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Note: I first heard @AmyH mention this in an interview and I text messaged her and said, "Can I draw this out?" I then shared with
Christina and over the course of what feels like MONTHS of Christina telling me all the additional things that could be done with the model, she agreed to let me post 🤣
View attachment 4012
Challenge for Community Members: Because we're such a new industry, it's...
Christina and over the course of what feels like MONTHS of Christina telling me all the additional things that could be done with the model, she agreed to let me post 🤣View attachment 4012
Challenge for Community Members: Because we're such a new industry, it's...
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Latest reply by - Nancy
I think I missed the context of the original post. I didn't hear the interview you are referencing.
It's about Supply Chain right?
That all starts with the property owner - whether that be the...
This is a Quick Tips episode of Unlocked, where Matt shares actionable wisdom from VRMB Communities.
Most vacation rental professionals tend to over-work because they wear many hats. Over-working is not sustainable...it will eventually burn you from the inside out. In this episode VRMB Communities discusses the solution: a forced break!
Most vacation rental professionals tend to over-work because they wear many hats. Over-working is not sustainable...it will eventually burn you from the inside out. In this episode VRMB Communities discusses the solution: a forced break!
Five years ago, one of my favorite online business leaders (and actually the inspiration for VRMB Communities!) James Schramko published what became his signature marketing strategy, Own The Racecourse.
The general gist...
- Your business is a racehorse.
- The platform atop which it generates sales is a racecourse.
- Until you own the racecourse, your racehorse is forever competing...
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Latest reply by
- Christina
and, if it is free (except for your time), you might be the product
Vacation rental gap nights don’t need to be money losers. With the right tactics and toolkit, you can turn “the gap” between bookings into a revenue generator by mastering the art of extending guest stays. And you won’t need to drain your time and resources to do it...
In this episode Matt sits down with Andrew McConnell of Rented.com for some must-listen industry analysis and...a few 'twerks'.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform.
I asked @AMcConnell to share his most startling discoveries...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform.
I asked @AMcConnell to share his most startling discoveries...
This is a Quick Tips episode of Unlocked, where Matt shares actionable wisdom from VRMB Communities.
Have you ever come across a product whose presentation is so on point in that it subliminally sucked you in and persuaded you to buy? Finca Victoria is a farmhouse style B&B on the small island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and every vacation rental professional can take...
Have you ever come across a product whose presentation is so on point in that it subliminally sucked you in and persuaded you to buy? Finca Victoria is a farmhouse style B&B on the small island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and every vacation rental professional can take...
Our special industry deserves it's own special metrics (and vocabulary).
“We cannot improve what we cannot measure," is a popular small business mantra because it gives everyone on the team common metrics or benchmarks to measure.
Occupancy, revenue per property, profit per property…etc. These popular metrics connect directly to your profit line (the single most important metric of...
“We cannot improve what we cannot measure," is a popular small business mantra because it gives everyone on the team common metrics or benchmarks to measure.
Occupancy, revenue per property, profit per property…etc. These popular metrics connect directly to your profit line (the single most important metric of...
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Latest reply by - DMartinez
Hmm🤔... to be filed under Memories Made gone viral?
Metric: the number of times your appliances have been...
IDEA: I've flown Southwest Airlines a few times the last months and noticed that due to Covid they are not serving alcohol, which is boohooo because there is no social lubricant I like more to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger than bourbon.
But pre-covid I learned about a secret unwritten rule among most of the flight attendants that I refer to ask their free drink policy.
Note: this...
But pre-covid I learned about a secret unwritten rule among most of the flight attendants that I refer to ask their free drink policy.
Note: this...
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Latest reply by - JFaxman
Great idea THANK YOU! and Thanks to all who shared freebees (not). I am coping your ideas! LOL
This week Matt speaks with Eddie Gray, the housekeeping and laundry manager for Newman-Dailey Resort Properties. With 17 years in the business, Eddie has amassed wisdom that can benefit every vacation rental business. Best practices, checklists, delegating, software, employees, covid...Eddie covers it all.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders...
This is a Quick Tips episode of Unlocked, where Matt shares actionable wisdom from VRMB Communities.
"Moments of engagement” is one way of thinking about those special interactions in which you win over guests, turning them from stranger to friend (and reviewer/repeat/referral booker). Moments of engagement are interactions that connect us: the openings for lines of...
