Vacation Rental Success

When we talk about marketing it’s often about tactical aspects like posting on Instagram, making reels or how to manage influencers. But without a sound marketing strategy behind the tactics, the chance of them succeeding is low. In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with marketing strategist Nihal Salah, from Barcelona, to discuss the essential elements of a successful marketing strategy for vacation rental businesses. Nihal is a marketing powerhouse with nearly 20 years of experience, bridging the worlds of big business and small startups. She started out as a data analyst at Nokia, where she got hooked on the power of data to shape effective marketing. But it wasn’t long before she found her true passion: helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise and build marketing strategies that drive real results. Today, as a fractional marketing officer, Nihal partners with businesses across industries, including the fast-paced world of short-term rentals. Her knack for blending consumer insights with practical, data-driven strategies has made her the go-to expert for creating marketing plans that work without all the fluff. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS585

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Valerie Gangas from Juniper Holiday + Home to discuss how diverse life experiences can shape success in the vacation rental business. Valerie shares how her background in hospitality, real estate, and spirituality drives her unique approach to creating memorable guest experiences and building a strong, value-driven team. Valerie Gangas is the founder of Juniper Holiday + Home, a distinctive vacation rental and property management company known for its personalized, luxurious experiences. With a background spanning hospitality, real estate, and spiritual coaching, Valerie has seamlessly integrated these diverse skills to build a business focused on creating "magic" for her guests. Her journey from working in the family restaurant business to becoming a sought-after spiritual entrepreneur has given her a unique perspective on hospitality, shaping a brand centered on exceptional guest service and a strong company culture. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS584

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Steve Trover from Better Talent to discuss the intricacies of hiring, team building, and finding the right people for the right roles. Steve shares his experience in helping vacation rental businesses build strong, impactful teams and avoid the pitfalls of poor hiring practices. Steve Trover is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Better Talent, a recruitment agency tailored to the vacation rental industry. With over 34 years of experience and having founded 16 companies, including All-Star Vacation Homes, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge in managing and scaling businesses. His expertise lies in building world-class teams and solving the complex challenge of getting the right people into the right seats, which can make or break a company's success. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS583

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Christine Smith from CS Consulting 101, to discuss how showing up in the workplace impacts communication, relationships, and ultimately, the success of a vacation rental business. Christine Smith is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Having started her journey as a live-in host and evolving into property management, Christine is now the founder of CS Consulting 101, where she helps businesses improve internal communication and team dynamics. Her expertise lies in fostering self-awareness and strengthening relationships within teams to enhance guest experiences. In this episode, Christine shares her insights on how understanding and refining the way we “show up” in the workplace can lead to better business outcomes. What You'll Discover: The Power of Showing Up: Christine explains the concept of "showing up" and why self-awareness and emotional intelligence are key to strong leadership and successful business operations. Internal Communication Matters: Heather and Christine talk about how the way leaders communicate with their teams can trickle down to influence guest experiences, staff morale, and overall business success. Strategies for Better Team Dynamics: Christine shares actionable strategies to improve team communication, such as creating a safe space for open dialogue and addressing difficult conversations without fear. Guest Experience Starts from Within: Learn how the internal culture of your team directly impacts how guests perceive your service and how to ensure your management style supports positive guest interactions. Self-Development in Leadership: Christine talks about the importance of self-development and how leaders can grow by embracing challenges and learning from their emotional triggers. Improving Relationships with the Community: Heather and Christine discuss the vital role that strong relationships with local communities play in the success of vacation rental businesses and how leaders can show up for the community just as they do for their teams. You Will Learn: How self-awareness can transform leadership styles and team communication. Techniques to foster a safe space for honest conversations within your team. Why emotional intelligence is crucial for both guest relations and staff management. How internal team dynamics can impact the guest experience and business growth. Actionable steps to improve leadership presence and positively influence team morale. Methods to engage with and support your local community as part of your business strategy. Connect with Christine Smith: LinkedIn: Christine Smith on LinkedIn Website: CS Consulting 101 Additional Resources: Book Recommendation: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – A recommended read by Christine for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and communication within a team. Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS582

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Tammi Sims, Vice President of Partnership Experience at Extenteam, to discuss the benefits of hiring virtual assistants for short-term rental businesses, and how property managers can integrate remote team members to enhance efficiency and guest experience. Tammi brings over a decade of experience in the short-term rental industry, having started her journey as a short-term rental home owner, and later transitioning to a role in a tech start-up. Now at Extenteam, she focuses on helping property managers connect with virtual assistants to streamline operations. Tammi has a deep understanding of hospitality, guest communications, and team dynamics, making her a key figure in supporting companies looking to scale with remote staffing solutions. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges: >> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS581

Hiring and onboarding new team members is a significant activity within a property management company, yet it gets limited attention in posts and articles. But as Better Talent’s Steve Trover said recently, “A well structured onboarding plan increases the chance of long-term success and retention by over 80%”. In this episode Heather Bayer sits down with business partner, Mike Bayer from the Vacation Rental Formula Business School to discuss how to transform new hires into top performers in a property management company by delivering foundational training in the early days of employment. __________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges: >> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS580

