Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 512. In this podcast episode I will be talking with Karolina Jozwik who is based in Glasgow who has three units of her own, she also has some extra units in which co-hosts and throughout this podcast will share her experience.
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Transcript from the Episode
[00:00:00] Liam: Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Behind the Host podcast here on the Boostly podcast. So today we are joined by Karolina Jozwik. Karolina Jozwik is a host. She's got three units of her own, and overall she's got extra units that she co-hosts as well, which we're gonna be diving in asking questions about today.
[00:00:20] So overall, 14 units under her control. She's based in Glasgow and the surrounding areas up to an hour out of Glasgow. And what we are really diving into today is a bit of information about her experience with being a team boosting member, how to co-host, and also just to get to know her and her business.
[00:00:40] So welcome along Karolina. Thank you very much for joining me.
[00:00:43] Karolina: Hi. Thank you for having me. It's really good, you know, to do this. Uh, And that's me.
[00:00:51] Liam: Cool. Well, uh, first question is, so I know we mentioned you're based in Glasgow, but can you tell the people listening in a little bit more about your [00:01:00] properties and what brings people to the area?
[00:01:03] Karolina: It Glasgow is perfect, uh, place for people because we have got two IPOs. It's Glasgow and Edem is close, and sometimes Edem is too expensive for people. Why people choose Glasgow. Also, we are like one hour from Highlands, uh, local Longmont and all travel people just stop and we have got, uh, from Glasgow. You start with Highland.
[00:01:27] That is very popular work and lots of people have to stop in Glasgow. Also, we have got SSI Hydro That is a big, you know, for all life events and why we choose Glasgow and I live in Glasgow and for me, you know, starting 0.8 years ago was start on my garden. Yeah. Because it's everything easy. I have got 10, 15 minutes driving to my apartments.
[00:01:49] Liam: I think it's. Underrated. The fact that if hosts listening really should look to their local area first because it's an area which you've got obviously good knowledge about, and [00:02:00] uh, uh, an area where you can specialize in isn.
[00:02:03] Karolina: Yes, and when we start hearing about the new regulation coming to Scotland, that was I think two years before Covid.
[00:02:12] I start thinking, Okay, we have to have got some backup and it's why I bought the caravan just two weeks before lockdown. That was scary time , because we get key two weeks and after that every was shut. And just before second lockdown, uh, we both, another ity large in the park. Yeah. And everything is going good and great and new regulation are coming to Scotland soon from, we are still waiting for update from mm-hmm.
[00:02:44] for now, we don't know, we can stay operated because we have got apartments, buildings, and they don't say, They will be resolve the problem between us and cons. Yeah. Next week we [00:03:00] have got meeting with Cons, me and other host because we have got small community and you know, keep together for updates, what is going on.
[00:03:08] Mm-hmm. and hopefully we get some more information, but I have got backup. My other property is,
[00:03:15] Liam: That's cool. That's cool. And that, that goes to show that spreading the type of units and you know, sort of a little bit of area, uh, that you've kind of hedged your bets there a little bit as to what happened.
[00:03:26] So if there's a problem that you can host in the apartment that fingers crossed there won't be, but you've like, say you've got the caravan, you've got the ones which are, um, outside the area as well. So one of the, uh, there's a lot to unpack there, but I think the first thing, especially for the people listening, uh, Carolina, can, can you explain how you got started with short term rental?
[00:03:45] I know you said that was eight years ago. Uh, but how did you get started? And also whereabouts are you from as well? Uh,
[00:03:51] Karolina: I am from po. I come to Scotland in 2006, just for one year. I finished my university. I say, Oh my God, I don't like my [00:04:00] job. I'm bookkeeper. Uh, I hate being one place. I love, you know, be around.
[00:04:04] I can't see it on the table, on the desk from nine to five. That's absolutely not me. I jump to the plane, landed here and. Start thinking I have to change something in my life when my kids born because we don't have grandmother here. And if we both work, that was like just seeing high five. I have to go to the work and I openly component.
[00:04:28] Just couple weeks after when I open, I meet amazing guy, Robert. He asked me for cleaning his properties, his B in this point. I dunno, what's that? What's that? Okay, I can go try, speak. Why not? And after a couple weeks, oh my god, that's amazing business. I have to jump to this and I am rent to rent and he was, he both knew apartment and I asked him, Can you rent me this apartment and I can make I Airbnb?
