Expert’s Corner: Digital Economy Q&A with Aaron Zifkin
October 3rd, 2014
Expert’s Corner with Aaron Zifkin: #DigitalEconomyCongress
In anticipation of the 2nd Annual Digital Economy Congress, Reboot is excited to present “Expert’s Corner”, a series of blog posts featuring outstanding digital economy leaders and professionals who will be speaking at the congress in October. Read on for a glimpse of what the #DigitalEconomyCongress is all about…
We had the opportunity to ask Aaron Zifkin a few questions about his views and opinions on the digital economy leading up to the congress:
Q: As our world becomes increasingly digitized, how do you think the way we do business will change?
A: Businesses need to be fully digitalized, or they won’t be in business for very long. Advancements in digitalization will continue to advance at a rapid pace leading to further innovation and disruption. The digital economy is an ever-changing space and those business that don’t adopt the new realities will be left behind.
Q: What does the term “Digital Economy” mean to you? or How do you define the “Digital Economy”?
A: The digital economy is an online marketplace that is leading to innovation and advancements in various sectors at a rapid pace. It provides a platform for global reach and global competition while also allowing businesses to create tremendously personalized experiences from customers.
For Airbnb, the digital economy is an exchange, an experience and a global community of hosts and guests. Airbnb operates in an emerging digital space that transcends into the real world – where hosts and guests have real life experiences.
Q: How has the digital economy affected you from a work and/or personal perspective?
A: A lot of our business at Airbnb is done digitally. The platforms lives online or in the palm of your hand on a phone or tablet, but the experience of Airbnb hosts and guests takes place in the real world. We’re always trying to make improvements to streamline the digital experience of Airbnb, but we also want to improve and enhance the physical experience for users. It’s a balancing act for us between digital and physical experiences.
Q: If you could give consumers one piece of advice on how to thrive in the changing digital economy, what would it be?
A: For consumers, be open and willing to learn and experience new ways of doing things – allow yourself to become fully immersed in the community.
For companies, listen to the needs and wants of your customer. At Airbnb we are constantly listening to our hosts and guests to see how we can improve not only the website, but the stay, the community and the entire experience.
Q:What are you most looking forward to at the #DigitalEconomyCongress in Vancouver, BC in October?
A: I’m excited to meet new people involved in the digital economy industry in Vancouver, excited to talk about Airbnb and how it relates to the digital and shared economy and finally, I’m excited to learn about how the digital economy is changing and shaping the Canadian marketplace.
This post is part of Reboot Communications’ “Expert’s Corner” series. The 2nd Annual Digital Economy Congress is happening on October 9-10, 2014, in Vancouver, BC. Find out how you can get involved here.
Expert’s Corner with Aaron Zifkin: #DigitalEconomyCongress
In anticipation of the 2nd Annual Digital Economy Congress, Reboot is excited to present “Expert’s Corner”, a series of blog posts featuring outstanding digital economy leaders and professionals who will be speaking at the congress in October. Read on for a glimpse of what the #DigitalEconomyCongress is all about…
We had the opportunity to ask Aaron Zifkin a few questions about his views and opinions on the digital economy leading up to the congress:
Q: As our world becomes increasingly digitized, how do you think the way we do business will change?
A: Businesses need to be fully digitalized, or they won’t be in business for very long. Advancements in digitalization will continue to advance at a rapid pace leading to further innovation and disruption. The digital economy is an ever-changing space and those business that don’t adopt the new realities will be left behind.
Q: What does the term “Digital Economy” mean to you? or How do you define the “Digital Economy”?
A: The digital economy is an online marketplace that is leading to innovation and advancements in various sectors at a rapid pace. It provides a platform for global reach and global competition while also allowing businesses to create tremendously personalized experiences from customers.
For Airbnb, the digital economy is an exchange, an experience and a global community of hosts and guests. Airbnb operates in an emerging digital space that transcends into the real world – where hosts and guests have real life experiences.
Q: How has the digital economy affected you from a work and/or personal perspective?
A: A lot of our business at Airbnb is done digitally. The platforms lives online or in the palm of your hand on a phone or tablet, but the experience of Airbnb hosts and guests takes place in the real world. We’re always trying to make improvements to streamline the digital experience of Airbnb, but we also want to improve and enhance the physical experience for users. It’s a balancing act for us between digital and physical experiences.
Q: If you could give consumers one piece of advice on how to thrive in the changing digital economy, what would it be?
A: For consumers, be open and willing to learn and experience new ways of doing things – allow yourself to become fully immersed in the community.
For companies, listen to the needs and wants of your customer. At Airbnb we are constantly listening to our hosts and guests to see how we can improve not only the website, but the stay, the community and the entire experience.
Q:What are you most looking forward to at the #DigitalEconomyCongress in Vancouver, BC in October?
A: I’m excited to meet new people involved in the digital economy industry in Vancouver, excited to talk about Airbnb and how it relates to the digital and shared economy and finally, I’m excited to learn about how the digital economy is changing and shaping the Canadian marketplace.
This post is part of Reboot Communications’ “Expert’s Corner” series. The 2nd Annual Digital Economy Congress is happening on October 9-10, 2014, in Vancouver, BC. Find out how you can get involved here.