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Simon Lehmann, founder and CEO of the consulting firm AJL Atelier, to discuss the impact of Airbnb’s Experienced Co-Hosting Program on the property management industry and the challenges professional property managers face in a rapidly evolving ecosystem. Simon Lehmann is a leading expert in the vacation rental industry and the founder of AJL Atelier, a global consulting firm that focuses on professionalizing the short-term rental and property management space. With over 20 years of experience, Simon has been instrumental in helping property managers navigate the complexities of the industry. His insights, drawn from working with both small businesses and large corporations, offer a roadmap to success in an increasingly competitive and fragmented market. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges: >> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS579

The best way to introduce new team members to Vacation Rental! Sign them up for our new THRIVE Essentials Program... Find out more: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-essentials-PMC _______________________________________________________________________ Over the past 3 years, the Direct Book movement has matured to a dedicated effort to break free of the OTA stranglehold for those operators who see the folly in putting all their eggs in the Airbnb basket. In this episode, Heather is joined by Jenn Boyles, one of Book Direct’s strongest advocates, to talk about dispelling myths around direct bookings, the benefits of shifting away from reliance on OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and how to make more money with more control through targeted strategies. Jenn Boyles is a seasoned vacation rental industry expert and the driving force behind the Direct Booking Success Summit, an online event focused on helping property managers and hosts maximize their direct booking potential. With years of experience managing her own rental properties and a deep understanding of the challenges that come with relying on platforms like Airbnb, Jenn has dedicated her career to educating others on how to gain more control, increase profitability, and build sustainable guest relationships through direct bookings. Her summit brings together industry experts to share proven strategies and insights that empower hosts to reduce OTA dependency. _______________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS578

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Julie Marks from the Vermont Short-Term Rental Association (VSTRA) to discuss the importance of local alliances, networking, and navigating regulations in the short-term rental industry. Julie Marks is a dedicated homesteader who began her journey into the vacation rental industry as a means to support her rural lifestyle. With two of her own rental properties and a growing portfolio of managed homes in Vermont, Julie's expertise in regulatory issues and advocacy has positioned her as a key voice in the industry. She has served on the Government Affairs Committee for VRMA and is passionate about creating a network of owners and managers committed to responsible renting and improving standards in the vacation rental space. ____________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges: >> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS577

This week brought a 2022 tragedy into focus as two vacation rental property owners plead guilty to multiple misdemeanors and code violations in a fire that killed 2 young women. Sadly, this is just one incident among many that could have been so easily avoided, yet safety in our business remains a topic that gets minimal attention. In this episode, the industry’s leading expert in safety, Justin Ford, explores the ways property managers and hosts can get ahead of potential safety issues by taking simple steps to protect themselves, their homes in their care, and their guests. Justin shares statistics that show how important safety is to the people who are seeking accommodation, and how focusing on this can actually boost business and impact the bottom line. With a background as a firefighter and Coast Guard officer, Justin's journey into vacation rental safety began after a life-altering incident involving a guest injury. Since then, he has dedicated his career to creating safer environments in the industry through education, inspections, and certification programs. As Breezeway's Director of Safety and Certification Programs, Justin has become a trusted authority, helping property managers around the world implement safety protocols that save lives. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS576

We all know about virtual assistants and how valuable they can be to a company looking for flexible, short-term or part-time help with guest services, administrative tasks and social media management. But what if you need more executive level assistance but aren’t ready to take on someone full-time? This is where fractional leaders come into their own. It’s a relatively new area and we are now seeing more very experienced and professional people offering their services on a fractional basis. That means they become embedded into a company on a short-term, part-time contract. Alex Husner and Michelle Marquis are both fractional leaders and share their experience of working with both property managers and vendor companies in this unique way. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS575

Jeff Bartsch has edited over 100 episodes of the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, over the last 11 years. He says that when you can take five hours of video footage and create a 90-second piece that shows who the contestant is, what they do, and why they are so different, it makes a powerful piece of content. And now he’s joining Heather to talk about the nature of storytelling and how we can use it to build meaningful connections and drive business success. Jeff is also a communication strategist at Story Greenlight, where he empowers professionals to attract and retain their ideal clients by leveraging the power of story. With his background in Hollywood, where he shaped content for major media outlets including ABC, NBC, Disney, Apple, and Netflix, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the table. His expertise extends beyond entertainment, having been recognized as a top thought leader in the accounting advisory world, supporting thousands of students and clients across 50 countries. Jeff's passion lies in helping others harness the potential of storytelling to build successful businesses. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS574

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Nick Russell, the COO and VP of The Cottages on the Key, to discuss their unique approach to hospitality that sets them apart in the vacation rental industry. Nick brings a dynamic and personalized approach to vacation rental management. With a background marked by an unusual entry into the industry through a personal experience, Nick's leadership is characterized by a commitment to exceptional guest experiences and a profound emphasis on company values and hospitality standards. His innovative strategies and personal touch have significantly shaped the operations and guest satisfaction levels at The Cottages on the Key. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS573

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Matt Landau from VRMB (Vacation Rental Marketing Blog) to discuss the importance of creative interventions in the vacation rental industry and how stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to innovation and growth. Matt Landau, a seasoned thought leader in the vacation rental industry, has been instrumental in helping property managers and owners elevate their businesses through intentional leadership and innovative thinking. With a background in founding the Vacation Rental Marketing Blog (VRMB) and organizing transformative retreats, Matt has consistently encouraged industry professionals to embrace creativity and re-evaluate their business models. His deep insights into operational efficiency, guest experience, and team dynamics have made him a trusted voice in the short-term rental community. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS572

Investing in personal development is a no-brainer for the most successful people in this business. They have mentors; they hire coaches and join mastermind groups, and along the way, transform their mindsets. But how do you know what is right for you? In this episode Heather Bayer talks with Cliff Ravenscraft, a renowned coach, mentor, and mastermind leader, to explore the transformative power of coaching in business. Cliff shares his journey from teaching podcasting to becoming a mindset and business strategy coach, highlighting the importance of coaching, consulting, and mastermind groups in achieving business success. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS571

How do you show appreciation to your work colleagues? Do you spend time with them, give them words of praise, give the occasional gift or ask if they need help. You probably do all of the above, but did you know some of your team members will prefer one type of appreciation to another? In this episode Dr. Paul White, a psychologist, author, and speaker, talks about the importance of appreciation and vibrant workplace culture in the vacation rental business and offers tips on how to deliver targeted appreciation. Dr. White shares his expertise on creating a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated, which in turn leads to higher motivation, better teamwork, and exceptional guest experiences. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS570

For some aspiring property managers, the challenge of setting up a business, learning the ins and outs of every aspect of operations, marketing and business development, and software setup is a lot to take on. This is where a franchising model can offer a significant advantage. In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer speaks with Lukas Krause, CEO of SkyRun Vacation Rentals, about how franchising can simplify the process, providing the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in the competitive vacation rental market. ‍What You'll Discover: Lukas's Journey: Lukas discusses his transition from managing the largest single-family property management firm in the US to leading SkyRun Vacation Rentals. Franchising Fundamentals: Hear about the core aspects of franchising within the vacation rental industry, including the support and resources provided to franchisees, and how the franchise model can help property managers succeed. Overcoming Market Challenges: Lukas offers insights into the current challenges faced by property managers, such as increased competition and market saturation, and shares strategies to stand out and thrive. The Role of Technology and Data: Discover how SkyRun leverages technology and data to optimize pricing, marketing, and guest experiences, ensuring franchisees can compete effectively in a crowded market. Building a Strong Brand: Lukas emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences to build a strong, recognizable brand in the vacation rental industry. Regulations and Advocacy: Heather and Lukas discuss the importance of navigating local regulations and the role of advocacy in ensuring sustainable growth for the vacation rental industry. You Will Learn: Benefits of Franchising:Effective Property Management:Market Differentiation:Navigating Regulations:Growth and Scalability: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS569

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer discusses the untapped potential of accessibility in vacation rentals with Adam Norko, host of The Art of Hospitality Podcast, and Lorraine Woodward, founder of Becoming rentABLE. What You'll Discover: ● First Mover Advantage: With 26% of the population having a disability, less than 1% of vacation rentals in the US are accessible. This represents a significant business opportunity. ● Personal Stories: Heather shares her personal experiences with her step-granddaughter who is severely autistic, highlighting the challenges faced by families seeking accessible vacation rentals. Lorraine and Adam provide insights from their own experiences and the broader community. ● Accessibility Beyond Wheelchair Access: The discussion expands beyond the common perception of accessibility, covering mobility, cognitive needs, sensory issues, and more. ● Statistics and Market Potential: Lorraine provides eye-opening statistics, including the expected increase in the senior population and the broad scope of disabilities, both permanent and temporary. ● Challenges in the Industry: Adam and Lorraine discuss the current shortcomings in the vacation rental industry regarding accessibility and how ignorance can no longer be an excuse as awareness grows. ● Becoming rentABLE: Lorraine introduces Becoming rentABLE, a listing platform focused on accessible short-term rentals, offering a comprehensive approach to accessibility beyond just physical modifications. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS568

In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Amber Hurdle, the host of the Bombshell Business Podcast and author of The Bombshell Businesswoman. Inspired by a recent newsletter from Amber, Heather explores the fascinating world of AI and its impact on personal and professional branding in our vacation rental business. Amber shares her expertise on integrating AI effectively into your business strategy, ensuring you harness its power while maintaining authenticity and emotional connection with both guests and owners. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS567

In this solo episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather delves into the foundations of a strong property management business. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as a property manager, where she made a lot of mistakes and missteps, she shares valuable insights and lessons learned to help listeners navigate the ever-changing landscape of the short-term rental business.‍ You’ll discover the importance of: · Learning the Industry's History: Spoiler alert! This business didn’t start with Airbnb. · Being Intentional with Your Niche. · Creating a Business Plan. · Building Key Community Relationships. · Finding a Mentor or Consultant. · Knowing Your Location. · Understanding Regulations and Restrictions. · Conducting a SWOT Analysis. · Tracking Metrics and KPIs. · Familiarizing Yourself with Industry Jargon. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS566