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The STR Sisterhood

The STR Sisterhood

195 episodes — Page 4 of 4

S1 Ep 45Break Free from Airbnb: Marketing Strategies to Skyrocket Direct Bookings with Sarah Orchard

Dive into today's episode as I sit down with Sarah Orchard - once a corporate marketing executive, now a trailblazer in the short-term rental universe. Leveraging her experience from the corporate sector, Sarah is reshaping the rules of the short-term rental marketing game.Ever wonder why your direct bookings aren’t soaring? We uncover common marketing missteps you might be making and delve deep into the maze of marketing vs. advertising, crafting the perfect website, harnessing the power of Google reviews, and the magic of SEO.You’ll also discover the art of continuously putting your property on the map and pinpoint the social media hotspots every short-term rental owner should be tapping into.And here’s something you won’t want to miss: Sarah shares secrets on crafting a robust email list, a game-changer for your bookings.Boost your bookings, enrich your knowledge, and transform your Airbnb journey with Sarah’s pearls of wisdom. Don't miss out - hit play NOW!Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[03:19] Know our guest; Sarah Orchard[03:58] How Sarah got into the world of short-term rental and acquiredThe Hudnalls Hideout: A Luxury Treehouse[07:32] How Sarah’s marketing role in the corporate world helped her in her STR life[10:04] The 7-step marketing system (The Customer D.E.L.I.G.H.T Marketing Blueprint®)[12:49] The difference between marketing and advertising [14:32] The importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and having a website for anyone looking to maximize direct bookings in their business[16:39] What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? [18:34] How to update your meta title & meta description[21:30] The Importance of Google reviews for your business [22:44] How much emphasis should you place on proactively marketing your property on an [26:42] Optimal social media platforms to incorporate into your marketing strategy continuously[30:01] Tips on how to build your email list [32:47] Mistakes people make when building direct bookings[35:49] The secret to boosting your direct bookings quickly[37:26] The lightning round[42:33] How to get in touch with Sarah Orchard: https://www.instagram.com/getfullybooked/ Golden Nuggets Advertising and marketing are different; advertising is just one of the tactics you have access to as part of your overall marketing strategy. Google reviews increase your online exposure and improve your page rankings. The more the reviews, the better. “Marketing is like a tap; you can’t just turn it on and expect the results. You have to keep it dripping so that it fills the bucket.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Resources Mentioned1. Yoast SEO plugin; https://yoast.com/Let’s Connect!Follow Sarah Orchard on; Website: https://get-fully-booked.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfullybooked/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehospitalitymarketinghub Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/GetFullyBooked 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

Sep 12, 202345 min

S1 Ep 44Mastering Mid-Term Rentals: Expert Insights from Mel Volland

Dive into the world of mid-term rentals with Mel Volland in this enlightening podcast episode! Mel highlights why she loves the mid-term rental investing strategy and provides insightful guidance on the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect location. Additionally, she sheds light on crucial operating expenses.We chat it up about the practical aspects of running a mid-term rental business, addressing cleaning requirements and property maintenance. Like short-term rentals, designing your property holds immense power in distinguishing it amidst growing competition, ultimately boosting occupancy rates. She highlights that success in this venture requires shifting from a passive mindset to an active approach, focusing on client acquisition.As the episode unfolds, Mel guides us through analyzing a mid-term rental property and also covers the essential components of a mid-term rental lease agreement.Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode filled with invaluable tips and insights! Key highlights in the episode[02:20] A short bio of our guest; Mel Volland [03:33] What prompted Mel to shift from short-term to mid-term rentals?[07:12] Reasons why she loves the mid-term rental strategy[08:23] Factors to consider when choosing a location for mid-term rental[10:32] Operating expenses for the mid-term rentals[14:11] Start-up supplies for mid-term rentals[17:19] The cleaning requirements[20:09] Mid-term rental property maintenance[21:49] Analyzing a mid-term rental property [27:55] Tips on the best ways to get guests for your mid-term rental[31:41] The difference between co-hosting a short-term rental and mid-term rental[34:16] The components of a mid-term rental lease agreement[36:50] Mel’s advice to anyone who would want to venture into mid-term rental space[39:16] The lightning round[46:29] The upcoming mid-term rental meetup that Mel will be hosting inside the STR Sisterhood. (Check the events calendar: https://www.strsisterhood.com/)[47:52] Connect with Mel Volland: https://www.instagram.com/movesbymel/ Golden Nuggets Like short-term rentals, midterm rentals are also experiencing saturation, and design plays a significant role in making your property stand out, thereby ensuring an increase in your occupancy rate. Network with other investors and agents to encourage them to send you guests. To succeed in midterm rentals, you must shift from the mindset that this is a passive endeavor and instead focus on how you can operate your business to acquire clients. “Action breeds action.” ~Mel Volland Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Resources Mentioned1. Furnished Finder: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/2. Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/ Let’s Connect!Follow Mel Volland on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movesbymel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1406930253018392/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/MovesbymelFollow Stacey St. John on; Website: https://staceystjohn.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr Fire link: https://lnk.to/z4iJAlgs

Sep 5, 202351 min

S1 Ep 43Thriving Together: Secrets to Building an STR Empire with Your Spouse, Revealed by Brianne Hamilton

In this engaging episode, we are joined by Brianne Hamilton, co-founder of Junction House Getaways & Junction House Properties. She sheds light on the intricacies of running a short-term rental (STR) business alongside her spouse. Drawing from her personal experiences, Brianne delves into the strategies that have helped her and her husband thrive in their partnership.One key takeaway is their thoughtful approach to defining roles within the business, allowing each partner to leverage their unique strengths for maximum efficiency. By assigning tasks that align with their individual capabilities, they’ve managed to maintain a harmonious balance while driving their STR venture forward.One challenge many couples face in such joint endeavors is maintaining a clear distinction between business and family conversations. Brianne shares a practical tip: leveraging shared notes on iPhones to distinguish conversations in these two important spheres of life.The episode offers valuable insights for couples seeking to collaborate harmoniously in the STR industry.Let’s tap into some of Brianne’s wisdom.Key highlights in the episode[02:28] Introducing today’s guest, Brianne Hamilton[02:53] How Brianne got into the STR space[06:26] Brianne’s experience running her short-term rental business with her spouse [10:48] How they determine roles and responsibilities in their STR business [14:36] How do they separate short-term rental conversations from family conversations?[18:38] How Brianne and her husband navigate the challenge of having different opinions about business[22:11] How to ensure that you are accelerating at the same pace as your spouse in business[26:07] Distinguishing between family and business conversations[26:49] Tip on how to utilize the shared notes on iPhone to distinguish between family and business conversations[29:44] Advice for anyone considering working with their spouse in the STR business[31:06] The lightning round[38:05] Best way to connect and learn more from Brianne HamiltonGolden Nuggets To ensure that you are accelerating at the same pace as your spouse in business, focus on tasks that align with your individual strengths. To accelerate your growth in the short-term rental industry, don’t depend solely on a single tool or platform. Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Brianne Hamilton on; Website 1: https://www.junctionhousegetaways.com/ Website 2: https://www.junctionhouseproperties.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junction-house-properties/ 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

Aug 29, 202341 min

S1 Ep 42Unlocking the Power of Generosity: Debbie Todd's Revolutionary Approach to Short-Term Rentals

Step into an exhilarating episode where Debbie Todd, the visionary owner of The Woodlands at Hocking Hills, takes us on an unforgettable journey behind her groundbreaking giveback program in the short-term rental space.Learn what ignited Debbie's desire to transform lives, from her very first endeavors to the careful selection of charities she passionately supports. You’ll discover her distinctive donation formula and get a front-row seat to the real-world impact her contributions have fostered.Debbie also shares how she’s involving her guests in this charitable quest and making a real difference in people’s lives.Ever thought about creating your own giveback initiative? Debbie's advice and rich insights are a treasure trove, guaranteed to guide and inspire you in adding layers of purpose to your “Airbnb biz.”Get ready for a dose of inspiration!Key highlights in the episode[02:04] A quick bio of our guest; Debbie Todd[03:04] How she got started in short-term rentals [05:07 What inspired Debbie to start giving back to the community, and how did she select the charities she is donating to?[06:57] The formula she uses to allocate the amount for donations[13:29] How the donations are made to the charities[15:04] How she involves the guests in the donation and their reaction to the giveback program [17:47] How Debbie engaged her community in giving back[20:11] The amount of time she dedicates to the giveback program[23:00] Debbie’s advice to anyone who would want to implement a giveback program within their STR business [27:40] The lightning round[32:01] Get in touch with Debbie ToddWebsite: https://www.thewoodlandsathockinghills.com/ Golden Nuggets “When you invest time and energy upfront, it pays off in dividends.” “Short-term rentals are not passive income.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Debbie Todd on; Website: https://www.thewoodlandsathockinghills.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewoodlandsathockinghills/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072403310165 Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/Thewoodlandsathockinghills 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

Aug 22, 202334 min

S1 Ep 41Defying the Odds: Conquering Cancer & Thriving in Short-Term Rentals with Lori Shaw

Welcome to this inspiring episode featuring Lori Shaw, a fellow STR sister and founder of Lori Shaw Interiors. In this candid conversation, she shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success. Discover how Lori fearlessly confronted a breast cancer diagnosis while simultaneously embarking on her path in the world of short-term rentals.Lori unveils the unwavering determination that propelled her forward during this challenging time, offering invaluable insights into navigating life’s twists and turns. Additionally, we chat about her stress-relieving strategies, emphasizing the power of a positive frame of mind in every aspect of life. Lori wisely asserts that “Mindset plays a huge role in everything.”With her unique blend of resilience, creativity, and unwavering positivity, Lori Shaw’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to conquer challenges.Tune in and enjoy!Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:20] Meet our guest; Lori Shaw[02:49] How she entered into the short-term rental space[04:20] How Lori got diagnosed with breast cancer[11:47] What helped Lori navigate through her cancer diagnosis while starting in short-term rentals?[17:57] How she furnished her short-term rental[19:51] What led Lori to become a short-term rental-specific designer?[24:44] The transition process into the short-term rental design business[28:23] Her favorite strategies for relieving stress [31:57] What Lori has learned through her journey[33:00] The lightning round[37:45] Connect with Lori Shaw Website: https://lorishawinteriors.com/ Golden Nuggets “Mindset plays a huge role in everything.” “Having a positive frame of mind is critical to anything you want to achieve.” “It doesn’t feel like work when you love it.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Lori Shaw on; Website: https://lorishawinteriors.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorishawinteriors/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/LoriShawInteriors/ 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

Aug 15, 202342 min

S1 Ep 40Branding Essentials for Short-Term Rentals: Expert Insights with Rebecca Lombardo

