Can an introvert with anxiety - and one who gets annoyed by people pretty easily - really be successful in the hospitality business? I set out in May of 2018 to find the answer.
My long-term roommate had just moved out and I didn’t want another one. My former roommate was a dream and I knew it was unlikely I’d get that lucky again. At this point I didn’t need extra money to pay my bills, but it sure was nice to have a cushion for expenses. Airbnb seemed like the perfect solution. I only had to “put up” with guests for a few days at a time and no commitment! If I didn’t like it, I’d just de-list my space.
I was a nervous wreck awaiting the arrival of my first guests. Is my house going to be good enough? Will they like me? Are they going to steal my stuff? Should I lock my door at night? Did I clean well enough? Are they going to break things or stain my sheets? Is it going to be weird bumping into each other in the living room? Did I set my price too high or too low? All these thoughts are running through my head simultaneously and my anxiety is kicking into overdrive.
And then they arrived.
A 50-something couple in town for a wedding. All my preconceived notions went out the window and at once I was strangely relaxed. And strangely enjoying every second of playing “host” to these guests. Then the bookings started pouring in and I started to learn from each guest.
I learned…it’s okay when things don’t go according to plan. If a towel gets stained, it’s an accident and not a personal vendetta against you or a complete lack of respect for your things. It’s not weird bumping into guests in the living room. People don’t care that my home is a humble 1400 square feet and that most of my furnishings are second-hand and imperfect. It’s okay to set boundaries. Sometimes you need to say no.
I learned it fills my heart with joy to know people are enjoying my home. And, I’ve learned that no matter what negativity comes my way, I am GOOD at something. I say this not to brag or boast. I say this because sometimes we all need a little reminder that we are good at something and that we are making people happy.
Anytime I’ve had a rough day, or that anxiety kicks in making me wonder if I’m doing this right, all it takes is a flip through my Guest Book to turn things around. It’s a little time capsule of the ghosts of Airbnb past. It always lifts my spirits and serves as a reminder that people love my hospitality and they love my home.
“Suzanne was without a doubt the best Airbnb host I’ve ever stayed with.”
“She was so welcoming. We loved being around her, Pecos, & August.”
“Suzanne, your home is beautiful and inviting and your hospitality is second to none!”
“Suzanne’s attention to detail and sincere kindness make this such a wonderful place to stay.”
“Suzanne provided everything and anything we could have possibly needed.”
“This was our first Airbnb stay and Suzanne helped create a great, positive first experience!”
“You are acing this whole Airbnb thing!”
“You can tell that Suzanne has such a big heart that wants you to feel like the whole family is included.”
At the end of the day, that’s my goal. If I can make just one person happy, I’ve made the world a little better, a little kinder, and hopefully that person will turn around and do the same for another.
Here’s what I’d love to see in your comments…
Post the review (or reviews) that made you smile the most. What are your reminders that YOU are GOOD at this?
SIDE NOTE: The pic is of my sweet pups August and Pecos who began this journey with me and were loved by guests and frequently mentioned in the Guest Book. Pecos passed away unexpectedly in September of 2018, and I lost my August to bone cancer in March of this year. I have a new pup, Griffin, who has eagerly stepped up to become my new co-host!
