MNGT 3100-003
November 7.2014
Colin Harrang
Daniel Kundla
Lindsey Payne
Daniel Robertson
Daniel Robinson
Company Description
History/Background
Airbnb is a unique company that provides a different kind of lodging option to travelers. Ultimately, Airbnb is a social networking site that allows people to share their space as if were a hotel. In order to use the site, each individual must be registered with their own profile that includes recommendations, rating and such. As well as personal profiles, each property must also have an association with the host profile. Through this network hosts and guest can be connected and communicate in a safe and monitored environment as well as share their lodging experiences with other users.
Two of the founders, Brain Chesky and Joe Gebbia, first formulated this revolutionary idea when they could not afford their rent living in San Francisco. Rather than taking traditional routes to make ends meet, the young men transformed their living room into a hotel room of sorts that accommodated 3 guest and included homemade breakfast. From this creative money making strategy the idea for an Air bed and breakfast was born. After the founding in 2008 the site focused their efforts around scheduled events when hotel space was limited and grew exponentially from there. From humble beginnings of renting rooms similar to their own living room, Airbnb has expanded to an international company through which a variety of spaces can be shared. Anything from an castle to an igloo can be found within the site’s content.
Not only does this website provide unique accommodations from other lodging options but as a guest you are actually hosted by whomever you stay with. Having a type of social connection with the host allows visitors to utilize a special perspective of an unfamiliar city or community. From this connection Airbnb derived their mission statement “Belong Anywhere”. On the Airbnb blog Brian writes about
Cited: "Airbnb Mastering the Service Networking Economy But Can It Play in the Big Leagues?" Capitalist Creations. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. "Airbnb." Technology Pioneers 2014. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. "Airbnb." World 's Largest Professional Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. Chezky, Brian. "Belong Anywhere - Airbnb 's New Mark and Identity." The Airbnb Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. "Surviving the Financial Risks of Fast Growth." CKGSB Knowledge. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.