Episodes
Discover how a retired couple turned their 14-property business into a direct booking powerhouse, defying the odds in their golden years. But the unexpected twist in their journey will leave you on the edge of your seat. Stay tuned to find out how they overcame a shocking setback and harnessed the power of technology to boost their business value. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and the surprising secret to unlocking direct booking success that you won't want to miss. The best...
Published 04/29/24
Published 04/29/24
Discover the unexpected secret to skyrocketing your vacation rental bookings. Uncover the power of video reviews and the surprising impact they have on bookings. Find out how this simple strategy has increased bookings by up to 25%.  Your biggest fans are the ones who've stayed there before. - Damian Sheridan My special guest for this episode is Damian Sheridan. Damian Sheridan, the mastermind behind the Book Direct Show and Scale, boasts an extensive background in the vacation rental realm,...
Published 04/22/24
If you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to consistently create engaging content for your property on social media, then you are not alone! It can be challenging to come up with fresh ideas and maintain a consistent posting schedule, but there are strategies to make it easier and more effective. Direct booking success to me means creating something that is mine through branding my own website and successfully being able to host guests through my own efforts. -Emily Lethgo My special guest...
Published 04/15/24
Ever wondered how a laundry facility transformed a vacation rental business into a booming success? Brian Olson, president of Northwest Vacation Rental Professional association, spills the beans on the unexpected strategy that took his business to new heights. And what's this about a cookie program that led to 30 new homes?  Find out how these unique tactics are redefining direct booking success and the juicy details on the upcoming conference that's causing a stir in the industry in this...
Published 04/08/24
If you're feeling the frustration of struggling to find a way to build trust with your vacation rental guests, even after offering a great experience, then you are not alone! Many property owners in the vacation rental industry are finding it challenging to establish that trust with their guests, leading to missed opportunities and potentially dissatisfied customers. You can have this vision and put it all out there. But if you don't take that other perspective of how people are perceiving...
Published 04/01/24
Are you ready for a surprising twist? Imagine running a multi-million-dollar vacation rental business while homeschooling six kids. Rose Tipka, the CEO of Your Family's Place, not only achieves this but also shares her secrets in a 52-part Instagram series. But here's the real surprise – her direct booking success strategy isn't just about marketing; it's about building relationships. Want to know how she does it? Stay tuned to uncover how Rose's unconventional approach has redefined direct...
Published 03/25/24
Imagine if you could make your vacation rental not just a place to stay, but a sanctuary of safety and comfort for families with children on the spectrum.  Suzanne Hacker, a vacation rental business coach, shares her journey of creating spectrum-friendly rentals that go beyond the norm. From extra locks on doors to calming colours and sensory-friendly lighting, Suzanne's insights will open your eyes to a whole new level of inclusive hosting. Join her at the Welcoming All virtual summit on...
Published 03/18/24
Are you a short-term rental operator in Canada? Have you ever felt like the industry content you come across doesn't really apply to your Canadian-specific challenges? Maybe you've been told to just follow the same strategies as those in the US, but ended up feeling frustrated and stuck? If you're tired of trying to adapt generic advice to your Canadian business and not getting the results you need, you're not alone. Let's uncover the unique industry issues specific to Canada and find the...
Published 03/11/24
If you're feeling the frustration of struggling to create a memorable guest experience and falling short on guest loyalty, then you are not alone! Are you tired of the same old methods not bringing in the direct bookings and guest loyalty you desire? It's time to switch things up and take your hospitality game to the next level. Let's dive into the game-changing strategies to boost guest loyalty and secure those direct bookings! In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering guest...
Published 03/04/24
Are you ready for a game-changing strategy that's turning the world of luxury vacation rentals upside down? Get ready to uncover the surprising approach that's redefining the guest experience and skyrocketing direct bookings. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how this mastermind is rewriting the rules, attracting elite guests, and creating an unforgettable stay. Get ready to dive into the unexpected and join the revolution in vacation rentals. Excited to learn more? Stay tuned for the big...
Published 02/26/24
Do you ever feel like you're putting so much effort into your website, but not seeing the direct booking results you want? You've probably been told to work harder and figure it out, but the more you try, the more frustrated and stuck you feel. It's time to stop the cycle of ineffective actions and start making real progress. Let's break free from the pain of not getting results and find a better way to optimize your website for increased direct bookings. All of our websites, every single...
Published 02/19/24
Does it sound familiar to struggle with standing out and driving direct bookings for your vacation rental properties? You might have been told to simply create a listing and wait for the bookings to pour in, only to find yourself lost in the sea of competition and struggling to attract guests. The frustration of not getting the results you hoped for while feeling like your property is getting lost in the crowd can be overwhelming. But what if there's a better way to make your property shine...
Published 02/12/24
If you're feeling frustrated because your current marketing efforts are not generating the direct bookings and repeat guests you desire, then you are not alone! You may be spending time and resources on social media and online advertising, only to see minimal results in terms of brand recognition and customer loyalty. Instead of seeing an increase in direct bookings, you may be struggling to stand out in a crowded vacation rental market, leaving you feeling overlooked and undervalued. It's...
Published 02/05/24
Does it sound familiar to struggle with increasing your direct booking rates? You've probably been told to rely solely on online travel agencies (OTAs) for bookings, but this has only resulted in high commission fees and limited control over your property. This can be frustrating and costly, leading to decreased revenue and a lack of control over your property's success. It's time to break free from this cycle and take charge of your direct booking rates to unlock higher revenue and greater...
Published 01/29/24
Can property managers deliver a five-star guest experience and drive direct bookings? Mike Anderson from Operto Technologies discusses the importance of efficient housekeeping and maintenance operations. But what happens when a major maintenance issue arises during a Christmas booking? Tune in to find out. Delivering five star guest experiences means five star reviews, which means more bookings. More bookings mean more opportunities for referrals and repeat guests. It becomes a flywheel that...
Published 01/22/24
Do you want to make informed real estate investments for short-term rentals? Learn from successful women in the industry as they share their strategies for achieving profitable real estate investing in the short-term rental market. Hear from guest Stacey St. John as she provides insights and solutions to help you achieve success in your real estate investments for short-term rentals. I think one thing to keep in mind is there are so many opportunities in this industry. Whether you own a...
Published 01/15/24
In the pursuit of direct booking success, the unexpected twist lies in the diverse and heartfelt narratives shared by industry experts. As each guest delves into their personal experiences, listeners are captivated by the emotional resonance of their journeys. From the quest for autonomy to the forging of authentic connections, the multifaceted nature of success unfolds in a tapestry of perspectives. But what will these inspiring stories ignite within you? In this episode, you will be able...
Published 01/08/24
Are you tired of unpredictable booking levels? In this episode, I reveal my secrets to getting direct bookings every day while diversifying your channels. But what happens when one of your main channels suddenly disappears? Tune in to find out. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the power of direct bookings and channel diversification to optimize your hospitality business.Uncover how social media can skyrocket your brand's presence and drive engagement.Learn to craft content that...
Published 01/01/24
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of direct bookings for your short-term rental, despite your efforts to increase them through website optimization, then you are not alone!  Many owners and managers may be tirelessly optimizing their websites, using eye-catching photos, engaging descriptions, and even implementing SEO strategies, only to find that they are still heavily reliant on booking agents. Instead of seeing a surge in direct bookings, they may be experiencing a...
Published 12/25/23
Do you want to enhance your property management efficiency and streamline your operations? Learn how to achieve improved operational effectiveness in property management with the solution I will be sharing. Elevate your property management efficiency and optimize your operations with the tools and strategies I will discuss with my guest Christianne Crump. Join us as we reveal the key tech tools and techniques for property managers in the short-term rental industry to maximize their...
Published 12/18/23
In a twist of fate, Annie Holcombe's journey in the vacation rental industry began unexpectedly, as she found herself working at a hotel front desk while recovering from knee surgery. Little did she know that this serendipitous turn would ignite a lifelong passion for hospitality. But what challenges did Annie face along the way? And how did she overcome them to become a respected figure in the vacation rental community? Stay tuned as we dive into Annie's inspiring story of perseverance,...
Published 12/11/23
In a world of cookie-cutter accommodations, one man dared to defy the norm and revolutionize the short-term rental industry. Meet Mark Winship, whose journey took an unexpected turn on the road to success. As he expanded his portfolio to include luxury holiday let properties, Mark faced a daunting challenge - how to maintain a personalized guest experience at scale. Little did he know, the solution he would discover would not only elevate his business but also leave a lasting impact on the...
Published 12/04/23
Discover the extraordinary journey of Annie Sloan, a CEO who transformed her own experience as a short-term rental host into an innovative software solution. As a young entrepreneur in California, Annie delved into the world of vacation rentals before platforms like Airbnb even existed. Her story takes an unexpected turn when she uncovers a recurring challenge faced by hosts and the untapped potential for additional revenue. Brace yourself for an eye-opening tale that will leave you eager to...
Published 11/27/23
Do you want to boost your earnings and expand your business as a host? Are you searching for a way to achieve substantial growth and generate more revenue? Look no further! Today, our guest, Adams Taranda, is here to reveal the ultimate solution that will help you attain these desired outcomes. Get ready to discover how to maximize your direct bookings and gain more control over your business's success. I quickly realized that there's something more I can do, something more I can build. With...
Published 11/20/23