If you have multiple listings on Airbnb, you might find a little-known feature called the Business Profile very useful. Today’s guest has three properties on the site – a house in Portugal, an apartment in Wellington, and a lifestyle property north of Wellington – and she is prepared to share the basics of the Business Profile as well as situations in which you might make use of it to grow your short-term rental business.

Natalie Sisson, also known as The Suitcase Entrepreneur, has lived out of her suitcase since 2010, traveling the world while simultaneously running a wildly successful online business. Natalie is passionate about freedom, and she works on planes and in cafes, turning hotel rooms into podcast studios.

Natalie had used Airbnb as a guest for years before taking the leap to become a host. She leverages her experience as a customer to provide a comfortable space for the travelers who book her properties. Today she shares her transition from guest to host on Airbnb, how she went about outsourcing the property management and cleaning duties, and her status as a Superhost. Natalie also explains the function of the Airbnb Business Profile page and how to best take advantage of it.

Topics Covered

How Natalie got started with hosting on Airbnb
•Two-bedroom apartment in Wellington
•Rented on Airbnb while traveling for Christmas
•Shortage of rental properties in area
•Listed one bedroom, received regular bookings
•Hosted corporate travelers, tourists

How Natalie uses her experience as a guest in preparing to host
•Considers how to make room most comfortable
•Leaves small gift
•Uses white board to share Wi-Fi code, places to eat out

How Natalie outsourced property management and cleaning duties
•Posted notice on local university Facebook group
•Received 37 messages in 20 minutes
•Read through applications
•Interviewed three people
•Hired experienced employee for $17/hour
•Shared checklist through time tracking app
•Paid via online banking

How Natalie cancelled bookings, but kept Superhost status
•Long-term lease with tenants in Wellington apartment
•Forgot to block past when tenants extended rental agreement
•Forced to cancel three bookings in a row
•Received notice from Airbnb re: deactivation of listing
•Immediately clicked on link to reactivate, answered questions
•Still showing as Superhost despite cancellations

The Airbnb Business Profile page
•Minimum of three listings
•By invitation only
•Groups listings together
•Can send as link to potential guests

Connect with Natalie
The Suitcase Entrepreneur Website
The Suitcase Entrepreneur Podcast

Resources
The Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie Sisson
Business Profile Discussion in Community Center

Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests!

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