Tuesday, April 28, 2015

PAII News You Can Use 4-28-2015

 
 Hats Off to the Chicago Bed and Breakfast Association!
In February 2015, the Cook County Assessor began mailing notices to the owners of so-called "Bed and Breakfast" properties in Cook County (including the Chicago-area) indicating they would be re-classified from residential to commercial…resulting in a doubling or more of their property taxes. The Chicago Bed & Breakfast Association immediately hired an attorney and filed an appeal.  The results?   Effectively immediately, all changes of classification to commercial were rescinded for 2015, and within the next forty-five (45) days, the Assessor will convene a meeting of the interested parties to discuss appropriate valuation methodologies.  Kudos to Kapra Fleming (House of Two Urns) for leading the charge!

This re-classification effort has occurred previously and no doubt will continue to occur as municipalities look for increased tax revenue … we will keep you apprised, and synthesize the information for reference.

Are B&Bs & Inns newsworthy?  After all, they’ve existed for centuries and aren’t a novelty.    How do you, as a “legitimate” (and you know what we mean) B&B or Inn get good press? Take a tip from Staples (the office supply folks) and have an “easy button” – also known as a Media Kit.  Reporters & travel writers often have short turn-around times for their stories, and you will increase your chance of being featured if you have copy / photos available. By having your Media Kit posted on your website, you’ll also help your SEO. Let your state or regional B&B association know of your Media Kit – they are routinely contacted by the media for interesting twists or the latest trend at B&Bs. (Read more in “Developing a Media Kit for Your Bed & Breakfast”)

Webinar Wednesdays … check out the schedule of webinars below – pets, marketing, Google, reservations – I’m clearing my calendar to attend!  And, if your schedule doesn’t permit you to attend the webinar ‘live’, you can view them anytime in the archive of the PAII website:  http://www.innkeeping.org

What’s the difference between customer care and customer service? It’s that emotional connection with the guest … and nobody does that better than innkeepers! However, have we taken this to the next level:  fostering guest loyalty and awareness of our brand? Hoteliers are deeply analyzing this process – read more in “A Deeper State of Loyalty”.

And, we at PAII appreciate your loyalty! Thanks to all of you who sent in comments / topics for discussion at this week’s Board of Directors’ meeting. We’ll be looking back at what has worked well (and not so well) and using these experiences to look forward and shape your PAII 2015, 2016 … and beyond.
Thanks for reading –
Kris Ullmer PAII Executive Director


News You Can Use:
Key 2015 Twitter Trends Every Marketer Needs

Developing a Media Kit for your Bed and Breakfast

Industry News:
Tourism group calls for action to regulate 'illegal hotels' http://news.wbfo.org/post/tourism-group-calls-action-regulate-illegal-hotels

A Deeper State of Loyalty: Creating real loyalty requires building an emotional connection with the guest. Here’s what some of the biggest industry players think about this topic

Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of:
Facebook News Feed Changes

Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives

Brand Identity And Managing Your Inn
 
Innkeeping Recipes:
From the Olympic Peninsula Bed and Breakfast Association http://www.opbba.com/
Gingerbread Pancakes with Lemon Sauce from the kitchen of  Miller Tree Inn (second recipe down)

Upcoming Webinars (more dates and topics coming soon!)
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Google Local - Only The Top 3 Remain!
Google Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) have recently changed yet again!
Yes - it's a known fact that Google changes all the time - but their most recent change for "Bed and Breakfast" and "Lodging" phrases has minimized the Local playing field down to the top 3 contenders.  Local Listings 4-7 have dropped away.  If youused to be in the 7 pack, you may not be ranking locally at all now.  If you are not aware of the difference between Local and Organic (FREE) placement, and haven't recognized this latest change and its effect on your placement, we welcome you to come to this webinar to learn more about Local vs. Organic, and what role your Website does and doesn't play in the Google Search Result Pages.  It's a must know for all Innkeepers and Property Owners!
-Acorn Internet

Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Pros & Cons of offering Pet Friendly Rooms
Before you open or convert your property to being pet friendly, you must first decide if you are willing to make your property accommodate the needs, wants and potential issues as well as the potential profits that pets and their owners can bring to your property. Learn about the pros and cons of offering pet friendly rooms, where and how to advertise and how to make sure your property is covered for liability.
-Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges
In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos.
-Bedandbreakfast.com

Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day
Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helpsyou market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information.
- RezStream

Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Benefits of RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise
Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better.
- RezStream

Don’t forget, We have set up an e-mail address questions@PAII.org for you to ask questions and make comments directly to your board.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

PAII News You Can Use 4-21-2015


 
We accomplish much with expedient, convenient communication – text, email, conferencing, webinars … however, can any of these compare to a sit-down-at-the-table, face-to-face meeting?  Your PAII Board of Directors and Executive Director will be doing just that next week, at the Mayhurst Inn, Orange Virginia.  Board member Jack North will be our host and most of us will be meeting one another for the first time.

What’s on our agenda?  We’ll be taking our discussions of membership (services, dues), 2016 conference (presenters), advisory council (composition), industry study, educational materials and more, to the level of detail that enables us to fully implement them.  Do youhave input on these or other items?  If yes, send a note to me at kris@paii.org orquestions@paii.org.

PAII was pleased to welcome Daniel E. Craig (Renown) to the 2015 conference in New Orleans – his presentation “Advanced Online Reputation Management for Innkeepers” was a practical guide to ‘how and where’ to manage online reviews & social media content related to your inn.    In this issue of News You Can Use, we ‘ve included a follow-up entitled “An Online Reputation Management Checklist.”

Silent, Professional, Social, Aggressive, Empathetic, Assertive, Compensatory … who knew there were so many types of complainers? (ok, maybe some of us did!) Find out how to deal with one type and what they want in “Dealing with Complaints: The Empathetic Complainer” – this seems to be a tricky one.

And finally, an account of an airbnb guest “I could see my artery, the tendons exposed and the muscle. There was blood everywhere” and the experience of choosing properties offering lodging  “without bothering with local licensing rules or all the usual red tape.”  This article is also a cautionary tale for potential hosts, noting “Insurance companies frown upon people turning their houses into hostels and have even threatened to cancel the policies of homeowners who do this. While Airbnb knew this when it started in 2008, it began to provide liability insurance for its hosts only late last year. And that coverage is secondary: Hosts have to make initial claims to their own insurers, which may cancel the policies if they find out about the hosts’ innkeeping activities.”
Until next week –
Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director
News You Can Use:
An Online Reputation Management Checklist
http://reknown.com/2015/04/an-online-reputation-management-checklist/

Dealing with Complaints: The Empathetic Complainer
http://chocolatepillow.com/the-empathetic-complainer/

Industry News:
Top 10 Benefits to Staying in a Bed and Breakfast http://enlightenme.com/top-10-benefits-bed-and-breakfast/

Questions About Airbnb’s Responsibility After Attack by Dog http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/11/your-money/questions-about-airbnbs-responsibility-after-vicious-attack-by-dog.html?_r=0  

Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of:
This tool allows you to create custom Google Maps animations for different digital perspective http://www.tnooz.com/article/tool-allows-create-custom-google-maps-animations-different-digital-perspective

Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives:
Creative Ideas For Plating And Garnishing https://vimeo.com/user17593333/review/65298501/e75d8b4582
 

Innkeeping Recipes:
From the Nebraska Bed and Breakfast Association 
Sweet Corn Frittata from the kitchen of Whispering Pines B&B
http://www.nebraskabb.com/recipes.php?r=26

Upcoming Webinars (more dates and topics coming soon!)

Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Google Local - Only The Top 3 Remain!
Google Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) have recently changed yet again!
Yes - it's a known fact that Google changes all the time - but their most recent change for "Bed and Breakfast" and "Lodging" phrases has minimized the Local playing field down to the top 3 contenders.  Local Listings 4-7 have dropped away.  If you used to be in the 7 pack, you may not be ranking locally at all now.  If you are not aware of the difference between Local and Organic (FREE) placement, and haven't recognized this latest change and its effect on your placement, we welcome you to come to this webinar to learn more about Local vs. Organic, and what role your Website does and doesn't play in the Google Search Result Pages.  It's a must know for all Innkeepers and Property Owners!


Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Pros & Cons of offering Pet Friendly Rooms
Before you open or convert your property to being pet friendly, you must first decide if youare willing to make your property accommodate the needs, wants and potential issues as well as the potential profits that pets and their owners can bring to your property. Learn about the pros and cons of offering pet friendly rooms, where and how to advertise and how to make sure your property is covered for liability.


Wednesday, June 24, 2015
The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges
In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day
Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helps you market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Benefits of RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise
Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better.

Don’t forget, We have set up an e-mail address questions@PAII.org for you to ask questions and make comments directly to your board.

Recordings are available from the 2015 PAII Conference at http://www.conferencemedia.net/stores/paii/ 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

PAII News You Can Use 4-14-2015

 
True to the “News You Can Use” theme of these weekly e-newsletters, it’s quite likely that you can use news of a towel sale and PAII member discounts from our industry partners!
Where can you find this info? On the PAII Forum – Vendor Announcements page. Within the past month we’ve read about a close out sale of the Bamboo Towel line from The Turkish Towel Company; an exclusive-for-PAII Members discount from DutchCrafters’ distinctive outdoor décor’ and a partnership between WebRezPro and PriceMatch resulting in increased efficiencies. Check out more information in the forum at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1092135

GASP! While all ages of travelers rated a good night’s sleep their top priority, Millennials are the first (and only, for now) group to value high-speed broadband over good food! These 18-34 year olds are traveling, and choosing accommodations with shared spaces for socializing (after checking the online reviews), and demanding access to technology in their room. Find out more in the article below “What is a Millennial Traveler”.

NO SURPRISE! We routinely hear “people don’t read” … fortunately, photos are worth a thousand words. Communicate better thru images with “8 Photo Styling Tips”.

I’ve enjoyed reading the articles in this e-newsletter and hope that you do too.

‘Til next week

~Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director


News You Can Use:

Pinterest Marketing: Your Complete Guide to Pinterest Success
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/pinterest-marketing-guide/ 

8 Photo Styling Tips for Guestrooms: Balancing Appeal and Honesty
http://jumpingrocks.com/2011/12/8-photo-styling-tips-for-guestrooms-balancing-appeal-and-honesty/ 




Industry News:
[Infographic] What is a Millennial Traveller?
http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4069751.html 

Social Media and Hotel Bloggers To Watch in 2015
http://aremorch.com/2015/02/05/social-media-and-hotel-bloggers-to-watch-in-2015/ 




Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of:
Google Expands Event Listings With Data From Facebook Pages
http://www.thesempost.com/google-event-listings-facebook-pages




Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives:
Vegetarian And Vegan Cooking
https://vimeo.com/user17593333/review/91339463/b9b8f45820

 

Innkeeping Recipes:
From the Empire State Bed & Breakfast Association (ESBBA)
Chocolate Chip Scones from the kitchen of Sunrise Landing Bed and Breakfast
http://www.esbba.com/post.php?pid=34 




Upcoming Webinar:
Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 12:00 Mountain time, 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Google's April 21st Mobile Algorithm Update   Significant Impact - Google's April 21st Mobile Algorithm Update: For those business owners who are NOT Mobile-Friendly, according to Google Guidelines, by April 21, 2015, you need to brace for a "Significant Impact” to your mobile search results on that date and into the future.    

