~ Interim Innkeeping Course with Dieter Gerhard in December, 2007. I was able to truly get a grasp on what is involved in being an Innkeeper for the B&B industry. We covered all major topics, and Dieter was open to answer all questions. The course was professional, well prepared, and I left feeling encouraged and excited about the industry. Thanks Dieter and all the best to you and your family.
- Layla Casper, Vancouver BC."
Employee or Contractor
- sole proprietorship or incorporation - pros and cons
- Worker's Compensation
- insurance
- taxation
- income tax
- write-offs
- cash
Marketing Yourself
- professional people friendly image
- non-smoker is a plus
- Internet
- printed materials
- life experience
- references
- education
- credentials
- volunteering
- networking
- B&B associations
Establishing Rates
- fixed and/or percentage rates - pros and cons
- first and last day of innsitting
- transportation to / from B&B
- local transportation
- time of year - high / low season
- size of B&B
- negotiating rates
- on location training
Innsitter Services to Innkeeper
- home base and abroad
- basic services - what's included
- planning, preparation and serving of breakfasts
- including the safe and proper food handling
- working with special dietary needs
- purchasing food and supplies
- housekeeping industry standards
- cleaning check list
- hosting / concierge
- financial
- record keeping
- telephones
- computer
- contract
- deposits
- reservations
- cancellations
- management
- maintenance reports
- pets, pools, flower gardens, grounds keeping
- extra services extra fee: weddings, conferences, special events
Client Expectations and Preparedness
- 3-star, 4-star, 5-star levels
- interview client
- advance preparation
- innsitter list - comprehensive
- innsitter questionnaire
- your lodging and food
- contingencies
- supervise and/or work with other staff
- front office procedures
- guest management software
- credit card processing
- basic bookkeeping software
Guest Services
- knowledge of area history and attractions
- reservations, dinner, theatre and attractions
- handling complaints
- setting boundaries
- early check ins and late check outs
- gift certificates
- handling unique situations
- emergencies
- directions
Dieter Gerhard
northStudio | StikkyMedia | QCollege | QAcademy | BirdsofaFeather | MarineEcotours
T: 250-391-8889
T: 800-730-4790
E: dieter@birdsofafeather.ca
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