In today's episode, Neil Harvey delves into the essence of Airbnb as a company. He provides a detailed backstory of Airbnb's founding by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk in 2007, highlighting their innovative approach to offering accommodation. Neil emphasizes the significance of understanding Airbnb's vision and philosophy, particularly focusing on the company's commitment to fostering genuine human connections through hosting. He also shares valuable insights into why he exclusively uses Airbnb as his booking portal, citing reasons such as extensive marketing support, insurance coverage, guest verification, streamlined payment processes, and exceptional customer service. KEY TAKEAWAYS Airbnb was founded in 2007 by three friends who saw a gap in the market for travelers to be hosted by locals, providing a more personalized and authentic experience. Airbnb has over 7 million listings run by more than 4 million hosts, with hosts making at least £6,000 a year and some making up to a million pounds annually. Airbnb's vision goes beyond just renting out space; they aim to create genuine human connections globally, promoting a heart and soul business model. Airbnb handles marketing, insurance, guest verification, payments, and has a strong customer rating, making it a hassle-free platform for hosts. Utilize the tools provided by Airbnb and leverage your property to create a successful hosting experience, as the success triangle consists of you, your property, and Airbnb. BEST MOMENTS "I've hosted over 1,200 guests from over 40 countries around the world." "Airbnb provides a platform that promotes genuine human connections globally." "Airbnb has one of the strongest customer ratings in the industry with more than 96% of guests being happy with the site, service and their stay." "Hosting is a deeply human experience." "To make some extra money, just sign up with Airbnb."   ABOUT THE HOST Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.  Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost. With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication. In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.   Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.