Airbnb started as a way for people to stay on the couch or airbed (the name comes from Airbed and Breakfast) of a local person when they travel. But that’s not their business anymore.

I’ve stayed in countless Airbnbs, but never with the landlord staying under the same roof. More often than not, I actually deal with commercial rental companies rather than individuals renting our their residence.

So although it was started as a way for people to stay with locals, that’s not what Airbnb does. Or at least not anymore.

So what does Airbnb do?

They give people a place to stay in foreign cities, but so does every hotel chain.

They provide a nifty online interface. But that’s not novel anymore.

So what does Airbnb actually do?

A recent interview with Chip Conley, Airbnb’s past Head of Hospitality, on the Tim Ferriss Show (link) provided some interesting insights.

Airbnb does more than help people to find a place to stay when they travel. They help people belong anywhere.

I book an Airbnb rather than a hotel because I don’t want to feel like I’m staying in the tourist area along with everyone else visiting a town.

I don’t want a maid coming to clean after me. I don’t want a concierge.

I want to feel like I’m living in a destination.

I want to belong.

Based on Chip’s comments, it sounds like Airbnb struggled to come to this conclusion as they were growing.

And I doubt that this is uncommon. I’ve felt similar pain thinking about any company or business idea I’ve entertained.

But as Airbnb and plenty of other successful companies have shown, the question itself is more than worthwhile – what do we really do?

It seems simple, but it can’t be overlooked.

Once answered properly, it unlocks the key to whatever future strategy and planning needs to come next.

-Brandon