Miss Janet's House Poll #3

[orangebug]

I'm not so sure about this question. If Miss Janet broadens her business to more than a hostel and hiker services (opens a gear shop?), will she dilute her energy and dilute her product?

Given prior zoning issues, would this idea only raise more hassles for her to resolve?

I just dunno.

[warraghiyagey]

Good question.

[Lilred]

I'm not so sure about this question. If Miss Janet broadens her business to more than a hostel and hiker services (opens a gear shop?), will she dilute her energy and dilute her product?

Given prior zoning issues, would this idea only raise more hassles for her to resolve?

I just dunno.

Not if she schedules the workshops during the hiking off season. Sorta on the lines of what Elmer does in Hot Springs. That way, there'll be year round business. As far as a gear shop, she won't need to as long as she provides the shuttle service. Although, something on a small scale would be great.

As far as the workshops go, I would definately pay for one that interested me. Perhaps one on how to use a compass and map. One on wilderness first aid, how to set a splint, stop bleeding, aid someone with hypothermia. Maybe go out on weekend trips and practice these things. The possibilities seem endless.

Good Luck Ms. Janet, hoping to hear of your new place soon.

[Miss Janet]

I'm not so sure about this question. If Miss Janet broadens her business to more than a hostel and hiker services (opens a gear shop?), will she dilute her energy and dilute her product?

Given prior zoning issues, would this idea only raise more hassles for her to resolve?

I just dunno.

I worry about some of this, too. I really don't want to be much more than just a hostel. That is where my heart is. So, I don't want to lose that. Most of the services I plan are things I already do or see a need for. I have services I would like to add... but mostly in the off Thruhiker seasons. Some of these components I hope other experienced people will be helping out with But no real gear shop is planned. Unless, somebody convinces me to let them set up a seasonal store.

The thing I have to keep in mind is that I have to make a living doing this or I can't do it. PERIOD. In order to do that I need to increase the number of nights I have "heads in beds"... an old hotel term. I am looking forward to hosting special interest groups, youth groups, scouts, etc. I think I will take most of the workshops myself! Maybe I will learn something!

Of course, you knew I was selling the house and moving the business to another location, didn't you? I am working with the city and the other liscense agents in my property search to try to cut out most of the problems I had in the past. The main thing I have to have is more ROOM. If I want to do anything I will have to have options and a little more inside and outside space = options.

I have told people that I have a "Hostel in a Box"... a 10 x 20 storage box. I have everything I need to be back up and running in a new location in a few days... or weeks... I certainly want to keep what has worked for Miss Janet's House. It has really been very good! If Miss Janet's House is now a product, I like it pretty much the way it has been. But now is the logical time to take care of things that I haven't been happy with.

[Gaiter]

does said workshops and classes include breakfast?

[ScottP]

"I'm not so sure about this question. If Miss Janet broadens her business to more than a hostel and hiker services (opens a gear shop?), will she dilute her energy and dilute her product?

Given prior zoning issues, would this idea only raise more hassles for her to resolve?

I just dunno."

I can't imagine Ms. Janet being diluted by anything

[ATSeamstress]

I certainly want to keep what has worked for Miss Janet's House.

The special hot chocolate and pumpkin muffins worked for me.

[pipesmoke]

A point that should be obvious, but not mentioned, is the "Trail Center" needs to show a profit (you remember that money stuff). All the volunteer help is great but it don't pay the bills!!!Count me in with helping but not paying (time I got).

[AT-HITMAN2005]

she could always go with a gear shop like shaw's has?/had. just basic things like socks, fuel, etc.

[Hooch]

I don't know if anyone is interested, but one thing I think that everyone should know is CPR. As a medical professional and CPR instructor, I'd be happy to occasionally come to Erwin and teach CPR classes at Miss Janet's if anyone was interested.

[SGT Rock]

I was thinking of classes like Tha Wookies Survival classes. If he wanted a place he could go to teach them like Ms Janet's if she had space available and was closer to the trail or could provide transport to the trail for part of the class days.

I'm also thinking about classes like Warren Doyles class - that sort of thing could be done at a place like Ms Janets as well.

I've also had some inquiries from folks that wanted to know if I would ever be willing to give some classes on things. I figured once retired it might be possible.

So in the end, what I think is if Ms Janet offered some workshops during her low guest months and made some sort of facilities available for others that could teach classes during other times - then it could be something that would give the hostel some life outside of thru-hiker season.

[Puppy]

I wanted to vote that I might be interested in a class, but I hit the wrong button (I think it came up not interested)..... can you change that vote so it says might want to take one ?

[SGT Rock]

I can change that.

[ScottP]

Winter workshops could be great excuses for hiker get togethers.


Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, etc. time gatherings (not on the actual holiday, but around the same time) could also fill up the hostel for a weekend each gathering.


How many people that have hiked in the past would be interested in taking sigificant others/friends/family to Ms. Janet's for a vacation over the winter to show them what it's all about? Are there any ski areas or anything to do over the winter within shuttling distance of Ms. Janet's? Snowshoe rental from Ms Janet? A private room or two at the new place might help this cause.

How does the Cabin make it work? They have a much shorter season than Erwin. Is it just bankrolled by thier retirement fund?

[Blissful]

I don't know if anyone is interested, but one thing I think that everyone should know is CPR. As a medical professional and CPR instructor, I'd be happy to occasionally come to Erwin and teach CPR classes at Miss Janet's if anyone was interested.

Also just general First Aid for the backpacker along with CPR. Including tick care (lots of hikers had lyme disease this past season). And yes, what to do about rattlers (there's a lot out there)

[Kirby]

Miss Janet:
Do you think you will be open for the 2008 season?

Kirby

[Nearly Normal]

By the time a hiker makes it that far what kind of workshops would they need?
I can see a small selection of the most wanted or needed gear for sale.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

By the time a hiker makes it that far what kind of workshops would they need? I can see a small selection of the most wanted or needed gear for sale.

The classes wouldn't be so much for thru-hikers as for those planning to thru or section and for those keeping skills current (CPR certification requires refresher courses, for example)

[Tin Man]

The classes wouldn't be so much for thru-hikers as for those planning to thru or section and for those keeping skills current (CPR certification requires refresher courses, for example)

And I would think that many who hear about Miss Janet when researching a thru-hike online would be attracted to this type of service at her hostel. One would get the hostel experience as well as the desired training, not to mention the hospitality of Miss Janet that everyone raves about.

[Lon Bellamy]

Thank you for your time to do the polls and for your comments. This information will be very helpful.

One note about this poll:

I understand that Miss Janet's House has not conducted workshops before and that this would be a new service offered. The new facility would have the appropriate space and environment for the new service.