Innsitters are, essentially, substitute innkeepers. They step in and take over for a few days or more so that innkeepers can get away and recharge their batteries. Innsitters can be found across the U.S. and around the world, waiting for innkeepers to call them into service.
Lynn Mottaz took some time to answer several questions about innsitting. At the time of this interview, she ran the Meadows Bed and Breakfast in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, with her husband Del, and was the president of the Professional Innsitters Association.
Who would make a good innsitter?
A person who truly loves the field and just doesn't have the wherewithal to handle the mortgage. We, as innsitters, need to have almost the same knowledge, expertise and hospitality traits of an innkeeper.
Many retired innkeepers say they will be innsitters, but often it doesn't work out. Many times this is because by the time they leave the business they're burned out and they find out innsitting is harder than they anticipated. It's more work than running their own bed and breakfast because you have to be able to do things someone else's way -- not your own. That's a very had thing to do when you have been your own boss and been in a successful position. Many do not last more than one innsitting job.
As far as aspiring innkeepers, there's no better education for the business -- learning from the inside out. Boy, how many things you will change for your own bed and breakfast. I call this "the for instance," and it goes on and on. It's the best and most exciting road we ever walked.
What skills does and innsitter need to have?
They need to think on their feet. I always say, "Make it happen." By knowing the profession from travels to bed and breakfasts, from education, and from apprenticeships and books you can have a very good idea what to expect.
In my eyes, innkeepers want no mistakes in the finances, few mistakes on the computer, very little change in the kitchen, and guests who write about the perfect innsitter while they were away. You need to get along with staff, you need to be a gracious person at all times, you need to be a crisis manager, you need to be organized in everything you do.
I have a daily manual, a daily telephone log, a casual message sheet, etc.
How does one become a innsitter?
There are four innsitter associations that I'm aware of, and three areas that teach innsitting as a career option. In the PIA -- Professional Innsitters Association -- there are 95 members, and we have innsitter members in almost every state.
There are classes and seminars available for learning the profession. My advice is to take an information class, continue with a nuts-and-bolts seminar and then apprentice at a bed and breakfast (more than one would be very helpful).
Do innsitters travel a lot? Are many regionally based?
Yes, in fact, the PIA has regional "reps" who help innkeepers get placements but few who can do this on a full time basis, there is not enough money in innsitting. We do have retired people who travel and innsit and love it, however.
How can an innkeeper be sure that it's safe to leave their inn in the hands of a sitter?
Again, it's nice to spend time with the person, and word of mouth is very helpful. We do try to be sure the people within the association have had some training and apprenticeships. Then we as the association tell our aspiring innsitters they need to have a specific training day at the bed and breakfast they will be working at, to come in as a guest and experience the bed and breakfast before turning into the employee the next morning. This is a must, in my book. It's a chance for the innsitter to study the ways and the whys of the innkeepers who they must emulate.
Tell us a little more about the Professional Innsitters Association.
The Professional Innsitters Association has been in existence since 1993 and we've been working hard to educate the bed and breakfast industry of our value. We have vigorously promoted education and apprenticeships relative to innsitting.
Innsitters as well as innkeepers should consider joining PIA, so there's a better understanding between the two careers. The financial investment in our industry means bed and breakfasts deserve qualified, informed and professional innsitters.
When did you personally become interested in innsitting?
I realized the need for skilled innsitters after leaving my job as a manager of an inn and still loving the field. I found that innkeepers were either closing down their inns for a much-needed break or using a friend or relative -- and neither seemed to be the wise thing to do.
How do you balance your work with PIA and your life as an innkeeper?
The times do get a little hairy but I believe so firmly in the need of professionalism among innsitters that I find time and energy to do it. I have very good help and guidance with "My Assistant." (I gave my husband an apron upon his retirement that says, "The Assistant" and luckily he has enjoyed the role.)
We've been lucky in finding help to put together our newsletter with various editors and assistance from regional reps and innkeepers who write articles. It has been a amazing experience and is gratifying to witness the growth in a general sense and progress on an individual basis On a selfish view, it has been truly special to find this niche in my retirement.
