Good Mornin'!

Rebecca here… coming to you after a late-night binge of Lincoln Lawyer (great Netflix show, by the way).

In one episode, Elliot Gould’s character says something that stuck with me (I was a baseball Mom...!):  Not every hit has to be a home run. Sometimes a base hit is exactly what you need.

And of course… my brain immediately went to STRs.

Because if there’s one thing vacation rental owners understand, it’s the temptation to swing for the fences every single time.

So here are my Top 5 Baseball Analogies for STR Owners (and yes, STR associations too):

1.    You Don’t Need a Home Run Every Time

Not every decision requires a massive overhaul.

• Raising rates 3% instead of 15%
• Improving your listing photos instead of gut-renovating the kitchen
• Tightening your guest messaging instead of switching PMS systems

Those are base hits.

Stack enough base hits together and you win the game.

Consistency beats occasional grand slams.

2.    Defense Wins Championships

You can’t just score — you have to prevent runs.

In STRs, defense looks like:

• Strong house rules
• Clear guest communication
• Solid screening
• Backup systems (because yes… power does go out)
• Adequate insurance

It’s not flashy. But it protects your bottom line.

Professionals play defense.

3.    It’s a Long Season

Baseball teams play 162 games.

You will have:

• A slow booking week
• A guest who tests your patience
• A township meeting that raises your blood pressure
• A “why am I doing this?” moment

But one bad inning doesn’t define the season.

Serious operators zoom out. They manage for the long game.

4.    Know When to Bunt

Sometimes the smartest move is the quiet, strategic one.

• Joining your local STR association
• Showing up to a municipal meeting
• Investing in systems
• Taking a compliance training

You may not see fireworks immediately… but you move the runner forward.

Advocacy especially? Lots of bunts.
Occasional home runs.
But mostly disciplined, strategic play.

I'm going to mix analogies here, but "Slow is smooth, Smooth is fast!"

5.    Great Teams Win — Not Solo Players

Even the best hitter only bats once every nine players.

Running an STR can feel solo.
Advocacy can feel lonely.

But the strongest operators build a team:

• Cleaners
• Handymen
• Tech partners
• Fellow owners
• Associations that have their back

That’s how championships are built.

So tell me… did I miss one?

Is there a baseball analogy you use when running your STR business?

Hit reply and let me know.

And by the way — for this year’s Poconos STR Conference?

We are absolutely, unapologetically swinging for the fences.

It’s going to be strategic.
It’s going to be powerful.
It’s going to be worth showing up for.

(Too much? Maybe. But I mean it.)

See you on the field,
Rebecca