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In this podcast episode, Matt Landau and Guy discuss personal growth, business insights, and transformative experiences. Matt talks about his life-changing trip to Israel and how travel can trigger transformation. Guy shares his enlightening experiences with psychedelics and how they altered his perspective on life. The episode also covers Guy's journey into parenthood and...
Join us for a conversation between Matt and his mother, Barbara Landau. This episode offers a glimpse into Barbara Landau’s rich life experiences and adventures. She reflects on her career choices, emphasizing the importance of building a network of mentors and allies for success. Barbara's impressive achievements are a testament to her dedication and determination...
Join us for a captivating conversation with Valerie Gangas as she shares her inspiring journey of growth, spirituality, and resilience. From starting a vacation rental company during the pandemic to exploring the depths of her spiritual awakening, Valerie's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insights into embracing change...
Lots of air quotes in the title of this thread -- because the definitions of all these things are blurry.
Have you heard about my home state of Florida's "Live Local Act," which aims to help combat the lack of affordable housing by incentivizing new construction through tax breaks?
The Live Local Act allows developers to get around height and density restrictions like those in historic areas.
Such as my...
Have you heard about my home state of Florida's "Live Local Act," which aims to help combat the lack of affordable housing by incentivizing new construction through tax breaks?
The Live Local Act allows developers to get around height and density restrictions like those in historic areas.
Such as my...
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Latest reply by - Dana
It's important to address the affordable housing issue with practical solutions, and that may look like reevaluating our zoning codes to allow for more dense builds. While many individuals express a desire to address the affordable housing crisis without solely blaming STRs, they...
- Founder, VRMB
Updated Oct 19, 2023
I think this will be a watershed year for vacation rental conferences, so I'm encouraging any member who wants to up their game with some advice around the most common questions I get!
Drop your fav conference into comments for other members...as well as what kind of attendee would be a good fit!
Note: We've also begun hosting a series of private events ourselves called "Keystone...
I think this will be a watershed year for vacation rental conferences, so I'm encouraging any member who wants to up their game with some advice around the most common questions I get!
Drop your fav conference into comments for other members...as well as what kind of attendee would be a good fit!
Note: We've also begun hosting a series of private events ourselves called "Keystone...
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Latest reply by - StacyW
This year as we head into conferences I am going to make a list of needs, must haves, and who to find. When you get to conferences especially bigger ones it can be overwhelming with all the things. Have a list or plan of action...
This week in a NYT travel article I learned the word Flâneur. Here's some of my fav quotes:
A flâneur is an idle stroller who wanders aimlessly and lets 'accident' be their guide: one of the best ways to explore a destination is not with goals or itineraries but by following your senses
To walk a city led by your senses rather than a destination is to awaken to the city and, possibly, to yourself...
A flâneur is an idle stroller who wanders aimlessly and lets 'accident' be their guide: one of the best ways to explore a destination is not with goals or itineraries but by following your senses
To walk a city led by your senses rather than a destination is to awaken to the city and, possibly, to yourself...
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Latest reply by - davidliedl
We definitely introduce guests to one another, at our weekly pizza party where guests get to meet up and we all make pizza...
Aloha Community,
This is Kim Johnston,
TerryC Craven’s daughter. I am writing on behalf of my mom because internet access in Lahaina is not back up at the moment.
Our property management company has been in business for over 40 years and we are located on Maui in...
This is Kim Johnston,
TerryC Craven’s daughter. I am writing on behalf of my mom because internet access in Lahaina is not back up at the moment. Our property management company has been in business for over 40 years and we are located on Maui in...
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Latest reply by - AMiller
Hi from Maine. We in Maine are sending positive thoughts. How about traveling nurses? We are having a statewide vr meeting sept. 12. What can we do to help?
Vtrips is one of the fastest growing companies in our industry and its leader, Steve Milo, has advocacy in mind with every aquisiton he makes. In this episode we dive into his advocacy masterplan, talk about what he looks for in a destination and see how we can apply it to our scorecard. We also hear from Amy Gaster and Dusty Church who are working with Vtrips on Tybee...
I have been deep in Ai reading for the last few months. The unknowns are overwhelmingly agreed (few could have fathomed what big disruptions like the steam engine or the internet would bring).
It's the speed of the onset of these unknowns that's most radical. Other disruptions took place slowly and steadily by comparison. This morning I read about a professor's Ai detector falsely accusing a student of...
It's the speed of the onset of these unknowns that's most radical. Other disruptions took place slowly and steadily by comparison. This morning I read about a professor's Ai detector falsely accusing a student of...
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Latest reply by - DMartinez
Something to consider if using AI for blogs and/or other marketing purposes. They scrape data from copyrighted property. Then it repurposes it into books...
In this grand finale episode of the season, we're pulling back the curtain on our highly anticipated Vacation Rental Advocacy Health Scorecard. Join us as Jamie Lane helps us dissect the finer points of this tool that's set to revolutionize the way we evaluate our industry.
This isn't just about observing from the sidelines. We're inviting you...
Last week marked the end of our third round of Keystone Retreats, which are small-group learning experiences for short term rental professionals (new but still ugly website here) and I’d like to share one of my favorite takeaways.
"No Matter What Happens, You Can Always Pick Up And Move To France"
We hosted this particular retreat at Spring Lakes Ranch which used to be a drug rehab facility.
When...
"No Matter What Happens, You Can Always Pick Up And Move To France"
We hosted this particular retreat at Spring Lakes Ranch which used to be a drug rehab facility.
When...
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Latest reply by
- DMartinez
Ever since @Heather's first conference I had a great desire to attend a vacation rental focused event/conference. I...
Setting and meeting a guest's expectations is an essential factor in any hospitality marketing campaign. After all, if you don't set and meet expectations (no matter how spiffy your direct booking funnel) there's no repeat or referral stays.
And I don't think I've ever come across a question that sets the tone for the booking and stay process quite as well as the following:
"What's the purpose of your...
And I don't think I've ever come across a question that sets the tone for the booking and stay process quite as well as the following:
"What's the purpose of your...
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Latest reply by - RichardC
We tend to direct guests to our FAQ’s page and a link to our home page, but we follow up with the comment. If you can’t find what you’re looking for please get in...
Welcome back to the third season of the How to Save Your Vacation Rental Business podcast. After our podcast conversations and a research deep dive, we've developed a comprehensive, printable scorecard which we are excited to share with you.
In this episode, we are privileged to host Tim Rosolio, the Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships...
Season 2 of The Vacation Rental Show is presented by Booking.com.
Click here to go Behind the Booking with Matt and learn more about listing your property, or to see other episodes: http://book.i.ng/6003TE4wX
This episode of The Vacation Rental Show with Matt Landau explores Bali through the eyes of local vacation rental professional Mailie Green of Global Villas, LTD.
In this...
This week Matt and Jed Stevens of Koloa Kai detail a six-step program for building a sustainable and profitable vacation rental business and soft-launch the VRMB Accelerator Program.
[UPDATE]
Official Accelerator Program Sign-Up Page
For more information, send a direct message to
JedThis episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home...
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Latest reply by - Will Franco
[UPDATE 05/12/23]
Official Accelerator Program Sign-Up Page
This week's tip comes from
Jed in VRMB's Accelerator Program where we walk managers through the foundational elements (step by step) for creating a company that lasts. We're accepting applicants for our next cohort beginning this month~!
Here's one of your instructors
LindaS and I talking about the power of realtors...
Local realtors can...
Jed in VRMB's Accelerator Program where we walk managers through the foundational elements (step by step) for creating a company that lasts. We're accepting applicants for our next cohort beginning this month~!Here's one of your instructors
LindaS and I talking about the power of realtors...Local realtors can...
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Latest reply by
- LindaS
When you create strong relationships with realtors you not only receive referrals from them when they are in the process of the real estate sale, they will refer...
IDEA
An inside joke is humor that requires information only available to a group.
It can be as small as a joke between you and your guest.
And when pulled off, it forms a connection that deepens the relationship: making you more than just another place to stay, but a true insider friend.
StacyW recently shared with me this text message interchange between her team member Lacey and a...
An inside joke is humor that requires information only available to a group.
It can be as small as a joke between you and your guest.
And when pulled off, it forms a connection that deepens the relationship: making you more than just another place to stay, but a true insider friend.
StacyW recently shared with me this text message interchange between her team member Lacey and a...-
Latest reply by
- DMartinez
I first met this guest on the trail in front of our house while it was under construction for remodeling. As he was chatting...
- Founder, VRMB
This week's discussion -- featuring anecdotes from the world of horse racing and illegal weed -- argues that markets shouldn't bet against relationships.
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Latest reply by
- StacyW
Love the connections you made above Matt! Since Covid I refuse to do business with people I can't speak with (like booking.com). I think when you make business relational you invest more into it. I think if someone is coming to one of my rentals and they can see what my company is...
Chances are, you aren't getting enough distance from your business.
The upside to being in the trenches is the personal payoff (the 5-star review, sense of purpose, an especially great paycheck). The risk is fatigue. Fatigue + control freaks = a dangerously unstable operation. ESPECIALLY unstable in a hospitality environment that depends on human connection.
ACTION: Take vacation in order to make...
The upside to being in the trenches is the personal payoff (the 5-star review, sense of purpose, an especially great paycheck). The risk is fatigue. Fatigue + control freaks = a dangerously unstable operation. ESPECIALLY unstable in a hospitality environment that depends on human connection.
ACTION: Take vacation in order to make...
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Latest reply by - SScurlock
I have taken your advice and trained one of my sons that also lives on the farm on running my short-term rental business. I am going on a cruise in May and Dan, my husband...
