Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana

Is cold outreach dead? Or is it the secret to scaling your startup? | Meet Ayhan K. Issacs | Ep 22

How Founders Build Predictable Growth Engines - Ayhan Isaacs on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, proudly sponsored by Mr Alfred, the leading property and revenue management system for vacation rentals. In this episode, Oriol sits down with Ayhan Isaacs, founder of Growth Rhino, to unpack what it really takes to launch and scale an early-stage startup and what short-term rental (STR) companies in Dubai can learn from tech go-to-market strategies.  What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Ayhan’s journey from oil & gas operations in Dubai to cold calling in Canada and launching Growth Rhino ✅ How early sales and marketing failures inspired him to master outbound and growth strategies ✅ Why defining your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is crucial and why most founders start with the wrong assumptions ✅ The difference between working with agencies vs. building in-house marketing teams  ✅ Landlord acquisition strategies for holiday home operators in Dubai ✅ How content, networking, and cultural understanding are game-changers for real estate and STR companies ✅ The importance of building entrepreneurial “muscles” through experience, context-switching, and overcoming early challenges 🌍 Whether you’re a tech founder or a holiday home operator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to improve your go-to-market approach, generate leads, and scale sustainably. 🔗 Learn more about our sponsor Mr Alfred – the comprehensive PMS for vacation rentals with dynamic pricing, channel management, and marketing tools. Start your free light version at mralfred.com. Visit: www.mralfred.com A special thanks to HiGuests Vacation Homes, our official venue partner, for providing the perfect setting for our podcast. Visit: www.higuests.com 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews connecting the dots between technology, real estate, and entrepreneurship!  Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana. #ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

SubleasingDubai Meets bnbindubai | Episode-21 | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, shot live at Scale Middle East, the region’s largest event for short-term rentals and proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, Dubai’s leading PMS and RMS for vacation rentals. In this special edition, Oriol sits down with two of Dubai’s most prominent Airbnb entrepreneurs and content creators - Bergthor Palsson and Redeet Negate – who share the raw truth behind building successful subleasing businesses in one of the world’s most competitive rental markets. In this unfiltered conversation, you’ll discover: ✅ The Reality of Subleasing: Why Dubai is not for the faint of heart and how to avoid costly mistakes.  ✅ Building in Public: How personal branding on social media is driving business and credibility.  ✅ Market Overheating: How subleasing is impacting long-term rental prices in key Dubai towers.  ✅ Is Subleasing a Side Hustle? Why this high-stakes game demands full commitment.  ✅ Cash Flow, Seasonality, and Scaling: Real numbers, real talk - including how to survive the brutal summer months. Whether you’re an aspiring host or a seasoned operator, this episode delivers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to thrive in Dubai’s booming short-term rental market. 🎥 Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  👉 Visit mr.alfred: www.mralfred.com #ConnectingDots #ScaleMiddleEast #SubleasingDubai #VacationRentals #AirbnbDubai #DirectBookings #PropTech #mrAlfred #ShortTermRentals #BuildInPublic Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana. #ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

Meet Miquel Manzanas | Episode 20 | Tecfys | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, proudly sponsored by mr.alfred – the leading PMS and RMS for vacation rentals in Dubai. In this episode, Oriol is joined by his dear friend, Miquel Manzanas, founder of Tecfys, a tech-enabled equipment financing platform. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Skyrocketing Demand for Monthly Rentals  Hear how occupancy rates have consistently topped 90% post-COVID and why pricing regulations could disrupt a market that doesn’t have a demand problem—but a supply one. ✅ Venture Debt Demystified  We unpack the real cost of venture debt, equity kickers, personal guarantees, and the risks that don’t show up on a pitch deck. ✅ Smart Equipment Financing: Flexibility Over Draconian Debt  Discover how Tecfys offers small businesses breathing room with flexible contracts, asset buy-backs, and tech refurb strategies that traditional banks simply can’t match. ✅ The Truth About Barcelona’s Tourism Crisis  Is the real problem short-term rentals… or hotel lobby pressure? We dig into the politics behind headlines and why balanced data—not agenda-driven media—should drive regulation. ✅ Lessons in Risk, Resilience & Growth  From managing a sub-2% loss rate to expanding across four countries, this conversation is a masterclass in calculated growth and tech-first business building. 🎧 This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone curious about vacation rentals, B2B fintech, or just what it takes to build something that lasts. Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platforms. #ConnectingDots #VacationRentals #HiGuests #Tecfys #VentureDebt #StartupFinance #MonthlyRentals #PropTech #mrAlfred #TourismCrisis #RealEstateInnovation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📢 This episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana is proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, Dubai’s leading Property & Revenue Management System for vacation rentals. Empowering property managers with automation, dynamic pricing, and operational tools to maximize revenue and streamline operations. 🌐 Visit: www.mralfred.com Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana. #ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

