It’s really hard to comprehend how each of us and businesses will be hit as it seems like each day, there’s a new revelation that will impact everyone from small business owners to larger supply chains. While many things are uncertain, and we are acutely aware that we don’t have all the answers yet, we had to share with you a brilliant Airbnb host couple who transitioned their business quickly by thinking through what people may need right now and how their locations on Airbnb might be a fit.
They are so thoughtful and while no one knows how long this will be (short term or long-term shift), we wanted to highlight the positivity of turning a tough situation in to an opportunity.
Here is the Facebook post.
From host Christa Milster Sprague: That being said, we’re in Detroit – the city that never stops.
So, we had to get creative.
We’ve actually had guests reach out in the past asking if we offered day rates. Business professionals coming downtown for a meeting, dinner with partners, taking clients out to a game.
We’ve also hosted workshops, photo shoots, dinner parties, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, live music, even a proposal or two (actually, I think we’ve had at least 5).
We thought about what people might need right now…maybe their co-working space closed…working from home isn’t ideal (or not possible). In addition to co-working, we’ve reached out to all the local hospitals and Facebook groups in case traveling nurses or traveling PT’s need a place to stay. Again, you have to get creative if you’re a small business. You don’t get a bailout!
Also, if Hosts are seeking support, be specific. “You can support me by 1) Booking a stay for this summer! 2) Sharing listings on social media 3) Spreading the word with your family and friends etc. It’s easier for people to help you when you tell them exactly how they can help.
Last piece of advice which is similar to the above – it’s better to overreact than under react. Ask for help! We’re all in this together.
“To be honest, it still just feels like lemons right now. And by lemons, I mean losing two months of income in 72 hours. We put our heart, sweat, and soul into creating these magical spaces for guests.
With the quick move to many workers working remotely and sans daycare, this seemed like a great opportunity to offer a slight bit of serenity to people. They also decided this could be a way to help the nurses, or traveling healthcare providers, to have a clean and safe place to stay.
It doesn’t sound like day rates or day rentals had been worth their time and energy before but now it looks like it could help them recoup some lost income and help others. Christa, host, also offers great tips to how small business owners can ask for help from their networks. Lemons to lemonade indeed.
Little Paris Loft:
Little Paris Flat:
Little Paris Walk-Up:
