• Balance, Brilliance, and Booming Business: Learn How Shae Duffy Masters It All
    Jul 30 2024
    Ever wondered how a supermom, boss lady, and seasoned short-term rental investor seamlessly juggles booming businesses and family life? Tune into this episode to uncover Shae Duffy's inspiring journey. Discover how her supportive partner plays a pivotal role in her real estate ventures and the smart strategies she uses to balance family, work, and self-care. Shae shares her secrets to staying ahead of market trends and catering to buyer preferences, highlighting her strategic success in selling out an entire subdivision of vacation rentals. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and the magic of collaboration. Don’t miss out—listen in for invaluable tips to launch or grow your own Airbnb empire while enjoying a happy, fulfilling life. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:26] A short introduction about our guest Shae Duffy [06:05] How Shae got into into real estate and the short term rental world [08:32] Shae’s mindset and approach to overcoming the challenges of cold calling and door knocking in sales [12:21] Moving out of their primary home into a shop house as their first step to short-term rentals [15:46] Shae’s journey in strategically merging two separate businesses with her husband [18:41] The strategies and dynamics of balancing both a business partnership and a family life [22:43] Shae shares about her son being involved in the business and developing an entrepreneurial mindset from a very young age [26:29] Shae’s insights about the future trends and factors influencing successful short-term rentals [31:33] How Shae overcame the challenges and successfully sold a subdivision of vacation rental properties [35:28] Balancing multiple responsibilities with self-care and the benefits of fitness for stress relief and personal growth [39:20] The importance and benefits of partnerships in starting and scaling ventures in short term rentals and real estate investing [42:07] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “I have learned over time that there are certain things that I will wait to share from an ideation perspective with my spouse, because he's going to ask me a bunch of questions. And if I don't have the answers to the questions yet, then it's not the right time to present it.” As far as how we balance business being in business together, it is helpful for us to have skill sets that overlap so that we can substitute for each other. But we also are able to identify each other's strengths and weaknesses.” “On top of beautiful interior design, which I think most of the people in the industry are aware of, that's really crucial. I think unique builds are important to places where the house, the home itself is the destination.” “I would say don't be afraid of partnerships, you still have to be smart about them, and everybody manages each other's expectations and roles. But you know, if you don't have a lot of money, or you don't have a lot of time, and usually it's one or the other than align yourself with somebody that makes up for that. And it's just so much easier to scale. And to just have a mastermind situation if you do partnership.” “I think just not being hard on yourself if you fail at something and when I reflect on all the things we've done over the years, some of our biggest aha moments and some of the doors that have opened that we never thought would open happened because we failed.” “Understanding the power of your mind, and, and learning how to utilize your mind in the best way possible, so that it works for you. In a very active and intentional way, I think it is one of the greatest skills that I have ever learned personally.” “The idea of what you focus on expands, I feel like our minds are so powerful. And that's part of why they say the power of prayer, it's setting your mind to something and believing it and speaking it into existence.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Website: duffyhomesllc.com Email:shaeduffyhomes@gmail.com
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    52 mins
  • Unlock More Direct Bookings with Diana Roberts: Website Secrets for Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Hosts
    Jul 23 2024
    Ever feel like your Airbnb website is more of an empty room than a goldmine? You're not alone, but we’ve got you covered! This episode is packed with actionable tips to transform your website from a headache to a high-converting machine. Join me as I chat with Diana Roberts, a website guru with years of experience crafting winning online presences for Airbnb and short-term rental owners. We'll tackle the critical questions that can make or break your online booking success: Must-Have Website Elements Every Airbnb Host Needs (Right Now!) Mastering Your Multi-Location Strategy: Websites for Scattered Short-Term Rentals Website Maintenance Hacks for Smooth Sailing and Happy Guests Common Airbnb Website Mistakes (and How to Fix Them FAST!) The Power of Fresh Content: How Often Should You Update Your Airbnb Website? Unlocking the Secrets of Direct Bookings: Why Tracking Website Traffic Matters (and How to Use Free Tools Like Google Analytics) Stop letting your website be a missed opportunity! Tune in and discover the secrets to building a successful direct booking website that attracts guests and keeps them coming back for more! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:43] A short introduction about our guest Diana Roberts [07:15] Diana’s shares her experience traveling around the US in an RV [09:02] How Diana found her way into the short term rental industry [12:11] How Diana successfully runs business while pursuing a nomadic lifestyle [14:48] The allocation of responsibilities and tasks within Diana's family business [17:26] The importance of having a property and content management systems softwares [22:07] What are the critical elements for an owner or a host to consider when it comes to their website [25:11] Diana’s website set-up strategy for hosts with properties in multiple locations [27:39] What are the best ways to make sure that a website stays functional [30:24] What are the most common mistakes people make with their websites [33:19] How often should people post new content to their websites [35:05] The importance of setting up Google Analytics or tools like Google Site Kit to track detailed traffic analytics [41:49] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Don't wait until you get old to say you're gonna go do stuff.” “Sometimes we have a vision for what we want for our future, but we may not have all of the individual steps figured out along our journey. You have to let go, to let in.” “Patience is a virtue too. So if you're new, it's gonna take six months to a year for Google to recognize you.” “I wish I would have known my niche. Whenever I first started, I wished I would have niched. I never realized how important niching was until later on in life.” “Expect nothing. Appreciate everything.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Website:dercustoms.com
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    50 mins
  • Master the Short-Term Rental Game: Secrets from Mom Boss, Madeleine Rayford Holland
    Jul 16 2024
    Dreaming of success in the competitive world of short-term rentals? This episode is your roadmap! We delve into the inspiring journey of Madeleine Rayford Holland, a two-boy mom who crushed it as a corporate COO and is now a thriving Airbnb investor. Uncover Madeleine's secrets to building a stellar Airbnb brand, from vetting top-notch property management partners to leveraging arbitrage strategies for growing your portfolio. Discover the power of a dynamic team and the magic of networking to fuel both business and personal growth. This episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiring stories, and practical advice for short-term rental hosts of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your Airbnb adventure, Madeleine's roadmap will equip you to elevate your business and create unforgettable guest experiences! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:32] A short introduction about our guest Madeleine Rayford Holland [07:34] How Madeleine got into the short term rental space [11:17] Maintaining a consistent brand standard and its impact to guest experience [15:51] The importance carefully vetting property management clients [18:47] Madeleine’s property portfolio expansion and the benefits of arbitrage in competitive markets [24:39] How Madeleine transitioned her COO skill set and mindset into her short-term rental business [27:13] Why setting up a property management software and documenting processes are crucial [28:53] Madeleine’s dynamic team and how she found them [31:38] The value of networking and relationships in growing a business and personal growth [34:55] Working with a property designer to execute designs that evoke a sense of home and quality [40:46] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “To scale rapidly having that big pie and there are different pieces of the pie, the property management, the arbitrage and the owning, they all have their benefits and their downsides. But they all kind of play their role in growing and scaling a business if you want to do it in a very short amount of time.” “Starting and disciplining yourself to document your processes, so you can train somebody easily is something that has been pivotal with allowing us to grow and scale quickly.” “When people are able to connect even outside of the digital realm and physically get in the same place, it just forms these bonds and these connections and the partnerships and the collaborations that come out of that is just I've never seen anything like it.” “Never take anything personally. Mm hmm. Just guest interactions if they come across rude like just water off a duck's back because I poured my heart and my soul into creating this wonderful space. And anytime somebody didn't like it, it kind of took it personally. But I've gotten a lot more thick skin.” “Simple scales, and complicated fails.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleineraifordholland
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    48 mins
  • Insider Secrets to Supercharge Your Short-Term Rental Earnings with Jillian Heilman
    Jul 9 2024
    Want to supercharge your Airbnb income? Tune in to our latest episode where we dive deep into maximizing your rental profits! We're joined by Jillian Heilman, a mom of two, real estate investor, and co-host. Jillian spills the tea on building a winning short-term rental revenue management strategy, from optimizing your listing for more bookings to mastering competitive pricing. Get ready for actionable advice and real-life examples from Jillian, who'll show you how meticulous attention to detail and proactive management can skyrocket your earnings. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you elevate your short-term rental business today. Don't miss out! Learn how to take your Airbnb business to the next level and unlock its full earning potential. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [02:00] A short introduction about our guest Jillian Heilman [07:20] What makes short-term rentals so “addictive” and rewarding for Jillian especially in her co-hosting business [09:20] Implementation and impact of a revenue management program for short-term rental properties [11:02] The benefits of having a revenue management program [12:20] Tips from Jillian on what hosts should hosts look at within their dynamic pricing tools [17:41] The effectiveness of consistently managing pricing through dynamic tools [19:40] What is the difference in revenue management strategies between mid-term and short-term rentals [21:20] Jillian’s upcoming revenue management workshop in the Live Big Retreat and what excites her [23:20] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Successful people; we need to be surrounded by other people to be able to share challenges with to be able to get insight and input.” “Let people talk, let them share what they want to share.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Website:https://www.stepbystepbnb.com/
