Best Bessant Podcasts (2025)

1
Paralysed by possibilities? How to get to grips with AI 19:30

12d ago19:30

19:30

We grow through what we know. Put simply that’s at the heart of the innovation equation. Innovation is creating value from ideas, a journey which starts with an input of knowledge But when it comes to using external knowledge to help us grow we run into some challenges - as this podcast explores. We need 'absorptive capacity'. You can find a transc…

1
5 Ways to Master Direct Bookings Without Overwhelm or High Costs with Jamey King 41:29

23d ago41:29

41:29

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the tech and cost of managing your direct bookings? Without the right system in place, you risk lost revenue, double bookings, and a frustrating guest experience. In this episode, we break down exactly what you need—from secure payments to owning your brand—to make direct bookings effortless and profitable. Jamey King…

1
Inspiration for innovation 15:58

25d ago15:58

15:58

Fifty years ago and Keith Jarrett created a legendary performance which was captured on record and became the best selling solo piano album of all time. That experience offers some powerful and inspiring lessons for today's innovation managers, as this podcast highlights. You can find a transcript and more resources at my website here…

1
Unlock the Power of Your Vacation Rental Website with Jodi Bourne 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

Are you ready to turn your vacation rental website into a booking powerhouse? In this episode, we explore the art of creating high-converting websites with website strategist Jodi Bourne. With her extensive experience in the vacation rental industry and as a guest herself, Jodi shares invaluable insights on crafting a digital presence that not only…

1
Beyond Airbnb Using Hospitality to Build Direct Booking Loyalty with Chad Harker 26:44

1M ago26:44

26:44

Are you ready to take your short-term rental business to new heights? In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Chad Harker, a savvy entrepreneur who has transformed his single-room Airbnb listing into a thriving portfolio of seven properties with an impressive 75% direct booking rate. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of pr…

1
Beating the bougainvillea blues 16:06

2M ago16:06

16:06

Managing innovation isn’t a matter of abstract systems or process flow charts; it's much closer to the challenge of planting and tending an orchard. A rich harvest of innovation fruit comes from strong branches on trees which have matured thanks to careful cultivation. Maintaining what's already established and allowing for new shoots, sprouting in…

1
Simplify Your 2025 Marketing with AI for Direct Booking Success 12:12

2M ago12:12

12:12

As we step into 2025, are you ready to revolutionize your short-term rental business? In this episode, we're exploring how to simplify, streamline, and set yourself up for success using AI in the new year. Discover how to create a strategic marketing plan that goes beyond mere consistency, focusing on purpose-driven content that resonates with your…

1
How We Mastered Direct Bookings for Short-Term Rentals in 2024 23:46

2M ago23:46

23:46

As we wrap up an incredible year of growth and learning in the short-term rental industry, it's time to reflect on the valuable insights that have shaped our success. In this special episode of the Direct Booking Success Podcast, I'm sharing my favourite moments from 2024 - a year filled with practical strategies, inspiring stories, and expert advi…

1
Dear Santa... 3:38

2M ago3:38

3:38

It’s the time of year when letters are getting hastily scribbled and sent to the old gentleman in Lapland expressing preferences for possible presents. This is a sample from a somewhat frustrated but ever hopeful innovation manager…. You can find the lyrics and a rich assortment of other innovation resources - songs, cases, videos, podcasts, tools,…

1
Using Instagram to Get More Direct Bookings with Katie Bessant 26:34

2M ago26:34

26:34

Are you ready to turn your Instagram followers into paying guests? In this episode, we explore how to harness the power of Instagram to drive direct bookings for your vacation rental property. Join me as I chat with Katie Besant, founder of the Holiday Hive and social media expert with years of experience in the tourism industry. Katie shares her i…

1
How Hosts Can Thrive in the Future with Caitlin Cassady 30:39

2M ago30:39

30:39

Are you prepared for the future of the vacation rental industry? In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Cassady, VP of Marketing at Beyond, to explore the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and how data-driven insights can propel your business forward. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Discover why thinking beyond “short-term rentals” a…

1
AI through the rear-view mirror 21:21

3M ago21:21

21:21

What we can learn from the past to help navigate the AI storm This podcast looks back at the experience of earlier technological revolutions to find some clues about how we might deal with this one You can find a transcript of this podcast here And check out my website here for more blogs, interviews, cases, videos and many other innovation-linked …

