Starting a Cohosting Business: A Whirlwind Journey of Growth and Learning
If you had told me two months ago that I would go from owning and operating a single short-term rental to cohosting three additional properties, I would have thought you were crazy! But here I am, just two months into this wild ride, and what an exhilarating journey it has been. Starting my cohosting business has ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, taught me countless lessons, and shown me just how rewarding the short-term rental industry can be.
From One Property to Three in Two Months
It all started with the idea of expanding beyond managing my own property. Like many investors, I began my journey by purchasing and managing a vacation rental. After learning the ropes, understanding the market, and building a trusted network of cleaners, maintenance people, and property managers, I felt ready for more.
Enter cohosting.
Cohosting is essentially property management for short-term rentals, where you manage the operations for owners who might not have the time or expertise to handle the day-to-day. I knew that with my experience, I could help others while scaling my own business. What I didn't expect was how quickly things would move! In just two months, I went from managing one property to cohosting three additional ones—and the growth hasn't stopped.
Creating the Business
Starting the business was a whirlwind in itself. From deciding on a name, setting up the legal framework, and defining my service offerings, there was so much to do. But each step felt like a piece of the puzzle falling into place. This was my first real foray into entrepreneurship, and I loved every moment of it.
Finding Clients
Once the business was up and running, the next challenge was finding clients. I knew I could provide value, but getting others to see that was another thing. I began by tapping into my network and spreading the word about my services. I worked on my business website and the SEO behind the scenes. This brought organic traffic to my site, and I started getting inquiries. I also created a Thumbtack profile and to my surprise, the leads started coming in quickly!
Multiple Leads, Closing Deals, and Onboarding Properties
The excitement of multiple leads turning into clients was surreal. Closing each deal felt like a milestone, but it wasn’t just about signing contracts; it was about building relationships and trust with each property owner. They were trusting me with their investments, and I was determined to deliver exceptional service.
Onboarding properties, while exciting, was another learning curve. Each property came with its own unique challenges—whether it was setting up operations, optimizing the listing, or finding the right local team to support the property’s needs. But with every property, my confidence and skill set grew.
The Rollercoaster of Operations
With the properties onboarded, it was time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Managing guest communications, coordinating with cleaners and maintenance teams, monitoring reviews, and ensuring smooth check-ins and check-outs are just the beginning. The day-to-day operations can be intense, but I thrive in this fast-paced environment. Every problem that arises becomes an opportunity to fine-tune processes and learn more about the business.
Scaling the Business
Now, two months in, I’m looking ahead to the future. My entrepreneurial spirit is in full force, and I’m ready to scale this business even further. I want to help as many investors in the short-term rental space as I can, offering them the peace of mind that their properties are in good hands. I’ve realized that this business is not just about managing properties—it’s about creating value, building relationships, and helping others succeed.
Final Thoughts
Starting a cohosting business has been an incredible learning experience. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to think on my feet, and allowed me to connect with amazing people along the way. If you’re thinking about getting into cohosting or starting your own business, my advice is simple: jump in with both feet. It’s going to be a whirlwind, but the rewards are more than worth it. Here’s to the next phase of growth and success!
—Allison Craft
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