At this informative webinar, Acorn Internet Services' Lisa Kolb will show you how to find out if you pass Google's Mobile-Friendly Guidelines, or of you still have work to do to get ready for April 21st., 2015

Taught by Acorn Internet

 

Don’t forget, We have set up an e-mail address questions@PAII.org for you to ask questions and make comments directly to your board

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

PAII News You Can Use 4-7-2015

 
The #1 response to “Why haven’t you stayed at a B&B?” is “Because I never thought of it”!

We’ve included a really good article (If You’ve Never Stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, Here’s What You’re Missing Out On) from the Huffington Post that gives readers 11 reasons to choose a B&B, hosted by innkeepers who know the destination, and who consider patrons as guests, rather than customers. And, while #7 is a bit out of the box, it certainly shows how innkeepers provide the care & amenities desired by their guests! I’ll share this: when I opened my B&B in the 1980’s, simultaneously in a nearby community a B&B opened that was ‘clothing optional’ … I’m grateful that callers to my B&B inquired about our dress code before making any assumptions.

“I scream, You scream” … is not a good tactic when it comes to responding to online travel reviews. The Top 7 Hotel Blunders on Travel Reviews helps us take a deep breath when our style of Innkeeping – or inn- received less than favorable comments – and has a few tips for engaging those folks who write a positive review.

While reading and learning at our computer is convenient, it simply doesn’t compare to live, interactive presentations and the opportunity to interact with the speakers and fellow innkeepers.

You can have this incomparable experience soon – at PAII’s 2016 Innkeeping Conference!

Where? Austin Texas - cool enough for Jimmy Kimmel to have been broadcasting from there recently, and cool enough for PAII to return. Were you with us there at the 2010 Innkeeping Conference?

When? January 10 – January 14, Sunday through Thursday. We’re planning our tried and true schedule of events, beginning with Sunday’s Association Leaders Day, Monday’s Aspiring Innkeeper Seminar and Intensives, Tuesday & Wednesday’s General & Breakout Sessions plus the Innkeeping Trade Show. Thursday will wrap up with more sessions.

We hope that you can join us – we’ll announce the opening of registration soon.

~Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director


News You Can Use:
The Top 7 Lodging Blunders on Travel Reviews
http://www.e-marketingassociates.com/top-7-hotel-blunders-travel-reviews/

 The Password is PASSWORD
http://newsletter.blizzardinternet.com/the-password-is-password/2015/01/19/

4 Ways Lodging Can Leverage Instagram for Marketing
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/4-ways-hotels-can-leverage-instagram-marketing




Industry News:
Uber, Airbnb insurance requirements approved by Senate panel
http://www.saintpetersblog.com/archives/185692

Get It Right: Pricing Strategies That Work
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/get-it-right-pricing-strategies-that-work-mtmc/

 If You've Never Stayed At A Bed And Breakfast, Here's What You're Missing Out On http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/08/bed-and-breakfast-vacation_n_5072556.html



Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of:
Conversion tracking for Promoted Pins on Pinterest
https://ads.pinterest.com/conversion_tag/create/?utm_campaign=beta_conversionpixel_20150309&utm_medium=2023&utm_source=31




Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives:
Attracting Midweek Business
https://vimeo.com/user17593333/review/91469764/92a72dc215


Innkeeping Recipes:
From the California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns
Croissant French Toast with Spiced Apples, Pears and Cranberries
from the kitchen of the Candlelight Inn Napa Valley
https://www.cabbi.com/recipes/detail/32

Don’t forget, We have set up an e-mail address questions@PAII.org for you to ask questions and make comments directly to your board




Upcoming Webinar :
Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 12:00 Mountain time, 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Google's April 21st Mobile Algorithm Update   Significant Impact - Google's April 21st Mobile Algorithm Update: For those business owners who are NOT Mobile-Friendly, according to Google Guidelines, by April 21, 2015, you need to brace for a "Significant Impact” to your mobile search results on that date and into the future.    

At this informative webinar, Acorn Internet Services' Lisa Kolb will show you how to find out if you pass Google's Mobile-Friendly Guidelines, or of you still have work to do to get ready for April 21st., 2015

Taught by Acorn Internet.