Fully booked? Earn money from the guests you turn away

In this episode of STR Book:ed, Nihal Salah chats with Deborah Labi about her creative journey, embracing ADHD, and her latest venture, Have You Got. Deborah shares how she has built multiple businesses by trusting her instincts and focusing on problem-solving in the short-term rental industry. With Have You Got, she aims to revolutionise guest referrals for property managers, helping them generate revenue from missed bookings while fostering trust through ID verification.

Key takeaways:

• The power of creativity: Deborah calls herself an "Obsessive Compulsive Creator" and shares how realising she has ADHD has fuelled her entrepreneurial drive. She says, “If something sticks, great. If not, it’s okay – the journey is what matters.”
• The importance of trust in short-term rentals: The Have You Got platform is built around trust. Property managers can refer guests to other managers within a verified network, allowing them to confidently turn away guests they can't accommodate, without sending them to an OTA.
• Leveraging passive income: Property managers can earn commission by helping guests find accommodation through the Have You Got network, even if they don’t have availability themselves. A simple button on your website could turn a missed opportunity into revenue.
• Use video to connect with guests: Deborah stresses the importance of connecting with guests through video, from booking confirmation to check-in. "Video makes guests feel cared for, and it keeps you memorable." She shares how a simple video can make a huge impact on guest loyalty and direct bookings.
• Harnessing technology without losing the human touch: With Have You Got, Deborah is demonstrating how short-term rental businesses can automate many processes while still maintaining trust, personalisation, and that heart-based connection with guests.

Links mentioned:

• Have You Got and The Have You Got Network
• Deborah Labi’s website

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