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive world of Airbnb and short-term rentals, standing out and leaving a lasting impression is the key to success for owners and operators. It's not just about providing a place to stay; it's about creating an experience that guests will remember and cherish. In this exciting episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Rebecca Lombardo, co-founder of The 100 Collection. Branding plays a crucial role in the success of any business, and short-term rentals are no exception. Rebecca unveils the profound significance of branding for owners and operators alike. More than just a logo or a catchy slogan, a strong brand is about forging a unique identity that resonates with guests and sets your property apart from the competition.As Rebecca shares her expertise, she reveals the four essential traits that successful short-term rental brands have in common. Understanding these key elements will empower you to build a brand that not only attracts guests but also creates a loyal following of delighted customers.So, if you're eager to elevate your short-term rental business to new heights and create a lasting impact in the minds of your guests, this episode is a must-listen! Join us as we unlock the power of branding in the world of hospitality and embark on a path to create a distinctive and unforgettable experience for your guests.Happy listening!Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:39] Know our guest; Rebecca Lombardo[03:28] How Rebecca transitioned from a journalist into the short-term rental space…..[04:25] How Rebecca’s prior experience has helped her be successful in her current role at The 100 Collection[05:49] Why branding is important for short-term rental owners/ operators [07:06] 4 Things successful brands have in common[07:13] #1 Relevance [10:02] #2 Value [15:53] #3 Clear and consistent messaging[17:50] Should you use AI to build a brand?[19:11] #4 Memorable[21:38] What are the essential elements of branding a short-term rental business?[23:58] Why a brand style guide is important for a short-term rental business[27:56] How to build a brand from scratch[30:18] Should you rebrand your business?[32:22] Mistakes that STR owners make when branding their business[38:40] The lightning round[43:49] Best way to connect and learn more from RebeccaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabredholt/ Golden Nuggets “Your brand is what your guests say it is.” ~ Rebecca Lombardo “Your properties are not your business; they are a product of your business. You have to elevate yourself above the properties.” ~Stacey St. John “Brand is consistency from discovery to experience.” ~Rebecca Lombard Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Resources Mentioned1. Unreasonable Hospitality: https://bit.ly/457NQdzLet’s Connect!Follow Rebecca Lombardo on; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabredholt/ Website: https://theonehundredcollection.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonehundredcollection/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the100collection Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonehundredcollection 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

Aug 8, 202347 min

S1 Ep 39Embracing Spectrum-Friendly Airbnb Hosting with Suzanne Hacker

Today we dive into the world of spectrum-friendly vacations with Suzanne Hacker, the visionary founder of Spectrum Friendly Vacations. Suzanne shares her motivation behind focusing on spectrum-friendly short-term rentals and sheds light on the challenges faced by families with children on the autism spectrum while traveling.She provides invaluable tips so you can learn how to make your Airbnb a secure and accommodating environment for kids with autism. You’ll learn how simple changes like securing the front door, implementing staircase safety measures, and creating an autism-friendly kitchen can make a significant difference. Discover the impact of room color choices and the essential accessories that can transform any home into a spectrum-friendly haven.Suzanne emphasizes that it’s possible to make a home spectrum-friendly with a low budget, and it doesn’t consume time because you can seamlessly incorporate these changes during turnovers.Tune in and discover how small changes and thoughtful additions can transform your short-term rental into a welcoming and inclusive space for families with autism.Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:12] Who is Suzanne Hacker?[02:57] What prompted Suzanne to focus on spectrum-friendly vacation rentals [05:38] Challenges experienced by families that have children on the spectrum when traveling [08:00] How can hosts ensure the front door is secure for kids with autism?[11:09] Staircase safety tips to make your vacation rental spectrum friendly[13:16] Safety tips for an autism-friendly kitchen[14:42] Room color choices for children with autism[16:00] Accessories to include in your home to make it spectrum friendly[18:40] What’s the budget to make a home spectrum friendly?[22:04] Suzanne’s training for vacation rental owners on how to make their properties more spectrum-friendly [23:19] Why most families with autistic children don’t travel very much and why you should be more compassionate as a host[27:08] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you were starting out in your business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [34:19] Best way to connect and learn more from Suzanne:Golden Nuggets “It’s better to be more safe than sorry.” It’s possible to make a home spectrum-friendly with a low budget, and it doesn’t consume time because you can seamlessly incorporate these changes during turnovers It’s essential to find people who you resonate with and learn from their experience and their education Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Suzanne Hacker on; Website(Business): https://www.spectrumfriendlyvacations.com/ Website(Personal): https://www.suzannehacker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrumfriendlyvacations/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/suzannehacker 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

Aug 1, 202337 min

S1 Ep 38Exploring the Mid-Term Rental Strategy with Vivian Yip & Regan Sonnabend

In this engaging episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Vivian Yip and Regan Sonnabend, who reveal why the mid-term rental strategy is a solid wealth-building opportunity. They provide valuable insights on how to effectively analyze mid-term rentals and also discuss how to navigate the challenges that come with mid-term rentals.Are you on the fence about rental strategies? Vivian and Regan offer their expert advice on positioning a property as a short-term rental, mid-term rental, or long-term rental.Vivian and Regan also share their fascinating story of how they met and have built a successful business together, The Hestia Brand- Corporate Rentals USA.Tune in and enjoy! Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:34] Get to know our guests; Vivian Yip & Regan Sonnabend [05:03] How Vivian & Regan met, and the business they share[06:03] How The Hestia Brand- Corporate Rentals USA evolved[08:55] The housing request process[10:12] Why the mid-term rental strategy is a good solid wealth-building strategy [13:46] How to effectively analyze a mid-term rental [16:51] Analyzing price and occupancy trends for the mid-term rentals using the PriceLabs market dashboard[18:40] Saturation in the mid-term rental space[21:16] The source of the housing requests for The Hestia Brand- Corporate Rentals USA[23:23] What are the requirements for a property owner to join the HESTIA family? [25:54] Challenges in the mid-term rental space and how to navigate them[28:37] Their advice to a property owner who is unsure whether to position a property as a short-term rental, mid-term rental, or long-term rental[30:41] The lightning round[39:44] Connect with Vivian & Regan: https://www.instagram.com/corporaterentalsUSA/ Golden Nuggets Mid-term rentals should be located close to hospitals, highways, and major employers “Quality creates loyalty.” “The secret to doing well in mid-term rentals is having an open extended calendar.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Vivian & Regan on; Website: https://corporaterentalsusa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporaterentalsUSA/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/vivianyip 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

Jul 25, 202343 min

S1 Ep 37The Secrets of a Successful Partnership with Sarah Karakaian & Annette Grant

Welcome, and thanks for checking this week’s STR Sisterhood episode.Partnerships are a catalyst for success both in business and in life. They combine unique strengths, perspectives, and expertise to create a harmonious synergy surpassing individual capabilities. However, partnerships are not without challenges. They require mutual trust, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving to navigate the ups and downs.Join Sarah Karakaian and Annette Grant in this exciting podcast episode as they share their incredible journey as partners. They dive into the intricacies of their thriving partnership and their ventures in the world of short-term rentals. Moreover, they discuss the exciting projects they undertake together and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned from working side by side.Prepare to be inspired by their journey as they share their typical day, the key elements that make their partnership work, and the undeniable benefits of hiring a bookkeeper.Tune in and discover the secrets of successful partnerships and the transformative power they hold.Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:52] Meet our guests; Sarah & Annette, and find out how they teamed up[11:25] The projects that they do together [13:01] What does a typical day look like for Sarah and Annette?[23:22] What makes their partnership work?[34:59] Why you should hire a bookkeeper [35:44] The most valuable lesson they have learned from working together[38:21] The lightning round[44:08] The upcoming conference at Columbus, Ohio[46:24] Grab the $100 Discount on the ticket (Code: Sister)Website: https://tfvcon.com/Golden Nuggets Anyone should go into any project with the end in mind and how it does come to an end Partnerships aren’t going to be amazing the entire time “Profits are better than wages.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Sarah & Annette on; Website: https://www.thanksforvisiting.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanksforvisiting_/ Podcast: https://www.thanksforvisiting.me/podcast 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

Jul 18, 202350 min

S1 Ep 36Content Marketing Secrets for Short-Term Rental Success with Jodi Bourne

Content marketing is a powerful tool for short-term rental hosts looking to make a massive difference in attracting guests and standing out. You can effortlessly build connections and foster trust with your potential guests by crafting compelling and informative content.Whether through blogs, videos, or social media posts, content marketing is your ticket to getting free traffic to your listing and maximizing your success. Today we are joined by Jodi Bourne, a vacation rental consultant, marketing coach, and web designer.Jodi shares invaluable tips & strategies to create compelling content that attracts free traffic to your short-term rental and emphasizes that blogging is the best strategy for search engine optimization.Unveiling the secrets of great blog content, Jodi walks us through the must-have elements that captivate readers and keep them coming back for more. Moreover, she explores the concept of content pillars and their importance in content marketing.Additionally, Jodi reveals How to integrate email marketing into content marketing and shares an inspiring success story of a client who achieved remarkable results by implementing her advice.Let’s tap into some of her wisdom. Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:19] Jodi Bourne’s bio[03:36] How Jodi got started in the short-term rental space[07:15] What is content marketing, and why is it important for a short-term rental host? [08:34] Content marketing tips & strategies for short-term rental hosts and owners[10:05] How to come up with content marketing topics for STRs[20:38] How to transcribe audio using Google Docs[23:33] How often should you post content?[26:18] Content pillars/themes and why they are important[31:47] Must-have elements of great blog content [32:59] The success story of a client that Jodi helped to build a successful blog [35:55] How to integrate email marketing into content marketing [39:15] Jodi’s advice to people struggling with perfectionism in content marketing[43:35] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you were starting out in your business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [48:04] Best way to get in touch with Jodi: https://jodibourne.com/ Golden Nuggets The purpose of content marketing is to build connections, build authority, and build trust. Content marketing is the best way to get free traffic to your listing Blogging is the best strategy for search engine optimization “Progress, not perfection.” ~Marie Forleo Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Resources Mentioned1. AnswerThePublic: https://answerthepublic.com/2. Substack: https://substack.com/Let’s Connect!Follow Jodi Bourne on; Website: https://jodibourne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjodibourne/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyJodiBourne/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodibourne/ Podcast: https://savvyhostpodcast.com/ 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

Jul 11, 202351 min

S1 Ep 35From Restauranteur to Real Estate Investor with Ashley Arthur

In this episode, we learn about the fascinating journey of Ashley Arthur, an amazing STR Sister who transitioned from the restaurant industry to become a successful short-term rental investor. Join us as we explore Ashley's unique story and learn how her leadership skills from running a restaurant business seamlessly translated into her flourishing "Airbnb biz."During our conversation, Ashley generously shares her experience of working alongside her spouse in this venture and the transformative power of operating within your zone of genius. She reveals the process of identifying her genius zone and how it played a pivotal role in elevating her short-term rental business to new heights. Furthermore, Ashley emphasizes the importance of strategic delegation, freeing up valuable time to focus on operating within your area of expertise.Tune in now for an engaging discussion that will undoubtedly leave you motivated and empowered.Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERKey Highlights[02:36] Know our guest; Ashley Arthur, and know where she is located [03:14] Her current STR portfolio [04:00] How she got into the short-term rental space [08:01] The leadership skills Ashley learnt from her successful restaurant business and how they have translated into STR effectively[09:54] Why she decided to sell her restaurant and venture into real estate[12:24] Ashley’s experience running a business with her spouse[14:08] The benefits of operating in your zone of genius [15:58] How did Ashley discover her genius zone?[17:24] The File person vs Pile person[18:48] The biggest challenge she encountered during the property rehab process and how she navigated it[21:13] How is Ashley financing her properties? [25:21 Why she is considering self-managing her properties [29:22] What’s next in Ashley’s journey? [33:28] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you were starting out in your business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [40:09] Connect with Ashley: https://www.ajmyagent.com/ Golden Nuggets Delegating frees you up to operate in your genius zone “Time is our most valuable asset.” It’s essential that we celebrate the small wins along the way because a bunch of small wins adds up to a big win over time Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Resources Mentioned1. Innercise: The New Science to Unlock Your Brain’s Hidden Power: https://bit.ly/3NvZnvSLet’s Connect!Follow Ashley Arthur on; Website: https://www.ajmyagent.com/ Instagram 1: https://www.instagram.com/awayframe/ Instagram 2: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyjarthur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJmyagent/ 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