Meet Mark Simpson| Boostly | Episode 19 | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, proudly sponsored by mr.alfred – the leading PMS and RMS for vacation rentals in Dubai. In today’s episode, our host Oriol Plana sits down with Mark Simpson, Founder & CEO of Boostly, one of the most influential voices in the vacation rental industry. Mark has helped hosts and property managers generate over £50 million in direct bookings and is on a mission to empower 1 million hospitality owners to cut OTA costs and boost profit margins—all while leveraging cutting-edge AI tools and innovative strategies. In this episode, discover: ✅ Boostly’s Journey & Mission: How Mark built Boostly to revolutionize direct bookings for real estate professionals. ✅ Insights from Scale Middle East: Mark shares his experience participating in Scale Middle East and his take on the dynamic Dubai market. ✅ Personal Branding on LinkedIn: Hear Mark’s tips on building a strong personal brand and using social media to drive business growth. ✅ Harnessing AI in Real Estate: Explore the AI tools that are transforming the industry and how they enable smarter, more efficient property management. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with actionable insights and innovative strategies to boost your direct bookings and transform your business. Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platforms! #ConnectingDots #Boostly #DirectBookings #VacationRentals #AI #PropTech #mralfred #RealEstateInnovation _________________________________________ This episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana is proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, the leading Property Management & Revenue Management System for short-term rentals. Based in Dubai, mr.alfred empowers property managers with automation, data-driven pricing, and operational efficiency, helping them maximize revenue and streamline management. If you’re in the vacation rental industry and looking to scale your business with cutting-edge tech, mr.alfred is the ultimate solution. Visit: www.mralfred.com A special thanks to Bnbme Homes for providing the perfect setting for our podcast. Their stunning properties served as the backdrop for our insightful conversations, making this episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana truly special. Visit: https://bnbmehomes.com/ Stay tuned for more exciting discussions from the heart of Dubai’s real estate and rental industry! 🚀🎙️ Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana. #ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

Meet Nina Klishevich | Blueground | Episode 18 | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

New Episode: Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana ft. Nina Klishevich – General Manager at Blueground Dubai In this episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, we sit down with Nina Klishevich, General Manager at Blueground Dubai, a global leader in furnished, flexible housing. With a portfolio of nearly 1,000 properties in prime Dubai locations, Blueground is reshaping the way people rent and live. Join us as we dive into: ✅ Blueground’s Vision & Model – How they are revolutionizing the short-term and mid-term rental market. ✅ Flexibility in Rentals – The growing demand for high-quality, fully furnished rentals for a month, a year, or more. ✅ Tech & PropTech Integration – How technology is driving efficiency and guest experiences in the rental industry. ✅ Market Trends in Dubai – Insights into the current state of the short-term rental industry and where it’s headed. ✅ Challenges & Opportunities – What’s next for the rental market and how companies like Blueground are adapting. _________________________________________ This episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana is proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, the leading Property Management & Revenue Management System for short-term rentals. Based in Dubai, mr.alfred empowers property managers with automation, data-driven pricing, and operational efficiency, helping them maximize revenue and streamline management. If you’re in the vacation rental industry and looking to scale your business with cutting-edge tech, mr.alfred is the ultimate solution. Visit: www.mralfred.com A special thanks to HiGuests Vacation Homes, our official venue partner, for providing the perfect setting for our podcast. As one of Dubai’s top holiday home operators, HiGuests manages premium vacation rentals, ensuring top-tier hospitality for guests and seamless property management for owners. Their stunning properties serve as the backdrop for our insightful conversations, making each episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana truly special. Visit: www.higuests.com Stay tuned for more exciting discussions from the heart of Dubai’s real estate and rental industry! 🚀🎙️ Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana. #ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes