Anyone Can Host But Only The Fearless Can Be Great
If you are debating about whether or not to get into the home-sharing game then this post is for you. If you have been a host for a while now but things are a little stagnant, this post if for you. Or, if you are a seasoned host but need a reminder on how to be a super-host, this post if for you too. Anyone can host but only the fearless can be great.
My two girls were watching the 2007 animated movie, Ratatouille, the other day. A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great chef in Paris’ most exclusive restaurant. He forms a special friendship with the garbage boy and the two set out to follow their dreams. It is a fun movie for everyone. I remember it vaguely when it first came out but after watching it again with my girls I learned what the real message of the movie is about. Learning to trust and love your family and friends, and ultimately being true to yourself. In life, we can pretend to be something we’re not. However, it will eventually catch up to us and we have no choice but to be who we are.
There is a quote in the movie that has stuck with me the past few days.
“Anyone can cook. But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere”.
It is a very encouraging message. One that can be applied to most things in life. You do not have to come from a certain part of the world to be great at something. Greatness comes from within, not from a warmer climate. I thought about this message and how I could apply it to hosting. Because my Airbnb is such an integral part of my daily life, I strive to be great at it. And I strive to bring great content to this blog so you can become a great host.
How does this apply to hosting?
Simply put, anyone can host. You do not need to have a few hundred thousand dollars in the bank to start an Airbnb. Nor do you need a slew of rental properties. In fact, Airbnb was first created with air mattresses to help founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, pay their rent in San Francisco. Therefore, it is encouraging to know that the companies founders have created a business that can be used by anyone. And that is just what is happening. People from all over the world have chosen to become hosts. Now for the bombshell. Anyone can host. Not everyone can become a great host, but a great host can come from anywhere. It is a scientific impossibility that every host on Airbnb will be great. The same applies for guests on Airbnb. There are hosts out there that will pretend to be something their not. Claiming they offer a filet mignon only to find out you get a hot dog with no condiments.
But there is hope. As a host, if you offer filet mignon then be great at serving filet mignon. If you can only offer a hot dog, be great at offering a hot dog!
Anyone can host but only the fearless can be great.
Do not be afraid to offer only what you can offer. Biting off more than you can handle will make hosting that more difficult. Airbnb is a personal and social platform. It is based on relationships so be honest and upfront with what you are offering as a host. The fear of failure will hold you back. Do not be afraid to fail as a host. Home Stream Hustle is a resource to teach you strategies for turning part of your home into a successful Airbnb. Use the tools and resources I use to optimize your own Airbnb. Create a great experience for your guests and everything else will fall into place.
“The stuff that matters in life is no longer stuff. It’s other people. It’s relationships. And it’s experience.” – Brian Chesky, CEO Airbnb
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Please continue to share your hosting stories with us. Contact us at homestreamhustle@gmail.com