Jul 4, 202343 min

S1 Ep 34Creating Beautiful & Healthy Airbnb Stays with Meghan Cruse

Join us for an engaging podcast episode featuring Meghan Cruse, an expert short-term rental designer and consultant specializing in Airbnb hosts and short-term rental property owners. Get ready to unlock the secrets of creating remarkable guest experiences while maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing space.Discover the insider "tricks of the trade" as we delve into practical tips that will elevate your property to new heights. Learn how to effortlessly keep your space smelling delightful without compromising the well-being of your valued guests.But that's not all! We delve into the fascinating realm of biophilic design with Meghan. Uncover the power of incorporating natural elements into your property, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside and curating an environment of tranquility and serenity for your guests.Whether you're a seasoned Airbnb Superhost or a brand new host, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we take your "Airbnb biz" to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your short-term rental success!Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:24] A short bio of our guest; Meghan Cruse[03:39] What prompted Meghan to get into STR space, and how did she start designing properties? [07:09] The Art of guest experience[10:36] Tips on how to get rid of musty smells in your property[13:27] The health hazards of plug-in air fresheners and the best alternatives for a great-smelling home [19:04] Where to purchase essential oils & lead diffusers and key considerations before buying[22:13] Pro tips to make your short-term rental property stand out [26:48] How to bring biophilic design elements into your short-term rental property[30:30] Tips on how you can start incorporating the biophilic design into an already-designed property[35:01] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you were starting out in your business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [39:54] Connect with Meghan Cruse: https://www.instagram.com/megcruserealtor/ Golden Nuggets If the air is pure, it shouldn’t smell like anything. If the space is clean, it shouldn’t have an odor at all, whether good or bad “The cleaning company is the backbone of your business, and without a good one, your reviews are going to suffer.” “Unless we are recognizing the progress that we’re making, it’s really difficult to stay focused on the prize.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Let’s Connect!Follow Meghan Cruse on; Website: https://consultembodied.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megcruserealtor/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/mcruse 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

Jun 27, 202344 min

S1 Ep 33Investor Personas and Why They Matter with Kate Stoermer

Discovering and understanding your investor persona can unlock a world of advantages in your STR entrepreneurial journey. Find out how in this amazing episode with Kate Stoermer, founder of The CEO Host.In this episode, we discuss the most common challenges STR investors face, the five distinct investor personas (along with their characteristics), and how to bridge the gap between spouses with different investor personas. Kate offers valuable insights and strategies to help them align their investment goals and foster a harmonious partnership.We also delve into whether it’s better to partner with someone who shares your investor persona or has a different one.Listen in and grow your knowledge!Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[03:31] Meet our guest, Kate Stoermer[04:06] How Kate got started in the world of short-term rentals [07:41] The most common challenges faced by STR property investors[10:18] What is an investor persona?[12:57] 5 types of investor personas[18:31] Strategies Kate uses to help bridge the gap between spouses who have different investor personas [20:15] Questions to help you identify your investor persona[21:27] The advantages of identifying your investor persona[28:54] When considering joint ventures, should you team up with a partner who shares your investor persona or has a different one? [34:46] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the world of short-term rentals? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [38:06] Connect with Kate: https://www.theceohost.com/Golden Nuggets Your goal in STR determines your action list “Just because something is right for me doesn’t mean it’s right for you, and just because something is right for you doesn’t mean it’s right for the next person.” Identifying your investor persona helps you to understand what your priority should be and brings a strategic approach to how you are consuming content and who you’re learning from “Your property is simply a product of your business.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Kate Stoermer on; Website: https://www.theceohost.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theceohost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-stoermer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theceohost/ 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

Jun 20, 202341 min

S1 Ep 32Unlocking the Secrets of Rehabbing an Airbnb with Aubrey Carlson

Are you considering rehabbing a property but don’t know where to start? Look no further! In this captivating podcast episode, Aubrey Carlson shares invaluable insights on rehabbing properties that will leave you confident and well-prepared.Whether you’re considering rehabbing out of state or locally, Aubrey sheds light on the pros and cons of both options and discusses how to estimate rehab costs. She emphasizes the importance of vetting contractors and discusses the red flags that indicate it’s time to fire a contractor. Moreover, Aubrey provides a comprehensive list of questions to ask a contractor’s references before hiring.Drawing from her own experience, Aubrey shares a personal story about her biggest challenge during rehabbing and how she successfully overcame it. For anyone embarking on a property rehab journey, Aubrey’s advice is a guiding light filled with wisdom and practical tips that will set you on the right path.Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode filled with invaluable tips and insights. Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[04:01] A quick bio of our guest; Aubrey Carlson [05:22] How Aubrey got started in short-term rentals [08:18 The short-rental regulations in San Diego[11:12] Advantages of buying ugly properties [14:37] Greatest tip you should know when rehabbing a property [15:04] Rehabbing out of state vs. rehabbing locally[20:15] Estimating rehab costs[27:07] When should you fire a contractor?[29:15] How to vet a contractor [33:33] Questions to ask a contractor’s references before hiring[35:29] Aubrey’s experience working with contractor referrals[40:25] The Biggest challenge in her property rehab experience and how she navigated it[42:12] Her advice to anyone looking to rehab their property[44:31] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the world of short-term rentals? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [49:21] Link with Aubrey: https://www.instagram.com/mary.aubrey/ Golden Nuggets “Experience gives you confidence.” “Hire slowly and fire fast because if they are not the right fit for your business, they will become toxic to your business. “Jump out of the airplane and figure out the parachute on the way down.” “Don’t let your fear guide your actions; instead, understand your fear and tap into people who can help you get the rehab project done.” Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERLet’s Connect!Follow Aubrey Carlson on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.aubrey/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/saltandsky 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

Jun 13, 202353 min

S1 Ep 31How to Elevate Your Airbnb Design with Paige Hayes

In this episode, I sit down with Paige Hayes, an interior designer with a passion for vacation rentals. Paige shares her insights on how to infuse your property with a compelling narrative that sets it apart from the rest. By weaving intentional design choices into the story of your space, you can create an ambiance that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.We also learn about Paige’s "SSUFF Method," a creative approach that helps you craft an alluring space without breaking the bank. You’ll learn Paige’s secrets for how to strike the perfect balance between saving money and maintaining the highest standards for your guests.And let's not forget the importance of capturing your design's essence through stunning photographs. Paige guides you through the process, ensuring that your visuals convey the soul of your space and entice guests to experience it firsthand.If you're ready to create a home away from home that resonates with your guests on a deeper level, this episode is for you. Tune in and enjoy! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[03:36] Who is Paige Hayes, and where is she located?[05:25] How she got started in STR interior designing [09:05] The concept of the story of a property[13:08] How to create the story of your property[15:25] The ‘SSUFF’ design method[16:26] Why you should not copy other people’s designs [20:08] How to create a brand for your property[23:44] Tips for taking great property photographs with an iPhone[27:45] Decision fatigue when decorating a property and how to overcome it[31:56] Coohom software for furniture layout; https://www.coohom.com/[33:54] The balance between budget and quality[36:55] Ideas to help you save money when getting quality items[40:24] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in this business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [46:11] Connect with Paige: https://hayes-and-co.com/Golden Nuggets Putting the story of your property together before starting the design helps you choose details that make your property stand out and give an amazing experience to your guests. Nothing is going to sell your property to your guests like the photos. You can do the most amazing design, but nobody will book your property if you don’t photograph it right. “You get what you pay for in life.” “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” ~John Lennon. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Inhaven Offer | Get $50 off your first order at inhaven.com/sister and use code SISTERResources Mentioned Coohom: https://www.coohom.com/ Minoan: https://www.minoanexperience.com/ Let’s Connect!Follow Paige Hayes on; Website: https://hayes-and-co.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayes_and_company/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayesandcointeriors Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/Hayes_and_companyFollow Stacey St. John on; Website: https://staceystjohn.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr Fire link: https://lnk.to/z4iJAlgs

Jun 6, 202349 min

S1 Ep 30From Short-Term Rentals to Boutique Hotels: A Journey with She Invests Founders Allie Fugatt and Carrie Douglas

Buckle up, folks, because this episode is a must-listen! Join me as I sit down with Allie Fugatt and Carrie Douglas, the brilliant minds behind the She Invests Podcast and Facebook group.In this conversation, we delve into their journey of starting in short-term rentals and how they convinced their husbands that getting into the “Airbnb game” was wise. Fast forward to today, they’ve both pivoted into the world of boutique hotels (and are deep in the throws of renovations). So we also get to hear all about their renovation journey so far. From navigating unexpected challenges to finding design inspiration, they share their insider tips for success.Tune in for amazing insights!Key Highlights[02:27] Know our guests, Allie and Carrie [03:35] How they got started in the STR space [11:30] The strategies Allie and Carrie used to introduce the idea of STR investment to their husbands [19:06] How they transitioned over into boutique hotels[23:44] Biggest challenges in the renovation process and how to navigate them [30:05] Navigating challenging business relationships and conversations [34:28] What prompted Allie & Carrie to form a collaborative partnership ( She Invests Facebook group & She Invests Podcast), and what have they learned from it so far?[42:19] The lighting round[46:35] Final words Golden Nuggets “The best investment is the one you know.” “The best investment is the ugly house in a good neighborhood.” “You don’t know what you don’t know. And you can’t prepare for what you don’t know.” Make connections in the communities that you are in because they are going to be the driving force, and they are going to be the people that come in and save you and connect you with the right person “It feels hard because it’s new, and practice makes it not new.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Allie and Carrie onPodcast: https://www.boomplay.com/podcasts/62531 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sheinvestsrealestateFollow Stacey St. John on; Website: https://staceystjohn.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr Fire link: https://lnk.to/z4iJAlgs

May 30, 202349 min

S1 Ep 29How Inhaven Revolutionizes Airbnb Hosting with Ashley Ching

Get ready to be inspired and informed as we dive into the world of short-term rental furnishing with Ashley Ching, the CEO and founder of Inhaven. In this episode, we explore how Inhaven's all-in-one platform can transform the way Airbnb hosts furnish their properties with ease and style.But that's not all! Ashley shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers and overcoming challenges as a female entrepreneur in the male-dominated tech industry. And her insights on balancing family life while launching a successful business are truly inspiring.And if that's not enough, we've got a special treat for you! As a listener of our podcast, you can get $50 off your first order at Inhaven.com by visiting https://inhaven.com/sister. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to try their exceptional service and elevate your property!Key Highlights[02:29] Get to know our guest; Ashley Ching, and where she is located[03:35] Ashley’s company; Inhaven, and how they support hosts [04:26] What inspired Ashley to start her business[07:09] Favorite service she offers at Inhaven [10:30] Exciting new update coming to Inhaven[12:35] How her background in sourcing and merchandising helped her to build her business, and what she had to learn[17:00] What has successfully helped Ashley navigate a male-dominated tech industry[18:14] Her experience with launching a new business while balancing time with her family[20:47] Secret tip for success for anyone starting out in business[23:22] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the world of hosting healthcare workers? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [30:13] Amazing SPECIAL OFFER for the listeners; www.inhaven.com/sisterGolden Nuggets As a business leader, you should surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in certain aspects. As a property manager or owner, you should learn from your guests. Moreover, you should stay in your home to experience it as a guest and find out what you can change to improve that experience. Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Inhaven | $50 off your first order here: https://inhaven.com/sister. Let’s Connect!Follow Ashley Ching on; Website: https://inhaven.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inhavenstay/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/inhavenstay/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inhaven/

