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Regulations and enforcement dominate the conversation today, as two big news stories out of NYC and London are making headlines.Jasper is joined by Nicole Williams, VP of Strategy and Marketing for Hostfully, to chat about the property managers fined in NYC this week as well as the feasibility of enforcing the rules established in London.Jasper and Nicole also cover the exponential growth of Airsorted, a management startup in the news and Jasper’s investment in Cali, Colombia.Some of the topics coveredArticle #1: Airsorted, a Fast-Growing Airbnb Management Startup, Raises £1.5M•Manages 1,000 properties in the UK, a four-fold increase in the past six months•Expanding to Sydney•CEO with banking background is focused on hosts’ profitabilityArticle #2: New York City Issues First Illegal Airbnb Fines•Two property managers fined for 17 violations•Each violation carries a $1,000 fine•Law against short-term apartment rentals went into effect in October•Listings were pulled from Airbnb to avoid even larger finesArticle #3: Airbnb Introduces 90-Day Annual Limit for London Hosts•Airbnb will ban hosts in London from renting homes for more than 90 days/year without official consent•Local councils in charge of enforcement•Hosts may list on other platforms to get around the rulesArticle #4: Airbnb: $30 Billion Startup: This is What Wikipedia Can’t Tell You•Explains the genesis of Airbnb•Includes a breakdown of investment funding and an overview of acquisitions•Surprising statistics•10% of Airbnb hosts are seniors•54% of Airbnb guests are female•Airbnb has served 80,000,000+ guests in 34,000+ cities in 191+ countries•List of key competitors may be useful for hosts looking to diversifyJasper’s Personal News•Investment in penthouse in Cali, Colombia•Latest blogpost outlines his decision-making processResources MentionedArticle #1: techcrunch.com/2017/02/07/airsortedArticle #2: theverge.com/2017/2/7/14532388/nyc-airbnb-first-illegal-renting-fines-issuedArticle #3: theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/01/airbnb-introduces-90-day-a-year-limit-for-london-hostsArticle #4: valuewalk.com/2017/02/airbnb-30-billion-startup-wikipedia-cant-tell-infographicJasper’s Blogpost:getpaidforyourpad.com/blog/bought-penthouse-cali-colombia-rent-airbnb Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jasper talks with Kevin the Financial Panther, an Airbnb superhost and expert side hustler. Kevin is a lawyer who has capitalized on the sharing economy to pay off $87,000 worth of student loans in just two and a half years!Kevin shares his journey to becoming an Airbnb superhost and explains how he uses other platforms including DogVacay, Postmates and OfferUp to make extra money. Listen and learn how to incorporate side gigs into your life.Some of the topics coveredThe unexpected advantages of Airbnb hosting•Kevin has received freebies from companies looking to get their products in front of consumers•“Your house will never be cleaner”How targeting a specific audience makes hosting easier•Consider who is likely to book with you based on location•Recognize what your target audience is looking for (i.e.: affordability, proximity to events)Kevin’s advice for potential hosts who fear theft or damage•More people are normal than you think•His guests have been very polite and unobtrusiveKevin’s tips for hosts who are just getting started•Just do it•Communicate with your guests•Keep your house cleanKevin’s approach to communicating with guests•Do a walk-through to explain where to find and how to use appliances, etc.•Utilize the Airbnb messaging system to keep a record of your correspondence•Email a Hostfully guidebook upon booking and again a few days before the guest’s arrivalWhy Airbnb is better than a roommate•Your house is still fully yours (rather than having to share ownership)•Kevin’s guests have been very respectful of the space and his privacyConnect with Kevinfinancialpanther.coResources MentionedNest Bedding PartnershipConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In November of 2015, Airbnb Global Policy Chief Chris Lehane announced the bold goal of forming 100 home sharing clubs in 2016. Today, a global network of 112 of these advocacy organizations fight regulatory battles and engage in partnerships with small businesses to enrich the local economy and culture.On this episode of the podcast, Jasper is joined by Emery Lieberman, Airbnb’s Global Home Sharing Clubs Mobilization Program Manager, and David Jacoby, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss how the company was able to reach the ambitious aim of establishing 100 organizations in a year, the role they play in their communities and the clubs that have celebrated particular