Episode 131 – The Unexpected Joy of Strangers
“I couldn't have strangers in my home.”
It's probably the number one objection I hear when I talk to people about becoming a live-in Airbnb host.
But here's the thing: every guest starts off as a stranger.
And over the years, some of those strangers have given me experiences, friendships and memories I could never have anticipated when they first walked through the door.
In this episode, I'm sharing five of them.
There's the captain of a winning USA Ultimate Frisbee team who ended up giving us a lesson on my lawn, in the dark, before I retaliated by teaching him croquet.
There's a professional juggler called Twirly who came to improve his clowning skills — and somehow ended up teaching me to juggle.
Then there's the guest who, when she discovered I was in serious financial trouble, spontaneously offered to lend me £10,000 with no security and virtually nothing in return.
I'll also tell you about Malcolm, the Vietnamese film student whose request I very nearly turned down, but who went from stranger to guest, colleague and mentee.
And finally, I share an encounter that forced me to confront one of my own prejudices — and taught me the difference between noticing someone's physical appearance and actually discovering the person behind it.
Hosting isn't only about occupancy, reviews or making money.
Sometimes the greatest rewards come from the people you would never otherwise have met.
This week's Superhost Secret
“Don't judge the stranger. Discover the person.”
Ask questions. Be curious. Give somebody the opportunity to become more than the first impression you've formed of them.
Because every one of the people in this episode walked through my door as a stranger.
They just didn't all leave as one.
Register for my next FREE webinar on how to monetize your own home, here - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/61WTjBMhTF2MPCh_WrcMbA
If you’re enjoying the show, hit follow and leave a review — it helps more people find it!
