365 Days without a lease: 6 lessons from knocking open 99 doors Chenyu Zheng 365daysOnAirbnb.com
 Ins: @365dOnAirbnb
who am I? what is it? why do i do it? 6 take aways 4 unique homes facades of humanity next stage
Who am I?
Name: Chenyu Zheng Hometown: Wuhu, China School: Princeton / Oxford Profession：Marketing @ UberEATS, PMM UberChina, Morgan Stanely , TEDx organizer
Who am I? art
coffee
4
Why do I do it?
2008 vs. 2012
2017
“I cannot properly tell you how happy I am that we reconnected after too many years. You have grown to be an interesting, positive and receptive young woman. Please follow your passions. � with love from your early BNB hosts in Salisbury, CT 3/3/2017
Why do I do it?
study abroad and become a global citizen
What is it?
365 days on Airbnb traveling within a city as an urban nomad
What is it?
What is it?
What is it? “The world is big and the world is small. Buddha says people with similar hearts will connect but the Internet makes it so much faster.�
What is it?
Home is an expression of our soul
home decoration is an extension of ourselves
item selections speak about our soul
6 take aways
1-1 It’s better to be locked outside than inside a building
1-1 take away: For guests: at check-in, always try the key yourself to make sure it works. For hosts: think through the entire check-out procedures.
1-2 “bed sheet” is not common in Asia
“why do all my Chinese guests throw out the top sheet?” host in LA
1-3 There are 50 different ways to turn on a TV and a shower (you would think it’s simple)
1-3 take away: simple labeling can improve guest experience.
1-4 Continental breakfast does NOT include eggs
1-4 take away: 1. Empathy for international travelers and different cultures 2. hosts cannot expect guests to read every detail on the listing
1-5 Full body mirror and hair dryer are not common when the hosts are male
1-5 take away: For host: Equip the home with hair dryer and full body mirror
1-6 Hospitality has multiple formats
1-6 take away: food connects people cross different cultures.
4 unique homes
1. Guilin | Artist’s Studio in a deserted 1970s Soviet Union factory
Host quote: “you are a different traveler. you are not here for the views, but to explore the most local markets and experience the daily life.�
2. Yangshuo | Qing dynasty home in a remote water village with travelers from 140+ countries
Host quote: “tonight this is your home. “
3. Szechuan | Architect’s dream in a 1000+ year old town at Mt. Emei
Host quote “I am 70 but my heart is 20.”
4. Xiamen| Hotel Wind: see the color of wind near the ocean
Host quote designer boutique hotel is the bnb of China. You can find local culture elements in the design.
different facades of humanity:
empathy
a bowl of edamame
a ticket to burning man
conflict
“you are not welcomed.”
“You said you are low maintainance.”
“Please don’t touch my AC.”
faith in humanity restored
“you can wear my shoes.”
“Don’t sleep in airport.”
next stage:
pet keeper
pet paintings
inspire hosts to do more Encourage a Superhost to offer hiking tours
Help hosts prepare house manual
inspire a new lifestyle in China “I read your Airbnb story and stayed with 3 airbnbs in Bangkok. I fell in love with Airbnb.”
“You inspired me to travel with Airbnb and share my story.”
inspire a new lifestyle in China
“You gave me courage to try Airbnb as a girl. In your blog, you said hospitality is a two-way gesture. Treat people how we want to be treated.�
spread Airbnb culture in China “Is the wall white beneath the block? we are also painting a culture wall. “
Thank you for showing me the Red Airbnb culture.
big bold bets:
1. Subscription service: airbnb as a lifestyle 2. Airbnb profile is more authentic than LinkedIn 3. China’s consumerism is ready for Airbnb
Take away & summary
Chenyu Zheng 365daysOnAirbnb.com