By: Birthday Cake by Debbie R via flicker photo
Whether you love, hate or feel meh about Airbnb, in 7 years they:
- Shook up the hospitality industry
- Created an income stream for thousands of people (including yours truly)
- Exploding with no end in sight
In May 2010, I became an Airbnb host when the economy shifted (I prefer to call it a shift rather than a recession). It's been an amazing ride. I've felt honored to welcome hundreds of guests into my home: Grandparents visiting their family, brand new parents picking up their adopted newborn, even a couple who held their wedding here during a hurricane.
Sure, Airbnb has helped me financially, but my personal growth and expanding empathy for each new visitor has been equally valuable. It's such a great feeling when a guest walks into my home and tells me how much they like it. I also love the idea that my home becomes part of someone’s trip. special day, or overall experience in my home city.
A good friend started renting a bedroom in his apartment this past December. He has lived alone for many years so he was surprised when he began to miss his guests when they’re gone! And there’s joy he gets when his guests keep in touch after they leave. And how much they want to come back. And there was an extra special connection he has with the guest who stayed at his place during renovations but didn't bat an eye. People are good…
… For the most part. Yes, you might get the guest who brings a stranger in the middle of the night, or smokes in your non-smoking home, or is too loud. It’s not like I never have guests who are no longer welcome here. It’s not always a bed of roses, but those guests are the exception. For the most part, my Airbnb hosting life has shown me that people are good.
And I want you to have the same experience. I’d like to show you how opening your home to strangers can change you for the better. You can create everlasting memories with people you'd probably never have met if they weren't sleeping in your home…and the money doesn't hurt either.
In less than a decade, Airbnb has grown to become:
- Airbnb 7 years ago via Tech Crunch
2008 logo
- 2014 “Inc.” Company of the Year
- Raising 1 billion dollars in funding
- Analysis estimate Airbnb’s revenues will cross half billion mark in 2015
- Booking More Hotel Rooms than the largest Hotel Chain
- Airbnb on track to make $900 million in 2015
- President Obama named Airbnb founder Brian Chesky Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship – May 2015
- Airbnb has grown 750% since 2009
A great article about Airbnb’s growth story:
How Airbnb founders raised money in 2008:
Airbnb has had its share of growing pain such as:
- Airbnb user’s home is trashed (2011)
- Hookers turn Airbnb apartment into brothel
- NY Attorney General cracks down on Airbnb
What are your thoughts about Airbnb? Interested in becoming an Airbnb host? Have you been hosting for a while and want some tips? Sign up to my newsletter to get insights, webinar announcements and get the ultimate room-to-room checklist – a must for any new or experienced host.
Until next time.
Your host,
Evelyn