Most great stories have contrasts: people/characters, opinions, places, emotions, really anything that is different from something else in juxtaposition or close association. Contrasts move the story along, add flavor, and yes! When you use contrasts, people are doubly likely to resonate with your story!
Stories without contrasts lack texture and feel just kinda beige.
When you're in the process of formulating...
Stories without contrasts lack texture and feel just kinda beige.
When you're in the process of formulating...
My friend Molly is on vacation in India and shared with me how hospitable everyone is: how strangers were so generous and welcoming with food; how everyone refers to her as Miss and Madame; how she felt like royalty and soon discovered the Sanskrit phrase:
Atithi Devo Bhava which translates as "The Guest is God."
Note: You can read more about this 'code of conduct' here.
In our world...
Atithi Devo Bhava which translates as "The Guest is God."
Note: You can read more about this 'code of conduct' here.
In our world...
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Latest reply by
- DMartinez
I suggest each owner or property manager needs a MISSION to drive their business that makes sense for their goals with 2 fundamental cornerstones: Guest Satisfaction and Profit. Every single...
- Efficiency Manager, VRMB
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Your responses will help us fine-tune our content schedule.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your input.
Note: The results of this poll will be featured in the VRMB newsletter. Sign up here.
**UPDATED**
If you do one thing thing this year, double down on your hospitality brand.
Your hospitality brand is your unique style of taking care of guests (both internally with your team and outwardly with guests) and it's the single most valuable asset *fully in your control* that deserves attention, resources, and in some cases serious course corrections. Remember, Quality Branded IP stands the...
If you do one thing thing this year, double down on your hospitality brand.
Your hospitality brand is your unique style of taking care of guests (both internally with your team and outwardly with guests) and it's the single most valuable asset *fully in your control* that deserves attention, resources, and in some cases serious course corrections. Remember, Quality Branded IP stands the...
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Latest reply by
- Matt Landau
I guess my issue with branding is that it feels like a marshmallow. It's a little hard to get a real concept of, and I can't quite put a finger on something concrete. And then how do you express it...
In this special episode, Christina Thoreson takes us through the complicated reality of selling a business she'd built from the ground up to a big industry name.
Wondering if you might sell one day or what happens in the aftermath? Or just contemplating big changes in life? This episode is for you.
This is also the final episode of the Unlocked Podcast in its current form...
In this episode, we're thrilled to have Vina Rathbone-Falvey, a market research expert, joining us. Throughout the season, we've been exploring ways to quantify the challenging questions surrounding public sentiment and community feelings towards vacation rental regulations for our scorecard.
Vina guides us through the power of market research and polling in understanding...
A robust all-in-one PMS solution doesn't really exist for smaller operators. But new tools are popping up with some innovative alternatives. This is an excerpt from VRMB's 2023 Trends Report: The Roadmap.
For years I’ve referred to those who don’t view STR hospitality as a business (but rather a hobby or side gig) as “Lifestylists.” Lifestylists typically hold down separate jobs, rent...
For years I’ve referred to those who don’t view STR hospitality as a business (but rather a hobby or side gig) as “Lifestylists.” Lifestylists typically hold down separate jobs, rent...
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Latest reply by - Terry
Hi Terri,
Maybe I'm misinterpreting what you're saying...but I'm pretty sure I'm one of these 'lifestyle' operators. I own a small portfolio of homes and manage them myself. I am not intimidated by tech at all! Have...
In this episode we sit down with Lino Maldonado, the CEO of BeHome247, to discuss where the industry is headed in 2023. Lino also offers advice on how to navigate the changing landscape of life and capitalize on new opportunities.
This episode is brought you by PointCentral: https://www.pointcentral.com/vrmb/ the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway...
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Latest reply by
- Terry
Great podcast.
Takeaways:
18:00 minute mark > Do way more in the PMS which I have been saying since /2018.
24:00 minute mark > PMS Light, no threat.
34:00 minute mark >...
In this episode we dive into the world of advocacy technology and how it’s being used to prevent bans and improve regulations. Our guest is Nils Erik Mattisson, the CEO and co-founder of Minut, a company that specializes in noise...
Welcome to VRMB!
I’m Matt Landau, the founder of this forum. It was created in 2016 when a group of us wanted a safe space to discuss our growing STR businesses.
Today, you can join our community of 1,000+ creative, thoughtful, and generous members who believe in a better future.
Here Goes Nothin'
Retreats, workshops, and discussions that spark creative leaps in your business.
Upcoming Retreats
Matt's first Here Goes Nothin' retreat is slated for THIS NEW YEARS Dec 26-30 (cohort 1) and Dec 30-Jan 3 (cohort 2).
This retreat is all about creativity as an advanced leadership technique and is open to anyone exploring more creative risks in business (and life!)
Simply reach out to [email protected] with a bit about your current goals to learn more...