success in fighting regulations – by telling their stories.They also cover Airbnb’s statement-making Super Bowl commercial highlighting the company’s commitment to inclusiveness. Find how Airbnb took a big stand on a big stage!Some of the topics coveredAirbnb Community vs. Airbnb Citizen Clubs•The community is an online platform where hosts connect and ask general questions•Clubs are specific to a given city and focus on location-specific public policy issues and philanthropic projectsThe Role of Home Sharing Clubs Around the World•Gives hosts a voice in the political sphere•Airbnb provides resources, but clubs are led by hosts•Allows hosts the opportunity to educate communities and partner with other small businessesThe Journey to Establishing 100 Clubs•Many were organizing already•In cities with multiple hosts, leaders were identified and offered resources to create their own vision•Hosts want to feel connected to a support systemHome Sharing Club Success Stories•Defeat of Prop F in San Francisco•Advocacy in Barcelona•The power of storytelling in New OrleansAirbnb’s Political Super Bowl Ad•CEO Brian Chesky has criticized Trump’s travel ban•The ad’s #weaccept aligns with Airbnb’s mission of creating a world where anyone can belongResources MentionedAirbnb Community ForumAirbnb Community Clubs PageAirbnb Citizen ForumAirbnb Citizen Clubs PageAirbnb’s Super Bowl AdConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the podcast, Jasper chats with Pierre-Camille Hamana, founder of smartbnb, an application that provides value to Airbnb hosts via automated messaging. Smartbnb gives superpowers to superhosts, improving response times and listings placement!Jasper explains how his own experience as an Airbnb host informed the development of smartbnb, the flexible functionality of the application, and the freedom smartbnb allows its users. Listen in to learn how smartbnb can make your Airbnb venture easier and more profitable!Some of the topics coveredHow Pierre’s experience as an Airbnb host inspired smartbnb •Airbnb is a quality marketing and design product, but lacks features •He found the messaging aspect to be drainingHow smartbnb creates personalized messages at scale •Hosts schedule automated messages •Shortcuts create custom messages including the guest’s first name, the city they are traveling from, etc. •Availability and price inquiries are answered immediately with the total price in the guest’s currency •The multilingual platform supports 29 languages and initiates communication in the language the guest viewed the listing •Messages are sent to guests based on their time zoneThe market monitoring feature of smartbnb •Airbnb promotes hosts who convert inquiries into reservations •Improved response times provided by smartbnb help hosts climb to the top of the results page •Smartbnb users receive daily reports re: their placement in search resultsThe value of the app’s option to add team members to notification system •Cleaning staff, concierge receive notice of bookings •Concierge, drivers alerted when flights are delayedPricing and the configuration process •Smartbnb offers a 14-day free trial •Cost contingent on number of listings •Base plan includes two listings for €15/$18 •Sign up with your Airbnb account at smartbnb.io •Most configure within an hourWhat’s next for smartbnb •Pierre is working to add support for WhatsAppConnect with Pierresmartbnb.io/messagingtwitter.com/smartbnbhqfacebook.com/smartbnb/Resources MentionedFree Listing ReportConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump is on our radar again this week as his travel ban on refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries has left travelers stranded at airports all over the world.Jasper is joined by Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss the details of Airbnb’s response to the executive order and tech executives speaking out against the policy.In other news, Jasper and Margot cover Airbnb’s milestone in becoming profitable in the second half of 2016, a complementary service (Traveling Spoon) that offers travelers a meaningful cultural experience, and Jasper’s personal update regarding an exciting new investment.Some of the topics coveredArticle #1: Airbnb Offers Free Housing to People Stranded by Immigration Order •CEO Brian Chesky is soliciting volunteers to host people in need •Airbnb will subsidize the cost in locations where free housing is unavailableArticle #2: Airbnb Reaches Profitability •Significant because other sharing economy firms are still losing money •Uber lost 3 billion last year •Airbnb still has nearly all the $3 billion in funding raised •Success attributed to growth and lack of competition •Airbnb steals some market share from the hotel industry, but