May 23, 202335 min

S1 Ep 28Part 2: How I Built My 7-Figure Short-Term Rental Business (And How You Can, Too!) with Stacey St. John

Welcome back to Part 2 of this two-part training series.In this episode, we'll be continuing our deep dive into the world of how I built my 7-figure short-term rental business – and how you can, too!We'll be discussing the key priorities that were critical to my own success and what elements I recommend you include as you create your very own blueprint for success in your “Airbnb biz.” Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your existing short-term rental business to the next level, this episode is for you! So, let's get started on building a rock-solid foundation for YOUR success.Time to dive in!Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[00:48] Episode introduction[04:14] My Key priorities when building my STR success blueprint[06:10] The importance of having documented buying criteria [08:20] #2 Partnering with good people[10:52] #3 Buy low and sell high[12:12] Building wealth with 1031 exchanges[16:37] #4 Build multiple streams of income and be able to work part-time [18:34] My property management and co-hosting business; Kozy Getaways[20:41] 7 Key elements you should include when building your own STR success roadmap [20:49] #1 The vision for your business[22:17] #2 SMART goals for your future[24:25] How to build a daily relationship with your goals[26:56] #3 Resources you need to achieve your goals [28:05] #4 How to outsource the resources you don’t have[29:11] #5 Prioritization of your resources [29:46] #6 Source of accountability and support[31:29] #7 Action plans [33:43] Why you should give yourself grace and flexibility[34:33] The importance of documenting time in your calendar for reflection[34:57] Get Free support in building your STR success blueprint; https://staceystjohn.com/blueprint/[36:13] Final words and episode wrap-up/ Golden Nuggets Our blueprints for success in the STR business are as unique and gorgeous as each of us is. If you are thinking about launching a property management or co-hosting business, you must understand and abide by your state’s regulations. If you don’t document what you want, it’s hard to achieve it. You need to have a target and a plan on paper. “Just because you need certain skills doesn’t mean they have to come from you.” “Done is better than perfect.” Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Resources Mentioned1. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results: https://bit.ly/3LwoJZBLet’s Connect!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 Get Free support in building your STR success blueprint; https://staceystjohn.com/blueprint/

May 16, 202338 min

S1 Ep 27How I Built My 7-Figure Short-Term Rental Business (And How You Can, Too!) with Stacey St. John

Welcome to Part 1 of our 2-part training series on how ANYONE can become a wildly successful host on Airbnb and build a 7-figure short-term rental business. That's right, we're talking about you! In this episode, we'll dive into my personal journey in the short-term rental space, where I went from novice host to successful real estate mogul (I must admit, it sounds weird to read that about yourself!!) with a thriving property management and co-hosting business. But that's not all – we'll also reveal the four key factors that made all the difference in starting my own short-term rental business, and the five core concepts that have been critical to my success. And if that wasn't enough, we'll even tackle some of the biggest challenges you may face when launching your own short-term rental business and provide actionable tips for overcoming them. So, if you're looking to dominate the “Airbnb game” and create a truly lucrative short-term rental empire, then this episode is an absolute must-listen.Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[01:01] Introduction to the show[06:34] Example of successful people who built massive wealth through short-term rentals[07:46] What it takes to build a real estate empire[10:28] A backstory of how I got into the STR space, built a 7 figure STR business, and launched a property management & co-hosting business [14:05] 4 things I had to figure out when starting my short-term rental business[20:41] The 5 core concepts in my roadmap for STR success[23:56] 3 challenges you might face when starting your STR business and how to overcome them[24:54] Tips if you’re lacking experience[27:24] Suggestions if you’re lacking money[32:37] Ideas if you’re lacking time[33:23] Episode wrap-upGolden Nuggets “We don’t try to achieve our goals. We commit to achieving our goals.” “Success is not an accident. The only way to become a successful Airbnb host and build a 7 figure business is by strategically reverse engineering the future you want.” “The only way for you to become a successful Airbnb host and build a 7 figure business is by having an unwavering commitment to achieving your goals.” “I decided to create my future financial freedom. I did not wait for doors to open; I started building the doors and opening them.” “It takes investment to build a business.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!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

May 9, 202337 min

S1 Ep 26How to Save Time & Money When Furnishing a Property with Sage Nathan

Investing in quality furnishings that are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing can help attract more guests, receive positive reviews, and ultimately increase your Airbnb property's revenue.But actually finding quality furnishings that fit with your design plan and within your budget can be a challenging (and super time consuming) task. That’s where having the right tools and systems can make a huge difference.In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Sage Nathan, Partnerships Manager at Minoan. We chat it up about how Minoan helps short-term rental hosts save time and money when furnishing a property – and how they can actually help a host generate incremental revenue from their short-term rental, too! Tune in and enjoy! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:27] A short bio of our guest, Sage Nathan [02:53] What Minoan deals with, and how it supports hosts in the STR community [05:32] Current trends in home furnishings[07:26] Their partnership with interior designers[09:33] Why it’s important for a host to have a system in place for furnishing [13:56] The process that hosts working with Minoan follow when ordering their furnishing[19:25] Category of items a host can order from Minoan[26:54] What’s her favorite thing about being in the short-term rental space?[30:32] Exciting new updates coming to Minoan in 2023 [32:18] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in Minoan or the short-term rental space? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [39:35] How to link with Sage Nathan and learn more about Minoan Golden Nuggets Systems can be software or technology that we use. However, systems are also processes and procedures. Having a strategic process that you follow when launching a property is important. “You buy nice, or you buy twice.” “Real estate is one of the best wealth builders, if not the best wealth builder on the planet.” “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Sage Nathan on; Website: https://www.minoanexperience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minoanexperience/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/minoanexperience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minoan/ 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

May 2, 202343 min

S1 Ep 25Renting to Traveling Healthcare Workers 101 with Allison Vallerga

Traveling healthcare workers are an invaluable asset to the healthcare industry. They provide quality services to patients in areas with a shortage of qualified medical professionals. However, they often face the challenge of finding a good place to stay while on their job.Providing a good place for traveling healthcare workers to stay is crucial in helping them maintain a quality standard of living, enabling them to provide better medical services. Renting to traveling healthcare workers is an opportunity to help your community directly and drive the future of healthcare.Find out how you can be part of this rewarding experience in today’s episode with Allison Vallerga, a hospital and healthcare administrator who owns rental properties that often host traveling healthcare workers. In this episode, she takes us through the benefits of renting to traveling healthcare workers and amenities that we should consider when preparing our rental property for traveling healthcare workers.Moreover, she shares how to price your short-term rental property and get more healthcare workers to book with you. Let’s tap into some of her wisdom. Key Highlights[01:36] Today’s focus; Hosting healthcare workers [02:46] Who is Allison Vallerga? Her backstory and how she got into the STR business[03:54] The location of her short-term rental properties[06:25] The target audience for her STR properties [08:06] The different types of traveling healthcare workers that need short-term rentals [11:26 A guide on how to rent to people who are in the medical education process [12:35] The benefits of renting to traveling healthcare workers[16:23] Amenities that you should consider when preparing your rental property for traveling healthcare workers [20:15] Tips for restructuring your pet fee for traveling healthcare workers with pets [22:14] The consumables you should provide in your property [23:18] Tip to add to your checkout guide [24:54] How to price your short-term rental for traveling healthcare workers[27:35] How to get more healthcare workers to book with you[33:13] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the world of hosting healthcare workers? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [37:22] How to connect with Allison Vallerga Golden Nuggets Renting to traveling healthcare workers is an opportunity to help your community directly and drive the future of healthcare. “It’s a lot easier to spend money that you already have than to try to get money out of someone, particularly if the relationship has turned unpleasant in whatever way.” To increase the bookings of your rental property, build a relationship with the local travel nursing agencies. “Bad house, good street, make money.” Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Resources MentionedFurnished Finder; https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ Let’s Connect!Follow Allison Vallerga on; Website: https://www.allisonvallerga.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosting.healthcare/ More ProductsFollow Stacey St. John on; Website: https://staceystjohn.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr Fire link: https://lnk.to/z4iJAlgs

Apr 25, 202340 min

S1 Ep 24Does Networking Really Matter? With Alicia Wright

When venturing into short-term rental space, there’s a lot to learn, and the learning curve can be daunting. Personally, I’ve found that connecting with a community of like-minded people has been incredibly helpful for me – in SO many ways. I’ve been able to learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights, avoid costly mistakes, and even generate referrals for my business! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Alicia Wright, and she shares with us how networking has helped her along her short-term rental journey. She also walks us through how she educated herself before launching her property on Airbnb – and how she’s navigated challenges since she’s launched.Stay tuned to hear how this young mom is managing her property from 16 hours away – and how networking has played a role in her success! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:50] Introducing today’s guest; Alicia Wright [03:23] The location of her short-term rental[04:41] Alicia’s criteria for purchasing her short-term rental property [11:00] How she educated herself on self-managing a rental property[12:00] How networking assisted Alicia in launching her STR business[13:44] The most difficult challenge she encountered when launching her STR business and how she navigated it[17:49] How she was able to build a reliable team[19:38] Alicia’s experience hosting her first guest[25:15] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [31:34] Alicia’s advice to people starting out in the STR business[33:27] How to link with Alicia Wright Golden Nuggets “Your network is your net worth.” When venturing into short-term rental space, it is incredibly valuable to network with other people who have gone before you and have paved the path because they have learnings they can share. “It feels good to make people feel good.” “You can make an impact on other people just by sharing your journey.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Resources MentionedShort-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties: https://bit.ly/41j1Q1S Let’s Connect!Follow Alicia Wright on; Website: https://www.bluepalmgetaways.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/aliciawright19/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluepalmgetaway/ Linkt.ree: https://linktr.ee/bluepalmgetaways More ProductsFollow Stacey St. John on; Website: https://staceystjohn.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr Fire link: https://lnk.to/z4iJAlgs

Apr 18, 202336 min

S1 Ep 23Expert Tips for Designing Your Short-Term Rental with Jenny Yi

If you’re looking to increase your revenue, focusing on your property’s design can make a huge difference. By paying close attention to the design of your Airbnb, you can attract more guests, enhance the experience during their stay, and increase your average daily rates (ADR). And, as a result, you can increase revenue while setting your rental apart from others, which is especially important if you’re in a saturated market!In this episode, I sit down with Jenny Yi, owner & founder of Jenny Yi Designs, a design firm in the Airbnb & hospitality design space. Jenny shares recommendations for how to choose the right theme for your property, how to utilize interior design fundamentals while maintaining the uniqueness of your Airbnb, and SO much more!Listen in to learn powerful design tips that will turn a looker into a booker and improve your business!Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:54] Intro to Jenny [03:47] How she got into the STR space[08:28] The QR Code adventure wall[12:22] What are the benefits of creating a QR Code adventure wall compared to putting the information into a welcome guide?[14:04] The feedback she gets about the adventure wall[16:47] Other favorite things she likes to incorporate in a design[19:32] How to choose the right theme for your property [22:50] How to utilize interior design fundamentals while maintaining the uniqueness of your Airbnb[27:44] The 3 types of designers and their specialization[28:17] What’s one thing Jenny would put in the house she lives in but never include in a short-term rental?[30:17] Jenny’s advice to people who do design and furnishing by themselves and feel overwhelmed[39:51] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [45:54] How to connect with Jenny YiGolden Nuggets “The more you get your guests to be interactive with your property, the better the experience is gonna be.” “Enough choices make it fun. Too many choices, then you become stressed.” If you are either just starting out or you have a minimal budget, your theme needs to be based on locality. Spend money on things that will translate into bookings. “Your tomorrow is not measured by your failures of today.” Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Jenny Yi on; Website: https://www.jennyyidesigns.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jenny_jennyyidesigns/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/jenny.leeann.yiFollow Stacey St. John on:● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Apr 11, 202349 min