1
Mastering STR Customer Service and First Impressions with Rachael Butler 25:43

3M ago25:43

25:43

Are you ready to elevate your guests' experience without breaking the bank? In this episode, we explore the art of creating unforgettable stays through thoughtful personal touches and exceptional customer service. Join me as I chat with Rachel Butler, owner of the Angel Caves bed and breakfast in Gran Canaria. Rachel shares her journey from bustlin…

1
Why Hiding Behind Your Logo Is Costing Your Vacation Rental Bookings 10:06

3M ago10:06

10:06

Are you hiding behind your logo, leaving potential bookings on the table? In the world of short-term rentals, personal connection is the secret ingredient that can set you apart from the competition. This episode of the Direct Booking Success podcast explores why showing up matters and how to craft your story to resonate with ideal guests. As your …

1
How Successful Hosts Know Their Ideal Guest with Gil Chan 28:32

3M ago28:32

28:32

Are you struggling to fill your short-term rental calendar? The secret to more bookings might not be what you think. In this episode, we explore why understanding your ideal guest is the key to transforming your marketing, increasing conversion rates, and creating seamless stays. Join me as I chat with Gil Chan, a short-term rental host and founder…

1
Flying the flag for innovation 20:35

3M ago20:35

20:35

How having an innovation management standard can help — and why it might get in the way (you can find a transcript for this podcast at the 'Managing innovation' website, together with many other useful resources - please check it out) A standard is an old word for a flag. Back in the days of sailing ships you could see a forest of them fluttering a…

1
What Airbnb, VRBO and Booking Do That You Should Too with Uvika Wahi 29:25

3M ago29:25

29:25

Are you feeling overshadowed by the giants of the vacation rental industry? You're not alone. Many property managers believe they can't compete with Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. But here's the truth: you can outshine them by adopting their best marketing tactics. In this episode, we're joined by Uvika Wahi from Rental Scale-Up to uncover powerful…

1
3 Types of Marketing Advice You Can Totally Ignore 11:45

4M ago11:45

11:45

Are you investing time and resources into marketing your vacation rental, but still not seeing the direct bookings you desire? It's possible you've fallen for some common marketing myths that are holding you back from genuine growth. In this eye-opening episode, I'm exposing the top three marketing misconceptions that might be stunting your progres…

1
Break Free of Airbnb and Take Control of Your Bookings with Jennifer Spencer 27:39

4M ago27:39

27:39

Are you feeling trapped by your reliance on Airbnb and other OTAs for your vacation rental bookings? It's time to break free and take control of your business. In this episode, we explore strategies to increase direct bookings, boost profits, and regain autonomy in your short-term rental venture. Join me as I chat with Jennifer Spencer, a seasoned …

1
The Secret to Retaining Guests Even When You’re Fully Booked with Deborah Labi 29:47

4M ago29:47

29:47

In the competitive world of short-term rentals, what if your greatest asset was actually your competition? It might sound counterintuitive, but sharing guests could be the key to increasing direct bookings, building stronger relationships, and creating a thriving community of trusted property managers. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with D…

1
Bridging different worlds - unlocking the power of recombinant innovation 13:41

4M ago13:41

13:41

You can find a transcript together with many other innovation-related resources at my website hereBy John Bessant

1
How to Use Market Data to Win More Direct Bookings with Mridul Bansal of PriceLabs 26:36

4M ago26:36

26:36

Are you dreaming of more direct bookings but still relying heavily on online travel agencies? It's time to harness the power of market data to take control of your short-term rental business. In this episode, we explore how to use this valuable information to your advantage and transition more bookings to your own platform. Join me as I sit down wi…

1
How an Online Summit Can Transform Your Direct Bookings 14:49

5M ago14:49

14:49

Are you ready to take control of your vacation rental business and boost your direct bookings? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the 2024 Direct Booking Success Summit – an online event designed to empower short-term rental hosts and property managers with cutting-edge strategies and expert insights. “You're not doing this alone. You…

1
Continuing continuous improvement 20:46

5M ago20:46

20:46

⁠You can find a transcript together with many other innovation-related resources at my website here⁠By John Bessant

1
Unlocking STR Success Through Learning from Others 12:22

5M ago12:22

12:22

Are you feeling like your short-term rental business has hit a plateau? You're not alone. Many property managers and hosts reach a point where they've exhausted their own knowledge and strategies. But what if the key to breaking through that ceiling isn't doing more of the same, but learning from those who've already conquered the challenges you're…