it is also expanding the market •31% of users in the last 12 months switched from staying with friends and family •HomeAway’s pricing model and site design prevent it from becoming a true competitorArticle #3: Traveling Spoon, An Airbnb For Home-Cooked Dinners Globally, Launches With $870K in Funding •Offers home-cooked meals and cooking classes with the best home cooks around the world •Potential complementary service to market to Airbnb guestsJasper’s Personal News •Investment in penthouse in Cali, Colombia •Building allows short stay rentals •Will provide high-end accommodations in an area where few are availableResources MentionedAirbnb Volunteer Link to Host RefugeesArticle #1: techcrunch.com/2017/01/29/airbnb-free-housing-immigration-banArticle #2: businessinsider.com/airbnb-reaches-profitability-2017-1Article #3: techcrunch.com/2015/09/16/traveling-spoon/travelingspoon.comeatwith.comeatfeastly.com Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jasper is joined by Henry Bennett, Co-founder and CEO of Your Welcome. Your Welcome’s product is a tablet system that hosts can use to provide important information to their guests as well as sell additional services!In today’s episode, Henry explains why he started the company, and how Your Welcome can save you time, increase the likelihood of a 5-star review, and even generate additional income!Some of the topics coveredHow Henry came up with the idea to start Your Welcome •Rented out his house on Airbnb •Left out a tablet for guests to use and realized they were using it to research local activities/hotspotsHow hosts can customize the tablet for their Airbnb •Ability to create custom recommendations •Ability to display instructional videosHow hosts can use the tablet to sell additional services to guests •Late checkout •Mid-stay clean •Parking permits •Food delivery (most popular)The cost of Your Welcome •UK: £49.99 for 6 months, £99 for 12 months •US: $59.99 for 6 months, $119.99 for 12 months •20% of revenue from servicesTypical ROI when using Your WelcomeHow to sign up •Visit yourwelcome.com: Use code "GPFYP" for a 30% lifetime discountWhat’s next for Your WelcomeHenry’s tip on using Your Welcome’s Analytics Portal •The host will get to know the needs of their guests •Can find out what recommendations are actually being used •They can customize the tablet according to what the guests mostly useWhy using the Your Welcome tablet can help you get 5-star reviewsConnect with Henry Bennettyourwelcome.comtwitter.com/yourwelcometvfacebook.com/yourwelcomeTVinstagram.com/yourwelcometvResources mentionedyourwelcome.com: Use promo code "GPFYP" to get a 30% lifetime discount Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Donald Trump’s inauguration mean for the future of Airbnb?This week Jasper is joined by Silvia Li, Head of Marketing at Hostfully, to discuss what impact the Trump administration will have on Airbnb corporate as well as Airbnb hosts around the world. Some of what Trump has said and done might hurt Airbnb while some might help.Also discussed is Professional Airbnb Investors and their impact on the market, Airbnb’s impact on the hotel industry and the one gadget that solves Airbnb hosts’ “biggest problem”.Some of the topics coveredArticle #1: How will Uber, Lyft and Airbnb fare under Trump? •What might hurt: oDeteriorating relationship with China oTrump’s conflict of interest as a hotel owner •What might help: oTrump’s focus on reducing regulationsArticle #2: The Rise of the Professional Airbnb Investor •Large real estate companies are looking at Airbnb closely •ROI is generally greater for short term vs. long term rentals •6% of Airbnb hosts in New York City have 3 units or more oAccount for 1/3 of revenue •Regulatory uncertainty is holding real estate companies backArticle #3: How hard has Airbnb hit hotels? It’s not as bad as they thought •Occupancy rate much lower for Airbnb's than it is for hotels •Average daily rates only $20 lower for Airbnb’s than hotels ($149 vs. $169) •Jasper has seen an increase in average rates over the yearsArticle #4: The One Gadget That Solves Airbnb Hosts' Biggest Problem - Seth Porges •Ring Video Doorbell •Keeps guests from bringing more people than allowed/agreed to •Prevents many other issuesResources mentionedring.comArticle #1: https://www.cnet.com/news/how-will-uber-lyft-and-airbnb-fare-under-trump/Article #2: https://priceonomics.com/will-real-estate-investors-take-over-airbnb/Article #3: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article127358484.htmlArticle #4: http://www.forbes.com/sites/sethporges/2017/01/20/the-one-gadget-that-solves-air-bnb-hosts-biggest-problem/#1a051ee740dcConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jasper is joined by Dirk Minnebo, Founder