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New opportunities through high touch experiences
Corporate housing must be resuscitated and reimagined for the future . As the way we work continues to evolve , so must our understanding of how corporate housing can serve both companies and individuals . What will it look like in the next decade ? To remain relevant , we must ask these questions and be prepared to innovate in response .
The cyclical nature of the market reminds us that there will always be challenges , but also opportunities . We must weather the storms while keeping our eyes on the horizon , ready to seize the potential ahead . The " new normal " we are navigating is driven by multiple factors - government policies , economic conditions , and societal shifts . Understanding these forces allows us to anticipate change , preparing us for whatever comes next .
It ’ s clear to me that the next generation seeks control over their environment , showing loyalty only to what supports that autonomy . Having spent 25 years running a corporate housing business , I ’ ve learned that change is the only constant . To weather any storm , we must keep an eye on the future . How are we diversifying our business ? To whom is our marketing speaking ? During slower times , how can we capture the attention of potential clients who might not otherwise have the time to engage with us ? Even in challenging times , opportunities to strengthen and grow remain .
The impact of sustainability and social value
At Stay Sojo , we recognized this mindset shift early on and adjusted our approach . We embarked on a branding journey to speak to the digital nomads , individual travelers , and employees who prefer more control over their housing choices , all while maintaining our commitment to our corporate clients . Now , the challenge is continuing to build brand loyalty and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive environment . In comparison , brands like Landing and Blueground have significant capital at their disposal to build brand awareness , so how do we stand out ?
We ’ ve focused on convenience-based partnerships like Grubhub , social impact partners like Gifts for Good , and sustainability-focused companies like Greenfeet to connect with our guests and offer more than just a stay . Our focus is on not just providing better but also doing better for others , our communities , and the individual interests of our guests . We want to be a part of the change and drive awareness through our shared values . We know it ’ s a collaborative effort and aim to provide measurable change our guests can see and experience for themselves . This is the future we see for corporate housing or short term stays , helping our guests participate in something bigger than themselves while enjoying a new , fulfilling experience on their own terms . for over 10 years — is our differentiator . Service and dedication to the guest experience are at the heart of everything we do . Personal interactions and customized solutions tailored to our clients ' needs are what set us apart . In a world increasingly driven by technology , it ’ s that human connection that may feel more memorable and trusted , encouraging guests to return in the future .
Leveraging technology and maintaining strong partnerships
However , we must also embrace technology . The potential for AI to enhance our guest experience and sales process is something we ’ re taking seriously . We ’ re exploring how AI can complement our brand without losing the personal touch that defines us . Our process is multi-layered and requires a hands-on approach , but there are certainly opportunities to integrate AI where it makes sense , ensuring we don ’ t fall behind .
At Stay Sojo , our supply chain is another cornerstone of our success . Our clients trust us to source the best options for their employees , whether that means using our own product or a vetted supplier in remote cities or for shorter stays . This practice is even more critical in a lower-volume market , helping us hedge risk while delivering exceptional client experiences . While our approach may seem more manual and relationshipdriven than today ’ s platform-driven systems , we believe this method yields better results and stronger relationships .
Remaining optimistic about the future of corporate housing
Despite the challenges of the past year , I remain optimistic about the future of the corporate housing industry . Adversity presents opportunities for evolution and growth . The key lies in how we respond to challenges and where we focus our energy . At Stay Sojo , we ’ re committed to our team , investing in technology to enhance our guest and sales experiences , and maintaining the relationships that are the foundation of our success .
Credit : Oasis
The power of personalization and team
For us , the answer lies in our people . Our fiercely loyal and tenured team — many of whom have been with us