Today, Neil is looking at the importance of creating a positive first impression when guests arrive. Sharing his personal experiences and strategies for building rapport with guests, Neil emphasizes the "tea trap" routine he uses to connect with new arrivals. By offering guests a cup of tea and engaging in a 10-minute conversation, Neil establishes a welcoming atmosphere and gains valuable insights into his guests' needs and backgrounds.

The host Neil refers to in the podcast is in Oakham in the county of Rutland, UK. Her name is Mary and here's her listing https://bit.ly/Mary-in-Rutland.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests upon arrival, as first impressions are crucial.

• Develop a routine, such as the "tea trap," to get to know your guests and make them feel comfortable.

• Personalize the guest experience by offering small gestures like greeting guests with an umbrella in the rain or helping with their bags.

• Utilize technology like CCTV cameras and doorbell cameras to monitor guest arrivals and departures.

• Building rapport with guests through genuine interactions can lead to repeat bookings and positive recommendations.

BEST MOMENTS

"Success comes one step at a time. So long as we're prepared to take the next step, we'll get there."

"My answer was, treat everyone as if they were your best mate coming to stay."

"Just doing this simple act of having a chat over a cup of tea is incredibly powerful in helping to get my guests to feel comfortable."

"There's a very subtle side benefit to all of this. I know that I am being watched by the other guests in the house."

"When the tea leaves come to a rest, they say future and fate manifest. Treat your guests like a mate and you'll alter your fate because your guests will think you're the best."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In this episode, Neil shares his journey from hosting just one room to welcoming over 2,000 guests and generating significant revenue. He emphasizes the importance of first impressions and details the 10-second rule, where guests form opinions quickly upon arrival. Neil provides valuable insights on preparing the property for guests, including creating a checklist with four key elements: bed, bin, bath, and beauty. He also highlights the significance of personal touches, such as addressing guests by name and providing treats to enhance their experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The 10-second rule emphasizes the importance of making a positive first impression on guests to set the tone for their stay.

• Developing a basic checklist with key tasks like bed, bin, bath, and beauty can help ensure that the room is ready for guests.

• Adding treats or small gestures like a handwritten note, local snacks, or a bottle of wine can make guests feel welcomed and cared for.

• Implementing Internet of Things (IOT) devices like automated lighting or heating can enhance the guest experience and make their stay more comfortable.

• Using guest names on room doors and having clear indicators of guest arrival, like slightly closing the door, can improve security and communication within the property.

BEST MOMENTS

"If they like it they'll tend to excuse everything and if they don't they'll find everything."

"I remember going to a hotel once on a business trip... Yuck!"

"No matter how mundane a task may seem, create a basic checklist on paper to refer to."

"Knowing this, right from the start, even on day one... Alistair, this is your room."

"As I've said before, people will remember how you made them feel long after they recall what you said or did."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

Today, Neil Harvey divulges his secrets to effectively communicating with guests before their arrival. With experience in over 2,000 guests hosted and a quarter of a million pounds in turnover, Neil emphasizes the importance of providing clear instructions for guests to find and access the property hassle-free. He discusses his evolution from sending random messages to creating a systematic approach using standard messages and eventually incorporating a video guide.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Consistently communicate with guests after they book but before they arrive to provide clear instructions on how to find and access the property.

• Create a video guide showing guests how to find the property and gain access, as visual instructions are often more effective than written ones.

• Ensure important information, such as the video link and essential access details, is placed at the beginning of the message to increase the likelihood of guests reading it.

• Adapt communication strategies based on guest behavior, such as sending messages earlier for guests traveling from abroad.

• Utilize creative methods, like limericks or fun rhymes, to reinforce important points and make instructions more memorable for guests.

BEST MOMENTS

"My mission is to help you on the same journey, which all starts by consistently gaining the golden super host status and the coveted guest favourite badge and all the benefits that come with them."

"I have had so many regular Airbnb users say to me, I have never seen anyone do this before. It's so easy to use. Thank you. It's brilliant."

"I truly believe actually that instructions in general across the board in whatever field tend to fail to work because we know what we mean when we write them."

"Well, had we had a picture of the piece of art he was referring to the alleyway would have been so easy and immediate to identify and we wouldn't have had the frustration of driving past with traffic behind us on a one-way street."

"Problems will often arise from instruction that we devise. What we think that we've said's not the same in their head, so send them a video. That's wise."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In this episode, Neil dissects the crucial stage of communicating with guests before they book. With over 2,000 guests hosted and eight years of experience, Neil shares valuable insights on how to handle guest inquiries effectively. He emphasizes the importance of responding promptly, addressing all questions with respect, and never making guests feel silly for asking. Ultimately, Neil guides hosts on how to navigate guest inquiries and create a positive booking experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Guests appreciate fast responses, even if it's just to acknowledge their inquiry.

• People may have different language abilities and cultural norms, so it's important not to judge based on initial messages.

• Responding to questions, even if they seem obvious, shows good customer service and can help secure bookings.

• It's important to treat all questions with respect and provide helpful answers, as it can impact the guest's decision to book.

• How you make guests feel through your responses can build trust and influence their decision to book with you.

BEST MOMENTS

"Speed of response is so important. I've had guests turn up to my home saying things like, 'oh thank you so much for your fast response.'"

"We never know the backstory of the person asking the questions. We don't know what experiences they've had."

"Never make anyone feel stupid for asking you a question, because we have no idea what the long-term value of that guest could be."

"We rarely remember what people say or do to us, but we always remember how they made us feel."

"Emotions are such a big deal, we use them to tell us what's real. Whatever you did, told a truth or a fib, guests recall how you made them feel."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In this episode, Neil shares valuable insights on how hosts can take control of their bookings calendar by creating their own "crystal ball" using a spreadsheet. By delving into the power of the Airbnb calendar and the importance of staying on top of bookings, Neil provides practical tips on maximizing revenue, increasing occupancy rates, and personalizing guest experiences. He emphasizes the significance of regularly checking and syncing the calendar with other plans to ensure a smooth guest experience and financial success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Keep track of bookings and guest interactions by using a personal spreadsheet alongside the Airbnb calendar.

• Regularly review cash flow, occupancy rates, earnings per room, guest demographics, and average room rates to make informed decisions and optimize listings.

• Take advantage of settings like adjusting booking availability, blocking dates, activating instant book, and setting pricing strategies to control bookings effectively.

• Minimize cancellations to maintain Superhost status by staying organized, communicating promptly with guests, and utilizing Airbnb's cancellation policies.

• Develop a daily habit of cross-referencing your Airbnb calendar with other scheduling tools to ensure accuracy and prevent missed messages or bookings.

BEST MOMENTS

"I find it enables me to look into my future... I create my own crystal ball."

"Knowing the average room rate means that I can anticipate how many more bookings I need to hit my monthly target."

"You are totally in control of when any guests can book with you."

"Cancellations are a biggie... it will definitely negatively affect your super status."

"Make it a daily habit to check that your Airbnb calendar synchronizes with everything else that you do."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In this episode, Neil Harvey focuses on the topic of managing the various challenges that arise in the bathroom, such as bathroom hoggers, messy guests, and limited hot water. Neil discusses practical solutions he has implemented, like adding sinks to rooms and setting time limits for showers. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and addressing issues calmly to ensure harmony among guests.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Focus on providing individual sinks in rooms to avoid bathroom congestion.

• Increase the number of toilets in the property to accommodate guests.

• Set clear expectations about hot water usage to prevent running out.

• Use subtle methods like a sand timer to encourage shorter showers.

• Approach issues with guests calmly and offer alternative solutions rather than confrontation.

BEST MOMENTS

"I rent out up to seven rooms, which includes the fancy glass dome at the bottom of the garden. I accept that this number of rooms is perhaps uncommon, but what the experience has done is thrown up issues that are not necessarily obvious."

"I have never had any complaint about this over eight years of hosting. I think culturally, people taking a bath these days is very rare."

"I try very hard to ensure that I never confront a guest about an issue in the heat of the moment. I have done it a couple of times and have regretted it."

"Getting uptight about the continual battle to keep the bathroom clean is not going to change anything."

"At the end of the day, as I often remind myself, does whatever it is really matter?"

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In today's episode, Neil shares his top five considerations for creating a welcoming and functional bathroom space. From fixtures and fittings to ventilation, lighting, storage solutions, and finishing touches, he provides valuable insights and tips based on his hosting experience. Emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and ease of cleaning, Neil highlights the importance of creating a guest-friendly environment that prioritizes practicality over extravagant features.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ensure the bathroom has a functional shower or bathtub, good water pressure, and a decent-sized sink.

• Install an extractor fan to prevent mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture.

• Use overhead lighting for general illumination and task lighting around the mirror for specific tasks like shaving or applying makeup.

• Provide storage options for bathroom essentials to keep the space clutter-free and easy to clean.

• Prioritize functionality over fancy features to make the bathroom easy to use and maintain.

BEST MOMENTS

"Your guests may never use your kitchen or even turn on the TV, but they will 100% use your bathroom facilities."

"One of the top complaints about bathrooms is inadequate or fluctuating water pressure."

"I've been in many bathrooms over the years where every surface seems to be covered with stuff from shells to souvenir windmills."

"How far you wanna go is up to you. There are many additional things that you can provide for your guests."

"Remember, we are not going for the razzle-dazzle in the bathroom. We're not trying to impress people with the arty features there."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: SuperhostNeil@gmail.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.