"Moments of engagement” is one way of thinking about those special interactions in which you win over guests, turning them from stranger to friend (and reviewer/repeat/referral booker). Moments of engagement are interactions that connect us: the openings for lines of...
This week Matt sits down with Anthony Gantt of At Ease which was created to solve challenges with vacation rentals for military personnel and their families. Anthony's story of discovering and executing in his niche is must-listen content for anyone looking to level up with the biggest current opportunity in the vacation rental business.
This episode is brought to you...
This episode is brought to you...
This is a Quick Tips episode of Unlocked, where Matt shares actionable wisdom from VRMB Communities.
Any vacation rental property can be made more “limited edition” with the introduction of a landmark feature: a structural, decorative, or recreational aspect of the home’s offering that is unique (in your competitive set), photogenic (for promotional purposes)...
Any vacation rental property can be made more “limited edition” with the introduction of a landmark feature: a structural, decorative, or recreational aspect of the home’s offering that is unique (in your competitive set), photogenic (for promotional purposes)...
A foundational element of building a home is the plot on which it sits.
One of the first investments we suggest vacation rental professionals make in Stage 2 of Listing Site Independence is in domain names. And there are three types of domains you should consider purchasing in order to carve out your own little piece of online real estate.
One of the first investments we suggest vacation rental professionals make in Stage 2 of Listing Site Independence is in domain names. And there are three types of domains you should consider purchasing in order to carve out your own little piece of online real estate.
- Your full name (good for any and all professional pursuits...
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Latest reply by - Alessandra
I bought my domain name as soon as I began my rental. It seemed like the best thing to do and I guess it was!
This week's tip is inspired by our interview with @ambercarpenter of DemandIQ (full interview below). It is aimed at anyone who has a website and a basic property management software.
"Unconstrained demand" is the traveler demand for your vacation rental property(s) without the constraints of availability or rate rules. Including beyond 100% occupancy. Your...
"Unconstrained demand" is the traveler demand for your vacation rental property(s) without the constraints of availability or rate rules. Including beyond 100% occupancy. Your...
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Latest reply by - Robin
Unconstrained demand! What a great concept and such an intelligent way to view the opportunity that is out there for vacation rentals. The...
This week Matt sits down with Amber Carpenter of DemandIQ to talk about a significant source of revenue we've all been missing. What started as a capstone project for Amber's master's degree has become must-use tech for the entire vacation rental industry.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the...
Bob Garner and his husband, Ian, have built their Casal dei Fichi into a powerhouse of repeat bookings, positive environmental action and the profitability needed to achieve a fun, balanced lifestyle. In this episode Matt and Bob dig into the how's and why's, and explore a 'two loops model' for vacation rental businesses that is critical listening for anyone in the industry.
...
...
This week Sibylle Kim gives us a masterclass in the single property lifestyle business. She bought her dream vacation home in Waterbury, Vermont, and turned it into Villa Ausblick, a profitable, family-friendly short-term rental sanctuary, where she created years of memories for her family and her guests. Now, after nearly two decades in business, Sibylle is sharing wisdom that is of value to everyone in...
Have you ever come across a product whose presentation is on point?
Whoever put together the photos, copywriting, design was "on their game" or "looking sharp" in that it subliminally sucked you in and persuaded you to buy?
Finca Victoria is a farmhouse style B&B on the small island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and every vacation rental professional can take something away from...
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Latest reply by - ToonTownRob
Does it have to be an either/or? Can't a website be everything you talk about, and still have great SEO?
I've organized the traits into categories so you can go through like a checklist. And if you would like any further information, please just jump into the thread on VRMB Communities here.
Note: Profitability does not discriminate. Whether you own one property or manage 1,000, these should all apply to you.
Note: Profitability does not discriminate. Whether you own one property or manage 1,000, these should all apply to you.
Pricing
The most profitable VR pros know their value and have a clearly-defined pricing strategy...-
Latest reply by - Catherine
@Matt Landau
"Charge non-refundable damage deposits": dumb question- do you take a % of rental charged or a flat fee? If you charge a %, is...
Part 2 of Matt's sit down with Carl Shepherd, co-founder of HomeAway. This week we get into the fun stuff. Where's the opportunity? How to build brand? What deep trends should you be keeping an eye on as they evolve?
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and...
In this episode, Matt sits down with Carl Shepherd, co-founder of HomeAway, for an oral history of some of the vacation rental industry's formative moments and a visionary look at its future.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform.
