Podcast Understanding The Vacation Rental Market http://traffic.libsyn.com/cottageblogger/VRS049_-_VRMA_Annual_Conference_2014.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS Just a few years after a ‘Save the VRMA’ campaign was launched and membership had slumped, this year’s VRMA Conference hit a record with over 1000 attendees, and it was great to be there and be immersed in the industry for 3 days. It’s not inexpensive to attend a conference. Flights, hotel room, meals and incidental expenses, and the cost of the event itself can add up to a substantial amount, so is it really worth it? I believe it is, and as Mike and I explore the potential of an independent conference for owners next year, it’s worth discussing the pros and cons of going to a live event; what makes this a huge benefit for your business and why meeting your suppliers face-to-face can help you avoid poor buying decisions. Listen in to the highlights from #vrma14 with @cottageguru on the #vacationrental success podcast. http://ctt.ec/oaIee+ This episode addresses the pros and cons of conference attendance and deals in more depth with the real benefits of: Networking Meeting with suppliers face-to-face Meeting with industry experts Education without interruptions I’m planning on going to at least 4 next year including the Podcast Movement in Fort Worth, VRMA conference in New Orleands and maybe one or two of these – Michael Hyatt’s Platform Conference, New Media Expo, Social Media. There’s also a podcast conference in UK next September….that could be a chance to visit the family! Of course there are the sponsored events by Home Away and Airbnb which can be fun be a little too focused on the platforms for me. So this is just a brief glimpse into the VRMA conference – the best bits…..and the worst….and I cover: The highlights of the event particularly the opening Keynote by John di Julius – The Customer Service Revolution. How ‘Secret Service’ can drive customer loyalty through creating an emotional connection Why we should not punish 100% of our customers or potential customers for what we are afraid 2% might try to do The importance of collecting customer intelligence -and the FORD method of wowing customers. The value of networking with peers, industry experts and suppliers The three best products in the supplier tent The sentence that brought a 1000 strong audience to stunned silence Breaking away from listing conglomerates – the start of a revolution Podcast Movement Platform Conference New Media Expo VRMA John DiJulius Group – Customer Service Revolution (great book) Kirby Winfield – Dwellable Richard Vaughton – Discovery Holiday Homes Andrew McConnell – Vacation Futures Okidokeys– keyless entry Mobile Guest App from Property Manager Tools Promotional Items from Whip Smart LLC ‘The Home Away Community Conversation‘ – That has now been removed!!! (Thanks Jay Williams for Sharing)
