As an Airbnb property manager, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges we face is finding good, quality clients to work with.
With some problems, after you figure out a way to solve the issue once, you don’t need to deal with it again. It’s one and done.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case with this particular challenge.
If you have any desire to continue to expand your management portfolio, you have to constantly be on the lookout for new clients. This is actually true even if you don’t want to expand, but simply want to stay constant. There will always be some amount of turnover in your clients. You’ll need to be on the lookout for great partners to replace them with after they move on.
So how to find new STR clients without sounding sleazy or salesy?
For many people (myself included) networking is hard.
Perhaps I should clarify. It’s not hard to talk about what I do, or even to sell myself. I love what I do and could talk about that all day. What’s hard is finding the right people, the sort of people who could actually connect you with quality leads and long-term client relationships.
Enter BNI
BNI (Business Networking International) is a global networking organization whose aim is to connect professionals with each other in meaningful ways and increase annual revenue for all of its members. They accomplish this through regular referrals, 1-on-1 meetings, and other similar events.
I’ve been a member of my local chapter for about 2 years now, and it’s been a worthwhile investment.
In the first two weeks of my membership, I received 2 quality referrals – the same amount I found the entire previous year I was in business! I also made connections with professionals in other related industries, which has been so helpful.
Actually, the people I’ve met in this group have been a HUGE boon to me in the past few years. And I’d like to think I returned the favor, as well. I dove in, investing my time and energy, moving up to leadership in my local group. Now, that’s not something you necessarily need to aim for, but for me, it has been well worth it!
So, if you’re an STR property manager, my advice is this:
Connect with a networking group of some kind to find new STR clients!
BNI is great and has chapters all over the world, but they’re not the only group out there. Do your research, visit a few, and then join the one that’s right for you. It may take a while, you might have some trial and error, and don’t be afraid to move on if you don’t feel the group’s a good fit. But once you’ve found one, COMMIT. Plug into the group in as many meaningful ways as you can. You will be amazed at the results you’ll see!