"How Building in Public and Airbnb's Golden Rule Shaped Success"

"How Building in Public and Airbnb's Golden Rule Shaped Success"

In today's digital age, building in public has become a popular strategy for gaining a following and growing a business. One builder shares his journey of how he discovered no-code tools like Bubble and how building in public on Twitter helped him amass a devoted following.

It all started in July 2019 when the builder stumbled upon Glide, a tool that allows users to create apps from spreadsheets. As a spreadsheet enthusiast, this discovery was nothing short of incredible. The builder experimented with Glide and built a few apps, but soon realized that there were limitations and messy workarounds needed to achieve his desired functionality. This led him to do more research and eventually discover Bubble, a more powerful and flexible no-code tool.

With Bubble, the builder dove headfirst into building and learning, relying on Google searches and the Bubble forum for guidance. The forum proved to be a goldmine of information, with helpful answers and a beginner-friendly atmosphere. It was through this process of learning and building that the builder found his motivation and goal - to build an app that solves a problem or helps others.

This newfound motivation also led the builder to embrace the concept of building in public on Twitter. Initially, it was more about learning in public rather than showcasing his creations. However, he soon realized that building in public was an excellent way to build an audience from scratch. By sharing his progress, challenges, and insights on Twitter, the builder was able to attract over 13K followers since November 2019.

The builder's basic theory was simple - the more he tweeted, the more followers he gained. Building in public provided him with a constant stream of ideas for tweet content, keeping his audience engaged and interested. He even participated in the BuildwithBubble challenge, which further motivated him to share his journey and connect with like-minded individuals.

The benefits of building in public were not limited to growing a Twitter following. It also allowed the builder to establish his expertise in the no-code space, attract potential clients or partners, and receive valuable feedback and support from the community. Building in public not only helped him build his app but also built his personal brand and credibility.

On a different note, Airbnb's success can also be attributed to a powerful guiding principle - the Golden Rule. The company's culture, as well as its business model, reflects the founders' belief in treating others how they want to be treated. This philosophy stems from their own experiences as travelers, wanting to live like locals and connect with people on a deeper level.

The Golden Rule, laminated on the walls of Airbnb's offices, became a reminder to the team of the importance of empathy and respect. It became the foundation of their business model, and remarkably, the data from over a billion guest arrivals proved that the Golden Rule is indeed human nature. It transcends cultural boundaries and reaffirms the innate goodness of humanity.

At a time when stories of suffering and negativity dominate the headlines, the reminder of the deep goodness within people is invaluable. This understanding has shaped the builder's perspective and will inform the rest of his life. It serves as a reminder to approach others with kindness and compassion, both in business and in personal interactions.

Combining the concepts of building in public and the Golden Rule, we can draw some actionable advice for success:

1. Embrace transparency and share your journey: Building in public allows you to showcase your progress, challenges, and insights, attracting an audience and establishing your credibility. Share your journey on social media platforms and engage with your audience.

2. Find your motivation and goal: Having a clear goal or purpose behind your building efforts will drive your motivation and make the journey easier. Whether it's solving a problem, helping others, or building an app for a good cause, find something that inspires you.

3. Treat others how you want to be treated: The Golden Rule applies not only to personal interactions but also to business relationships. Treat your customers, clients, and partners with empathy, respect, and kindness. Build a culture of trust and collaboration.

In conclusion, the power of building in public and embracing the Golden Rule cannot be underestimated. These principles have shaped the success of individuals and companies alike. By sharing our journeys, staying true to our values, and treating others with kindness, we can create a positive impact and build a devoted following.