We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Ruber a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My Mom. She is one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. She is always looking at the positive side of a situation. The part that makes her phenomenal is that she didn’t grow up with an easy family life. She had to foster positivity and create an optimistic outlook coming from, what was often, a hard place to find happiness.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Since it is January, and the month of my birthday, I will share about my birthday journal. I keep a journal, started when I was 25, that I write in on my birthday. I write about the past year, what I did on my actual birthday and print photos to add to it. The pivotal piece of this journal is that I write the 3 moments that really stood out from the last year and 3 things I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. Don’t underestimate the power of written intention. Almost always what I write I want to accomplish, I do. I don’t think that’s magic. I think it’s taking the time to really assess goals and then writing about them puts them into motion.
For my work I run a vacation rental business in Portland, Oregon. I love hospitality; creating a beautiful environment brings me a lot of joy, and the guests feel that intention. My goal is that our guests feel loved and cared for when they stay with us. The business is a perfect fit for my husband and I. We love traveling and are always on the lookout for things we notice and appreciate, so we can incorporate them into our business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
- Respect- I have found that when you respect the team around you, people show up more. And to be clear that team includes the UPS driver who drops packages off at the office. For example, I used to have lunch a few times a year with my driver, he was one of the coolest people I had met. Filled with passion and compassion. I think the mutual respect for one another added so much. He always brought in vibrant energy and taught us all that no matter what your job is you can do it with zest.
- Taking risks- You know how in Vegas you have to bet to win big….Well, I basically think there is a truth to that in small business as well. The risks should be calculated, but based on the nature of business ownership often what one tries is for the first time. I recommend softening to risk and realizing taking risks are an inherent piece of business and that taking them is part of the process.
- Not listening too much to others-This one piggybacks on the risk. Often people will be scared of the risk you are taking and try to talk you out of it. So don’t listen too much to the scared folks. Do your research. Make sure you aren’t over stretching and putting you or your family in financial harm. Assuming not, then jump in and don’t listen too loudly to the people who say not to go for it.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
They traveled with me a lot growing up. From luxury hotels to street food carts, we learned the value in appreciating both. Often, we give too much attention or value to things that cost lots of money when in reality there is greatness in so much. They taught me to open my eyes and see the beauty that is everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiftvacationrentals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftvacationrentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShiftVacationRentals/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ruber-17b44927/
