Episodes
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In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Julie Marks from the Vermont Short-Term Rental Association (VTSTRA) to discuss the importance of local alliances, networking, and navigating regulations in the short-term rental industry.
Julie Marks is a dedicated homesteader who began her journey into the vacation rental industry as a means to support her rural lifestyle. With two of her own rental properties and a growing portfolio of managed homes in Vermont, Julie's expertise in regulatory issues and advocacy has positioned her as a key voice in the industry. She has served on the Government Affairs Committee for VRMA and is passionate about creating a network of owners and managers committed to responsible renting and improving standards in the vacation rental space.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinarAre you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS577 -
This week brought a 2022 tragedy into focus as two vacation rental property owners plead guilty to multiple misdemeanors and code violations in a fire that killed 2 young women. Sadly, this is just one incident among many that could have been so easily avoided, yet safety in our business remains a topic that gets minimal attention.
In this episode, the industry’s leading expert in safety, Justin Ford, explores the ways property managers and hosts can get ahead of potential safety issues by taking simple steps to protect themselves, their homes in their care, and their guests. Justin shares statistics that show how important safety is to the people who are seeking accommodation, and how focusing on this can actually boost business and impact the bottom line.
With a background as a firefighter and Coast Guard officer, Justin's journey into vacation rental safety began after a life-altering incident involving a guest injury. Since then, he has dedicated his career to creating safer environments in the industry through education, inspections, and certification programs. As Breezeway's Director of Safety and Certification Programs, Justin has become a trusted authority, helping property managers around the world implement safety protocols that save lives.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS576 -
Missing episodes?
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We all know about virtual assistants and how valuable they can be to a company looking for flexible, short-term or part-time help with guest services, administrative tasks and social media management. But what if you need more executive level assistance but aren’t ready to take on someone full-time? This is where fractional leaders come into their own.
It’s a relatively new area and we are now seeing more very experienced and professional people offering their services on a fractional basis. That means they become embedded into a company on a short-term, part-time contract.
Alex Husner and Michelle Marquis are both fractional leaders and share their experience of working with both property managers and vendor companies in this unique way.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS575 -
Jeff Bartsch has edited over 100 episodes of the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, over the last 11 years. He says that when you can take five hours of video footage and create a 90-second piece that shows who the contestant is, what they do, and why they are so different, it makes a powerful piece of content. And now he’s joining Heather to talk about the nature of storytelling and how we can use it to build meaningful connections and drive business success.
Jeff is also a communication strategist at Story Greenlight, where he empowers professionals to attract and retain their ideal clients by leveraging the power of story. With his background in Hollywood, where he shaped content for major media outlets including ABC, NBC, Disney, Apple, and Netflix, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the table. His expertise extends beyond entertainment, having been recognized as a top thought leader in the accounting advisory world, supporting thousands of students and clients across 50 countries. Jeff's passion lies in helping others harness the potential of storytelling to build successful businesses.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS574 -
In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Nick Russell, the COO and VP of The Cottages on the Key, to discuss their unique approach to hospitality that sets them apart in the vacation rental industry.
Nick brings a dynamic and personalized approach to vacation rental management. With a background marked by an unusual entry into the industry through a personal experience, Nick's leadership is characterized by a commitment to exceptional guest experiences and a profound emphasis on company values and hospitality standards. His innovative strategies and personal touch have significantly shaped the operations and guest satisfaction levels at The Cottages on the Key.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS573 -
In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Matt Landau from VRMB (Vacation Rental Marketing Blog) to discuss the importance of creative interventions in the vacation rental industry and how stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to innovation and growth.
Matt Landau, a seasoned thought leader in the vacation rental industry, has been instrumental in helping property managers and owners elevate their businesses through intentional leadership and innovative thinking. With a background in founding the Vacation Rental Marketing Blog (VRMB) and organizing transformative retreats, Matt has consistently encouraged industry professionals to embrace creativity and re-evaluate their business models. His deep insights into operational efficiency, guest experience, and team dynamics have made him a trusted voice in the short-term rental community.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS572 -
Investing in personal development is a no-brainer for the most successful people in this business. They have mentors; they hire coaches and join mastermind groups, and along the way, transform their mindsets.