**Special...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform.
**Special...
IDEA
Last weekend, I met a woman who rents out the studio above her garage and despite having ZERO other marketing, this woman is so insanely dialed in.
There are no better words to describe the professionalism of an owner or manager than being 'dialed in.'
The level of thought this woman puts into her hosting was more 'dialed in' than many property managers I've seen.
Hand-written welcome notes...
Last weekend, I met a woman who rents out the studio above her garage and despite having ZERO other marketing, this woman is so insanely dialed in.
There are no better words to describe the professionalism of an owner or manager than being 'dialed in.'
The level of thought this woman puts into her hosting was more 'dialed in' than many property managers I've seen.
Hand-written welcome notes...
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Latest reply by
- Catherine
Yes, to everyone's comments. Since I started allowing dogs, I find dog-owners less "entitled".
I finally got my 1st REAL direct booking from a family plus Fido, and they raved about how much their dog will love my back yard! That's their main...
- Founder, VRMB
IDEA: This past week I had dinner at Red Rooster in Miami: the chef Marcus Samuelsson (from tv show Chopped) channels his Ethiopian roots, making for a most remarkable blend of spice and flavor (said in my best food critic voice).
The waitress seated us and before getting our drinks pointed out that one item on the menu (the 3-day braised ox tail) was almost out. As seen on ‘the best thing I ever ate,’...
The waitress seated us and before getting our drinks pointed out that one item on the menu (the 3-day braised ox tail) was almost out. As seen on ‘the best thing I ever ate,’...
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Latest reply by
- ToonTownRob
P.S. There is one call to action that is more powerful than just about any other. Click here to find out what it is!
So what is the one call to action that is more powerful than any other? It's something that the...
In this episode Matt talks finding your niche and your balance with Sheron of Scurlock Farms. Sheron mixes a working farm, famous art, pet friendliness and a friendly family to create the ultimate limited edition vacation rental business.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class...
In the post-pandemic travel landscape, the professional vacation rental sector is one of the best positioned to flourish. And as vacation rental professionals, we seek trends to invest in today that will reward us over time. How our guests, properties, and business practices interact with the environment sits at the very top of that list.
View attachment 3685VRMB Declares a Climate Emergency
We’ve...-
Latest reply by
- DMartinez
FYI- For those of you who have joined the Tourism Community focusing on Climate Change (whether officially through the Tourism Declares or via your own initiatives):
Survey on The Future of Natural Resource Governance
You may be interested in participating in this survey announced by...
Last week we talked about the actives that generate the most profit for vacation rental entrepreneurs. If you haven’t checked back recently, this thread has become filled with some really brilliant new perspectives.
And this week we turn focus to guests in asking, “how do we cultivate moments of engagement?”
"Moments of engagement” is one way of thinking about those special interactions in which you...
And this week we turn focus to guests in asking, “how do we cultivate moments of engagement?”
"Moments of engagement” is one way of thinking about those special interactions in which you...
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Latest reply by - Will Franco
This is one of the tactics that, if you do it consistently, WILL increase your conversion rate by double digits guaranteed. @Will Franco would you mind sharing that guide on how to do your "digital handshake" best?
@Matt Landau et al, I uploaded the manual...
In this episode, Matt sits down with Kyle Finley of Legalbnb and Briefhomes to talk about how Kyle went from the wild west of vacation rentals to helping other hosts legalize their businesses. They also cover tools and operations, finding work life balance, and recovering from Coronavirus.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home...
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home...
- Founder, VRMB
FAQ: Click the orange button in the top right corner to download the workbook.
After researching the most successful advocacy groups throughout the USA, we have settled on 8 factors that determine the advocacy strength of any given destination. You're either strong and prepared, or weak and vulnerable to unfair regulation.
Instructions: Download this resource, answer these difficult questions...
After researching the most successful advocacy groups throughout the USA, we have settled on 8 factors that determine the advocacy strength of any given destination. You're either strong and prepared, or weak and vulnerable to unfair regulation.
Instructions: Download this resource, answer these difficult questions...
- Founder, VRMB
A PDF document containing all the transcribed episodes of this industry-first podcast.
It's the the season premiere of Unlocked Magic Zones! In this episode, Steph Farr of Maya Luxe walks us through every aspect of her vacation rental business. From owner relations, giving back to the community and thriving during a global pandemic, Steph is one of the most limited edition vacation rental managers we’ve ever seen.
This episode is brought to you by Point...
This episode is brought to you by Point...
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...