VRS573 - From Personal Touch to Operational Success: Innovative Hospitality with Nick Russell

The best way to introduce new team members to Vacation Rental! Sign them up for our new THRIVE Essentials Program... Find out more: >> https://vacationrentalformula.com/thrive-essentials-PMC _______________________________________________________________________ Over the past 3 years, the Direct Book movement has matured to a dedicated effort to break free of the OTA stranglehold for those operators who see the folly in putting all their eggs in the Airbnb basket.  In this episode, Heather is joined by Jenn Boyles, one of Book Direct’s strongest advocates, to talk about dispelling myths around direct bookings, the benefits of shifting away from reliance on OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and how to make more money with more control through targeted strategies. Jenn Boyles is a seasoned vacation rental industry expert and the driving force behind the Direct Booking Success Summit, an online event focused on helping property managers and hosts maximize their direct booking potential. With years of experience managing her own rental properties and a deep understanding of the challenges that come with relying on platforms like Airbnb, Jenn has dedicated her career to educating others on how to gain more control, increase profitability, and build sustainable guest relationships through direct bookings. Her summit brings together industry experts to share proven strategies and insights that empower hosts to reduce OTA dependency. _______________________________________________________________________ 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/VRS578

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with Julie Marks from the Vermont Short-Term Rental Association (VTSTRA) to discuss the importance of local alliances, networking, and navigating regulations in the short-term rental industry. Julie Marks is a dedicated homesteader who began her journey into the vacation rental industry as a means to support her rural lifestyle. With two of her own rental properties and a growing portfolio of managed homes in Vermont, Julie's expertise in regulatory issues and advocacy has positioned her as a key voice in the industry. She has served on the Government Affairs Committee for VRMA and is passionate about creating a network of owners and managers committed to responsible renting and improving standards in the vacation rental space. ____________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests 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/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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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

We all know about virtual assistants and how valuable they can be to a company looking for flexible, short-term or part-time help with guest services, administrative tasks and social media management.  But what if you need more executive level assistance but aren’t ready to take on someone full-time?  This is where fractional leaders come into their own. It’s a relatively new area and we are now seeing more very experienced and professional people offering their services on a fractional basis.  That means they become embedded into a company on a short-term, part-time  contract. Alex Husner and Michelle Marquis are both fractional leaders and share their experience of working with both property managers and vendor companies in this unique way. ____________________________________________________________________________ Secure your spot on the Vacation Rental Management Growth Accelerator Coaching Program. Join Heather and special guests in solving your business challenges: >> https://www.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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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. ____________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ____________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ____________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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