S1 Ep 22How to Be Successful in The Co-Hosting Business with Chelsey Jones

Being an Airbnb co-host can be a rewarding “career” that offers a range of benefits. Whether you're looking to earn extra income or gain new skills and experiences, co-hosting can be a great opportunity.In this episode, I sit down with Chelsey Jones and discuss how she’s personally found success in the co-hosting business. As a Realtor, Airbnb Superhost, and co-founder of CC’s Retreats (a co-hosting company), Chelsey has had the opportunity to work with multiple investors and has welcomed hundreds of guests in the properties she supports.Hear how she got started, what her co-hosting model is all about, how she’s navigated challenges along the way, and so much more. Tune in now and enjoy! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:12] Today’s theme; How to be successful in the cohosting business [03:02] Who is Chelsey Jones? Her portfolio and where she is located[04:25] How she got into the STR business[06:39] How Chelsey selects the markets she invests in[12:49] What prompted Chelsey to start managing properties for other STR owners?[15:05] Chelsey’s co-hosting model[18:20] What Chelsey discovered she needed to have in place to be successful in the co-hosting business [20:33] Chelsey’s typical day as a co-host; How she structures her time and activities[26:34] What has been her biggest challenge in the co-hosting journey, and how did she navigate it?[37:41] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [43:53] How to connect with Chelsey Jones Golden Nuggets “Any investment is potentially a risk.” “There’s room at the table for everyone.” When co-hosting, it’s important to have a contract to protect yourself, your owner, and the guest. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Let’s Connect!Follow Chelsey Jones on:Website: https://www.chelseymadisoncollection.com/ https://www.ccsretreats.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/chelseymadison.jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsey_mj_jones/ Follow Stacey St. John on:● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Apr 4, 202341 min

S1 Ep 21Leveraging AirDNA to Maximize Your Success in The STR Industry with Jamie Saine

AirDNA is a powerful platform that offers data-driven insights for short-term rental properties worldwide. With its help, you can make informed decisions when analyzing a market or property – and capture valuable information on pricing, occupancy rates, and more. By leveraging AirDNA, you can track performance, optimize your strategy, and stay ahead of the competition to maximize your success in the STR industry.In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Jaime Saine, a short-term rental investor and the Product Marketing Director at AirDNA.In this episode, Jaime discusses the source of AirDNA data, the benefits of connecting your Airbnb listings to AirDNA, and how to build a comp set to analyze your short-term rental competition. Get ready for some amazing info headed your way! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:41] A short bio of our guest; Jaime Saine, and how she got started in the STR industry[05:57] How to get started with AirDNA [10:24] Is there a cap on the number of times you can utilize the AirDNA rentalizer tool?[11:03] Where does the AirDNA data come from?[13:19] Are cleaning fees included in the rental projections from the AirDNA rentalizer tool?[14:45] Why there is a difference between AirDNA data and data from other tools [17:35] The benefits of connecting your Airbnb listings to AirDNA[21:05] Are there charges for connecting your listings to AirDNA?[22:31] How to build a comp set to analyze your short-term rental competition [25:55] Which AirDNA tool does Jaime Saine find most impactful for anyone in the STR business?[29:18] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [32:12] How to link with Jaime or AirDNA team Golden Nuggets“Data is a tool in our toolbox. It’s a resource for us to make strategic decisions about our business.” [28:43] Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Jaime Saine on, Jaime Saine: [email protected] AirDNA: [email protected] Follow Stacey St. John on:● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Mar 28, 202335 min

S1 Ep 20Investing in Commercially Zoned Properties with Stacey Duvall

The #1 reason why a short-term rental investor might consider buying a commercially-zoned property: Fewer restrictions. In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Stacey Duvall, a successful real estate entrepreneur and the founder of Stacey Duvall Real Estate. Tune in to find how to find commercially zoned properties, what you should do before purchasing commercially zoned properties, and much more. Plus, Stacey shares her inspiring journey and practical tips for investing in commercially-zoned properties, too! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[00:48] Episode introduction[02:17] Meet and greet; Stacey Duvall and know where she is located [02:57] How she got into short-term rentals [06:12] Her transition process from a real estate agent to a real estate investor [09:29] Stacey’s portfolio[10:16] Her commercially zoned properties[13:13] What you should do before purchasing commercially zoned properties [14:39] How Stacey finds her properties- ’Reverse wholesaling.’[16:45] Who are real estate wholesalers?[19:33] Stacey’s advice to people afraid of venturing into STR business[21:42] Why she decided to focus on large commercially zoned properties[22:19] Complexities of hosting large parties[23:45] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [28:45] How to connect with Stacey Duvall[30:18] How did Stacey know she was destined to be an entrepreneur and not a W-2 employee?Golden Nuggets Always check the zoning of the area where you want to buy a property because every area has different rules. When acquiring commercially zoned properties, consult a real estate agent or broker who understands commercially zoned properties and the investor mindset. “If you do more than what’s expected, you get more in return.” Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Stacey Duvall on;Website: https://staceyduvallrealestate.com/ Follow Stacey St. John on;● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Mar 21, 202331 min

S1 Ep 19Using the BRRRR Method in Short Term Rentals with Cam Snyder

The BRRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is a real estate investing strategy where you purchase an undervalued or distressed property, fix it up, rent it for some time, refinance it to purchase a second investment property, and repeat the cycle. The BRRRR Method enables investors to make money on their investments by taking advantage of the value of properties after repair.In this episode, I sit down with Cam Snyder, and she shares her first experience with the BRRRR strategy in the short-term rental space, how the BRRRR method works with the STR model, and how to determine the ARV (After Repair Value). Additionally, she discusses how she navigated the challenges she encountered in the house flipping business and shares tips for navigating business partnerships with family members. Tune in and learn! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:16] Meet our guest; Cam Snyder, and know where she is located[02:52] How she got into the STR business[06:05] Challenges she encountered with contractors in the house flipping business and how she navigated them[08:05] Cam’s first experience with the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategy in the short-term rental space[11:07] How the BRRRR method works with the STR model[15:27] How she determines the ARV (After Repair Value)[20:41] Tips for navigating business partnerships with family members [24:22] The current project she is working on with her brother in law [25:55] How she navigated the stress of managing her properties[29:59] The lightning round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? [33:57] How to link with Cam Snyder Notable Quotes“Look at the upside, look at the downside, and can you deal with the downside?” [32:39] Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Let’s Connect!Follow Cam Snyder on;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronCastillo/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-snyder-a7b99ba/Follow Stacey St. John on;● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Mar 14, 202337 min

S1 Ep 18Should You Self-Manage Your Properties or Hire a Property Manager? With Tracie Fowler

In this amazing episode, I’m joined by Tracie Fowler, STR owner, consultant, and entrepreneur.Tracie’s love for traveling and interacting with the locals of the places she visited led her to stay for extended periods in many short-term rentals in different places.In 2015, while traveling to Thailand, Tracie met someone on a flight who had bought a beach house in Thailand, quit her W2, and was financing her living expenses through her short-term rental business. The idea inspired Tracie to own rental properties in the places she visited where she would stay part-time and also allow her to make extra income.During our interview, Tracie shares her best hosting memories, details about her signature “pillow menu,” and also shares the amenities she includes in her properties. Additionally, Tracie talks about hiring a property manager vs. self-managing property and shares how her life has changed because of her STR business. Tune in! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:20] Who is Tracie Fowler? What she does and where is she located[04:34] What inspired Tracie to venture into STR business[07:58] Tracie’s best hosting memory[11:14] The pillow menu[13:25] How she came up with the pillow menu idea[15:23] The amenities she includes in her properties that the guests appreciate[18:34] Should you self-manage or hire a property manager?[20:42] Tracie’s podcast with her property manager; The STR Insiders Podcast[22:59] How her life has changed because of the STR business[27:51] The STR Central media; A central hub for all things short-term rental related. Investing, setting up, and managing STRs[31:41] The lightning round:● Where is your favorite place to vacation?● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit?● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business?● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today?[42:18] How to connect with Tracie Fowler Notable Quotes● The difference between winners and losers is winners don’t quit.”[42:37] Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Tracie Fowler on;● Website: https://www.strcentral.com/ : https://www.bnbcurator.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/strcentral/● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traciefowler/● Podcast: https://www.thestrinsiders.com/ Follow Stacey St. John on;● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Mar 7, 202345 min

S1 Ep 17Shifting from A Scarcity Mindset to an Abundance Mindset with Michelle Gibbs

A scarcity mindset is one of the biggest obstacles for entrepreneurs. It is a belief that there are not enough resources to go around and that people have to fight for their share of what’s available. People with the scarcity mindset believe that helping others to succeed will inevitably lead to their failure.The short-term rental business is a competitive industry. However, an abundance mindset can help us lift each other and build mutually beneficial relationships with others. An abundance mindset values collaboration and cooperation instead of competition, and it helps us focus on having grace with other people and helping others so that we can all succeed.In today’s episode, Michelle Gibbs discusses the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset and how her perspective of helping others impacted her STR business. Additionally, she talks about the biggest contributors to the rapid growth of her co-hosting business and the tools she uses for personal growth and continuous improvement. Tune in for amazing insights!Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:51] Meet and greet; Michelle Gibbs and know where she is located[04:17] How she got into short-term rentals[05:47] How Michelle’s perspective of helping other people has impacted her STR business and helped her to heal[09:43] Tips to help you stand out and thrive in saturated short-term rental markets[11:41] Identifying good team members in a new market[13:01 The young mom that Michelle loves helping; How she found her and identified her as a prospective team member[20:26] The tools that Michelle uses for personal growth and continuous improvement[27:25] What are the biggest contributors to the rapid growth of her co-hosting business?[29:18] Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset[33:01] The lightning round:● Where is your favorite place to vacation?● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit?● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? ● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today?[36:11] How to connect with Michelle Gibbs Notable Quotes● “Obviously, beach markets are saturated short-term rental markets, but I don’t believe that’s a deterrent. I believe there is a great draw and attraction there, and if you do it well, your guests will always come back.” ● “When you go to a new industry, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You need to find someone who has polished that wheel to a beautiful shine.● “You have to be hungry for growth to be open to being wrong.” ● ‘You have to let go to let in.”● “You do unto others as you want done unto you.”● “When you learn by doing, you don’t forget.” Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Michelle Gibbs on;● Website: https://www.revenuerental.com/● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revenuerentaltx/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revenuerentalMore ProductsFollow Stacey St. John on;● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr

Feb 28, 202340 min

S1 Ep 16Increasing Bridal Bookings for Your STR with Stacey Paretti-Rase

Marketing to brides and bridal parties can be a smart strategy for short-term rental owners looking to tap into a growing and lucrative market. Weddings are a significant and growing market, and brides are looking for unique and memorable places to stay.By supporting brides and bridal parties, STR owners can get plugged into a high demand and potentially increase their bookings (and profits!)So, how do you actually do this? Well, in this episode, Stacey Rase shares her strategies for success! In addition to sharing how she markets to brides and how she serves her guests, we also chat it up about how she partners with local businesses, communities, and charity organizations.Let’s tap into some of her wisdom and learn! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[01:29] Today’s focus; Bridal bookings[02:43] Know our guest; Stacey Rase, and how she got into the STR business[06:15] How she supports bridal parties in her properties[09:40] What inspired Stacey to focus on the brides?[12:09] How she increases her direct bookings[16:47] Stacey’s favorite strategies for attracting bridal bookings[18:17] Has Stacey encountered bridezillas?[21:04] How she partners with local businesses, communities, and charity organizations[27:56] The lightning round:● Where is your favorite place to vacation?● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit?● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business?● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today?[36:57] How to link with Stacey Rase Notable Quotes● “Done is better than perfect.” [31:35] Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Resources Mentioned● Family promise; https://familypromise.org/● HeartGift; https://heartgift.org/ Let's Connect!Follow Stacey Paretti-Rase on;● Website: https://sleepylagoonla.com/● Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/staceyprase/● Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/rarefindrentals Connect with Stacey● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Instagram: @stacey_st.john● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.s.john.9/● Female Short-Term RentalInvestors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801 To book a free consultation with Stacey: https://bit.ly/3FUd454

Feb 21, 202341 min

S1 Ep 15Rising Above Life’s Challenges & Being Your Best Self with Tatianna Tailor-Tait

While life’s challenges are inevitable, finding ways to overcome them is crucial. And as you’re finding ways to battling life’s troubling moments, you often grow, develop skills you never knew you had, and find meaning in life. Simply put, when you invest in improving yourself, your whole world changes.And self-improvement is a journey that never ends. It’s an ongoing process of becoming better and more enlightened every day.Welcome to another incredible episode of The STR Sisterhood with your host Stacey John. In this episode, Stacey interviews Tatianna Taylor-Tait, a successful STR coach and award-winning interior designer. Tatianna shares how she rose above the challenges of growing up with mental illness in her family, losing her mom, and losing her job.She also shares the pivotal moment that led her to start her own transformational journey and how she discovered the STR world. Moreover, she shares how she has invested in her self-development and how it’s impacted her career in short-term rentals.Stay tuned!Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:59] Tatianna Taylor-Tait’s bio[03:25] How she got into the STR business[06:54] Tatianna’s backstory; How growing up with her mom, who had a mental illness, and losing her job impacted her[13:06] The pivotal moment in Tatianna’s life that led her to start her transformation journey and discover short-term rentals[19:47] Ways in which Tatianna has focused on her personal growth[25:27] How self-improvement has impacted her career in short-term rentals[37:22] Having a vision for what you want before you develop your property[40:49] How to make your short-term rental stand out[42:13] The upcoming Level Up Your Listing Summit; A Women’s STR Summit coming to Scottsdale, AZ[44:30] The lightning round:● Where is your favorite place to vacation? ● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit?● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? ● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today?[49:38] How to link with Tatianna Taylor-TaitNotable Quotes● “With hard work and sacrifice, things will pay off. And if you can create that strength, then you have the power to take on anything, and nothing is impossible.” ● “There is beauty when you understand that you have the power to change your future.” ● “We can’t control everything that is around us. We can only control what is inside of us.”● “Life is a journey, not a destination.” ● “There are opportunities for each of us every single day to make a choice about how we wanna look at things.” ● “When we invest in improving ourselves, our whole world changes.” ● “There is no right path to success.” Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Resources Mentioned● Light Is the New Black: A Guide to Answering Your Soul’s Callings and Working Your Light: https://bit.ly/3I2r7XH.Let’s Connect!Follow Tatianna Taylor-Tait on;● Website: https://www.thanksforbooking.com/● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatiannatt/SAVE YOUR SPOT at the Level Up Your Listing Summit. Buy Tickets: https://www.levelupyourlistingsummit.com/. Connect with Stacey● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Instagram: @stacey_st.john● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.s.john.9/● Female Short-Term RentalInvestors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801 To book a free consultation with Stacey: https://bit.ly/3FUd454

Feb 14, 202351 min

S1 Ep 14How to Handle Guest Complaints the Right Way with Natalie Palmer

Guest complaints can be a challenge for any host. It’s important to know the best way to handle them in order to maintain a positive experience for your guests and yourself. As a host on Airbnb, you want to make your guests feel welcome and provide them with a memorable experience.Many hosts think that refunding is the best way to respond to guest complaints to avoid bad reviews. However, refunding the money often doesn’t make the guest happy; the best way to handle guest complaints is by taking action and solving the problem to ensure the guest gets the best experience during their stay.Today we are joined by Natalie Palmer, an Airbnb Superhost, Airbnb Ambassador, and STR manager. Natalie shares how she manages to run her business while raising her two kids and discusses the best approach to handling guest complaints. Additionally, she gives tips on how to deal with upset guests and explains her philosophy on why refunding is not the best way to respond to guest complaints. Tune in! Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[02:46] Know our guest; Natalie Palmer, and where she is located [03:09] How she got into Airbnb hosting[05:33] How Natalie manages to run her business while raising her 2 kids[10:00] The best approach to handle guest complaints without losing your cool[12:14] Should you refund a guest to avoid a bad review? [16:12] Tip on how to deal with upset guests[21:57] Natalie’s worst guest story[26:20] How Natalie navigates stressful situations in the hosting business[28:44] The lightning round:● Where is your favorite place to vacation?● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit?● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when youstarted out in the short-term rental business? ● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today?[35:33] The upcoming Level Up Your Listing Summit; A Women’s STR Summit coming to Scottsdale, AZ[39:40] How to connect with Natalie PalmerNotable Quotes● “If you are in hosting for the right reasons and you really value guest experience and letting your guest create memories, those few bad apples are not gonna spoil the rest for you.”● “Whatever you need to get outta people to reach your next level. Those people will come into your life, but you have to put yourself out there.” Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Let’s Connect!Follow Natalie Palmer on;● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__nataliepalmer/Host with Natalie: https://bit.ly/3XS9TBNHURRY UP AND SAVE YOUR SEAT at the Level Up Your Listing Summit. Buy Tickets at a 10% Discount!!! https://www.levelupyourlistingsummit.com/.Discount code: Sisterhood 10Connect with Stacey St. John● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Instagram: @stacey_st.john● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.s.john.9/● Female Short-Term Rental Investors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801 To book a free consultation with Stacey: https://bit.ly/3FUd454

Feb 7, 202341 min

S1 Ep 13How to Choose the BEST Mortgage Option with Brenna Carles

There are many mortgage options available to people these days. However, not all of them are suitable for every individual. Find out how you can choose the best mortgage option for your STR business in today’s episode with Brenna Carles, Founder & CEO of The Mortgage Shop.Choosing the right mortgage option for you can be difficult. There are many factors to consider, such as down payment, interest rates, Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio, and closing costs. It’s important to know what these factors mean so you can make an informed decision about your mortgage choice. Brenna explains the different types of loans for people investing in short-term rentals and the best types of mortgage loans for people with a low down payment.Additionally, she explains the difference between mortgage preapproval and mortgage prequalification and gives strategies you can use to keep your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio low. Tune in for valuable insights!STR Sisterhood Survey: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/YDldB8gU Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[03:43] Who is Brenna Carles? Her backstory and how she got into short-term rentals & mortgages [07:50] The different types of loans for people investing in short-term rentals[11:30] The second home loan/ vacation home loan requirements[15:45] What is a conforming loan, and how is it different from Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans? [17:17] Projected rental income vs. established rental income[19:20] Which loan products require projected rental income, and which products require established rental income?[20:36] Best types of mortgage loans for people with a low down payment[23:27] Strategies you can use to keep your Debt-to-Income(DTI) ratio low[27:44] The difference between mortgage preapproval & mortgage prequalification[29:27] When should you start the preapproval process if you are looking to purchase a property?[31:17] The lightning round:● Where is your favorite place to vacation?● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit?● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when youstarted out in the short-term rental business? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today?● [38:47] How to connect with Brenna Carles Notable Quotes● “You need to have a purpose in what you are doing, and you need to see how that can make a difference in other people’s lives as well.” [34:21]● “Do everything you do with your heart. Look at why you want to do it, and be honest with yourself.” [34:51] Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Brenna Carles on;● Website: https://mortgage.shop/● Email: [email protected]● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/themortgageshop.co : https://web.facebook.com/groups/213655084107624● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.mortgage.shop/● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themortgageshop7615Connect with Stacey St. John● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Instagram: @stacey_st.john● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.s.john.9/● Female Short-Term Rental Investors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801 To book a free consultation with Stacey: https://bit.ly/3FUd454

Jan 31, 202342 min

S1 Ep 12The Essentials of Operating an STR Business at Scale with Sabrina Guler

Operating a short-term rental business at scale is no easy task and setting up (let alone managing) properties in different markets can be daunting. It’s thus essential to have the right systems and processes in place to help you streamline your operations and increase productivity and efficiency as you grow.It is also important to have the right team of people with the right skills, experience, and motivation to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. With a reliable team, you can ensure that your guests have a fabulous experience while staying at your rental properties.Additionally, creating separate departments for different functions, such as maintenance, marketing, and customer service, makes it easier to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and that all customer needs are met.In this episode, Sabrina Guler talks about the systems & processes that have been most helpful in the operation of the 70+ properties she and her team manage – as well as how they design & furnish them. Moreover, Sabrina shares the crucial questions when vetting prospective team members.Sabrina Guler, by the way, is a former Apple employee and a Co-Founder at Techvestor. Let’s tap into some of her wisdom!STR Sisterhood Survey: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/YDldB8gU Timestamps for the key highlights in the episode[03:32] Introducing today’s guest; Sabrina Guler[04:53] How Sabrina got in short-term rentals[06:54] The journey that led Sabrina to start Techvestor[12:36] How Sabrina designs and furnishes properties at scale [15:52] The crucial questions she asks when vetting prospective team members[20:22] How they manage the process of buying furniture for all the properties in different markets [22:37] Sabrina favorite item she loves to put in all her properties?[23:33] The systems and processes that have been most helpful in the operation of multiple properties at the same time[27:27] The most bizarre story from her experience [33:03] The lightning round:[36:51] How to connect with Sabrina GulerNotable Quotes● “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.”~ Serena Williams [03:00] Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Let’s Connect!Follow Sabrina Guler on;● Website: https://techvestor.com/● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinaguler/More ProductsFollow Stacey St. John on;● Website: https://staceystjohn.com/● Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801?_rdc=1&_rdr To book a free consultation with Stacey: https://bit.ly/3FUd454

Jan 24, 202338 min

S1 Ep 11The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Investing with Liz Sheik

