From busyness to business: The path to STR success

STR Book:ed

In this episode of STR Book:ed, Nihal Salah chats with Jane Mack, a seasoned expert in the holiday let industry. Jane brings a wealth of experience as a business founder, published author, certified coach, and podcaster, offering valuable insights for property managers and short-term rental owners.

Jane's journey is quite remarkable. After a successful career in corporate HR, she and her husband took a bold step, purchasing a property management business on a Scottish island and relocating there with their young family. Over seven years, they transformed this business into a thriving enterprise with a turnover approaching £0.5m, eventually selling to a large national holiday rental company.

During the conversation, Jane shares her experience in effectively managing the day-to-day operations of an STR business. She emphasises the critical importance of finding time to work on the business rather than just in it - a challenge many property owners and managers face. Jane offers practical advice on automating processes and delegating tasks to free up time for strategic activities.

Jane also addresses common challenges faced by STR owners, such as being pulled in multiple directions and undervaluing their services. Her advice focuses on streamlining operations, prioritising business growth, and creating a culture of trust and empowerment within the team.

Key takeaways

• Find time to work on the business rather than just in the business

• Automate processes and use tools to streamline operations

• Delegate tasks to free up time for strategic activities

• Charge correctly for services and avoid working for free

• Prioritise business growth and invest in the team. Establishing trust with your team is crucial for effective delegation and focusing on working on the business.

• Documentation, such as standard operating procedures and quick reference guides, is essential for providing clear instructions and ensuring consistency in tasks.

• Regular communication and catch-up meetings help address challenges, provide support, and foster a sense of teamwork.

• Creating a culture of trust, empowerment, and flexibility within the team leads to better performance and job satisfaction.

Whether you're new to the holiday let industry or looking to optimise your existing property management business, this episode offers practical, actionable advice. Jane's blend of corporate experience and hands-on property management provides a unique perspective that our listeners will find both insightful and inspiring.

Find out more about Jane Mack and her services here: https://janemackconsulting.com/

If you'd like to be a guest on STR Book:ed, email us at [e-mail].

STR Book:ed is powered by Yapstone, payment processing for short-term vacation rentals.