[00:04:56] He is absolutely not a problem. It's how I have no now free [00:05:00] apartment. We are still friends and everything is going good. Yeah. And after that I start learning how help other hosts if they don't have time to run the ity is how I am co-host for others as
[00:05:11] Liam: well. That's amazing. So it goes to show that, you know, the opportunities within hospitality is huge, but also by having that good relationship, you know,
[00:05:21] It's
[00:05:23] Karolina: relationships.
[00:05:24] That's the main point. Because if you don't know someone, how people can trust you. Yeah.
[00:05:30] Liam: Yeah. A hundred percent. And there'll be a lot of people listening to this just go, Well, how do I get started? Well, you know, what you've done there is go out there and build these connections, you know, have, um, be in and around the, the jobs which are needed.
[00:05:42] Hosting and short term rental, like you say, like people who can manage guest communication, the cleaning, the main, that them kind of services. Um, there's a lot of opportunity and, and that can give you experience of, um, short term that as well. So you mentioned that you do co-hosting as well, so I know there'll be a lot of people listening who [00:06:00] will be wondering how do you get into co-hosting and is there any tips.
[00:06:03] That you've got for people? Uh,
[00:06:06] Karolina: for me, everything is because I have got cleaning company and every know, everyone know me like a cleaner. Yeah. Even if I beat someone, I was doing the deep cleaning for the letting against it and he said, Oh, you have got I, how is working? And I see with this guy explain him and he gave me free apartment for co-hosting.
[00:06:27] He's amazing because I just sent him invoice. And that's it. He never, you know, involved. He's happy with me because I take the problem from his head and every month I just send invoice, how much you earn, how much I take. And that's me mostly is recommendation from other people. Or sometimes I'm on the host group in Glasgow.
[00:06:50] If someone, I dunno away for three, two months and needs, uh help, I just jump in. I can help you. I can take this ity for [00:07:00] short time and you can go away where you have to go. Yeah, that's And don't worry, I sorted everything.
[00:07:06] Liam: You know, there's, there's three things I want to dive into there. So the first one is how you are aware of the problem that you're solving for the landlord, you knows.
[00:07:14] So important to, to actually, you know, hey, I can solve this problem. You can have your time back because I'll co-host it on your behalf and, and you know, you, you just to pay me the invoice and that's it. You know what I mean? Um, the second thing you mentioned there was actually referrals. You know, most of yours has come from referrals.
[00:07:29] And again, that's talking about, first of all, building good relationships, but also delivering on what you say you're gonna do. You know, it's. It's amazing. Yeah. And the third one there you mentioned was Facebook. So you can use free social media to get pick up more, more co-hosting units, which is amazing.
[00:07:45] Karolina: That's exactly, you know, just connect with other faults because always, even sometimes we need help. I, I sometimes we away for holiday and my staff after Covid is smaller cause we lost before Covid. I have got 20 now we have got [00:08:00] just 14 and sometimes we need help because we away or something happened to my life and I have got always back up in other house and has patent inform me this ity just help us.
[00:08:11] And people say yes because the people know. Cause we connect with people.
[00:08:14] Liam: That makes sense. That makes sense. And there's two, uh, off, off the back of that, there's two sort of different ways I wanna go. The first thing is, obviously it sounds like hosting has really, you know, changed your life and, and really helped you.
[00:08:25] What is your favorite thing about being a host?
[00:08:28] Karolina: I loved connect with people and I love travel and hosting just allowed me to have my freedom because I don't have office, I don't have to work. I can just take my laptop and work from outside and give me money. Freedom. Yeah, because. Uh, it's, it is good money.
[00:08:47] Yeah. If you are co-hosting can ilo, you know when people have good, good experience. If someone stay with me and say, That was amazing. Uh, can we come back, uh, next year? Say, Absolutely not a problem. You are welcome back [00:09:00] every time.
[00:09:01] Liam: Oh yeah. I mean, that is like, say it's, the opportunity is huge and, and we get enjoyment out of being a host.
