A QUICK NOTE: If you’re anything like me, learning and growing happens on the go: In between loading the dishwasher, folding laundry and driving to the next appointment. I took the time to create a video of this blog so you can listen on the go and pop in to see photos and resources in the blog post if reading something just doesn’t fit your life right now. I get it and I’m with you! Happy Wholehearted Hosting!

The Truth:

This AirBnB host gig can be lonely sometimes.  Have you searched for AirBnB support groups on Facebook?  Oh my goodness.  There are lots of them and they are PACKED with hosts looking for community and support.  Just like any other entrepreneurial adventure, there are times when you’ll feel like you’re facing difficult things completely alone and you may even feel completely overwhelmed.  I don’t want this for you, friend.  There is a better way! 

In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned to be the three key partnerships you’ll need in your AirBnB business….from the very start.  I mean this.  Don’t go one day without these three things.  I promise it will make all the difference in the world, you’ll feel less lonely, avoid burnout and be more successful.  Guaranteed.  

{Partnership #1: Your Cleaning Team}

So let’s dive in!  The first key partnership is your cleaning team.  Now, you may be thinking...Alicia, I will be the one doing all my cleanings.  Ok, I hear you.  And more power to you!  But what if you need a day off?  Or something comes up and you can’t clean?  You need a back-up plan, friend.  I promise.  My best advice is to reach out to your community of friends and family and see if anyone knows a fabulous cleaner who’d like some extra work.  Once you find that person, be honest about what you need and make your expectations very clear.  And, here’s the hard part, provide feedback if things aren’t done right.  This is, honestly, the hardest part for me.  But is has to be done!

If you aren’t able to find a solid cleaning person or team through friends and family, there’s an amazing tool called TurnoverBnB.  This is what I personally use to manage our cleaning team and keep things moving smoothly.  I love TurnoverBnB because when a new booking comes in, my cleaners get a notification and can either accept or decline the job. Say it with me now...automation!  It’s linked to AirBnB!  And I can easily keep an eye on how things are going through the app on my phone. It even has a system for paying cleaners for their work...on auto pilot.  And friends, some of my best team members have come from this amazing tool.  You can click here to check out their website.  Even if you just have ONE AirBnB, you’ll be so grateful for TurnoverBnB.  I honestly don’t know how I’d manage my business without it!  

{Partnership #2: Your Handyman}

Alright, now that your cleaning system is squared away, let’s talk about a handyman.  Maybe you’re blessed, like me, with a husband that can do just about anything and is happy to help (most of the time).  But even if you have that amazing handyman at your beck and call...you probably want to have a backup.  I have a go-to-guy who’s a local contractor.  I’ve worked with him closely on several projects and he’s great at everything, kind and courteous.  He’s even an AirBnB host himself, so he knows the unique characteristics of this business (quick response times, respecting guests space and time, etc.).  He’s been an absolute Godsend.  Not sure how I would have survived this business without him!

So how do you find a good handyman?  Good question.  Every situation is unique, but here are my best tips.  Do you know a realtor?  Chances are they know a good contractor/handyman.  They often have a list of guys they call in a pinch and will likely be able to provide you with some good leads.  Start there!  Another great place to explore is among friends and family.  Someone you know may know someone...worth a shot!  And my last tip: reach out to your local contractors association and ask if they know anyone who is looking for odd-jobs.  You may even be able to connect with a contractor apprentice who’s looking for ways to create income and would love to have some side work.  Win-win!  You could also do a quick search on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace…you never know! And if you don’t find a good fit the first time, keep trying!  Don’t give up! This team member is crucial and will pay dividends in the long run.  It’s way worth the hunt for a good fit, I promise.

{Partnership #3: Your Co-Host}

Ok.  Last tip.  Get yourself a co-host.  Friends, you need this person in your corner.  Up until about 2 weeks ago, my Mom was my main co-host.  She never communicated with guests and she wasn’t always able to really provide hands-on help when something came up...but she was there.  I knew when a guest was being difficult or I was being slammed with requests or inquiries that she was in the background seeing it all and I wasn’t alone.  She will often text me to check in when she sees a difficult conversation happening with a guest or knows it’s been a day of one thing after another.  This is priceless!  It’s been such a comfort to me! 

So here’s what I strongly recommend: see if a family member would be willing to be your “behind-the-scenes” support.  You may not yet be in a position to actually PAY a co-host, I get it.  I didn’t feel ready for that until just recently and I’ve been doing this for 2 years.  But if you’ve got a Mom, sister, best friend or spouse who’d be willing to just be in your corner and maybe offer a suggestion or encouragement from time-to-time- Yes, take them up on that and do it!  

And when you’re ready to actually hire a co-host, do it!  I’ll likely write a whole other post about what that entails, so stay tuned.  But there are lots of creative ways you can pay a co-host and lots of creative ways they can come alongside you and team up in the day-to-day of hosting an AirBnB.  Co-hosting is not one-size-fits-all.  Think outside the box!  But for sure don’t go it alone, friend.  Get someone in your corner.  Find a co-host.  

Go Team Go!

And there you have it! The three key partnerships you’ll want to invest in for your AirBnB business!  Can you think of any other partnerships that would be important?  Please share with us in the comments below!  And if you’re looking for tips for how to actually start your own AirBnB business when you don’t actually own property to share...you’ll for sure want to take a couple minutes and read through this post.  I hope it’s helpful!

And if you’re looking for more tips and trips for successfully automating and simplifying your AirBnB business, I’ve got something that might help! Check out my Superhost Toolkit! In it, I share tons of details about the 5 tools I use every day in my own business to automate and still have a life as an AirBnB host. I sure hope it’s helpful!

Until next time, friend.  Happy hosting!