Vacation Rental Success

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. ________________________________________________   Supercharge Your Property Management New Staff Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials – The Key to Efficient, Effective Training! Equip your team with the right skills fast. THRIVE Essentials streamlines employee onboarding, driving higher performance in record time. >> THRIVE Essentials Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vac

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 Acc

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

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Julie Marks from the Vermont Short-Term Rental Association (VTSTRA) 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 i

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

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. ____________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges: >> https://www.vacationrentalform

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 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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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-pro

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.  ____________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental

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.  ____________________________________________________________________________ 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 y

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

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 insig

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 statisti

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 t

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer welcomes Brittany Blackman of Breathe Easy Rentals and Sean Kemper from ETI Solutions. They discuss their innovative housekeeping workshops launched in the spring in the Florida Panhandle and Orange Beach, Alabama, emphasizing the importance of housekeeping training and mindfulness in property management. Heather also shares insights from Rob Walker's book, "The Art of Noticing," and how it ties into enhancing attention and creativity in the vacation rental industry. What You'll Discover: Housekeeping Training Initiatives: Brittany and Sean explain their approach to housekeeping workshops, highlighting the need for practical, front-line training in the vacation rental industry. The Art of Noticing: Heather introduces concepts from Rob Walker's book, "The Art of Noticing," discussing how being more mindful and attentive can improve business operations and guest experiences. Workshop Highlights: Learn about the unique and engaging activi

In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Rachel Alday, co-founder of Abode Luxury Vacation Rentals, to discuss the crucial role of company culture in the short-term rental business. Rachel shares her journey of growing a family-owned business into a highly respected company, emphasizing the importance of building a team that embodies core values and delivers exceptional hospitality.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar. Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here: https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS564

This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business. Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans > Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today ______________________________________________________________________ In this episode Heather Bayer and Catherine Ratcliffe discuss the pressing issue of human trafficking within the short-term rental industry. Catherine shares insights into the prevalence of human trafficking, including both sex and labor trafficking, and its impacts on the industry. She highlights the importance of recognizing signs of trafficking and the role of vacation rental operators in preventing these activities. Catherine emphasizes training for property managers and staff, and the need to establish standard operating procedures to handle suspicious activities. The discussion also covers the responsibilities of hosts in ensuring their properties do not become

This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business. Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans > Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today ______________________________________________________________________ In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather Bayer sits down with Andy McNulty, co-founder of Touch Stay. They delve into the intricacies of building and managing a remote team that spans across the globe. Andy shares his experiences and insights on fostering a dynamic and committed team culture despite the challenges of remote working. This conversation is a goldmine for short-term rental managers and hosts who aim to create vibrant and effective remote teams. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your qu

This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business. Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans > Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today ______________________________________________________________________ In this solo episode Heather Bayer delves into the transformative concepts from the book "10X is Easier than 2X" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. Heather shares her personal journey of embracing a 10X mindset, recounting pivotal moments in her career that led to exponential growth. She provides practical examples and strategies for vacation rental managers to apply 10X thinking, from creating unique guest experiences to leveraging technology and forming strategic partnerships. Heather emphasizes the importance of a mindset shift, focusing on core strengths, simplifying operations, and continuously innovating to achieve significant business growth. The episode is a