1
The Secret to Easier Marketing and More Bookings 15:11

5M ago15:11

15:11

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of marketing your short-term rental property? You're not alone. Many property managers find themselves caught in a whirlwind of tasks, from social media updates to email campaigns, often without seeing the desired results. It's time to break free from this cycle and discover a more effective appro…

1
Reviving Your Marketing After a Busy STR Season 9:06

5M ago9:06

9:06

As the busy season winds down, are you finding your calendar looking a little sparse? It's a common challenge for short-term rental hosts, but don't let those empty autumn weeks cause you undue stress. In this episode, we're exploring effective strategies to boost your off-peak bookings without resorting to desperate measures. In this episode, we'r…

1
Irresponsible innovation anyone? 21:06

5M ago21:06

21:06

Why innovation isn't always a good thing - and what we can do to manage that. You can find a transcript, together with many other resources - video, audio, cases, tools, activities, etc - to help explore innovation management at my website here.By John Bessant

1
Taking the Risk Out of Direct Bookings for your STR with Andrew Schorr 29:41

5M ago29:41

29:41

Are you ready to take control of your short-term rental business and reduce your reliance on online travel agencies? Many hosts dream of increasing their direct bookings but feel apprehensive about the potential risks involved. In this episode, we explore how to successfully transition away from platforms like Airbnb while mitigating common concern…

1
How I Went from Airbnb Reliant to Direct Booking Master 10:03

6M ago10:03

10:03

Are you ready to take control of your vacation rental business and unlock a world of direct booking success? In this candid episode, I share my personal journey from struggling with saturated listing platforms to building a thriving direct booking empire. Discover how a chance encounter with a past guest sparked an epiphany, leading me to create a …

1
The Power of Self-Awareness in Short-Term Rental Success with Ali Cammelletti 29:56

6M ago29:56

29:56

Are you ready to break free from self-sabotaging patterns that hold you back from achieving the success you envision for your short-term rental business? In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into practical strategies to overcome the inner critic and cultivate a resilient, growth-oriented mindset. Discover how to identify and reframe limiting…

1
Hitching a ride to higher productivity 26:02

6M ago26:02

26:02

You can find a transcript, together with many other resources - video, audio, cases, tools, activities, etc - to help explore innovation management at ⁠my website here.⁠By John Bessant

1
How to use AI in your Vacation Rentals Marketing without Losing your Human Touch with Megan Castor 29:34

6M ago29:34

29:34

Are you struggling to create authentic, engaging content for your vacation rental business? It's frustrating when your posts lack personality and fail to connect with your audience. But what if I told you there's a way to streamline your content creation process without losing that essential human touch? In this episode of the Direct Booking Succes…

1
My Favourite Ways to Save Time in Vacation Rental Marketing 15:42

6M ago15:42

15:42

As a vacation rental property manager, your days are a whirlwind of tasks – from guest check-ins and maintenance issues to a never-ending stream of emails. It's no wonder marketing often falls by the wayside, even though you know it's crucial for driving those coveted direct bookings. You've tried creating content, but the hours spent crafting clev…

1
Why a Defined Niche for your STR will Generate more Bookings with Nihal Salah 27:25

7M ago27:25

27:25

Are you tired of feeling like just another face in the crowd, struggling to make your vacation rental stand out? It's time to break free from the generic approach and embrace a strategy that resonates with your ideal guests. Imagine the power of connecting with travelers who share your passions, who truly appreciate the unique experience you offer.…

1
How to Stay Ahead with AI and Automation in Short-term Rentals with Shiven Vinod Khera 28:10

7M ago28:10

28:10

Imagine transforming your vacation rental business into a seamless, tech-driven hospitality powerhouse, captivating guests with personalized experiences that foster loyalty and ignite revenue growth. This vision is within reach, thanks to the pioneering strategies unveiled in this thought-provoking episode. Shiven Vinod Khera, the visionary co-foun…

1
Why Consistency in your Marketing Isn’t Enough for Direct Bookings 15:38

7M ago15:38

15:38

Have you been told that consistency is the key to successful marketing? But what if we told you there's a smarter strategy to drive direct bookings for your vacation rental business? In this eye-opening episode, we'll challenge conventional wisdom and reveal why simply being consistent isn't enough. Discover the untapped potential of strategic cons…

1
Cartography matters! - the importance of maps in navigating the uncertain journey of innovation 22:41

7M ago22:41

22:41

You can find a transcript on my website here together with many other resources - blogs, videos, cases, tools, interviews - to help you explore the world of managing innovationBy John Bessant

