TRANSITION CONSULTING

Transition Consulting is designed to assist new Innkeepers in the critical period following the acquisition of an Inn.  The program focuses on operational systems, staffing, and review of current marketing programs.  It provides new Innkeepers with hands on assistance from various consultants in implementing systems in office procedures, food service management, housekeeping and staffing.

The Transition Consulting program allows new owners to function at a realistic pace and focus on becoming competent and successful Innkeepers in today's competitive industry. The program is based on a body of experiential knowledge difficult for new Innkeepers to access. It enables them to quickly get up to speed without reinventing the wheel. Follow-up consulting is accomplished through monitoring of the financial results of the business, and assisting the new innkeepers to develop an operational plan to improve the Inn and its business. 

The extent and cost of this consulting program is determined on an individual need basis.  It is available in increments from short-term custom assignments to more extended transitional periods.  The length of time involved and the cost of the program will depend on the size of the Inn to be reviewed and the level of intensity required to accomplish the goals determined at the outset for each Innkeeper.

After an initial consultation, we will prepare an individualized proposal to address the immediate concerns of the Innkeepers on a fee for services basis.  Following completion of the program, we will meet and discuss the results of the program against our initial plan, and make recommendations as to whether follow up work is needed or desired.

There is a set up fee which will be determined based on the scope of work required.  Additional monthly fees average between $2,000 - $3,000 per month for a minimum of three months.  Expenses incurred during the performance of the agreement, and directly related thereto, will be fully reimbursed by the client.

 

AREAS OF INNKEEPING

Front Desk Systems: Assistance installing and setting up front desk systems, including establishing proper procedures for reservation inputs, web-based availability updating, email confirmations, and daily financial reporting.

Telephone Procedures: Assistance setting up proper procedures for processing telephone reservations and inquiries 

Management Information Systems: Help install and set up Quickbooks Accounting Software utilizing our standard Innkeeping chart of accounts.  Includes creating daily procedures for converting sales data from the Front Desk system to Quickbooks, and batching credit card processors.  In addition, appropriate financial reports are developed for periodic review of results. 

Website:  Review existing website to define needs, recommend site enhancements or web redesign, and refer to appropriate web professionals.  Review current web tracking results and assist in developing a comprehensive web marketing strategy.

Marketing: Review print advertisements and other media marketing and make recommendations based on costs and effectiveness.  Review status of current email capture and email marketing and provide suggestions for necessary improvements.  Assist in developing packages. Review current web tracking results and web marketing strategy.  Make recommendations for website maintenance.

Staffing:  Create job descriptions for current staff and develop a model for ideal staffing.  Develop a training manual for staff and a policy manual for employee relations.  Assistance in recruiting of new staff, including implementing search, review of resumes, hiring, and training. 

Review and Repositioning of Physical Assets:  review of rooms and common areas for form, function, and marketing purposes, including adherence to industry standards (AAA, Select Registry), utility and décor.  Includes making general design recommendations for current configurations.  Work with Innkeeper to develop a plan for renovation and repositioning of the physical assets.  In expansion situations, work with Innkeeper to review feasibility and establish timing and marketing goals.

Review of Ancillary Services:  Review and make recommendations with respect to all ancillary services provided by the Inn, including current and future amenities, services provided to guests (massage, spa, room service, flowers, wine, gifts, etc). 

Business Planning:  Assist Innkeeper to develop a budget and plan for the year of acquisition.  Follow up work may include development of a formal budget and plan for the second and subsequent years of operation. Implement a reporting system for periodic review of progress against the budget and plan.  In addition, provide guidance in establishing and reviewing room rates.

Food Service Operation:  For Bed and Breakfast Inns, review service guidelines, menus, food preparation, and food purchasing plans.  For Full Service Inns, perform a thorough review of both front and back of the house systems, staffing, food costs, theme and menu planning, function business, liquor sales, wine list, wine cellar, and all other operations of the dining room.  The goal would be to design an ideal food service operation befitting the Inn.