Want more bookings without spending more on ads? Develop B&B partnerships with local businesses. In this episode, Ill share how to build win-win relationships that fill your rooms.

👋 Hey there! Before we jump in, give that subscribe button a cheeky tap — and if you never want to miss an episode, ring the bell! We drop fresh tips for savvy innkeepers every week.

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Now, let me ask you something:

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Ever feel like your B&B is a beautiful island… but the guests aren’t rowing their boats over?

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You’re not alone. Many B&B owners — especially in quieter or seasonal areas — struggle to keep bookings steady year-round. But what if I told you that some of the best marketing and guest experience strategies are waiting right outside your front door?

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Today’s episode is all about partnering with local businesses — and how to do it without awkward emails, empty promises, or feeling like your speed dating the Chamber of Commerce.

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🎁 Stick around to the end — I’ve got a cracker of a tip that might just triple your midweek bookings.

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🤝 Why Partnerships Beat Discounts

Most owners default to discounts when bookings dip.

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“But what if,” I asked one coaching client, “you could fill a room at full price by adding value instead of shaving pounds off?”

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Cue the lightbulb moment.

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That’s what local business partnerships do: they add value.
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You’re no longer just a place to sleep — you’re part of a curated experience.

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Here’s the goal: Create win-win partnerships that:

• Give your guests something new or exclusive

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• Help your neighbours bring in business

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• Get both of you seen by new audiences

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Now, let’s break it down — step-by-step.

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🎧 Want more tips like this? Check out the Bed, Breakfast & Business Podcast — your weekly brew of practical hospitality advice.

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🗺️ Step 1: Map What’s Around You

Start with a walk — literally.

• Pop into the café down the street.

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• Browse that antique shop guests keep mentioning.

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• Note any new events, tours, or classes happening in your area.

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👉 Question: What’s the number one business your guests already ask about?

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That’s your starting point.

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💡 Usable Tip: Create a “Local Love” list — 5 to 7 nearby spots that offer something memorable. Think: “The bakery with the sourdough that sells out by 10,” not “generic souvenir shop.”

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✍️ Step 2: Make the First Move (Without Sounding Salesy)

Nervous about reaching out? Here’s a script you can steal:

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“Hi! I run the B&B just around the corner. Guests keep raving about your place, and I wondered if we could chat about how we might support each other — I’ve got a few fun ideas!”

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Keep it light. You’re not pitching Dragon’s Den.

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Pro Tip: Don’t ask for a discount for your guests straight away. Offer your help first. For example, invite them to leave flyers at your B&B or be featured in your guest welcome book.

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🎁 Step 3: Create an “Experience Bundle”

This one’s magic.

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Instead of telling guests where to go, give them a reason to go now:

• 🧺 Stay & Picnic Package: One-night stay + pre-packed lunch from the café across the road.

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• 🖼️ Art & Sleep: B&B guests get a mini studio tour at the gallery next door.

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• 🍷 Sip & Sleep: Local wine bar + discounted tasting when they book two nights.

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👉 These bundles aren’t hard to set up. A simple email, a handshake, or even a WhatsApp chat will do.

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🎥 Want to see how other B&B owners do this in real life? Watch the Beds, Breakfast & Business YouTube Channel — we’ve got real walkthroughs, behind-the-scenes, and guest case studies.

 

💬 Step 4: Promote It Properly

Your new partner deal won’t help if no one hears about it.

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Quick wins to promote it:

• 📬 Add it to your booking confirmation email.

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• 📱 Post about it on Instagram — tag the local business.

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• 📖 Feature it in your room info booklet.

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• 🧾 Include a voucher or handwritten note on arrival.

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Oh, and tell the partner to do the same — win-win.

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💡 Usable Tip: Create a 4-line description of the partnership that can be copy/pasted by either of you into emails or social posts.

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💡 Step 5: Review, Refine, Repeat

Not all partnerships will work. That’s OK.

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What’s more awkward than a bad first date? A stale business partnership that limps along out of guilt.

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Set a 3-month review — check in:

• Did bookings increase?

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• Did guests mention it in reviews?

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• Was it easy to coordinate?

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If it’s not working, tweak it or let it go. No hard feelings.

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🎓 Want more help with this kind of business strategy?
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It’s all covered in Module 3 of the“Build Your B&B: From Dream to Doors Open” course — which is basically your hospitality MBA without the tuition bill.

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🎁 That Final Tip I Promised…

If you want midweek bookings to spike? Partner with a local yoga teacher, writing coach, or retreat facilitator.

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Let them host small midweek workshops in your breakfast room or garden. You get bookings. They get space. Your guests get an experience.

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Boom. That’s a triple win.

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Before the scones… before the smiles…
There’s a strategy.

“Your B&B Starter Blueprint” download gives you the 7 steps every owner needs.

Free. Practical. Charming—just like your future inn.

Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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What local business near your B&B would you love to partner with?

Let me know in the comments.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

 

In Conclusion

Partnering with local businesses isn’t about corporate handshakes — it’s about community.

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You support your neighbours, they send guests your way, and together you create the kind of stays that make people say, “This place is special.”

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Need help setting all this up?
Our “Build Your B&B: From Dream to Doors Open” course walks you through building local networks, marketing, and guest experience from scratch.

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👉 Visit Beds, Breakfasts & Business Blog for more tips — and while you’re there, check out What Makes Your BnB Unique?  Your Signature Experience. Episode 36.

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✅ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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💛 And hey — if today’s tips helped, feel free to buy us a coffee.