[00:09:08] The, the other side of the question I wanted to go down is, what has been the biggest challenge? What, what have you not enjoyed and what has been the biggest challenge, but what have you learned from it? Uh,
[00:09:20] Karolina: Challenge was for me when the covid hit, and that was couple months. When I really give up, I really give up with everything.
[00:09:27] I just left hosting because we lost like 50% of my compan and four months. I was like, on the backstage, I just left everything. I said, Oh, you do my husband, you can do everything. I'm just, that's me. Uh, that was hard for me because one day you. Everything. You just see like everything go down. But after three months I say, Oh my God, that I have to go back.
[00:09:51] I have to know everything back to normal. I start learning. I start listening. Is how I become an Boosty member because I [00:10:00] said there is have to be something to help me, you know, back to the track and enjoy hosting.
[00:10:05] Liam: Amazing. And, and just to summarize, I mean, how you felt at the time, It sounds as though you were a bit of a loss.
[00:10:10] Um, so
[00:10:12] Karolina: yes, I get lost because we lost everything in like, I can say 48 hours. Cause the lockdown was, you know, is lockdown in Scotland. The lockdown was longer than other countries cause some c. Still cannot. Scotland was really, really strict. You know, England, I think already you can travel and rent accommodation.
[00:10:35] Scotland take, I think around three months and after that, when everything back to normal, let's say, okay, that's me. I have to back, I have to learn, I have to, you know, take another properties. We can't, you know, just stack in the point.
[00:10:49] Liam: I mean, that is, um, a scary time. I mean, it's scary for everyone, but especially, like you say, not, not you weren't sure how long, the length of time, and you mentioned that you took [00:11:00] action and, you know, you, you found team Brucely and, uh, you know mm-hmm.
[00:11:03] What, what has that helped you do and what does the business look like now? How has things changed and, and how have you, I guess, what steps have you taken to improve on the situation since. I
[00:11:15] Karolina: am learning a lot from the podcast. Also, I have finally PMs manager , because before I was like, I can do everything, you know, each reservation I have to go across all these things, you know, cross over, send message.
[00:11:29] Quite often we have got double bookings because you know you are driving, you can't block calendar. Now I have got everything on the place and beautiful new website from.
[00:11:40] Liam: Awesome, awesome to hear. And I mean this great time to dive into the tech side of things. So just to summarize, you've, you've, you've done some training, you've listened to the podcast, and I can see you've taken a lot of action.
[00:11:51] Um, but the, um, the two things I wanna dive into. You mentioned your PMs and who was your PMs again? Sorry.
[00:11:58] Karolina: I have got Aviva now,
[00:11:59] [00:12:00] Aviva. Awesome. And, um, for people listening in who may not have a PMs, what advice would you have for somebody who hasn't got a PMs?
[00:12:09] Don't be like me. . Go straight away. It's really helpful and you don't have to keep everything, you know, when you get booking.
[00:12:19] Stress. You have to block this, block this, block this. You can forgot. You just, you know, Okay. I have got reservation, Everything go block, all message are sent. I just, you know, can drink my coffee. Enjoy life. Yeah. Don't be like me. Don't get stubborn. You can do everything. Just go for this. What is good for us.
[00:12:37] Yeah, it's really helpful.
[00:12:38] Liam: I think a lot of people will be resonating with what you're saying because once you've got your PMs, you, you sort, Why wasn't I doing this before? I mean, that's, that's how I found myself. And uh, it just makes such a difference to the time you get. You don't have to worry, do you Not not, not as
[00:12:53] Karolina: definitely.
[00:12:54] Definitely. And also you have got more listings. Yeah. Because they put you [00:13:00] on, uh, Visit Scott. There is lots of small different website and people can see. Yeah, because we use like the ota, like the channel to show. Yeah. We don't want people to book by them. But if people show you and you have got the brand, like my brand is Koi Caravan Scotland, people always can go to the Facebook or Instagram and found.
[00:13:23] Liam: That's cool. And you know, you, you've brought us beautifully onto to branding in general, like you say, because with, with, with Avivo, and not many people will necessarily know this about Vivo as a PMs, that's actually the PMs that puts you in the most places. You know, it, it literally puts you on so many different booking channels.
[00:13:40] And of course, because you're spreading your net really wide. And like you say, with your photos and your photography, you're hinting to people to come and book direct People see your brand and they've got hints and then they search for you. And of course they land on your, your loosely website, which, uh, you know, is, is, is gonna be amazing.
