Mike & Mike Ep 2 - 5 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make When Cohosting
Aug 23, 2023
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Learn the importance of expanding your business through cohosting, the mistakes made in market selection, the significance of clear expectations and trust accounting, the importance of knowing your numbers, and implementing accounting practices and streamlining operations.
Choosing a single market to focus on is important for efficient property management and guest experience in co-hosting.
Setting clear expectations with property owners, including seasonality and design guidelines, helps prevent disappointments and maximize returns in co-hosting.
Deep dives
Mistake 1: Taking a deal anywhere
When starting a co-hosting business, one common mistake is taking on deals in multiple markets without a clear plan. This leads to spending excessive time and resources managing properties in different locations, which can be inefficient and challenging. To avoid this, it is important to carefully choose a market and focus on building a strong foundation there. By concentrating efforts in one market, it becomes easier to manage properties, work with contractors, and deliver a consistent guest experience.
Mistake 2: Lack of clear expectations with owners
Another common mistake in the co-hosting business is failing to set clear expectations with property owners. It is crucial to communicate early on about seasonality, explaining that there will be periods of high demand and slower seasons. By managing owners' expectations and encouraging them to budget accordingly, potential disappointments can be avoided. Additionally, it is essential to establish clear guidelines for property design and furnishing. This ensures that owners understand the importance of investing in quality furnishings to maximize returns and guest satisfaction.
Mistake 3: Neglecting proper accounting and documentation
Accurate and thorough accounting is a vital aspect of running a co-hosting business. Neglecting to implement trust accounting, which allows for proper tracking and reconciliation of transactions, can lead to complications and legal issues. It is important to hire a knowledgeable bookkeeper who understands the unique financial requirements of the short-term rental industry. Having reliable financial records and reports not only ensures compliance but also helps in making informed decisions, identifying profitability and areas for improvement, and building a strong foundation for future growth.
Mistake 4: Delaying the documentation of systems and hiring
Delaying the documentation of operational systems and putting off hiring can hinder business growth and efficiency. Building a team and delegating tasks is crucial to scaling a co-hosting business successfully. Waiting too long to document systems and processes can lead to confusion, inconsistency, and wasted time. By creating a comprehensive company playbook and clearly defining roles and responsibilities, it becomes easier to onboard new team members and maintain a consistent workflow. Hiring the right people, even if it means initially sacrificing some profit, is essential for long-term success, as it allows for focused growth and frees up time for strategic business development.
Did you know that some of the best lessons come from mistakes? When it comes to cohosting, being open to making mistakes can be a shortcut to success. From missteps to misconceptions, every stumble is an opportunity to learn and refine your strategy. Join us on a candid exploration of the mistakes you actually want to make when cohosting. By embracing challenges and turning them into stepping stones, you'll unlock a pathway to becoming a cohosting pro. Remember, growth often sprouts from the seeds of trial and error.