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Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, shares one of the most valuable pieces of advice he’s ever received—and it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to build a successful business. It all comes down to focusing on a core group of customers who absolutely love what you do. Here’s why this approach can make all the difference.
Photo: Skift.com
The Magic of 100 True Fans
Chesky explains that it’s far better to have 100 customers who are deeply passionate about your product than to have a million who are only mildly interested. Why? Because those 100 true fans will go out and spread the word. They’ll tell their friends, who will tell their friends, and so on. This creates a viral effect that can propel your business to new heights.
Growing Virally
This concept of growing virally is powerful. When your product or service has passionate advocates, they naturally become your best marketers. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their genuine recommendations carry more weight than any advertisement ever could.
Historical Movements and Passionate Followers
Chesky points out that almost all significant movements in history have grown in a similar way. They started with a small group of deeply passionate followers who believed in a cause and spread the word. These advocates are not just customers; they are evangelists who are willing to share their positive experiences with others, driving growth organically.
Creating Customer Advocates
To achieve this kind of viral growth, you need to focus on creating an exceptional product or service that people truly love. It’s not enough for them to like it; they need to feel a strong connection and enthusiasm. Here’s how you can do it:
Deliver Outstanding Value: Ensure your product or service exceeds customer expectations. Solve their problems in a way that makes them excited to share their experience.
Build Strong Relationships: Engage with your customers, listen to their feedback, and make them feel valued. Personal connections foster loyalty.
Encourage Sharing: Make it easy for your customers to share their positive experiences. Offer incentives or simply remind them to tell their friends.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Don’t worry about reaching millions right away. Concentrate on making a small group of customers incredibly happy.
∙Conclusion
Brian Chesky’s advice highlights the importance of building a base of passionate customers who love your product. By focusing on this core group, you can create a powerful, viral growth engine that propels your business forward. Remember, it’s better to have 100 customers who absolutely love you than a million who just sort of like you. So, aim to delight and inspire your customers, and watch your business thrive.
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