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    37 mins
  • From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Airbnb Design Tips with Emily Tillery
    Jul 2 2024
    Looking to elevate your Airbnb or short-term rental property from ordinary to extraordinary? Tune in and discover design secrets to create a captivating and unforgettable guest experience! We're joined by Emily Tillery, a design guru who specializes in transforming Airbnbs and short-term rentals into unique sanctuaries. Learn about Emily's artistic journey and how she uses her expertise to create sustainable and stunning Airbnb interiors. Dive into Emily's innovative approach that prioritizes reclaimed materials and minimizes waste while crafting captivating and eco-friendly spaces. Discover how storytelling plays a key role in crafting memorable Airbnb guest experiences. Get practical tips to elevate your short-term rental with personalized flair and locally curated decor. Emily shares actionable advice specifically designed for Airbnb hosts aiming to create unforgettable stays. Don't miss out! Learn how to transform your Airbnb into a sustainable haven that inspires and captivates your guests. Tune in and unlock the secrets to design-driven success in the short-term rental market! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:49] A short introduction about our guest Emily Tillery [05:28] The difference between designing personal homes and short-term rental properties [07:35] Emily’s transition from the fashion industry to interior designing [10:47] The importance of storytelling through decor to make short-term rentals stand out [18:40] How Emily chooses artwork for short-term rentals that inspires positive emotions [25:10] Emily's tips to hosts on incorporating local found pieces and creatively using object art [30:57] Emily’s practical advice on furnishing short-term rental properties [38:19] Things to consider in selecting a designer for a short-term rentals [40:52] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Know your strengths.” “Hide your weaknesses; I don't mean hide, like sweep them under a rug and pretend like they don't exist. You hide your weaknesses by surrounding yourself with people whose strengths are your weaknesses.” “Try to work with someone [designer] that has hosting experience or has at least experience with designing multiple short term rentals. “Sometimes it's better to list than just wait until everything's perfect. I know, that's crazy. And maybe it's a little bit different now that new listings get such a boost. But I don't think anything is ever going to be perfect. And it's totally a balance.” “If you're not able to compose and breathe and like, think of a professional way to respond, it's okay to step back and not respond immediately.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reclaimedretreats
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    55 mins
  • Unleashing the Supermom & Superhost Within: Insights from Kyrsten Lucia
    Jun 25 2024
    Ever wondered how a super mompreneur handles multiple thriving ventures? In our latest podcast episode, I chat with Kyrsten Lucia. With two kids, a short-term rental and co-hosting business, and a daycare to manage, she's a master of juggling. We delve into Kyrsten's secrets to success, her clever guest-pleasing techniques, and her mindset before jumping into co-hosting. Kyrsten embodies the boss lady spirit, taking each day as it comes and building a strong support network. Don't miss this chance to learn and flourish from her insights! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:46] A short introduction about our guest Kyrsten Lucia [05:44] How Kyrsten and her husband got started in short term rentals [08:05] What were Kyrsten’s initial thoughts when her husband introduced real estate investing [05:35] The evolution of Kyrsten’s short term rental portfolio [09:07] What made Kyrsten decide that co-hosting will be her next step [11:12] How Krysten balances her time as a mom, a home daycare job, and a co-hosting business [13:33] Kyrsten’s ways of maintaining guest relationships to stand out in the competitive short-term rental market [14:49] Kyrsten’s magazine as an innovative and impactful marketing tool [20:11] The importance of Google Analytics to track website traffic and measure marketing effectiveness [22:02] Enhancing the guest experience by thoughtful touches and some branded items [23:41] Kyrsten’s biggest challenges in hosting other markets and how she overcomes them [25:55] How Kyrsten found and sourced her great team members and how often she visits her properties [30:36] The importance of supportive communities in strategic decision-making [33:24] Kyrsten insights before starting a co-hosting business [38:30] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Do it while they're young. So that by the time they are older, we're having the business run itself, which I think is going to be so amazing, not only for us, but for them.” “Being a part of an all women's group, we're constantly being heard. We're not getting left out, we're getting the questions that we need to get answered right away. We're not waiting. I think that's huge.” “There are so many people that are focused on what's the right market, like where should I be, and in my opinion, it's, you should be where you want to be.” “When you trust the process, and you know that mistakes are part of your journey. We can absolutely keep our confidence.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Save your spot for the Live Big Beach Retreat! https://go.staceystjohn.com/live-big-beach-retreat Let’s Connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/short.term.stayzz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourtallgirlhost/ Email:kyrsten@shorttermstays.net Follow Stacey St. John on; Website: https://staceystjohn.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr Fire link: https://lnk.to/z4iJAlgs
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    47 mins
  • How Valerie Bowden is Helping Airbnb Owners Multiply Their Time (and Profits!)