[00:13:58] So that is how you're gonna [00:14:00] bring more people in into book, which, which is pretty spectacular. So, yeah, I mean that, that sounds really good. And when it comes down to. You know, your website. What, what is your website for the people who are listening if they wanted to come and check out your, your website?
[00:14:14] Karolina: Uh, my website is Koi Caravan Scotland. Mm-hmm. , uh, and there's a one apartment, Insco and Caravan and Lodge, and you can book there and it's, the website is amazing because before I had my website was weeks and was so rubbish, was no mobile friendly. When I, when you try, go on mobile, the.
[00:14:40] Now everything is working, so that's cool.
[00:14:45] Liam: That's good to hear. And um, one of the things which, uh, we'd like to ask, I mean, is this has been released, you know, we are near the end of 2022. Uh, what are you most excited about at the moment? Uh, there's, you'll [00:15:00] other.
[00:15:01] Karolina: Uh, I'm excited about next year because, you know, next year bring, uh, you know, I hope bring us, uh, a lot of new bookings and, uh, inco.
[00:15:13] We have got lots of events. Probably we'll be holding the avision, but we still don't know. But yeah, we are really looking for that. For next.
[00:15:23] Liam: That's really cool. I mean, what a massive a, uh, you know, massive opportunity that will be so, fingers crossed. Uh, for, for the year. Yeah.
[00:15:30] Karolina: After the COP 26, the city was like full and everyone was hosting.
[00:15:36] People just messaged me because lots of people know me and people who just, Okay, we want rent for the co. Karina, can you create for us listing just for this time say absolutely not a problem. And this moment I think I have got about 25 listings.
[00:15:51] Liam: Wow. Wow. So that is, uh, Yeah. Yeah. That's gonna be major, isn't it?
[00:15:56] And we, we touched on briefly, you're, you're obviously on [00:16:00] Instagram and, and on Facebook, and it sounds as though you're the person people tag when people are looking for accommodation or when people are looking for a co-host. Uh, is there any tips or any hints that you've got four people, um, when it comes down, there'll be hosts listening to this who don't do anything on social media at all.
[00:16:17] What, what tips or what advice would you have for.
[00:16:21] Karolina: I think the social media is very important because people see your pictures, see your brand, and if you are not just, It's not, It's easy. It's easy to learn because quite often I ask my kids if I dunno how, you know, do video or something, I just give the phone to my kids and they make a magic and help me.
[00:16:40] If you don't know, ask your kids . But it's really worth to be, you know, Yeah, just go and create easy, easy, busy. Create the profile and go spread the word about your ity.
[00:16:54] Liam: Love it. Love it. So as we reach towards the end of these, uh, these behind the [00:17:00] host podcasts, we love to ask a couple of quick fire questions.
[00:17:03] So, uh, these answers can be as short or as long as you like. Um, and yeah, we'll, we'll dive in. So if you could have any superpower, what would it. Mm,
[00:17:15] Karolina: Super power. Talk with any best cause. I love.
[00:17:19] Liam: Oh, sorry, that broke up a bit there. Say again?
[00:17:22] Karolina: It, if I can understand and talk with animals, because I really love, and also we create in our listing, like if people stay with animals in our properties, the 50% we just donate to doctor issues because I'm really about the.
[00:17:42] Yeah, if someone got animals that will stay with us, we just really say that's the price. But half of this price we just donate to Rescue Center every month.
[00:17:52] Liam: Hey, that is something that you need all over the, The website. Yeah. It's
[00:17:56] Karolina: small, but really, really help [00:18:00] the small, you know, like charities, it's plenty of on Facebook, you can find out them and just.
[00:18:07] But that's
[00:18:08] Liam: the, that's the power as a host, you know, like from starting a business and creating income for yourself, you know, that's, that's, that's the first thing. It helps, you know, build an income, you know, live day, you can start to help the causes which are important to yourself. And, uh, being able to donate, you know, fee.
[00:18:24] And you say a small, but ultimately if everybody did that, hey, that would change, change things massively, wouldn't it? So,
[00:18:31] Karolina: And also if the guests leave any Unop food, we just donate to the food bank. Yeah. Because that that's fair. Yeah, that's fair. And if someone left, we just, you know, pack everything. And one times a week we just, uh, donate to food bank.