of Iamb&b which is the largest short term rental management company in Amsterdam! Dirk’s company manages listings in both Amsterdam and Paris and he brings some valuable knowledge to this interview on the topic of optimizing your listing and creating a great experience for your guests.As many of you know, Airbnb is now limiting the number of nights a year hosts can rent out their place in Amsterdam, but surprisingly Dirk says this will help instead of hurt his business. Tune in for a great interview!Some of the topics coveredBackground of Iamb&b •Largest short term rental management company in Amsterdam •Founded by Dirk In 2014 •Manages 800 listings in Amsterdam and 100 in ParisRecent Airbnb enforcement of rental restrictionsWhy the restrictions will actually help Iamb&bWhy Airbnb is stepping up regulation enforcementDirk’s advice to Airbnb hosts •Be honest about your listing (mention the faults) •Remember that what is “normal” in your country might not be normal elsewhere •Make your listing personal •Focus on cleanliness •Use white linens and white towels •Remember that the details matter oSticker on the toilet roll oOne hair in the bed/shower will ruin the guest’s experience and your 5-star ratingThe flaw in Airbnb’s pricing algorithms •Conflict of interest between what’s best for the host and what’s best for the guest.How Iamb&b helps hosts maximize their pad's potential •Iamb&b can take care of the whole process from listing and renting to cleaningRecommended tools •Beyond PricingWhat’s next for Iamb&bLearn more about Iamb&bParis: http://iambnb.frAmsterdam: http://iambnb.nlResources mentionedbeyondpricing.com Use promo code: GP4YP for one FREE month and $60 in creditConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is plenty of news to discuss this week in the world of Airbnb and Jasper is joined by Nicole Williams who is the Vince President of Strategic Partnerships at Hostfully!The biggest piece of news is that Chip Conley, Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy for Airbnb, has decided to step down. Jasper and Nicole discuss some reasons behind his decision and what it means to Airbnb.Next is an article in the New York Times that mentions Jasper followed by an article regarding the tough regulations in Santa Monica CA. Enjoy the episode!Some of the topics covered:Chip Conley's decision to step down •Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy for Airbnb •Will remain an advisor to the company •His 'baby' was Airbnb Trips which recently launchedArticle: The Guide to Being an Airbnb Superhost (New York Times) •Tips and Strategies •Jasper is mentioned! •Only 7% of hosts are ‘Superhosts’ •The importance of honesty - Even about the bad stuff •Important to solve problems quickly •Check in after first night •Much more!Article: Public registration required for homeowners providing short term rentals (Santa Monica) •Santa Monica brought in 51 million USB from hotel taxes ( 1.8 million from Airbnb) •Tough regulations •How Airbnb is being blamed for the rising real estate pricesResources mentionedArticle #1: The Guide to Being an Airbnb Superhost (New York Times): www.nytimes.com/2017/01/11/technology/personaltech/the-guide-to-being-an-airbnb-superhost.htmlArticle #2: Public registration required for homeowners providing short term rentals: smdp.com/home-share-rules/159275Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As your calendar fills up with bookings the constant emails to past and future guests can become overwhelming.Deborah and Josh Yuster join Jasper on this week’s episode to talk about their startup that solves this problem. AvivaIQ allows hosts to automate personalized messages, eliminating over 80% of manual messaging from host to guest!Jasper has been using this service for a few weeks now and he was so impressed by the service he brought the co-founders on to talk about it.Some of the topics coveredBackgrounds of Co-FoundersThe genesis of AvivaIQDeborah was feeling overwhelmed with the constant messaging that came with being a successful Airbnb HostThey build a simple tool for Deborah before releasing that others could benefit from it as well.Launch of AvivaIQ at 2016 Airbnb OpenHow AvivaIQ worksAllows host to create personalized, automated messagesVery simple, intuitive designConnects to your Airbnb listingComes with templates on app for: Confirmation, Check in, Booking extension, Checkout, Review requestComing functionality of AvivaIQMore flexibility for customizing messages and email send timesSupport for 26 different languagesHow you can sign up to use AvivaIQ (Beta)avivaiq.com406-662- AVIVA (8482)Must use a Gmail account to sign up (for now)FREE serviceResources Mentionedavivaiq.comConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.