CREATIVE CHAT CAFE - Savvy social business trends that are supporting Entrepreneurship & the green economy (LIVE broadcast)

DISCUSSIONS INCLUDE:

• Review and discussions on the AirBnB community and Uber app.
  
• How to benefit from social business trends like AirBnB and Uber.
  
• How to turn social businesses into profits.

Save time and skip ahead to the information that is important to you using the video's table of contents (TOC) in the video description on YouTube! 
Table of Contents (click on the minute timeline for the specific content):
00:46 - Greetings & introductions.
02:27 - What's in this episode - AirBnB and Uber.
07:14 - AirBnB as a way to make  some money.
10:55 - A quick look at AirBnB's website and dashboard.
13:45 - 3 reasons why Zef thinks AirBnB is great way to do business.
14:19 - Sondra's book recommendation - "Letting people in."
15:44 - How AirBnB and Uber are helping people connect.
18:19 - How a concierge type business can benefit from AirBnB. 
22:22 - Sondra's ideas and tips for AirBnB hosts. 
23:56 - How to harness and turn the AirBnB concept into a great opportunity.  
27:40 - Things to be mindful of when engaging in a social business. 
29:42 - Zef's tips for AirBnB users.
31:51 - Lirone's tips on how to communicate better  to learn more about other people. 
33:24 - Zef's tips for AirBnB hosts that will help them get better results. 
36:00 - Lirone: How suitcase entrepreneurs and business folks can benefit from AirBnB. 
37:39 - Leverage AirBnB and maximize your travel options. 
38:38 - Quick review of this episode of Creative Chat Cafe.
40:16 - What is Uber and how does one get service and ride?
43:17 - A look at Uber and the features offered.
44:19 - How Uber helps build the personalized human connection and experience. 
45:47 - A look at the Uber features and app. 
47:49 - Optimizing Uber as  a solution.
50:50 - How to tap into social networks to help boost your AirBnB and Uber business.  
52:43 - How ride sharing are changing cities and helping them green up their environment.
56:10 - Lirone's tips on how to utilize and  maximize your Uber ride.  
56:58 - How Uber is helping green up the economy.
58:03 - Cast  contact information.
1:00:05 - Let's get social!

the conversation:                                                                        your hosts:

SONDRA: It’s April Fools Day! This is not a trick, we are really LIVE right now. The topic for today: “Savvy social business trends that are supporting entrepreneurship & the green economy.” Since the launch of Facebook, many social businesses are sprouting up in the past few years. Today, in this show, we are going to talk about two of the most recent social trends that are picking up momentum and they are:

• AirBnB -  a community marketplace where guests can book spaces from hosts, connecting people who have space to spare with those who are looking for a place to stay
  
• • It is easy, enjoyable, and safe, while helping the economy and entrepreneurship.
    
• Uber - connects you with a driver in minutes. Or, you can also be the driver. 

Uber App

ZEF: Have either one of you had any experience with either AirBnB or Uber?

LIRONE: I’m a GetTaxi junkie, which is similar to Uber. Uber just entered the Israeli market where Get taxi rules. This is a fantastic service for everyone - I get taxi’s fast, there is a “code of service” the drivers are obligated to which makes it safe in terms of payment and attitude. and the drivers get non-stop work so it helps the client and the economy! In regards to AirBNB I  know the service but never used it.

Get Taxi

meet zef here

LIRONE GLIKMAN 
www.LironeGlikman.com 
"Lirone Glikman is an energetic 
business networking coach, 
blogger and international 
speaker. She shares her 
networking knowledge and 
philosophy in order to help 
others take control of their lives, 
reach their goals, succeed, and 
most importantly, enjoy doing it!" 

---

SONDRA FIRESTEIN
www.PursuitOfSeattle.com 
"Sondra is the founder of 
PursuitofSeattle.com, which 
offers concierge, lifestyle 
management, and personal 
assistance services. 'I work hard 
so I can play harder. When I'm 
not helping others find balance in 
their lives, you can find me 
eating delicious food, 
paddleboarding, or dancing like 
nobody is watching." 

