Years ago, I heard someone say that one should look at what you have in your hand and then use it to the maximum.  Doing this can give you a sense of fulfilment and often create an opportunity to increase your income.   What you have in hand can be something physical or an ability or talent or experience and knowledge.    Once you know what you have in your hand, I would add that you need to be focussed.  Even if you can only take little steps, you should keep on and on and on.    The reward comes in time.     A good example we now see is using a spare bedroom for bed-n-breakfast.  Some of our clients register their spare rooms on Airbnb and have given good feedback on this.   They have the house ‘in hand’, and they use it.

Whether you register your free rooms on Airbnb or just market them yourself, remember to let your short-term insurer know of this change.  Some of the insurers actually offer optional cover for situations such as this at a very affordable rate.  Not notifying them may result in a repudiation of otherwise valid claims.  It is the duty of the insured to disclose and notify the insurer of all material facts of the risk and changes to the risk.

[vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-comment” background_style=”boxed rounded rounded-less” size=”lg” background_color=”custom” custom_background_color=”#ffd500″ align=”left”]TIPS:  We did a small survey asking what clients regard as important when staying in a BnB:  Their answers:

1. Good quality coffee or tea

Not all of your patrons particularly like instant coffee.  This is easily solvable with a cheap peculator coffee machine, or even a pod coffee machine if you like.  This will automatically make your BnB smell great.

2. Crisp and clean

This is what can set you apart from your neighbour who peeked over the wall and is now also renting out his extra bedroom on Airbnb.  Think military.  Think ironed sheets.  Think spotless bathroom. Pick up the dog poop. J

3. Professionally handled

When you arrive at a hotel what happens?  You’re met with the friendliest people alive.  They are specially trained to make you feel like you are the king and they are here to assist.  This is what you want, you want them to feel important enough to receive your full attention from the start.   They are not your friends, they not your family, they are your customers.

4. If breakfast is included

Wakey wakey eggs and bakey.  A good quality breakfast with variety, especially for guests staying more than one day, goes a long way.  Your place will smell great (again) and your guests will get a head start.

5. Good quality bed and bedding

A squeaky bed makes for a cranky customer.  We don’t want to sleep on a waterbed, but also not on a plank either.  The solution: A good quality medium mattress.  Steam clean these regularly and don’t forget to wash the pillows.  Bed bugs aren’t something you want to be mentioned on your reviews on Trip Advisor.