1
The Truth About Airbnb Income, Hint… It’s Not What You Think with Lauren Madewell 37:32

7M ago37:32

37:32

Uncover the truth behind the myths of Airbnb passive income. Are you tired of hearing promises of "get rich quick" and effortless rental riches? In this conversation, Lauren Madewell, Operations Manager of Auntie Bellham’s Cabin Rentals, pulls back the curtain on the realities of running a successful vacation rental business. With over a decade of …

1
Ditch the Facebook Group for Advice on the Right Property Management Software with John Stokinger 28:37

8M ago28:37

28:37

Are you frustrated by the endless opinions on property management software for Airbnb hosts? Still struggling to find the right fit for your short-term rental business? You're not alone. The quest for the perfect solution can be overwhelming, leaving you confused and without a clear path forward. It's time to break free from unhelpful advice and ta…

1
Impact intrepreneurship - leveraging the power of organizations for social innovation 28:40

8M ago28:40

28:40

⁠You can find a transcript on my website here⁠ together with many other resources - blogs, videos, cases, tools, interviews - to help you explore the world of managing innovationBy john

1
The Key to Turning Your Location into Direct Bookings (and Happy Canada Day!) 15:02

8M ago15:02

15:02

Imagine being able to captivate guests from around the world with the sheer allure of your vacation rental's location. What if you could weave the unique charm, cultural richness, and natural wonders of your area into an irresistible narrative that resonates deeply with travelers seeking authentic experiences? This episode unveils the secrets to do…

1
In the (innovation) soup.... 16:27

8M ago16:27

16:27

⁠You can find a transcript on my website here⁠ together with many other resources - blogs, videos, cases, tools, interviews - to help you explore the world of managing innovationBy john

1
Avoid Bad Guests: Trust Marketing for Vacation Rentals with Leo Walton 24:52

8M ago24:52

24:52

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to rely on Airbnb reviews to trust your short term rental guests, but still end up with stained sheets and broken furniture. The frustration of not knowing who's booking on your website is real. But what if there's a better way to know your guest and build trust from the start? Let's uncover the effective …

1
How to Transform Unhappy Neighbours into Allies to Keep the Peace for your Airbnb with Chris Cade 29:53

8M ago29:53

29:53

Does the struggle with community resistance to Airbnb sound all too familiar? You may have been advised to simply follow the standard Airbnb route, only to find yourself frustrated and worried about potential problems with neighbors and the community. The lack of results can lead to stress and sleepless nights, leaving you feeling stuck and unsure …

1
Starting an Online Travel Agency in Canada to Help Hosts with Dany Papineau 29:56

8M ago29:56

29:56

Are you ready to hear about an unexpected journey that led to the creation of an online travel agency in Canada? Get ready to be surprised as Dany Papineau shares his story of starting the very first Canadian booking platform called We Chalet. You won't believe the twists and turns that led him to carve out a niche in the travel industry that no on…

1
Milestone: What I've learned in creating 100 episodes of the DBS Podcast 12:12

9M ago12:12

12:12

Did you know that creating a successful podcast isn't just about the content? Imagine reaching the top ten on Apple podcasts in the very first week - sounds impossible, right? Well, that's exactly what happened to Jenn Boyles, the host of the Direct Booking Success Podcast. Marketing is essential to your short term rental business if you want more …

1
Developing Guest Trust for Direct Bookings: A UK Host's Perspective with James Varley 30:42

9M ago30:42

30:42

Does this sound familiar? You're struggling to make the switch from long-term to short-term rentals, and you've been told to rely solely on OTAs for bookings. But the pain of high commission fees and lack of control over your business has left you feeling frustrated and stuck. It's time to break free from the OTA dependency and take back control of…

1
AI is a no-brainer... 18:19

9M ago18:19

18:19

⁠You can find a transcript on my website here⁠ together with many other resources - blogs, videos, cases, tools, interviews - to help you explore the world of managing innovationBy john

1
How to Market Your Rural vs Urban Vacation Rentals to Attract More Direct Bookings with Brianne Hamilton 24:15

9M ago24:15

24:15

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of keeping up with the regulations and legislation for short-term rentals, and you're worried about the impact it could have on your business, then you are not alone! The risk of waking up to a sudden shut down of your entire rental operation can be a real cause for concern, especially in the face of eve…

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