For most hotels, inns, or bed and breakfast business owners, there are times of relative leisure and other times when business is so hectic that you feel as if you can’t take a breath. As your busy season approaches, there are some steps you can take to make sure your next crowd of customers has the most successful experience yet. Here are a few ideas to get your creative planning juices flowing.
1. Schedules
Employees may come and go, even during the busy season, but you can make sure your best personnel are available for work during your active period by encouraging them to schedule vacations during the off-season. One small business offered its employees an extra vacation day to use for a long weekend if they took their holiday in a specified window of time – and it worked.
2. Supplies
One of the most crucial items you can plan for in advance is your supplies. Take a look at the kitchen and see if you need to replace broken plates, restaurant silverware, and old kitchen equipment. Check the guest rooms for linens, broken furniture, and stained flooring. Make sure you give suppliers plenty of time to ship items in case a delayed shipment occurs.
3. Analyze
Reviewing the budget, scheduling vacations, upgrading employee information, and going through supplies and inventory may be one of the least exciting jobs you face as a business owner. However, planning ahead can prevent minor disasters from turning into huge fiascoes when you host large events or schedule big party groups.
4. Evaluate
Review customer feedback, advertising successes, and problem areas from your last busy season and prepare for changes that improve your business. Consider where you can take a broader approach to marketing, reduce expenses, or upgrade customer satisfaction. Last year may have been the best year ever, but you can generally find a way to give your customers a better experience.
5. Improve
There is always a way to improve your business. From upgrading your restaurant silverware to including a bar of courtesy chocolate and welcoming note in each guest’s room, you can find ways to make your guest’s stay a more memorable and positive experience. Also, consider using a more optimistic and active approach to social media.
No matter when your busy season hits, there are many things you can prepare for in advance. Take time to schedule, analyze, and evaluate during the slow times to make sure you have the most successful busy season yet.
