This is famous entrepreneur Michael Birch, whose experience with
computer programming led him to set up Bebo in 2005 with wife
Xochi. The site went on to attract over 40 million users, making it
one of the most popular social networking sites on the internet,
and was sold to AOL in March 2008 for a reported £420m. Before
Bebo, Birch had set up five businesses, including hugely successful
BirthdayAlarm.com and Ringo.com. In 2008 Michael Birch invested in
and joined the board of Mystore.com.
What motivates entrepreneurs? Michael Birch answers this
question and talks about the challenges of choosing a domain name
and the misconception that social networking websites are not
easily profitable. He also speaks of the marketing strategy taken
by Bebo, and how venture capital can be beneficial for small
businesses as it gives a form of external validation of success for
other potential investors.
Bebo grew from the attic of the Birch house and Michael points
out the advantages of having an in house ad sales team and how he
selected his target audience by basing the function of the business
on his own wants. The issue of user protection is also touched on,
as with any social networking site behaviour must be monitored and
controlled within reason. Find out what tools Bebo uses to do so,
including complaint tools. The structure of the company is
something that Birch feels strongly about and having an open flat
hierarchy is a feature that has led to the company being a
success.
Bebo is now one of the leading social networking sites across
the globe and Michael Birch is able to offer some expert advice in
this entrepreneur interview.