Innkeepers will LOVE this

Check out:

http://www.techsavvyinnkeeper.com

by Dana Moos

Inn Gardens

We follow a whole bunch of Maine Inns on facebook and it seems like they are all talking about their gardens now. It is an early flower season in Maine, I remember when we wouldn't see Lupine in Bar Harbor until mid-June and this year they are already here.

Breakfast Inspiration

For those of you missing Dana's photographs of amazing breakfasts.... this shot is on her Facebook page today, something she "threw together" at home... Wow!

All Indicators are Positive

From what we hear, Maine innkeepers are very encouraged by the level of advance reservations for this season. Why wouldn't people want to visit our beautiful State?

Exciting Topics

We have had some really great people and groups contact us about providing workshops for Maine Innkeepers through our Academy. We are going to spend the summer preparing one fantastic workshop schedule for fall. Everything from marketing to special events to additional income streams for your inn. If you have ideas, add them to the pile. This is going to be great!

Final Workshop of the Season

What a way to go into Season 2010. The PR Workshop with Jim and Gillian Britt of gBritt was a great success. We have heard from many that May on is just too busy for workshops and especially this year which is proving to be a banner season. We'll be working on workshops for fall and also webinars and such that you can watch at your own pace.

Above are some of Dana's photos from the workshop, to see them all go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/dana_moos/4544800468/in/set-72157623912956232/

PR Workshop this Thursday!!

We are getting really excited about Thursday's, April 22nd, workshop with gBritt. gBritt is the PR Firm behind the brilliantly executed Maine Restaurant Week.

You really don't want to miss this - we think some fun things may come out of it and you'll want your inn to be a part of it.

Press attention for Maine Inns benefit all of us and the possiblilities are endless.

There is no charge and there is plenty of room for everyone. To RSVP just email us at inns@swanagency.com to tell us your coming or register on our Facebook page.

Spring Workshops

First, thank you so much for your comments and suggestions. We realize that spring came early this year and everyone is getting really busy much earlier than usual. We love that.

We are putting off some of our workshops that focus on topics that are not essential to offer until after things slow down in the fall.

We are going to continue focusing on workshops that have important information for the here and now. Our Aprill 22nd workshop on PR is one of these. We are so fortunate to have the gBritt team in Portland talking to us about Public Relations and Press for our inns. This is going to be a great workshop and we may even come up with some ideas to collectively promote Maine B&Bs in the Summer 2010 Press. Don't miss this one. It could have immediate and direct impact on your bottom line.

You can RSVP on Facebook or email us at inns@swanagency.com. There is no charge for this class and it is being held at The Danforth on April 22nd from 10am - Noon. If you want to come down the night before and enjoy Portland, we've made arrangments for a great room rate - email inns@swanagency.com to sign up and for the code.

Breakfast can be so beautiful....

A Leslie Cottrell creation ~ Lobster Eggs Benedict

Art of Breakfast in Camden

Just Confirmed. Dana will be leading an Art of Breakfast class in Camden in early May. This is our class that has SOLD OUT in Portland so we are going to be offering in different areas. Thanks so much to Timbercliffe for hosting.

Thank You Portland Magazine

We have heard that the new issue of Portland Magazine has a mention of Maine Innkeeping Academy. Thanks! Can't wait to see it.

Back by Popular Demand - Art of Breakfast

(Dana Moos Photo from Art of Breakfast Workshop)






Our first Art of Breakfast class SOLD OUT in Portland. We are scheduling one for the Freeport area and the Camden area for May and would love to do one in the Bar Harbor area. If there is an inn on MDI that would like to host a workshop and help with presentation, let us know. This is a fun one.

Dark Harbor House SOLD

SOLD The Swan Agency Sotheby' International Realty





There really isn't enough "data" yet to make a determination but this is the third inn property in less than a year to sell as a private home. We have seen this in the past where former residences that were turned into inns are turning back to residences. Will be interesting to watch....

Spring!

Dana, Leslie and Kim are meeting tomorrow in Portland to finalize the spring schedule. We are so delighted to have had so many wonderful properties offer to host workshops. The latest is Nonantum Resort in Kennbunkport, a very special Maine inn.
We'll get everything posted by this weekend and really appreciate everyone's support. (We have also heard that there is a nice article out that we haven't seen yet on Maine Innkeeping Academy, we'll let you know!)

Really nice email Dana received from last workshop..

Hi, Dana:

I left Maine immediately following the workshop and just got back or I would have written sooner. Rob and I had such a good time at the workshop. We enjoyed meeting you and the other participants and now know why everyone raved about the food at the Kingsleigh Inn. You certainly inspired us to take our presentation up a notch (or two!).

It was terrific and we look forward to taking future classes from you. Thanks! Jeanne

Beyond Breakfast

Dana Moos Photo


Just a weekend tease to get you looking forward to the Beyond Breakfast class coming up soon.

