In the business world, companies and individuals face constant challenges, but the ability to think creatively and invent new solutions to problems can be the difference between success and failure. Creativity is not just an innate talent, but rather a skill that can be developed and refined and requires the ability to look at problems from different angles and connect unexpected ideas, but how can you apply this in the business world?

In 2008, when three friends in San Francisco had a problem with hotels high prices, they devised a solution that was the beginning of a great success story. They had an empty apartment, and there was a big design conference coming into the city. One of them formulated an idea that might be simple but clever: Why don't they take advantage of the extra space in their apartment, put air mattresses, and make breakfast for visitors who were looking for a cheap place to stay?

They linked these points together and decided to rent the extra sleeping space in their apartment to visitors, and that is where the Airbnb Empire was born, which today has more than 800,000 ads distributed to 33,000 cities in 192 countries.

Did it stop here? No, of course. Instead of just renting rooms, they decided to provide a complete experience for guests, including local advice. They also created a rating system for guests and hosts to build a trust and a great reputation. These innovative solutions made Airbnb stand out from traditional hotels and became one of the largest travel companies in the world. It also received investments from famous companies and personalities, such as Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Ashton Kutcher, the Hollywood actor. Airbnb has also acquired several travel startups.

Airbnb's story can be summarized as follows:

Airbnb's story is an inspiring success story for any entrepreneur or innovator who wants to realize his dream. From this story, some important lessons can be learned:

First: Innovation does not only come from genuineness alone, but from observation, experience, and learning. The idea of Airbnb came from the personal need of founders, and it evolved through experience and learning from mistakes and successes.

Second: Innovation does not require significant resources or advanced technology, but rather a clear vision and a great passion. The founders started with a simple location and air mattresses. They did not give up on difficulties or criticism, they, instead, worked hard and creatively to achieve their vision.

Third: Innovation does not stop at a certain point, but it continues to develop and improve. Airbnb has not only launched a housing rental platform, but has added new and diverse services also, such as Airbnb Experiences, which offers unique and personal travel experiences, and Airbnb Plus, which offers high-quality and elegant accommodation.

This story tells us how creative thinking can turn a problem into an opportunity, so when you have a problem with your work, try to look at it from different angles, and ask yourself: what are the potential opportunities here? How can I turn this problem into an opportunity?

Creative problem solving requires courage to take risks and be able to withstand failure. Not all solutions succeed, and some need more time than others to show their effectiveness.

Airbnb is a great example of how a 'simple' idea can become an innovative business solution, creating new value for customers and communities, and achieving global success!