[00:18:47] Liam: Nice and so important as well. And yeah, I love these quick fire because you know, they, they really get to know you as opposed to the business, you know what I mean? Like what's important to you. And talking to animals isn't one that I've had before, so it's good. [00:19:00] Um, what is your top book recommendation or audio podcast?
[00:19:04] One of the two.
[00:19:06] Karolina: Uh, of your podcast. I like for visiting. I really like listening to guests. Love those guys. And how I found, because I was listening, the thanks for visiting and there was Mark, and that was because when I always was looking, was nothing in UK and. I just go there. He say, Oh my God, there's a guy from uk.
[00:19:27] I have to go there, .
[00:19:29] Liam: Oh, brilliant. I'm glad it led on to onto good things. So, uh, yeah, the thanks for visiting is, is a popular, we we get a lot of people from, from all over. Um, listen to that. So that's, that's a cool one. And uh, Mark, Mark gets everywhere, doesn't he? Which is great.
[00:19:42] Karolina: Yeah. Talking about, about the Mark and direct booking it, everything.
[00:19:48] That's
[00:19:49] Liam: cool. And, uh, what is one piece of advice or a mantra that you live by, you know, sort of a, a motto or, or some sort of thing that you live
[00:19:57] Karolina: by? Never give up. Give up [00:20:00] like me, because I take a break. Uh, but never give up. Just go, go, go.
[00:20:05] Liam: That shows, and what a beautiful way to, to bring it to an end. Cause that shows, you know, your, your journey.
[00:20:09] Like you say, you, you suffered a challenge during Covid, even by the business drop, and you still went out there and took action,
[00:20:15] Karolina: which is Yeah. Never. Yeah. Just keep going.
[00:20:18] Liam: I love it. And, uh, I'm just gonna ask one, uh, bonus question is, how has, um, being a member of Team Boost Lee helped you, you know, have, have you felt this valuable?
[00:20:27] Has it been worthwhile?
[00:20:28] Karolina: Yes, it's, it is. It's just amazing. If someone is not of just go, because it's amazing the you have got always podcasts, you have got always everything. If you ask question, everyone just give you straight away the answer. It's a good community. Thank
[00:20:44] Liam: you. Thank you for that. And, um, yeah, I feel we've really got to understand your business and some of your challenges and, uh, you know, there's been some tips in here.
[00:20:52] People will, uh, will feel inspired by, by your journey. And, uh, thank you very much for, for coming on today. If, if people wanted to get in touch, [00:21:00] what's the best way to do so?
[00:21:01] Karolina: The best is found me on Instagram, my business icon, Cosy Caravan, Scotland, or also we are on the Facebook, but mostly Instagram is the best to get contact with me.
[00:21:12] Liam: That's cool. So this, uh, for anybody listening is at Cozy, c o s y underscore caravan, C A R A V A N underscore Scotland, which is S C O T L A N D. And uh, definitely go and connect with, uh, Carolina there and, uh, you know, say hi and, uh, drop her a message saying you've just listened to this on the podcast. Uh, for anybody else who would love to come on the Behind the Host podcast or get involved in the community, the best place to go to would be the hospitable, uh, the hospitality, uh, community on Facebook.
[00:21:45] And, uh, you'll be able. Join in there with, uh, our free Facebook community. Anybody who wants to find out more about Boost Lee can do so at Boostly.co.uk So thank you so much, uh, Carolina for coming on today. Um, and, uh, [00:22:00] yeah, what is, uh, what is your plans for for the rest of today? Hi
[00:22:04] Karolina: back to the gym today because I have got off on the rest of the date and it's time for
[00:22:09] yoga.
[00:22:11] Liam: Ah, nice. I like it. Well, thanks again for coming on and uh, yeah, take care for now.
[00:22:15] Karolina: Yeah, thank you for having me. Bye
[00:22:18] Liam: bye. Bye. Having a blast. Gonna get it on the Bruce Lee podcast. Bruce Lee led Bruce Lee cuz it's so hard on the tees loose leaf. Making up those rhymes. Don't write it just to it loosely.
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