Inn Hosts for Future Workshops

Kenniston Hill in Boothbay - One of our future venues.

We are so fortunate and thankful to have some really fabulous inns offer to host future Maine Innkeeping Academy Workshops.
We are meeting in Portland next Friday, March 26th, to finalize the schedule and venues for the rest of Spring's workshops before we break for high season. (We know that none of you will be able to find time to attend once high season hits)
If you have any ideas for workshop content, let us know - we'll track down the experts. Or, if you would be willing to open your property for a spring workshop, let us know that too. Our email is inns@swanagency.com.

Many Thanks already to:
White Cedar Inn in Freeport
Kendall Tavern in Freeport
Newcastle Inn in Newcastle
Timbercliffe in Camden
Kenniston Hill in Boothbay

Beyond Breakfast

Coming soon to a workshop near you - Beyond Breakfast. Here is a Dana Moos photo of an example of an afternoon treat for guests.

White Cedar Inn

We are really looking forward to having Maine Innkeeping Academy classes throughout Maine and White Cedar Inn in Freeport is going to be one of our upcoming venues. Very excited and very appreciative. Please let us know if you would like to host a workshop at your inn.

Social Media Discussion

Looks very serious at the Social Media discussion on Wednesday at The Danforth in Portland. This is becoming such an important part of our culture there are people whose full time jobs are SM for companies. If you really don't want to get involved yourself but realize that it is essential for your inn, consider a SM consultant or specialist.

SOLD

Congratulations to Bryan and Pamela, new owners of The Kingsleigh Inn in Southwest Harbor.

Dana Moos Photos of Class Work

So beautiful and what a great day at our first ever Maine Innkeeping Academy workshop. Dana ended up handling by herself but it looks from the photos that she more than rose to the occasion.

Sauces...

Preparations are underway for the Sold Out Art of Breakfast workshop on Tuesday at The Danforth in Portland. Dana is busy preparing the rich sauces used on breakfast plates like paints on a canvas.

FULL!!!!

Our first workshop, the Art of Breakfast, is full. What a great way to start this new project. We so appreciate the support of the innkeeping community and the Maine tourism community as a whole. Can't wait to see the pictures that come out of this first class.
(Dana Moos Photo)

Maine Restaurant Week

March 1 - 10 is Maine Restaurant Week. Do what you can to support participating Maine restaurants. We're going to. In fact the nights before our March 2 and 3 classes in Portland, hosts Dana and Leslie will be doing their part. And chances are Dana will get some great shots of some of the highlights.
(Dana Moos Photo)

Breakfast, no Art, no BOTH.

Our first official Maine Innkeeping Academy class is right around the corner. The Art of Breakfast is being held on March 2nd at The Danforth in Portland. Dana Moos and Leslie Cottrell will be joined by Native Maine Produce to present a delicious and beautiful hands on workshop discussing what can be done to make breakfast an extra special event.

There are a few spots left. We don't want it to be too large a group, want some hands on opportunities! Go to our FB page to sign up or just email us at inns@swanagency.com. The charge is only $15 per person.

(Dana Moos Photo)

Facebook Fan Pages

I just spent most of Sunday morning doing a project researching Facebook fan pages of Maine Inns. I was very surprised how many properties don't have a FB page. No judgement, really - but just like years and years ago with fax machines, then websites, then online booking - you may need to bite the bullet.

It doesn't have to be a chore, it can be fun. Mostly, it does not have to take a lot of time. Don't believe people that tell you that. Five minutes every few days will put you WAY ahead of all but the best social media devotees.

Social Media Workshops

Our social media workshops aren't just for innkeepers. Anyone interested in enhancing their personal or business facebook pages, twitter posts, among other outlets can benefit from attending. Sign up on our Maine Innkeeping Academy Facebook page or email us and you'll be all set to attend. If you can't make it to Portland, we're planning other sessions in other areas of Maine. Let us know if you would like to host a workshop at your inn.

Beyond Breakfast

Guests at Maine inns enjoy some incredible breakfasts but that's not all. Afternoon tea, Intermezzo, and the such are all becoming standard fare and expectations of the B&B guest. At this hands on workshop, Leslie and Dana will facilitate a discussion and creation of special treats that you can customize to be unique to your Inn.

(Dana Moos Photo)

Inntimate Weddings

In addition to searching out experts to share information with workshop attendees, the mission of MIA is to also increase business for Maine Inns and B&Bs. We want to facilitate discussions between like minded people who are all out to achieve the same goal.

In today's economy, many couples are scaling back their wedding plans. The Inn/B&B venue fits perfectly into many schedules and budgets. Whether a B&B in their hometown or a destination wedding at a Maine Inn - brides and grooms are opening up their cosideration of options.

Our first "Inntimate Weddings" based workshop will simply be a conversation between innkeepers who do host weddings and those that are interested in hosting weddings. How can we, as a group, get the word out there to consider Maine Inns and Bed & Breakfasts in wedding plans? Ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner - there are lots of options.

Happy Valentine's Day

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day at your inn? Throughout Maine, inns are enjoying 100% occupancy weekend - a welcome mid winter holiday. Make it unforgettable for guests and create a devoted repeat clientele.
(Kevin Keith Photo)

Simple yet Sophisticated, The Art of Breakfast

Just like interior design, you can never go wrong with clean, simple and sophisticated with breakfast presentation.
Our Art of Breakfast class if filling fast - we'll be offering it again in the spring but you'll probably want to attend both times.
RSVP on our Facebook page or just email us at inns@swanagency.com and we'll sign you up.
(Dana Moos Photo)

April Workshops

We are already working on our April Workshops. If you have an idea for a topic you would like to present or would like us to track down an expert on, let us know. The more ideas the better.

March Workshops

Our Art of Breakfast Workshop starts at 11:00 on March 2nd. The charge is $15 per person.

Art of Social Media is 10:00 - 1:00 on March 3rd. This class is free.

March 1-10 is Restaurant Week in Maine and Portland's restaurants get very involved. Danforth Inn is offering 50% off on room nights on March 1st and 2nd for workshop attendees.

http://www.danforthmaine.com

Small Inns and Liquor Licenses

It is almost Valentine's Day. Is your inn licensed to serve wine to your guests? The Maine Liquor Commission offers a special liquor license just for B&Bs. They recognized the need and several inns take advantage of the opportunity.

We are developing a workshop on the licensing process, selling wine in the inn, what kind of wine list is best for a small property and are you meeting the rules of the law now. Participate to see if this makes sense for your inn.

(Kevin Keith Photo)

The Art of Social Media

The Art of Social Media session will be led by Facebook, Twitter and Blogging expert Dana Moos. Dana's acumen is well recognized throughout Maine in social media circles and her innkeeping and photography backgrounds make her the ideal instructor for this information packed workshop.

March 3rd at The Danforth in Portland, Maine.

Art in the Inn

We are currently putting together a workshop on Art in the Inn. We will discuss working with artists and local galleries to promote Maine artists as well as creating a new revenue stream for the inn.

What percentage goes to the inn?

How to promote.

The artist/gallery/inn relationship.

(Photo by Kevin Keith)

Today's message to Maine Innkeepers

Greetings!

We are pleased to announce the launch of Maine Innkeeping Academy. Maine Innkeeping Academy was created by The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty as a source of education for current and aspiring innkeepers who love Maine and the hospitality of our State. Our intent is to create a community of like minded business owners interested in setting their businesses apart from the crowd, setting a solid foundation for growth and maintaining their investment for the eventual sale.

Our first classes will be held in Portland at The Danforth Inn. http://www.danforthmaine.com

March 2 - The Art of Breakfast - a fun hands on workshop on plating and garnishing to make breakfast a masterpiece. Then a short talk by Maine purveyors on how a small inn can showcase Maine products in their breakfasts.

March 3 - The Art of Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, Blogging - Essential to today's small business. Still don't believe in it? At least understand it. Social Media guru Dana Moos takes you through them all in a casual, easy to understand fashion - and makes it fun.

March 21 - 23 Get Innspired Aspiring Innkeeper's Workshop

Currently in production:

An Important Issue!
A workshop on small inns and the Maine B&B Liquor License - not to be missed. We'll even bring in wine and beer vendors to discuss an appropriate short list for a small B&B. (Still today there is confusion as to whether inns can legally serve wine to guests without a liquor license)

Composing a network of Maine inns interested in hosting apprentices.

Are you interested in sharing information, leading a workshop for fellow innkeepers or new innkeepers? Let us know - we'll help set it up and get the word out.

For more information: Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Portland-Maine/Maine-Innkeeping-Academy/203173893418?ref=ts

Email us at inns@swanagency.com or Call us - Dana Moos at 266-5604.

We hope to see you at a workshop soon and appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas on other topics and issues important to our community.

Mission

Maine Innkeeping Academy was created by The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty as a source of education for current and aspiring innkeepers loving Maine and the hospitality of our State.

(Photo by Kevin Keith)

The Art of Breakfast

The first class to be offered by Maine Innkeeping Academy is The Art of Breakfast. Dana Moos and Leslie Cottrell will first present a hands on demonstration of garnishing and turning a normal breakfast plate into art.

We will then hear from a local purveyor discussing including Maine food products in your breakfast and how it is possible even for the small inn.

The class is offered on March 2 at 10:30AM at The Danforth Inn at 163 Danforth Street in Portland. The cost is $15.

Innkeepers attending the class who would like to spend the night in Portland the night before, the night of or both are offered 1/2 rate room rates at The Danforth.

(Photo by Dana Moos)