February 24, 2026
#173 Why Connection is the Secret to Sustainable STR Success
Success in the short-term rental world often looks like a highlight reel of beautiful interiors and impressive occupancy rates. But let’s be real. What happens when your business looks great on paper, but you’re feeling completely drained behind the scenes? I’ve walked that path, and I know that the missing ingredient isn’t usually a better property management system—it’s the power of connection.
In a recent conversation with my dear friend and seasoned operator, Beata Lorinc, we pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to thrive in this industry for the long haul. Beata has been in the game for over a decade, starting back when there were no Facebook groups, no podcasts, and no playbooks. Her journey from isolation to building a powerful “village” offers a roadmap for every woman looking to scale without losing her mind.
The Hidden Cost of the Isolated Entrepreneur
When many of us started, we operated on pure grit and a touch of stubbornness. We figured it out through trial by error, often learning the hard way because we didn’t have anyone to ask. While that builds character, it also builds a very lonely foundation.
As women business owners, we often have supportive families who cheer us on, but they don’t always get it. They don’t understand why a specific guest review or a vendor issue feels like a crisis.
Without a community of peers who speak the same language, you’re left carrying the mental load entirely on your own. According to experts, community is often the “missing piece” that sustains long-term entrepreneurial success because it provides the emotional resilience that individual effort simply cannot.
Understanding the Power of Borrowed Courage
There is a concept we discussed called “borrowed courage.” Even the most successful leaders hit a wall where their own confidence falters. Maybe you’re launching a new project, navigating a market shift, or dealing with a “baptism by fire” situation.
In those moments, you need a village to believe in you when you’re struggling to believe in yourself. The power of connection isn’t just about referral links or technical advice; it’s about having someone you can call to say, “I’m tired, and I don’t know if I can do this today,” and having them walk you off the ledge.
True growth happens when you surround yourself with people who breathe life into your dreams.
Recognizing When to Pivot for Your Peace
Beata shared a powerful story about rebuilding her portfolio three times. At one point, she owned successful coastal properties that were performing well financially. However, her nervous system couldn’t handle the constant stress of the hurricane cycles.
She made the bold, difficult decision to sell those properties because they were no longer healthy for her life. This is the “CEO mindset” in action. It’s recognizing that you aren’t a tree—you can move.
If a property, a system, or even a specific circle of friends no longer aligns with your peace and your goals, you have the permission to pivot. This is a core part of learning how to scale your STR portfolio sustainably.
How to Build Your STR Village
If you’re feeling the pull for deeper connection, don’t just wait for it to happen. You have to be intentional about creating your village. Here is how you can start:
- Seek Out High-Level Rooms: You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Find groups where people are taking risks and building at your level.
- Look for Culture First: Every community has a different vibe. If one mastermind doesn’t feel right, keep looking until you find the one that fits your values.
- Show Up Authentically: Real connection happens when you stop trying to look like you have it all figured out. Share the leaks in your pipeline and the fears you’re facing.
- Attend In-Person Events: There is a specific magic that happens when you meet your peers face-to-face. Events like “The Host Connect” are designed specifically to bridge the gap between digital interaction and real-life partnership.
Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis to realize you need a village. Start building those relationships today so that when the storms come—literally or figuratively—you have a team standing with you.
Click here now to listen to the full podcast.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[02:52] Beata shares what it felt like building in the early days with no roadmap
[07:14] The emotional cost of “figuring it out alone”
[10:54] Borrowed courage: leaning on others when your confidence wavers
[15:18] Knowing when a property—or a season—is no longer aligned
[19:17] Outgrowing communities and why staying too long can stall growth
[24:47] Why success without support is not sustainable
[30:04] Redefining what “enough” looks like in business and life
Golden Nuggets:
- “You don’t need more information—you need the right people.”
- “Borrowed courage can carry you until yours catches up.”
- “Just because something is profitable doesn’t mean it’s sustainable for you.”
- “Outgrowing a room isn’t betrayal—it’s evolution.”
- “You were never meant to do hard things alone.”
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