LIRONE: Sondra, you say hosting an AirBnB is a breeze, what can you do to make it even easier for your clients? 

SONDRA: As a personal concierge, I help my clients manage their AirBnB as well. I'll take the photos, communicate with possible guests and will make sure it's clean before and after, restocking whatever is necessary. My friend, Rochelle Short, wrote a book about being an AirBnB host. It is called "Letting People In." It's a very good read. 

Letting People In. Written by Rochelle Short

ZEF: Lirone, as a business owner, how do you see the AirBnB concept can help the suitcase type entrepreneur?

LIRONE: It just makes travel life more fun and cozy. Hotels are nice, but many people want to feel at home - even away from home, being independent and also booking good places in advance.

ZEF:  Here's some key points about AirBnB

• Online and Offline verification, builds more trust
• Keep communications via AirBnB until booking is made and until guest is ready to arrive 

• Keep clear description of listing - description of what’s included & house rules & interaction guideline

AirBnB

SONDRA: Not only is it important to check out your guests before hosting for security, but also to weed out those who aren't serious. You don't want to book your space for someone and then have them not show up without calling. That costs you money and time. 

ZEF: That's a great point, Sondra. And I have a tip for those of you who are thinking about doing this. To make sure the person is serious, you should charge them a security deposit to hold the space. If they really want it, they will pay the deposit. Also, the AirBnB app has three  cancellation policies to choose from, so if you are worried about whether a guest is serious or not, choose the moderate or strict policy. The strict one is that once they book it, they have to pay whether they show up or not, no cancellations. The moderate one gives them five days to cancel for a full refund. 

The Suitcase Entrepreneur. Written by Natalie Sisson

LIRONE: I wanted to mention that even though I am a suitcase entrepreneur, the most well-known suitcase entrepreneur is my friend, Natalie Sisson, who wrote a book called "The Suitcase Entrepreneur." She also has a website www.TheSuitcaseEntrepreneur. 

ZEF: Thanks. Lirone! And on that note, we are out of time. See you all next week!

let's get social:

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our hashtags:

#CreativeChatCafe #BusinessTalkShowHangouts #CCCTime2Hangout 

zef'S  STORY:

ZEF: Here is my story on what peaked my interest with AirBnB and how I got started:
Had Extra Room

• Have hosted many people in past years - not a problem
  
• Hosting is part of a cultural upbringing
  
• Being an extrovert helps!
  
• WHY NOT make money since I have been doing this for years! (just my entrepreneurial side kicking in)
  
• PLUS - location / demography was right - 4 local universities within 15 - 20 minutes INCLUDING Yale University

Experience

• My first guest just left yesterday and it was a great experience, and I made a NEW FRIEND
  
• Smart University of Houston student who was here for the Global Health Conference

    Community Based

• Social groups on AirBnB that provide help to one another - just like a social network
  
• Get help on how to host, tips, etc.

tips from the show:

ZEF:  AirBnB is good because:

• System is available - app, support, social groups
  
• Sets up quickly - you’re the receptionist at the hotel front desk!
  
• Gets more GREEN / “moolah” in our pockets! Who doesn’t like that? Movie money, new suit money, gas money, dentist money, etc.

SONDRA: I use Uber when I have to, usually late at night. I like the UberX service, it’s generally cheaper than taxis and are typically ecofriendlier cars - prius and camry vs. massive SUV. As far as AirBnB goes, I’ve never used it personally but I’ve helped a lot of my traveling clients find the right place both here and abroad. I’ve also helped people set theirs up here to help pay for rent.

---

LIRONE: It’s a total different experience staying in an apartment than a hotel. AirBnB helps you do just that and choose places to stay based on their ranking, location and more. It does give you more freedom in a way I believe.