    Jun 18 2024
    Are you a real estate investor or Airbnb co-host struggling to find time for business growth? Dive into this riveting episode where we explore the incredible potential of Virtual Assistants (VAs) with Valerie Bowden, the dynamic owner of a flourishing VA agency. Listen to Valerie's inspiring journey and discover how she's helping real estate entrepreneurs, including Airbnb hosts, seize back their time and ignite phenomenal growth. We delve into how harnessing the talents of others can not only liberate your schedule but also amplify your real estate portfolio and skyrocket your profits. Concerned about managing a team that's not physically nearby? We unravel the power of communication tools and strategies to keep your business purring smoothly, irrespective of your team's geographical locations. Packed with practical advice and uplifting tales, this episode is your key to transforming your short-term rental business like you've never imagined. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [05:14] A short introduction about our guest Valerie Bowden [06:14] Valerie shares her backpacking experience across Africa [08:03] What inspired Valerie to put up Cradle and focus on connecting people with African talents [11:28] The importance of trusting your gut and intuition when making major life or business decisions [13:26] How Valerie decided to get her virtual assistant and highlights the impact to her business [14:45] Balancing between operating outside comfort zone and within genius zone as an entrepreneur [18:46] What tasks beyond guest management can virtual assistants handle for real estate investors [22:32] How can real estate investors and hospitality business owners strategically leverage their time by outsourcing tasks [24:19] Overcoming the hurdle of feeling unprepared to hire a virtual assistant [27:26] The challenges of managing a business remotely and how Valerie navigated them [27:48] What are the challenges to consider when hiring a virtual assistant [33:03] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “The best decisions I've made have been following my gut.” “There is inefficiency when you are operating outside of your genius zone. And it's always I think this delicate balance because so often we hear what you have to operate outside of your comfort zone. And that's how you grow. And yes, that is 100% accurate. But I think there is a misconception between the comfort zone and genius zone.” “We as CEOs of our own real estate investing and hospitality businesses can be very strategic with our time and time is one of our most precious commodities, and there is a value to our time.” “Don't be afraid of the mess. It's better just to get started. Because by the time you get them, if you wait until you're perfect, it's gonna take forever.” “Embrace bad decisions, like embrace the failures and just learn from them.” “I always encourage people to celebrate their wins, large or small. I think that's an important part of our journeys. But I also think it's equally important to celebrate our mistakes. Because our mistakes are where our biggest learning opportunities are. And it becomes a failure when we don't learn from those mistakes. It actually becomes a win when we do learn from them.” “Wherever you go, whether it's like a new country, or starting a new business, or getting into real estate for the first time, just be a student and don't think you know everything. Just be curious and learn. And that kind of attitude is what's going to actually get you ahead in the long run.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Website: crdle.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriebowden
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    40 mins
  • Connect, Empower, Transform: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Live Big Beach Retreat with Karey Hall
    Jun 11 2024
    Get ready for an up-close and personal conversation with Karey Hall, my go-to guru for all things event planning. Karey is a vital part of the team that breathed life into the Live Big Beach Retreat. Through this candid chat, we're taking you behind the curtain to see how my retreat, from August 18th to 22nd, came to be. We'll delve into how retreats like this one can be a launching pad for limitless growth. You'll discover how the magic of collaboration and genuine connection cultivates trust and support, and ignites a recognition of self-value. And you’ll discover how teamwork and genuine relationships spawn trust, encouragement, and self-realization. This is an episode you won't want to miss. It's packed full of genuine insights into the transformational potential of face-to-face retreats. So, why wait? Want to learn more about the Live Big Beach Retreat or ready to grab your spot? Visit https://go.staceystjohn.com/live-big-beach-retreat now! Have questions? Email Karey at retreats@staceystjohn.com. Tune in now to embark on a journey towards connection, empowerment, and transformation. Together, we can make the journey unforgettable. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [03:10] A short introduction about our guest Karey Hall [04:55] Karey’s experience in planning a retreat event that brought together women who had only met online [06:11] Karey’s in-person retreat experience that helped building deeper connections beyond the usual networking experience [18:21] How in-person retreats provide value and support to both individuals and their businesses [20:31] Why you should surround yourself with smart and like-minded individuals [26:54] How does learning alongside others in a conference setting enhance the overall educational experience [28:00] The significance of various activities into retreats and how they help the attendees [36:23] What value do one-on-one sessions and workshops add to a retreat experience [44:30] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Everyone has value, everyone's experience is something that can be passed on. We all have stories in our past and things that we've been through that can help shape someone else and help them in their business, but also help them as humans.” “Living big can be challenging, but it is about being committed to what you want, and going after it.” “Don't worry about tomorrow, let tomorrow worry about itself.” “I need to be reminded as the planner that I don't have to know how tomorrow is going to work out because God does. And that is a comfort to me.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    55 mins