Real estate is a lucrative investment for so many people. Success factors are built around knowledge – knowledge of your market, real estate trends, and local economies. Although there can be a lot of uncertainty, one thing is for certain -- that a home will be worth more ten years from now than it is today.Welcome to another amazing episode with your host Stacey John. In today’s show, Stacey interviews Liz Sheik, the founder of Vacation Rental Academy. Liz explains the current trends in the real estate market, what to do if your vacation rental property doesn’t cash flow (or incurs a negative cash flow), and how to navigate the dynamic interest rates currently plaguing the real estate industry. Moreover, she shares how to get started on your real estate business strategy and align it with your goals. Tune in for more insights!STR Sisterhood Survey: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/YDldB8gU During this episode, you will learn about;[03:12] A quick bio of our guest; Liz Sheik[05:19] Is 2022 a good time to invest in short-term rentals?[10:53] Why there isn’t a cheaper time to buy a house[13:39] What to do if your rental property doesn’t cash flow or incurs a negative cash flow[17:41] How to navigate the dynamic interest rates in the real estate industry[27:13] How to get started on your real estate business strategy[28:06] Aligning your real estate business strategy with your goals[29:24] The lightning round:● What’s your favorite place to vacation? France or Beaver Creek, Colorado● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? Dubai● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? How to leverage other people’s money● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? If you do something that makes you happy, you will never work a day in your life● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? My husband [34:05] How to connect with Liz Sheik Notable Quotes● “There is no cheaper house than the house you buy today.” [11:35]● “With every moment of indecision, the cash sitting in your bank account is depreciating as inflation rises. The only way to meet or beat inflation is to put your cash in an asset that will grow and out beat inflation.” [13:10]● “If you do something that makes you happy, you will never work a day in your life.”[31:17] Remember to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Connect with Liz:Follow Liz Sheik on;● Website:https://www.vacationrentalacademy.com/● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacation_rental_academy/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/409811790021811 Let's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Jan 17, 202336 min

S1 Ep 10Avoiding #Airbnbust with Tracey Northcott

Tracey Northcott joined the short-term rentals and Airbnb business in 2011. At that time, she was fully invested as an Airbnb host, and her business was seamless and thriving. However, when regulations were put in place in her area, things changed abruptly, and her Airbnb bubble burst. This prompted her to “put on her big girl pants” and learn how to build a true hospitality brand.Fast forward to today…with so many things changing and bookings being down in so many places, how can YOU protect yourself against #Airbnbust? Join the conversation with Stacey St. John as she talks with Tracey about her experiences. Tracey stresses the importance of knowing your target demographic (how you can identify it). Moreover, Tracey discusses how you can precisely anticipate your guests’ needs, and she also gives a guide on how to increase direct bookings. Don’t be a victim of an empty booking calendar in 2023…tune in!STR Sisterhood Survey: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/YDldB8gUTimestamps for the key highlights in the episode[04:05] Meet and greet Tracey Northcott, and know where she is located[04:41] Today’s theme; Avoiding the Airbnb bust[05:39] Tracey’s experience with the Airbnb bust[08:45] The importance of knowing your target demographic[10:27] How to identify your target demographic[14:33] How to precisely anticipate your customers’ needs[20:46] Guide to increasing direct bookings in STR business[25:45] Tracey’s recommendation to people who are not eloquent in writing value-based newsletters[27:49] What is a lead magnet: Definition, examples, and how to create one[30:30] The lightning round:● What’s your favorite place to vacation? Thailand● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? Iceland● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in the short-term rental business? Who my ideal client is● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Trust your instincts● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? The Internet[34:51] How to link with Tracey Northcott Notable Quotes● “CEO means Chief Executive Officer, not Chief Everything Officer.” [27:22]● “Life is too short to despair.” [34:03] Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Tracey Northcott on;● Website: https://www.tracey-northcott.com/● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceynorthcott/● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traceynorthcottconsulting/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraceyNorthcottConsulting/● Twitter: https://twitter.com/keitaigoddess● Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/traceynorthcottconsulting Let's Connect!● My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)● My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)● My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Life in 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/● The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Jan 10, 202337 min

S1 Ep 9Wedding & Event Friendly Short-Term Rentals with Helen Christopher

Join the conversation with Stacey as she interviews Helen Christopher. Helen and her hubby purchased a former girls camp and turned it into STR business that hosts weddings, birthday parties, and more. She reveals what inspired her to venture into the short-term rental business and how she transitioned from being a teacher to a short-term rental business owner. In addition, she shares how she navigates self-doubt and the tips she uses to get wedding clients & guests. Enjoy!STR Sisterhood Survey: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/YDldB8gU Key Highlights[03:25] Know our guest; Helen Christopher, and know where she’s located [06:10] What inspired Helen to venture into the short-term rental business?[08:33] Transitioning from being a teacher to a short-term rental business owner[11:11] Did she have any background experience when she started the STR business?[13:07] How she navigates self-doubt[17:36] How Helen’s property setup enabled her to get into the wedding market and the tip she uses to get wedding clients & guests[20:27] What she personally does and what she outsources when hosting weddings[22:46] Challenges she experiences from the foraging behavior of the squirrel named ‘Fred’[24:55] How she creates personal time away from the short-term rental business[26:13] Helen’s advice to people thinking of transitioning away from their 9-5 job into the short-term rental business[28:18] The lightning round:● What’s your favorite place to vacation? Burlington● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you want to visit? Alaska● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in short-term rentals? Building a team ● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Take it one day at a time● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? My husband[33:04] How to link with Helen Christopher Notable Quote● “The feeling of uncomfortableness can be very scary, but when you learn to be ok with that and to embrace it and really learn to lean into your vision, amazing things happen.” [27:27] Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!Let’s Connect!Follow Helen Christopher on her;● Website: https://www.brookledgeny.com/● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookledgeny/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookledgeny● Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/brookledgeny Let's Connect!● My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)● My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)● My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Life in 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/● The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Jan 3, 202335 min

S1 Ep 8Being a Pet-Friendly Host: Interview with Miranda Bereza

Miranda decided to have pet-friendly short-term rentals after her dog, Roxy, got cancer five years ago. She decided Roxy would accompany her everywhere she went, and it was then that she realized how important it was to her that she offered short-term rentals that also welcomed furry friends.Miranda owns STRs in Columbus, Ohio, and is flexible on the number of pets allowed on the premises. She wants her guests and pets to be comfortable at her properties, and she also wants it to be a stress-free experience. She has a welcome basket that helps think of any needs the guests would have with their pets. In this episode, she tells us about her experiences as an STR owner and a host of pet-friendly properties. Miranda will talk about the extra costs and costs involved in having and running pet-friendly rentals, the advantages, and the core do’s and don’ts.Key Highlights[00:01:40] Introduction to Miranda and where her STR business is located[00:02:35] What idea made Miranda try the STR business[00:04:08] Why Miranda initially chose to have a pet-friendly rental[00:5:47] Difference in choices with furnishings to make the rentals pet-friendly[00:06:58] Was it difficult to find a cleaner that was okay with cleaning a pet-friendly home?[00:08:37] With your guests that you're welcoming into your properties, what percentage of them bring their pets?[00:09:18] What have you learned from being a short-term rental host?[00:13:00] How many people are within your accountability group?[00:15:00] The lightning round:What is your favorite place to vacation? MontrealWhat's one place you've never been to that you would like to visit? JapanWhat's one thing you know now that you wish that you knew when you were starting out in the world of short-term rentals? Price labs and auto messagingWhat's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? Save great messages from guests, reviews, or special magic moments, and remember those things in the bad times.What's one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? Tonya Rooney[00:17:50] Miranda’s book clubNotable Quotes● We want guests and pets to be comfortable at our house, and we also want it to be is a stress-free experience. So, we have a welcome basket that helps just think of any needs our guests would have there with their pets.● Our main focus was durability, so we made sure that we had white on everything for the bedding, and we did a duvet cover to protect the quilt inside.● One thing I've learned about being a host of a short-term rental is that it can be as time-consuming or as little time-consuming as you want it to be, so I'm extremely invested.● With us doing all of the work, we have such a kind of benefit in our market. We see the houses always; we know if maintenance needs to be done.● So in my accountability group, we have four people. And it's nice to keep it small because you get to know each other better, and then it stays on the rails.ResourcesTo get in touch with Miranda:Instagram: InstagramUpcoming website: https://www.homegrownstays.com Let's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Dec 27, 202223 min

S1 Ep 7Self-Managing STRs in Multiple Markets with Ashley Coen Guy

Renting a property is not an easy task. It requires a lot of planning and research to ensure the investment is worth it. Ashley Coen Guy, ‘The Femme Investor’, started investing in short-term rentals in 2020 while balancing 5 kids, a husband, and a full-time job. Ashley has navigated her way through the challenges in the real estate market, and currently, she has 7 vacation rentals and is in a contract for her 8th.In this incredible episode, Ashley shares what prompted her to get an investment property for each of her kids, how she selects locations for their rental properties and the strategy she uses to finance her properties. Ashley also talks about how she navigates complexities that arise when managing properties in multiple markets and shares tips for people considering self-managing properties in multiple markets. Moreover, she discusses essential time management strategies she applies and gives a relationship tip for running a business with your spouse. Tune in! During this episode, you will learn the following;[01:49] Meet our guest; Ashley Coen Guy, and know where her short-term rentals are located[03:03] What prompted Ashley and her husband to get an investment property for each of their kids?[04:51] How they choose ideal locations for their rental properties[10:51] The current state of the real estate market and her plans[13:00] The strategy she uses to finance her properties[15:48] How she navigates complexities that arise when managing properties in multiple markets[22:58] Tips for people considering self-managing properties in multiple markets[26:36] Essential time management strategies she applies[29:10] Relationship tip for running a business with your spouse[31:14] The lightning round:● What’s your favorite place to vacation? The Bahamas● What’s one place you’ve never been to that you would like to visit? Spain● What’s one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you started out in short-term rentals? How to structure a good offer● What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”● What’s one thing and/or person that you are grateful for today? My husband[34:26] How to connect with Ashley CoenNotable Quotes● “What you want comes with a price.” [28:33]● “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” by HenryFord [32:15] Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect!Follow Ashley Coen on her;● Website: https://thefemmeinvestor.com/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coen19/● TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefemmeinvestor● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefemmeinvestor/Let's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Dec 20, 202236 min

S1 Ep 6Leveraging STRs to Scale Your Investing Portfolio with Avery Carl

Today in the podcast, we have Avery Carl, an author, the host of The Short Term Show podcast, and the CEO and founder of The Short Term Shop, a real estate agency nationwide that specializes in helping investors get connected with the best properties in the best markets to invest in short-term rentals. In this episode, Avery educates us using short-term rentals to scale your real estate investing business Additionally, she shares her personal opinions about a partnership, the significance of having a partner, and the terms of their collaboration in the rental business sector. Please stay tuned.Key Highlights[00:01:47] Introduction to Avery and what she does[00:02:44] Avery talks about her family[00:03:53] The inspiration behind Avery writing her book about STR[00:07:32] How STR took Avery from 0 to 240 doors[00:11:44] Why do we need to diversify our portfolio for STR?[00:18:14] The importance of defined roles for partners in a partnership[00:19:58] Why Avery likes honing in on regional drivable vacation-type destinations[00:25:18] Avery’s market criteria for long-term rentals[00:25:53] The Lightning Round: What is your favorite place to vacation? Wyoming What is one place you've never visited that you want to visit? Zion National Park What is one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you were starting out in short-term rentals? What 2020 and 2021 would do to STR What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given? Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. What's one thing and or person that you're grateful for today? My husband [00:28:52] Business versus family time talks[00:30:10] Will Avery’s children join the family business?Notable Quotes● You don't need 1000 short-term rentals to get yourself to the point of having enough cash flow to make that happen because, at the end of the day, short-term rentals are a business; they're a system.● Regional drivable places are both accessible and affordable, covering the entire spectrum of things that can go wrong in the economy. They're just a little bit insulated from a lot of the outside factors that other types of markets are not, so that’s why I like to focus on them.● You need to take a good hard look at what you're buying and what market you're buying in. If you have to analyze it as separate asset classes to see if it will work, you shouldn't cross asset classes once you can't mix everything up like that. You need to keep everything separate.● My children are certainly welcome to join the family business if they want to, but the entire reason that we've set up this business is to allow them to do what they want to do and chase their dreams.ResourcesTo get in touch with Avery:She’s the author of the book: Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation PropertiesIf you want to buy a short-term rental using agents in any of our 15 markets, go to: https://theshorttermshop.com/Podcast: The Short Term ShowFacebook: FacebookLinkedIn: LinkedInInstagram: Instagram Let's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Dec 13, 202232 min