But how do you know what is right for you?
In this episode Heather Bayer talks with Cliff Ravenscraft, a renowned coach, mentor, and mastermind leader, to explore the transformative power of coaching in business. Cliff shares his journey from teaching podcasting to becoming a mindset and business strategy coach, highlighting the importance of coaching, consulting, and mastermind groups in achieving business success.
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Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges:
>> https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/vrm-growth-accelerator-program
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS571 -
How do you show appreciation to your work colleagues? Do you spend time with them, give them words of praise, give the occasional gift or ask if they need help. You probably do all of the above, but did you know some of your team members will prefer one type of appreciation to another?
In this episode Dr. Paul White, a psychologist, author, and speaker, talks about the importance of appreciation and vibrant workplace culture in the vacation rental business and offers tips on how to deliver targeted appreciation.
Dr. White shares his expertise on creating a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated, which in turn leads to higher motivation, better teamwork, and exceptional guest experiences.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS570 -
For some aspiring property managers, the challenge of setting up a business, learning the ins and outs of every aspect of operations, marketing and business development, and software setup is a lot to take on. This is where a franchising model can offer a significant advantage.
In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer speaks with Lukas Krause, CEO of SkyRun Vacation Rentals, about how franchising can simplify the process, providing the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in the competitive vacation rental market.
What You'll Discover:
Lukas's Journey: Lukas discusses his transition from managing the largest single-family property management firm in the US to leading SkyRun Vacation Rentals.
Franchising Fundamentals: Hear about the core aspects of franchising within the vacation rental industry, including the support and resources provided to franchisees, and how the franchise model can help property managers succeed.
Overcoming Market Challenges: Lukas offers insights into the current challenges faced by property managers, such as increased competition and market saturation, and shares strategies to stand out and thrive.
The Role of Technology and Data: Discover how SkyRun leverages technology and data to optimize pricing, marketing, and guest experiences, ensuring franchisees can compete effectively in a crowded market.
Building a Strong Brand: Lukas emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences to build a strong, recognizable brand in the vacation rental industry.
Regulations and Advocacy: Heather and Lukas discuss the importance of navigating local regulations and the role of advocacy in ensuring sustainable growth for the vacation rental industry.
You Will Learn:
Benefits of Franchising: Understand how the franchise model can reduce risk and provide a proven system for success in the vacation rental industry. Effective Property Management: Gain insights into best practices for managing vacation rental properties and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Market Differentiation: Learn strategies to differentiate your vacation rental business and attract more guests. Navigating Regulations: Find out how to effectively handle local regulations and advocate for the vacation rental industry. Growth and Scalability: Discover how to scale your property management business efficiently with the support of a franchise.________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS569 -
In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer discusses the untapped potential of accessibility in vacation rentals with Adam Norko, host of The Art of Hospitality Podcast, and Lorraine Woodward, founder of Becoming rentABLE.
What You'll Discover:
● First Mover Advantage: With 26% of the population having a disability, less than 1% of vacation rentals in the US are accessible. This represents a significant business opportunity.
● Personal Stories: Heather shares her personal experiences with her step-granddaughter who is severely autistic, highlighting the challenges faced by families seeking accessible vacation rentals. Lorraine and Adam provide insights from their own experiences and the broader community.
● Accessibility Beyond Wheelchair Access: The discussion expands beyond the common perception of accessibility, covering mobility, cognitive needs, sensory issues, and more.
● Statistics and Market Potential: Lorraine provides eye-opening statistics, including the expected increase in the senior population and the broad scope of disabilities, both permanent and temporary.
● Challenges in the Industry: Adam and Lorraine discuss the current shortcomings in the vacation rental industry regarding accessibility and how ignorance can no longer be an excuse as awareness grows.
