Navigating the Challenges of Being a Holiday Let Property Manager

In this episode Jane addresses the common 'pick my brains' request in the property management industry. She explains why superficial advice isn't enough and emphasises the importance of deep, personalised consultations for real success. Jane discusses her extensive offering of free resources and stresses the necessity of taking actionable steps to achieve substantial improvements. She shares insights from her experiences and provides a comprehensive look at how in-depth services can significantly enhance property management practices and business growth.Resources from the Show:Join the SCALE Community for Property ManagersConnect with Jane Here:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Thanks!

In this episode, host Jane Mack talks with Daniel Jack, co-founder of Award Winning Jack's Alt Stays Cabins - a one-of-a-kind hot tub cabin concept on the scenic Isle of Cumbrae.Daniel recounts the journey of building their unique holiday cabins from scratch.Starting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel and his cousin Adam combined their entrepreneurial skills to create five uniquely themed cabins, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Emphasising sustainability, they sourced local and eco-friendly materials and integrated smart home technology for a fully sensory guest experience. They also discuss the importance of environmental consciousness, collaboration with local businesses, and share practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs in the holiday rental market, focusing on determination and thorough financial planning.Find out more about Jack's Alt Stays here:Daniel's Facebook page @jacksaltstays on Instagram Daniel's Website Connect with Jane here:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageLike what you hear? Please leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

In this episode Jane addresses a major challenge faced by property managers: stepping back from day-to-day tasks while ensuring the business continues to operate smoothly. Jane shares personal stories and strategies on how to transition from being involved in every detail to focusing on business growth. Key points include:Evaluating business processes and team rolesUnderstanding effective delegationSetting up correct charging for servicesMaintaining work-life balance. Jane also recommends the book - 'The E Myth' by Michael Gerber to help business owners understand how to improve their operational efficiency. Link to the bookTune in for insightful advice on how to make your property management business run without your constant intervention.Need support in your property management? Simply email Jane: [email protected] with Jane here:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook Page

In this episode Jane is joined by Steve Calascione, founder of Success With Class coaching business and former co-founder of New England Property Management, which he sold in 2023. Steve shares his journey from a decade in the hospitality industry to venturing into real estate and starting his property management company during the pandemic challenges. He delves into his strategy for scaling his property management business, emphasising the following areas:The importance of sales and marketingHiring staff before the need arises Using video marketing to connect with potential clients. The difference between demand creation and demand harvesting to get new proeprty ownersEstablishing and building strong relationships with property ownersPlus, listen in to hear his 1 top tip for property managers looking to scale their business.You can connect with Steve here:@steveyclass on Instagram LinkedInSteven on YouTube Steven's Website Connect with Jane here:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook Page

In this episode. Jane discussed how summer is actually the best time to address operational frustrations, noting gaps in processes, and setting up a marketing strategy for winter and next year's bookings. She identifies the importance of tackling these issues in real-time rather than postponing them to winter, sharing personal experiences and client feedback about the benefits of having a business mentor during peak seasons. Listen in to hear valuable advice on planning ahead, marketing for winter bookings, and the importance of continuous improvement even when business is at its busiest.Connect with Jane here:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageGet in touch with Jane - [email protected] leave a review and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode.

In this episode Jane Mack chats to Mark Simpson, founder and CEO of Boostly, an award-winning company helping short term rental owners increase their direct bookings through website development and marketing teaching in the Boostly Academy.Mark shares his journey from growing up in a family-owned B&B to launching Boostly, emphasising the importance of not relying solely on OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) for bookings. Key Takeaways:Learn the 3 important areas to prioritise on your website to encourage direct bookingsDiscover the new trends to follow as part of your marketing strategyHear about Boostly’s new upcoming partnership with I-PRAC - check out I-PRAC website below for up to date informationHear Mark’s one big tip to help hosts achieve more direct bookingsLearn more about Boostly here:@boostlyuk on Instagram mark's Website I-PRACConnect with Jane:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you enjoyed what you heard, please leave a review and subscribe.

In this episode, Jane speaks with Simon Lehmann, the founder of AJL Atelier, about strategies for growth in property management businesses and the role of technology in this process. Simon is one of the world’s foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental, and business consultancy while also advising multiple companies as Board Member and Executive Chairman. A sought-after speaker, panelist, and moderator, Simon loves to broach high-level and technical topics alike, from the future trends of short-term rental to the specifics of online distribution in the top 5 OTAs. Previously, Simon was the Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, former President of PhocusWright, and ex-Board member of HomeAway, to name but a few. He’s also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome as CEO, Hotelplan Group Deputy CEO, and Swissport as EVP. Key Takeaways:The importance of having a clearly defined strategy and planUnderstanding your customers and the necessity of managing both guest and owner relations equally. The role technology can play in helping property management businesses grow and increase efficienciesRevenue management and how this is a must in any property management businessWhat the future looks like for property managementConnect with Simon here:LinkedInConnect with Jane here:Join the membershipBook a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageRemember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and leave a review if you enjoy the show. Thank you.

In this episode Jane outlines the challenges of being a holiday let property manager, with housekeeping as the most demanding. While the role is all-consuming, the satisfaction derived still motivates most people in the profession. Jane talks about running a property management business and how this can be stressful due to immediate guest demands, location and management issues and how there is no one size fits all solution.However, a sustainable strategy is by creating a like-minded community for support, shared experiences, and learning. She is launching an exclusive membership for property managers offering this support. It will be opening at the end of February. Join the waitlist now to be the first to be notified when it opens and get the special founders price!JOIN THE WAITLIST HEREConnect with Jane Here:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook Page

In this episode, Jane talks to Gabriel Wall, the owner of award-winning Wall Eden Farm Holidays - a 3 generational family log cabin business.Gabriel shares insights of how he diversified his family business into multiple markets and guest offerings, and discusses his journey from carpentry to establishing a log cabin holiday park incorporating his hobbies and interests. Listen in to hear the importance of connecting with customers to understand their needs and go beyond expectations. Gabriel also highlights how their accessible cabins tailored for disabled guests, working with various charities, and initiatives towards wellness retreats has come about through his own passions and conversations with guests.Find out more about Wall Eden Fam Holidays:Gabriel 's Website Gabriel 's Facebook page @walledenfarm on Instagram Connect with Jane:FREE Visibility WorkshopBook a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you like what you hear, please leave a review, Thank you!

Boosting your holiday let business with a Destination Management Organisation (DMO)In this episode, Jane discusses the role of (DMO's) with Sheila Gilmore, the chief executive of Visit Arran. They talk about how DMOs can help local businesses by being part of the community, supporting their growth, and attracting the right visitors to the area. Sheila explains how Visit Arran operates differently from other tourism organisations to promote sustainability, local businesses, and responsible tourism. Find out how a local DMO could help and support your business and hear what happened when the legendary Billy Connolly visited Arran.Find out more about Sheila:Sheila was born and raised on Arran, into a hospitality business. Her family has owned the Ormidale since 1935. She took a brief soujourn into eduction for 25 years before returning to her current role in 2012, as Chief Executive of Visit Arran.Sheila really wanted to be a professional Actor, and has won national awards for both acting and production and is a Burnsian and has spoken and performed at Burns suppers across the world.When she's not promoting tourism on the Isle of Arran, she enjoy spending time with her big family, travelling, skiing, chocolate, walking wee Archie-Dug, and living in the most beautiful place in the world.Connect with Sheila and Visit Arran here:LinkedIn@visitarran on Instagram @VisitArran on Twitter Sheila's Website Sheila on YouTube FacebookConnect with Jane:www.janemackconsulting.comNEW MEMBERSHIP WAITLISTIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review, thank you.