S1 Ep 5Creating A Luxury Space: Insider Tips from Professional Designer, Valerie Malone

How do we create a luxurious experience for our guests – and does it REALLY matter?In this episode, Stacey sits down with her good friend and professional short-term rental designer, Valerie Malone from Quill Decor. They discuss what it really means to have a luxury STR and why it’s important. Then, Valerie walks us through how to create luxurious space in each room of the house. And here’s some good news for you -- luxury doesn’t have to be expensive.Buckle up and break out the notepad, you won’t want to miss this episode!Key Highlights[00:01:47] Introduction to today’s guest, Valerie Malone, and what she does[00:02:32] What Valerie terms as a luxury short-term rental[00:04:53] Why someone might want to think about incorporating luxury touches in their short-term rentals[00:08:26] Does luxury have to be expensive?[00:10:45] What are some ways that folks can add a luxury touch to a bedroom?[00:14:28] How do we add luxury touches to a kitchen?[00:15:40] How might someone add luxury touches to a living room?[00:18:02] If someone is just walking into a property, how can we make that feel like a luxury experience?[00:20:43] How to add luxury touches to the outdoor spaces[00:22:26] The Lightning Round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? The mountains What's one place you've never been to that you would like to go to? Turkey What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started out in the world of short-term rentals? Being an attentive host is going to get you farther than anything else. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? You aren't what you think; thoughts are just thoughts. Don't let them overtake your life. What is one thing and or person that you're grateful for today? My children Notable Quotes● Luxury is about really tailoring the experience of your place for the guests that you want to host.● Luxury is going to differentiate you. This market is increasingly crowded, and we're not here to be basic; we're here to be a step above. So, if you want to be very strategic with how you become a step above and how you do it cost-effectively, differentiate yourself from the guys out there who are just throwing up the properties and walking away.● When you add these additional touches, what it's going to do is it's going to attract a better-quality clientele. And when you have a better-quality clientele, you have a better rental business, an even easier rental business, and higher-end referrals. You have a business that has fewer problems.● Providing luxury is providing joy for people, and it’s going to improve their experience; it makes your job more fun as a host.Resources:To get in touch with Valerie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-malone-quill-decor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quilldecor/Website: https://www.quilldecor.com/For giveaway insights or suggestions on how to improve your listing or your property and boost bookings, sign up at: https://betteryourbnb.com/Let's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Dec 6, 202228 min

S1 Ep 4Life Before Becoming a Million Dollar Host: The Inside Scoop with Julie George

Julie George is a best-selling author, coach, and speaker in the short-term rental industry and her success story has inspired us all. Yet, things weren’t always so rosy for her, and in this episode, Julie gives us the inside scoop as to what life was like before her short-term rental fame and fortune, how stress impacted her mentally and physically, and how she ended turning her life around with her “Airbnb” business. She also walks us through the growing pains she experienced early-on and how she navigated those challenges. Plus, we’ll hear what’s next for Julie, too. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!Key Highlights[00:02:53] Julie’s story and how she got started in short-term rentals[00:10:44] What it looked like growing Julie’s business[00:15:44] Julie’s biggest challenge when she was scaling her property management business[00:17:55] Finding team members and the types of folks that Julie found to be the most successful ones on her team[00:24:11] The Lightning Round: Where's your favorite place to vacation? Hawaii What one place you've never been to that you want to visit? Maui What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started out in short-term rentals? You can be fussy about what types of properties your deal is taking on and what property owners you are dealing with. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given? Find something you love to do, and then find someone to pay you to do it. What is one thing and or person that you're grateful for today? Stacey St. John (and I didn’t even pay her to say that! 😊) [00:27:14] What’s next for Julie?Notable Quotes● One of my favorite things about the coaching and education arena is seeing others find that solution for their lives, find that lifestyle balance, and escape the corporate world. You're no longer a slave to the cubicle, and you can forge your path and be your own boss.● If you are listening in now and you feel like you're on edge, and that stress is taking hold of your life, just know that there is a solution out there in short-term rentals.● You've just got to keep resetting your goals, but that's one of the hardest things for entrepreneurs because they almost limit themselves.● Folks out there, anything is possible; it's just you that might be holding yourself back.● You dream big, and suddenly, anything is possible; you've just got to start with that dream and then work backward.● What makes believing in yourself hard is when you have naysayers in your life or people that maybe want to knock you down or give you a hard time or question what you're doing; if you let that get to you, then game over because you got to keep believing that you have got the guts and the grit to get through and determination to achieve these dreams.● You've got to be around people that lift you and give you energy. If you are around people who drain or doubt you, you've got to let them go.ResourcesTo get in touch with Julie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milliondollarhost/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milliondollarhostLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-george-milliondollarhost/Twitter: https://twitter.com/julie67406637?lang=enLet's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Nov 29, 202231 min

S1 Ep 3Building a Rockin' STR Brand with Emily Miethner

It takes more than just hiring a cleaning service and advertising your short-term rental on the OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) to make the most of it; you must make sure your ideal guests can discover your property and recognize your value.Can they tell what distinguishes your listing from other local listings in the area? Why is your home the best place to stay, exactly? What type of amenities do you offer?With the right short-term rental marketing strategies at work, you can increase your income and boost your profits. And whether you manage a large portfolio of properties or only rent out your vacation home during the off-season, building your brand will help you build your business.In this episode, I sit down with fearless leader of The Short-Term Rental Society’s Digital Marketing Meet-Up, Emily Miethner. Emily will share how she manages to marry her day job, digital marketing, with her STR business and her most preferred marketing channels. Stay tuned.Key Highlights[00:02:00] Introduction to Emily and where her STR is located[00:03:52] How Emily got into the STR world[00:06:01] How her day-time job as a digital marketer has crossed that over into her short-term rental life[00:08:04] Emily’s favorite strategies for leveraging digital marketing to drive lookers and bookers into her properties[00:11:54] Who do informational posts address, individuals versus enlightening everyone[00:15:43] When you welcome guests into your property, do you ask them to tag you on Instagram?[00:18:27] Overarching tips on ways to build a brand for your short-term rentals[00:24:01] The Lightning Round: Where is your favorite place to vacation? Tensing Pen Resort, Negril, Jamaica What's one place you've never been to that you would like to visit? Ireland What's one thing you know today that you wished you had known when you started out in the world of short-term rentals? Making choices more quickly What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given? You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. What is one thing and or person that you're grateful for today? My husband [00:32:25] Do you cross-promote your cat travel accessories in your short-term rental?Notable Quotes● I really enjoy hosting and the hospitality and experience side because that does align with my professional background. I've had multiple businesses, and a lot of them revolve around experiences and events, so a lot of that stuff comes naturally to me.● Growing marketing is a big way you can differentiate yourselves.● Something else that is a big thing that's a quick win is on Instagram having a clear and information-packed bio and really using all the characters.● Regarding marketing, I really like Instagram because I love connecting with the community and seeing what's going on in the community and the small businesses.● Learn and educate yourself but spend less time learning and reading and listening that you end up wasting time that you could be taking action.● I'm always a fan of “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I like that phrase, and I think it's important to surround yourself with smart, encouraging, optimistic people who challenge and support you in good ways.To connect with Emily:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymiethner/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymiethner/Website: https://yourcatbackpack.com/pages/home2Emily’s property website: https://getawayupstate.com/Go to https://www.strconnections.com/ to join Emily for one of the digital marketing meetupsLet's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Lifein 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Nov 22, 202234 min

S1 Ep 2From Designing a Home to Designing Her Future with STRs: The Story of Chris Cash

In this episode, Chris Cash (who branched out from her career as an interior designer and real estate agent, to become a short-term rental business owner) shares her story. She walks us through how she got started, her experiences so far (including the highs and lows) as well as how she’s already giving back to her local real estate community by helping them build their knowledge of the short-term rental space. She offers advice for anyone considering working in the short-term rental industry...and drops some incredible tips for staging a property, too!Key Highlights[00:01:37] Introduction to the guest, Chris Cash, and where her STR business is located[00:02:32] Why Chris chose South Haven for her STR business[00:04:06] How Chris decided to get into STR business[00:11:28] How Chris decided to become a business educator for agents[00:13:38] Chris’s designing her short-term rentals[00:17:53] What Chris found to be the most stressful when setting up her property and how she navigated that[00:20:35] The Lightning Round: What is your favorite place to vacation? The Caribbean What's one place you've never been to that you would like to go to? London What is one thing that you know now that you wished you knew when you were starting out in short-term rentals? Ask for more help What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Don't be afraid of failure What is one thing and or person that you are grateful for today? My neighbor, Mark [00:27:15] What Chris did to win over her neighbor, Mark[00:31:24] Chris’s advice to someone starting out on short-term rentalsNotable Quotes● When purchasing properties, we need to have an investor's brain, have data in front of us, and drive our decision-making through data analysis.● I was shocked to learn less than 5% of the real estate agents across the country invest in real estate themselves, which I find very sad.● During that two years of heavy COVID, I fell into analysis paralysis of the markets like crazy, and eventually, I just had to pull the trigger.● To be a business leader, you must analyze a situation and make swift decisions to drive your business forward.● Any investment, any business startup, is a risk, and you're allowed to be scared, but don't let it paralyze you.● If you come from a place of contribution, it comes back to you. I believe in karma. I'm not a competitive person; I just feel like if you come from giving, you will get back and return.● Don't be afraid of failure; just always fail forward. No failure is a failure; it's just a learning stepping stone to the next.Connect with Chris:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscashhomes/Website: https://chriscashhomes.kw.com/Let's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Life in 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Nov 15, 202237 min

S1 Ep 1From Employee to Entrepreneur with Amy Corbett

Welcome to the FIRST episode of the STR Sisterhood Podcast! In this episode, Stacey St. John is joined with Amy Corbett, and they discuss how Amy and her husband walked away from a stable income, "tested" their short-term rental business for 1 year, and haven't looked back since!Connect with Amy:● Website: https://www.allbelong.co/about● Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/allbelong.co/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allbelongcoLet's Connect!My Facebook group (Female Short-Term Rental Investors) https://www.facebook.com/groups/911671659592801)My personal website (https://staceystjohn.com/)My Free Masterclass: How I Went From A W2 to An STR Dream Life in 5 Simple Steps: https://staceystjohn.com/strwebinar/The Short-Term Rental Society (https://www.strconnections.com/)

Nov 4, 202231 min