{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"EP147: Airbnb Experiences","description":"Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it’s surfing, or nature photography, or even burlesque? It can be intimidating to seek out experiences like that on your own if you don’t know anyone in the scene.
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\nAirbnb Experiences is designed to give guests an opportunity to try something extraordinary – with a welcoming expert host who can’t wait to share their city with you. Cat LaCohie, otherwise known as Vixen DeVille, is an Airbnb Experience host in Los Angeles who shares the world of burlesque with guests who are curious about the art form.
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\nToday Cat shares the process of developing an experience with Airbnb, the specifics of what’s involved in her one- and three-day experiences, and the advantages the program provides to travelers. And if you’re interested in becoming a host yourself, Cat offers invaluable advice regarding how to create a unique experience.
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\nTopics Covered
\nThe qualities the company is looking for in Airbnb Experience hosts
\n•\tWelcoming
\n•\tWillingness to meet and spend time with guests
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\nWhy Airbnb approached Cat to serve as host
\n•\tHer niche in burlesque fit the wide spectrum of interests Airbnb was going for
\n•\tCat’s Yelp reviews spoke to her approach in working with others
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\nAirbnb’s initial approach in developing experiences
\n•\tProvide a range of activities
\n•\tSelect interesting and fun hosts
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\nHow Airbnb provided support in developing each distinct experience
\n•\tMarketing copy
\n•\tPromotional photos, videos
\n•\tHosts paid for time during beta testing (though experiences offered for free)
\n•\tProvided retainer for hosts to ensure availability during testing phase
\n•\tAirbnb employees did experiences themselves to provide feedback
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\nCat’s one-day experience
\n•\t‘Pregame’ dress up and selfies
\n•\tBurlesque show
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\nCat’s three-day immersion
\n•\tDay One – attend burlesque show
\n•\tDay Two – class with Cat to learn burlesque technique
\n•\tDay Three – photo shoot with costumes
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\nThe benefits of Airbnb Experiences vs. a typical tourist experience
\n•\tExtraordinary activities
\n•\tExpert guidance
\n•\tPart of a group – instantly
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\nThe diverse guests Cat has hosted
\n•\tGroups with genuine interest in pursuing burlesque
\n•\tIndividuals moving to LA and looking to make interesting friends
\n•\tOlder women looking to get a new lease on life
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\nCat’s advice to potential Airbnb Experience hosts
\n•\tDevelop an experience that is linked to your passion
\n•\tBe sure you have an ‘in’ (share your world/network)
\n•\tBe flexible and adapt to your guests’ requests
\n•\tInteract and show interest in your guests
\n•\tChoose activities that a visitor would NOT know about (rather than what’s ‘popular’)
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\nThe financial aspects of hosting an experience
\n•\tCat’s one-day experience costs $99 for four hours
\n•\tAirbnb receives 20%
\n•\tCat’s expenses include show tickets, drinks, photographer/makeup artist fees
\n•\tThe more people participating, the more lucrative
\n•\tOne person doing one-day experience, only $30 profit
\n•\tSix people, as much as $500 profit in one night
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\nResources
\n Airbnb Experiences Hosting Info
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\n Connect with Cat
\nCat’s Airbnb Burlesque Experience
\n‘Vixen DeVille’ Website
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\nConnect with Jasper
\nEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
\nTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
\nInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
\nFacebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
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\nThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests!","author_name":"Freewyld Foundry"}