How Joe Gebbia Transformed Airbnb from Failing Startup to $85 Billion / Year Business

Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and Samara, speaks at the Tony Robbins Business Mastery seminar. His creative vision has transformed the travel industry and connected millions of people across cultures.

Apply for Business Mastery: https://tonyr.co/3TX1oGs

In 2008, the necessity to pay rent sparked the birth of Airbnb with his co-founders, Brian Chesky and Nathan Blecharczyk. What began as a modest setup of three airbeds, a pop-tart breakfast, and local insights has evolved into a global phenomenon -- revolutionizing hospitality, human connectivity, and economic stimulation.

Today, Airbnb boasts nearly 7 million listings in over 220 countries and regions, reshaping the way people interact globally. Joe’s latest venture, Samara, comparably cemented in economic empowerment, housing resources, and design, produces fully customized, factory-made homes designed for rental income, a place to house family, work from home, or pursue an interest. Each home is equipped with rooftop solar panels that generate more electricity than they use.

Joe has spoken globally about both entrepreneurship and design and received numerous distinctions such as the Inc 30 under 30, and speaking at TED, Wired, and Fast Company. He loves to find opportunities to give back on the local and global level and has joined the Giving Pledge to commit more than half of his wealth to philanthropy. He contributes his time via other board seats at Airbnb, Airbnb.org, and Tesla.

Joe’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, illustrating why every rejection serves as an invitation to persist. He transformed a struggling concept into a global powerhouse by delivering unforgettable experiences to customers, and he continues to innovate. This conversation is a must for all entrepreneurs!

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Apply for Business Mastery: https://tonyr.co/3TX1oGs

00:00:00 Tony's Intro
00:01:10 Airbnb's humble beginnings
00:01:35 Airbnb's exponential growth
00:02:30 Relocating to Silicon Valley / chasing the entrepreneurial dreams
00:05:02 From simple idea to groundbreaking concept
00:08:01 Initial challenges and rejection
00:09:19 Build trust through personalized experiences
00:10:00 How photography enhanced user experience
00:12:00 Double revenue through customer-centric improvements
00:14:18 Effects of word-of-mouth marketing
00:17:04 Creative capital-raising strategies at the DNC
00:19:01 Creative funding through credit cards and themed cereal boxes
00:19:01 Overcoming investor rejection with Visa, MasterCard, and AMX rounds
00:20:40 The 2 a.m. kitchen idea
00:22:02 Limited edition Obama O's at $40/box
00:24:41 $20,000 generated to pay off debts
00:28:01 Designing trust through profiles, payments, and reviews
00:29:31 Importance of finding complementary co-founders
00:33:09 Resilience during the COVID-19/ losing 80% of business
00:35:16 Support programs for hosts during pandemic crisis
00:35:25 Creation of Airbnb.org to house frontline workers
00:35:33 Financial measures taken/ $2 billion in loans
00:36:23 Alumni directory to aid in job searches
00:37:34 Launch of "Go Near" campaign to promote domestic stays
00:37:58 Adapting to changing travel behaviors with flexible bookings
00:38:04 Redesign of interface to align with new travel patterns
00:38:24 Successful IPO in December 2020
00:40:33 Innovative housing solutions with ADUs
00:45:06 Ocean Cleanup Project
00:47:28 Providing housing for refugees in times of crisis
00:50:56 The seven-star experience principle
00:51:56 Balancing financial success with a sense of social responsibility
00:53:34 The importance of patience and urgency
00:54:51 Design company culture with intention
00:55:34 Know your competitors well
00:59:06 Embrace doing things that don't scale in early stages
01:02:02 Aim for "Ramen profitable" status for financial freedom
01:03:31 Transform small businesses into global brands
01:04:39 Tony sign's off

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Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the nation's #1 Life and Business Strategist. For more than four and a half decades, more than 100 million people from 195 countries have enjoyed the warmth, humor, and transformational power of his business and personal development events.