Kristi Dement

We all have 24 hours in our day.  Since none of us can buy time, we must maximize (make the greatest and full use of) this limited resource. This means we must have a strategy (a plan for obtaining a specific goal or result).

So what are goals?  Goals are the results toward which our efforts are directed.  The best goals are SMART:

• Specific–target a specific area for improvement
• Measurable–quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress
• Action-oriented–state what action must be taken
• Realistic–state what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources
• Time-related–specify when the results can be achieved

As an innkeeper of a bed and breakfast, you may want to categorize your goals based on the different areas in your job. I have included an example of a smart goal for each category.

• Cooking–I will learn at least one new breakfast recipe each week and serve it to my guests.
• Decorating–I will consult with a professional painter and get an estimate on interior and exterior painting costs.
• Events–I will host a local chamber of commerce meeting every week.
• Finances–I will keep an organized record of my earnings and expenses.
• Gardening–I will plant at least 3 trees and 5 bushes this month.
• Housekeeping–I will hire a maid to clean our rooms regularly.
• Laundry–I will arrange for a laundry service to clean our linens.
• Marketing and Promotion–I will hire someone to write a blog for our website.
• Shopping–I will stick to my list every time I buy groceries.

You may think of other categories or come up with different goals.  The point is to make the best use of your time. This will allow you, the busy innkeeper, to get everything done and still have a little down time to yourself.