1. In many talks Travis K talks about picking up the phone and dialing for dollars/calling up SF limo companies. But what did he tell them? Why did 3 of the 10 companies he called, (as per Travis) show interest in his venture? (AFIK, that seeded the start of Uber. Please correct me if I'm wrong.)<p>2. How did they specifically convince Riders to join their platform? (I somehow feel this was the easy part, as Travis had Sacca and other SV influencers as part of his close buddy network..and the money through Red Swoosh's acq.)<p>Very curious to understand the strategies they had in place, to solve the Chicken and Egg problem initially.<p>Thanks!
OK I have been an uber member since the day they were born, effectively... How was i converted?<p>I lived in the presidio in SF - then later I lived upper-market/twin peaks.<p>the cabs wouldnt fucking show up, so I was calling ALL cab companies - then they were sharing dispatch info and I was banned from calling them. I made personal relationships with black car-drivers (the lincoln towncars that are "uber black") and would call them when I needed to get a ride. I paid a premium for that - but ultimately they told me about Uber.<p>I HATE SF taxi service and I jumped ship and havent looked back since.<p>I spend A LOT on uber.... but for me (as I dont have a car and I hate driving) It is wonderful and has been great since I joined.<p>The only reason I dont use Lyft is that they dont work with my bank for payment.<p>While I think the CEO of Uber is rather lame, and a good friend said it was the worst place hes ever worked (ops guy) I love the service.... and for that reason I stay.