New Beginning Emotions

[Pamela1500]

We are new to this. Been A host since July and having great luck, 2 rentals a month, and five stars each time. But I get very stressed. I want everything to go perfect so far we have. I just need a support group where I can vent and see if this is normal.

We live right next-door to our property and it’s all fenced in private. But will the stress ever let up and go away?
I have no reason to be stressed because we have five stars each time and great reviews, but I’m scared about that first one.. 

    New beginner feelings 

                           Pam

[Carmen23]

You said it.  You have NO reason to be stressed.  Down the road when an occasional hiccup happens you have a reason to reach out for help. Right now all is good. Cherish it

[Marie8425]

@Pamela1500 

I gave kids all middle agers now, bur in a lot of ways beginning hosting is like beginning your family.  You with the best intentions always try ti ve perfect.  Just like realizing your baby won't break if we do what is proper,  In time you will know what is proper for your market and relax.  You are just nervous about a new job.  Guests are happy, you are doing excellent 

[Helen3]

So sorry you're feeling this way @Pamela1500 

Perfection is hard to achieve . What guests focus on is a listing that's clean, is as described in the listing and great customer service .

Its natural to feel nervous when you start but as you become a more confident host hopefully you will learn to relax:

I offer a room in my Victorian family home in an inner city area and have been a superhost since I started nine years ago.

[Robin4]

@Helen3 

Yeah I just scored another coupon today Helen that's 8 now...........

So that means I have been a Superhost for 32 consecutive assessment periods.

Not that it means much any more Helen, we now have all this influx of 'Guest Favourites' many of them with less than a dozen reviews, and being a Superhost doesn't seem to amount to anything any more.

Cheers........Rob.

[Robin4]

@Pamela1500 

Pamela. don't be scared of that first one, you are off to a great start with 2 five stars, obviously you have the makings of a great host......now you just need to adopt the temperament of a great host.

We can't live our lives on 'what ifs' 

What's that old saying.....'If your aunty had balls she would be your uncle'!

Be vigilant but be optimistic. Of the over 800 Airbnb stays I have had here in my single listing there is less than a handful I would not want to see walk up my driveway again.

The lovely part about hosting is all the beautiful people from all round the world you get to meet.

I could reduce you to tears with some of the beautiful experiences we have had here.

That 'bad apple' may come along but don't dwell on it, if it does, that will be the time to deal with it.

In the meantime Pamela just keep trying to be the best host you can be.....trust me you will be rewarded. All the best.

Cheers........Rob.

[Ishmael-P0]

@Pamela1500 

Hi Pam,

It’s completely normal to feel stressed, especially when you’re dedicated to providing the best experience for your guests! It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job, and your track record of five stars proves that your hard work is paying off.

The pressure we put on ourselves to maintain perfection can definitely be overwhelming, but try to remember that not every minor hiccup will lead to a negative experience.

Having a support group of fellow hosts can be really helpful to share tips, stories, and vent a little when things get stressful. It’s reassuring to hear that your property is next door, so you have more control and can quickly address any issues if they arise.

The stress may not completely disappear, but with time, you’ll likely feel more comfortable and confident, knowing that you’ve got the experience and a great system in place.

Trust yourself and the great reviews you’ve already received—you’re clearly doing something right!

[Shelley159]

Hi @Pamela1500 

I think for many hosts the good reviews they've already gotten are actually a source of stress, because everyone knows how unlikely it is for good reviews to continue indefinitely.

It's highly improbable that every single guest will be absolutely thrilled with a place every single time, for the rest of time.

It's a place to stay, and all you can do is try to make it a nice place to stay.

If or when you get your first lower score, celebrate that it's done and that you can relax! 🙂

[Clara116]

@Pamela1500 Hello from Florida, Pensacola! 

I looked at your Airbnb and you have certainly stocked it over the top!! I know you are proud of your first 5* reviews. So what exactly are you stressed about ? You say you want everything perfect. but I'm here to listen and curious about that deep stress you are having - instead of excitement about those fabulous 5*'s - worry about the next will not be your hosting friend and cause you unnecessary grief and anxiety. So since you are a journaling junk person as you write- what's happening inside of you - ??? You can write me personal messaging and we can continue so you have a support person to start.

You see my motto for over 7 yrs now - "Every Guests is my First Guest"- I too wanted everything perfect and give my best - and I see YOU TOO give All and then some by your listing!!! and I'd bet its your best. It is trusting that it is INDEED your best - and you can relax in that.

I had a business before hosting as a therapist in the same place - A private cottage/behind my house that we too made super private. Over 15 yrs my motto was Every Massage is my First Massage" and when working with patients for over 15 yrs every week how did I make that happen. By giving my BEST - trusting that it was my best - and when I couldn't deliver my best I did NOT work!!

Same thing with Hosting I believe if you aren't able to deliver your best - DON'T do it. Putting pressure on yourself will cause you to NOT pull off your best, I'm pretty sure about that. Since we are always dealing with people and all people are different YOU are NOT in Control of it all. That will be the ISSUE I'm pretty sure....some folks will adore everything you offer and rave. BUT then, you will have a minimalist book your place and BOOM- they will bust your bubble, IF you Allow that. Don't let that happen, KNOW it will happen....some folks do not like the over abundance you provide - hard to believe but its true. 

someone will love that you might check on them....someone else will say, she check on us all the time.....when you only did it one time, it will shock you- I speak from experience. You have it right follow the lead of the guys, just know from the start EACH ONE OF THEM ARE Different and like and need, want and expect different. 

One thing I write on my listing - WHAT YOU SEE YOU Will GET. So everything is up to date so there's no question about what they can expect. 

Many times LESS is MORE!! 

Let me know how I can help you have a smoother ride.....can the more you can relax into hosting, the better it will be for both YOU, your family and YOUR Guests.

happy hosting,

many blessings, Clara