What's Inside:
- Where I've been, where I'm headed (and how that will help you)
- Truvisionaries Recognition!
- Upcoming Workshop, April 1
- Learn: Top Tip to get found by ChatGPT
- Behind the Doors of Female STR Founders
- A few of my faves
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Hey there, Reader,
Yesterday I paid for my website domain, jodibourne.com, and realized I've had my personal brand as a vacation rental consultant and strategist for nearly 8 years — since April of 2018.
I actually started helping hosts build and grow their vacation rental businesses more than 11 years ago. (since August of 2014)
But honestly? I wasn't sure there'd be a year twelve.
If you follow me on Facebook, you may know that my dad passed away last summer after a long illness. My son AJ, daughter Kati, and I moved in with my parents to help my mom care for him and be part of his final days. His death was hard — less than a year after we lost my baby brother, Jason.
The result: I stepped back for nearly 18 months. I didn't market myself. I didn't go on podcasts. I didn't go to conferences. I was hiding under my bed, so to speak. I even applied for a few jobs. I lost my mojo.
Then last spring, I was invited to help with the Vacation Rental Women's Summit, and in August, I spoke there about my Guest First Framework. It was my most well-attended presentation ever. (and I'll be sharing it in a free webinar in two weeks on April 1st ----> register here
That conference helped me crawl out from under the bed and reconnect with the industry I love — and remember why I got into this work in the first place. Because I love helping hosts like you build a brand centered around their amazing guest experience.
One of my business values is that I care as much about your guests' experience as you do! And I do. I want to live in a world where everyone can travel like a local.
So, I'm back. With a focus on educating hosts on how to build a Guest First vacation rental business.
I hope you stick around.
And then this happened!
I was named a "Top Voice" by Truvi. 50 Truvisionaries for 2026 — a list of influential voices in the vacation rental industry helping hosts build better businesses - nominated by peers! I'm on a list with some of the best and the brightest people. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement! Truvi, formerly Superhog, is a guest screening software company that I have highly recommended since 2022.
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Limited Series: Behind The Doors of STR Housewives 😜 (joke...)
This series isn’t a reality show about short-term rental babes.
It’s about what it actually takes to build and sustain a serious short-term rental business.
Click here to watch for FREE today!
I think you can watch the videos for a few more days.
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I interviewed Ann-Tyler Konradi of The Yurtopian for a video series called Behind the Doors of STR Women Hosts
We talk about:
- Scaling while navigating real life.
- Marketing & Branding
- Delegation and systems.
- Boundaries that protect longevity.
- Building intentionally from day one.
If you’re in this industry for the long term, I’d encourage you to take a listen to this and other very real conversations.
It’s free. Just a few more days to watch these inspiring interviews.
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Learn from me:
ChatGPT is the new Google.
Have you searched for your brand name or property in an AI answer engine yet? If you don't show up when someone asks, "Where should I stay in [your destination]?" — you're invisible to a growing number of travelers who are searching for travel advice.
The fix: AEO (Answer Engine Optimization). Start with an FAQ on your website. Then, create questions with detailed, specific, comparative answers that your primary guest avatars would ask.
I'm building AEO strategies for three clients now and will bring it all to you this year with a brand-new course. I've always loved SEO and content marketing, so this is going to be fun to implement and teach.
🎧 Quick explainer video here - I had NotebookLM create a video from my notes, etc., if you'd like to learn more about AEO.
🙋♀️ Want done-for-you? I'm taking on two more clients this summer — I'd love to work with someone in the South (the other clients are in New York, California and North Carolina! Let's talk.
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What's Coming in 2026
I'm going all-in on the newsletter (still thinking of a name)
- You'll get practical, strategy-focused insights you can actually use in your business. Plus free resources, implementation tips, AI prompts and advice from other industry experts. I'm thinking of calling it "The Guest First Advantage" which is also the title of a book I'm writing. What do you think? Answer back and you'll get a surprise!
The Savvy Hosts' Roadmap podcast is returning.
- I honestly cannot believe how many people are still listening to the podcast episodes I shared in 2023, so I'm bringing it back with a slightly new format—more strategy, still actionable, with client stories and expert interviews mixed in.
I'm relaunching my group coaching program (with a Guest-First focus)
- I'm not ready to share all the details yet, but If you've been waiting for the right time to get serious about your marketing and your brand — this is it. Stay tuned... (or hit reply and I'll give you all the details)
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A few of my faves, just for you!
😎
Favorite Non-work Claude Prompt
“I’m free this weekend in [city]. Suggest 5 budget-friendly activities (indoor and outdoor) for (you, your family, date night, outdoors, etc).”
When Michael and I tried this prompt, we ended up playing hide-and-seek in a ball pit.
Check us out
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📚
Easy reading for the hard days.
My friend Brittany has a chapter in the new Hospitable Hosts- STR Sisterhood Edition, as well as a few former clients and STR Power women. Heartwarming. With lessons on life and business.
Order Your Copy
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📘
Best Book Adaptation Ever: The Count of Monte Cristo.
My mom was a libriarian so I get my love of classics naturally. This book is an all-time favorite, and the 2002 movie was great. But this Masterpiece Theater series is FANTASTIC. Best series I've watched this year.
Watch a Preview
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