I've not used either of these services at our own B&B; - with only three rooms, we've not felt this route was right for us. Or is it? I know of other local inns that have used one or the other with varying degrees of success. So I'm curious which you use -- and why? What are the benefits? The disadvantages? Is it cost-effective? How do you watch out for loopholes that can be exploited by the buyer or, for that matter, Groupon or Living Social? Are these to be used as fallbacks during slow periods or several times a year to keep your name in front of guests? How many rooms should you have before you consider Groupon or Living Social? Was your interaction with them a positive or negative experience? Easy to navigate or filled with doubletalk? If you'd like to share your thoughts, your input may help others looking for ways to boost their business.

For working, aspiring, and interim innkeepers alike, the Professional Association of Innkeepers annual conference is a way to become inspired, reinvigorated, and in tune with the direction of the industry. If you feel that your bed and breakfast needs a boost, you want to stay ahead of the latest trends, or you simply want access to the sympathetic ear of your fellow innkeepers, you still have time to attend this year's conference. You'll find all the information you need at http://www.innkeepingshow.com. For even more information on what you'll find in Little Rock, PAII president and CEO Jay Karen will inspire you in the feature Little Rock = Big Impact. I hope you can make it. Innkeeping can be a lonely profession and, if nothing else, you'll find that you're not alone.

A reader rightfully pointed out that an article I wrote was actually an open question, so as I figure out how to suspend that feature from the main page I thought I'd run a few of those questions past you on this blog instead. In essence, I'd like to know what you feel will be the changes ahead. Consider a few of these questions and, with your responses and information gleaned from attendees of PAII's annual conference, I'll revise the feature to provide the latest intelligence. • Will smartphone apps supplant websites as the best way to promote your inn? • Will discount sites such as Groupon and Living Social still be worthwhile? • Where will you put your advertising dollars? • How will you use Twitterand Facebook and other online social media sites for promotion? It's hard to predict change, but with your input as well as that of industry experts, we'll have a better idea of where things are heading.

Innkeeper Susan Poole was once a change manager for not for profits, and it turned out the same principles she used in that field can be applied to planning to own and operate and bed and breakfast. It's a pretty cool concept and Poole put it all together in her new role as 'The B&B; Coach'. If you're getting started, see what she has to say in 'The B&B; Coach: Helping Aspiring Innkeepers Chart Their Course'.