Earn by Hosting People

Another income source can give you that extra courage to start your own business. That’s what hosting people did for me.

• Earn by Hosting People
• The Big Takeaway
• Business Model Breakdown
• Software
• Service
• Income
• Simple finances (per booked night)
• Time to hit milestones (using €114 net per booked night)

When I moved to New Zealand from the Netherlands in 2019, I started working on projects in my garage after work to earn some extra cash on the side.

I started building industrial furniture. After building two coffee tables and a coat rack, I realised this was not my thing for the long-term. It was a lot of work for low margins.

That business model did not suit me, but this venture did make me want to pursue entrepreneurship.

I wanted it. However, I was frankly too scared to take the full leap, quit my job and go all in. Something I did not want to admit at the time, but now am realistic enough to acknowledge.

About two years later, in 2022, we got the opportunity to buy a house with a small extra house on the property. I immediately saw the vision: what if we rent out that extra house as an additional income stream so I can quit my job and build my own business?

We took the gamble, and it worked out. We bought the house, styled the small extra house with a bed, listed it on Airbnb, earned extra money, I quit my job and I built my one-person engineering business.

The Big Takeaway

Sometimes the fastest path to your long-term business goal is pursuing a temporary venture that buys you time, reduces risk and builds confidence. Pick a model that creates reliable cash flow and teaches you actual business skills. Then use that stable base to make the leap into your next big venture.

Business Model Breakdown

Here is a simple breakdown of how this business model works. The numbers below are fairly accurate, but they will fluctuate depending on season, location and the type of listing.

Software

Airbnb

Service

Host people in your spare room, sleep out or house. You keep the place clean (though you can hire cleaners), welcome guests and help them find nice spots in your area (no need to cook or provide food). Airbnb handles the website and payments while you focus on being a good host.

Income

You earn a big percentage of what guests pay per night. Airbnb takes a small cut.

Simple finances (per booked night)

Time to hit milestones (using €114 net per booked night)

The Airbnb property I hosted.