● Becoming rentABLE: Lorraine introduces Becoming rentABLE, a listing platform focused on accessible short-term rentals, offering a comprehensive approach to accessibility beyond just physical modifications.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS568 -
In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Amber Hurdle, the host of the Bombshell Business Podcast and author of The Bombshell Businesswoman. Inspired by a recent newsletter from Amber, Heather explores the fascinating world of AI and its impact on personal and professional branding in our vacation rental business.
Amber shares her expertise on integrating AI effectively into your business strategy, ensuring you harness its power while maintaining authenticity and emotional connection with both guests and owners.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS567 -
In this solo episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather delves into the foundations
of a strong property management business. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as a
property manager, where she made a lot of mistakes and missteps, she shares valuable insights
and lessons learned to help listeners navigate the ever-changing landscape of the short-term
rental business.
You’ll discover the importance of:
· Learning the Industry's History: Spoiler alert! This business didn’t start with Airbnb.
· Being Intentional with Your Niche.
· Creating a Business Plan.
· Building Key Community Relationships.
· Finding a Mentor or Consultant.
· Knowing Your Location.
· Understanding Regulations and Restrictions.
· Conducting a SWOT Analysis.
· Tracking Metrics and KPIs.
· Familiarizing Yourself with Industry Jargon.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS566 -
In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer welcomes Brittany Blackman of Breathe Easy Rentals and Sean Kemper from ETI Solutions. They discuss their innovative housekeeping workshops launched in the spring in the Florida Panhandle and Orange Beach, Alabama, emphasizing the importance of housekeeping training and mindfulness in property management. Heather also shares insights from Rob Walker's book, "The Art of Noticing," and how it ties into enhancing attention and creativity in the vacation rental industry.
What You'll Discover:Housekeeping Training Initiatives: Brittany and Sean explain their approach to housekeeping workshops, highlighting the need for practical, front-line training in the vacation rental industry.
The Art of Noticing: Heather introduces concepts from Rob Walker's book, "The Art of Noticing," discussing how being more mindful and attentive can improve business operations and guest experiences.
Workshop Highlights: Learn about the unique and engaging activities used in the workshops, such as bed-making competitions and communication games, designed to foster better teamwork and attention to detail.
Challenges in Housekeeping: Brittany and Sean discuss the current challenges in housekeeping, from finding reliable cleaners to maintaining consistent quality standards, and how their workshops address these issues.
Importance of Mindfulness: Heather and her guests delve into how mindfulness practices can help property managers and housekeeping staff notice and address the small details that can significantly impact guest satisfaction.
Combining Training Programs: A teaser about potential future collaborations between Heather, Mike, Brittany, and Sean to provide comprehensive training that combines THRIVE principles with housekeeping best practices.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS565 -
In this insightful episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Rachel Alday, co-founder of Abode Luxury Vacation Rentals, to discuss the crucial role of company culture in the short-term rental business.
Rachel shares her journey of growing a family-owned business into a highly respected company, emphasizing the importance of building a team that embodies core values and delivers exceptional hospitality.________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS564 -
This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business.
Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans> Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today
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In this episode Heather Bayer and Catherine Ratcliffe discuss the pressing issue of human trafficking within the short-term rental industry.
Catherine shares insights into the prevalence of human trafficking, including both sex and labor trafficking, and its impacts on the industry. She highlights the importance of recognizing signs of trafficking and the role of vacation rental operators in preventing these activities.
Catherine emphasizes training for property managers and staff, and the need to establish standard operating procedures to handle suspicious activities.
The discussion also covers the responsibilities of hosts in ensuring their properties do not become venues for such exploitative practices.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar.
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS563 -
This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business.
Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans> Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today
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In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, Heather Bayer sits down with Andy McNulty, co-founder of Touch Stay. They delve into the intricacies of building and managing a remote team that spans across the globe. Andy shares his experiences and insights on fostering a dynamic and committed team culture despite the challenges of remote working. This conversation is a goldmine for short-term rental managers and hosts who aim to create vibrant and effective remote teams.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS562 -
This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business.
Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans> Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today
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In this solo episode Heather Bayer delves into the transformative concepts from the book "10X is Easier than 2X" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. Heather shares her personal journey of embracing a 10X mindset, recounting pivotal moments in her career that led to exponential growth.
She provides practical examples and strategies for vacation rental managers to apply 10X thinking, from creating unique guest experiences to leveraging technology and forming strategic partnerships. Heather emphasizes the importance of a mindset shift, focusing on core strengths, simplifying operations, and continuously innovating to achieve significant business growth.
The episode is a motivational guide for those looking to make bold changes and elevate their vacation rental business to new heights.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS561 -
This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business.
Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans> Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today
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In this episode, host Heather Bayer welcomes back Matt Landau, a seasoned mentor and coach in the vacation rental industry.
He shares insights from a transformative event he attended in Morocco, which inspired him to rethink traditional conference formats and foster deeper business interactions.
The conversation delves into the significant role of retreats in fostering personal growth and professional development. Matt highlights how well-designed, intimate gatherings can spur creativity and innovation, allowing participants to step away from daily routines and reassess their business strategies and life goals.
Matt also introduces his new venture, "Here Goes Nothin'," a series of retreats, workshops, and discussions designed to equip business leaders with the tools to navigate the future creatively and courageously. He stresses the importance of taking creative risks and stepping out of comfort zones to propel business success.
Additionally, the discussion touches on the concept of experience design, which Matt believes is crucial in planning the customer journey to enhance satisfaction and loyalty, particularly in the vacation rental industry.
The episode concludes with Heather and Matt reflecting on the need for continuous innovation and creativity to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving vacation rental market. They encourage listeners to embrace new ideas and approaches, emphasizing the importance of being open to change.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS560 -
This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business.
Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans> Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today
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There’s been a lot of talk over the airwaves recently about the value of conferences - why we attend them, what makes some more unique than others and what the industry could do differently. It’s a conversation we need to have.
Fresh from the VRNation event in Boise, Heather shares her thoughts on the new look for the former Northwest Vacation Rental Professionals(NWVRP) and talks to outgoing President, Brian Olson and the new executive - President Matt Tesdall and Vice President Tera Lorimer.
She also explores the innovative platform Scouted.com, which has partnered with VRNation to offer unique local experiences to travelers, and speaks with their CMO, Jess Fuhrman.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS559 -
This episode is sponsored by Lodgify, an all-in-one solution that will help you start, manage, and grow your short-term rental business.
Use Code VRF10 for 10% off their Professional and Ultimate yearly plans> Click here to visit Lodgify.com to start your free trial today
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Trust is the cornerstone of our business. Owners needs to trust managers and OTAs to market their properties successfully, guests have to trust their hosts to deliver on their promises, and mutual trust underpins the relationships between the community and the short-term rentals that operate in their locales.
In this episode Heather delves deep into the concept of trust with Dr. Yoram Solomon, an innovator and globally recognized thought leader. Yoram, celebrated for his extensive work on trust and its pivotal role in organizational success, brings his insights into the vacation rental industry, sharing invaluable strategies to build and maintain trust with guests and property owners alike. He discusses the essential nature of trust in all business interactions and its profound impact on a company’s reputation and operational success. With his rich background in technology, business management, and as a prolific author, he offers practical advice that can be implemented immediately by vacation rental managers.
Whether you’re a seasoned vacation rental manager or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you set your business apart by cultivating a trustworthy brand. Dr. Solomon’s advice will not only help you improve your interactions with guests and owners, but also boost your overall business performance by fostering a culture of trust.
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Discover the THRIVE Training System and attend an information session to get your questions answered about our foundational team training: https://thrive.vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-live-webinar
Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS558 - Show more
