Recently I have been found myself focusing on the complainers who occasionally come into my life. Thank God,,,, I don’t have many, but it only takes one picky person, to stink the place up, with their grouchy over entitled opinions.
My home is my business. 80% of my house operates as an Airbnb. If you are unfamiliar with what this is. It just means, I have converted my home into a hotel.
If you are familiar with airbnb, you know, the hosts and the guests rate each other, for each & every stay. The first 1 1/2 years I was opened, I averaged 5 stars 99% of the time. What an amazing feeling that is. I have always been lucky to love all my jobs & be good at them. But I have to say the stars seem so much brighter, when you build it yourself. I have been blessed, by every guest, that has stayed at my place. They are such a a gift!!!
In December 2018. I opened my second room. I’ve been averaging 90%. This is not horrible, but it is evidence that I need to work out some kinks, before I expand anymore.
I want my business & my life to be strong and constantly amazing. I need every change I make, to be a positive one. As I complete each phase, I need to step back and feel how that change is effecting everything and everyone. I must focus on consistently, giving my guests, that 5 star experience, as I expand. Listening to everyone’s opinion is so important during this process.
“It’s the grouchiest guest that gives the ugliest of opinions.”
They are the the hardest ones to listen to. They are usually angry & often callus with their approach. After I get over the shock & the verbal beating, I try to remove myself emotionally & focus on what they actually said, rather then how they say it. I have discovered, they are my favorite tool. I will use them, to help me. They will not be my enemy, they will be the secret spice, that keeps me great.
In my past career, I learned I could do everything right & still be occasionally faced with that guest; the one who probably should of stayed in a hotel, so they could pay extra to complain.
These types of guests complain about all the littlest things “after” they leave. They don’t message you and give you a chance to make them happy. They just go online and mark you down, because, well, that’s just what they do. They judge the world, with their little stars. Making everything and everyone, feel sub standard. Even if they are not.
They believe they have the right, to point out every little imperfections & tell you why, you did not meet up to their standards. They always do it publicly, without grace.
They types of people make your days less cheerful, your outings less fun & if your stuck with them, they could potentially make your life miserable.
It may sound strange, but, I can usually feel them coming, before they check in. I am often surprised, by their capacity to suck the happy from a day or a moment.
As my business gets busier and busier, I find myself meeting them more often. For businesses or individuals, public reviews can make you or break you.
The human, more naive side of me wishes, I could just, fix the bitch. My wiser, more realistic side, realizes; I could do everything right & she will still be there, somewhere, around every corner, just waiting to come out & challenge my day. No matter what I do.
The bitch, won’t go away!!!!
In life; I refuse to have a bad day!! I might have a bad moment or even a day filled with many bad moments; but I will NOT have a bad day.
After facing a couple of bad reviews, I realized; I could not let someone else’s negative opinion, steel my moment in the sun. I needed to face every complaint, true or untrue and use it to make my place & myself, better.
If I am truly going to be the best version of myself, then I must be willing to grow, reach and listen, to every word, from everyone. Especially that one. Even if it’s unfair.
So, Let the poison, be the cure!!! Us it as the medicine that makes you better.
Then get back up & reach!
When I opened my first room. I Invested a lot of time and energy, creating a place that felt peaceful. I wanted everyone to feel like they were getting a hug, when they entered the room. I was sooo happy that it worked.
When I opened my second room, I felt like I lost a little bit of that peacefulness. I realized having two groups of people staying at my home at the same time had added a challenge that I had not anticipated. I knew if I were going to keep my 5 star rating, I was going to have to make some big changes quick.
I immediately spent thousands of dollars in sound proofing. I ordered acoustic window inserts, upgraded insulation & worked on the ventilation. My place is a mile from the airport & Gowen Field airbase, so there will always be the sound of planes, trains and automobiles @ my house. However with that said, before I opened my second room, my guests always commented on how peaceful it was to stay at my place. As I expand, I need to do everything possible to not lose the quiet atmosphere I have worked so hard to create.
I make it a point to sit in my rooms when there are no guests. I listen to all the sounds and feel what it’s like to sit in my room & be the guest. As a business, I think it’s so important to observe, how any change you make, effects your customers & how they feel. They are after all, the life line that feeds your growth.
This lesson can be applied to anyone’s life or family. Any changes we make in our lives can effect our balance. If we don’t consider how changes effect those who are around us, then it will be hard to maintain a happy existence.
We should always strive to improve our lives in a way that positively impacts everyone. We need to listen to those who are telling us we need to do things better & always keep in mind that there are those people in life, who will never be happy, no matter what you do. Don’t waste your time trying to hard to please these types of people. They are inherently unhappy & always will be.
Strive to be better today, than you were yesterday & let tomorrow take care of itself.
Get up and reach!
Debbie Smalley (Deb’e)
mywings.blog 