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OMG I Joined AirBnB

by Dennis Goedegebuure 12 Comments

OMG, just like that, I switched jobs! Just after 14 months I’m moving from Geeknet, to AirBnB to head up their Global SEO efforts.

Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night - Accommodations on Airbnb

New Adventures Begin

With my departure from eBay last year, after almost 10 years, I got the chance to see different companies from up close. Geeknet was somewhat familiar territory, as I was hired by a former VP of eBay, who had just joined Geeknet as the CEO. Although the industry Geeknet was focussed on was completely different than eBay, I was able to bring significant value to the company through the SEO program. What can you expect if you work with sites like Slashdot & SourceForge.

Already before the sale of Geeknet Media assets to Dice Holding, I realized I would like to work in a company or product focussed directly at the end user. Geeknet was too focussed on Advertising products for me. I would like to market a product directly to the consumer who will make the decision and benefit from the product, rather than market to advertisers who will spend money to market to their consumers.

AirBnB, My Passion Is Travel, Photography and SEO

For those not familiar with AirBnB, I sorted a couple of interesting articles for you to read:

  • Fast Company names AirBnB as one of their most innovative companies
  • AirBnB also appeared on Times list of Top 50 websites which make the Internet great
  • Andreessen – Horowitz invested in AirBnB last year 

The company has values and design principles close to my passions; Travel, Photography and Internet. Just look through some of the listings on AirBnB, you could stay in a English castle or in this 1sq meter house in Berlin for just $13. Check the top 40 coolest places on AirBnB. With AirBnB growing really fast, and with multiple referrals, the deal was closed faster than I initially expected and the decision to join a startup was not that difficult. Just ask yourself, who doesn’t want to work in such a cool office space…Check this virtual office tour of the AirBnB office ein San Francisco.
AirBnB office in San Francisco

Every meeting room at the AirBnB office resembles a real listing on the site which you could rent for a couple of days. See the picture here on the right, which is a room from one listing in New York. Source: Beautiful Spaces Matter.

Based on the last couple of posts here, you can see that I take this move really seriously. Changing the way I work, getting up early and focus, turning myself into a hipster, cutting all my hear in the process, probably makes me the right person to kick some butt in this new role and accelerate the rocket ship which is called AirBnB. More to come..

As always I like to build close relationships with my readers, so I like to hear what you think of this move. Feel free to comment below here…

Filed Under: Personal Growth

Comments

  1. ReubenYau says

    November 1, 2012 at 4:57 am

    Congrats Dennis. I’m sure you’ll thrive in that role given that it’s aligned with your passions.

    Reply
  2. Fioontje says

    November 1, 2012 at 6:37 am

    You’re the best… and you know it!

    Reply
  3. melissafach says

    November 1, 2012 at 7:59 am

    Congrats Dennis! Very happy that you are happy. I checked out AIRBnB’s site. The photography is amazing! Have fun!

    Reply
  4. ToddMalicoat says

    November 1, 2012 at 10:52 am

    That’s awesome man – it’s great to be able to do marketing for a great product and your passions.  Congrats on living the dreamman!

    Reply
  5. Renee VonBergen says

    November 1, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Fantastic! Really happy for you because I think it’s a good move. They could clearly benefit from your skills and drive. They have a really good and interesting product with a “seller” base that reminds me of eBay in the good ol’ days. Enjoy!

    Reply
  6. garethjax says

    November 2, 2012 at 10:34 am

    NIce move Dennis! 🙂

    Reply
  7. slaven1 says

    November 2, 2012 at 10:48 am

    Nice, congrats Dennis!!

    Reply
  8. Ana {SpanglishBaby} says

    November 4, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    Sounds like a great move and they are lucky to have you! Good things come to good people, that’s for sure

    Reply
  9. JulienDecot says

    November 5, 2012 at 7:45 am

    nice 😉 hope you crush it there !

    Reply
  10. superdumb says

    November 26, 2012 at 7:52 am

    Sounds like a perfect fit! Hope you need my help with some projects down the line…

    Reply

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