Chapter Two, where to start? For the sake of this book, I'm going to assume you're either starting from scratch or hoping to grow your current business. Let's go through a step by step process. Sleep around. visit other hospitality properties in the area you're considering to open. Talk with the owners and find out their pros and cons.
Don't be rushed to find the right location. If you're dealing with a real estate agent, find one that's willing to take the time to find you the best deal if you're feeling pressured by them, my first instinct is to walk away. Study the surroundings. I want to chat with the gentlemen who wanted to buy a hospitality property sitting on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The building was in great shape, beautiful view and loyal clientele. And the current owner who's willing to sell for a very low price he wants To know my opinion, so I asked him what the rate of cliffs erosion was.
He had no idea and admitted he never took it into consideration. Upon further checking, we found the cliff was eroding at an average of three meters or three yards a year. And at that rate, he would have to move his property within 10 years. That was a cost he had not considered and passed on the deal. examples of how elements could affect your site? Is the area prone to flooding?
Where do the winds come from? Other considerations could be is there industry in the area, heavy traffic or livestock farms nearby? You have to be aware of the noise and potential smell before committing to a site visited a number of different days and times so you totally understand what your guests will experience. Make sure your design fits. Building an independent hotel resort in our bed and breakfast in an industrial zone, probably not the best ways to attract your ideal guests. Is there an infrastructure in place to the roads make your property easily accessible?
Is there usable public transportation or the things for your guests to do? restaurants or attractions? details like this are extremely important. All right, you found the right spot. Before you do any building or renovating. You have to decide who is your target market?
Are they going to be vacationer or business travelers, young or old, wealthy or budget travelers, you should have your target market in mind and not trying to be everything to everyone. Now that you know your target market, you're going to have to determine their needs. And this can be done by researching other properties targeting your market trends and technology when designing your hotel, resort in orbit and breakfast, it'll be worth your while to hire an architect or designer who understands the hospitality property industry. interview them away from your site, their office and asked to see the work they've done. When you feel comfortable with your choice, then bring them to your site. Use the appropriate consultants as necessary.
For example, interior designer, structural, landscapers electrical, etc. benefit from their expertise, but remember, you're in charge. overseeing this kind of development can be very time consuming. So if you're unable to do it yourself, hire someone you trust to manage the project. Create a budget and stick to it. Walk and visualize everything.
You want to draw out every aspect of your property. And an even better option would be to have a three dimensional model built. Do you want to understand how All aspects of your property will work together before the first nail is hammered or concrete is poured. I had mentioned you need to have a budget and stick to it. But it's also important to be flexible when necessary. set a schedule and an end date.
Make sure everyone involved agrees to and signs to the schedule and completion dates. Keeping in mind any outside factors that could influence this timeframe, for example, holidays or legal requirements. frequently visit the site to make sure there are no surprises and as each operational areas finished, do a walk around looking at it as your guests would. When the building renovations are almost complete. You might be thinking, I can hardly wait to open the doors and invite the world in. Everything's almost done.
Not so fast. your property might almost be ready. But now you need an organizational strategy in place. In the next chapter, we are going to be looking at setting up your organizational strategy.