De-Classifying Craigslist: How Newmark Took the Site to the Top

He may not know he is ‘bigtime' but as founder of one of the top ten most popular sites on the Internet, Craig Newmark has made an indelible impact in the world of classifieds, both online and off. How did he do it?

Feedback: "I had one simple idea about telling friends about arts and technology events," says Newmark of the idea behind Craigslist. "People in the community suggested everything else to us, and that's our theme." From the beginning, Newmark has capitalized on the comments and suggestions from Craigslist users, leading to the development of a site that people trust and have a say in.

Honesty: "As a manager, I'm not very good," admits Newmark. "I don't have the skills or the temperament." It was in being honest with himself that Newmark was able to bring on board a CEO who would help Craigslist reach its full potential. He knew when it was time get his hands dirty, and when he had to step out of the way and let others take the reigns.

Innovation: Innovation works at the speed of light. Because Craigslist is updated in real time and by millions of real people, the site has led the charge when it comes to innovation in the field of classifieds. And, because of his willingness to ride the tides, Newmark has been able to quickly capitalize on user trends.

Service: Newmark's best advice to someone who says that their goal is to be successful? "Follow through with basic values, and remember to provide good customer service." Newmark himself works almost full-time on Craigslist-related customer service issues, and employees three others to help him. As he puts it, he uses his "keyboard of justice" to foil the "evildoers," and his appreciative community of users returns the rewards.

Selflessness: "We are neither a nonprofit nor a conventional for-profit commercial company," says Newmark. "On paper, we're a for-profit, but we just don't run like that." Newmark is something of an unconventional businessman in that profits are not his measure of success. After all, he "knows some people who own more than a billion dollars and they're not any happier." At this point, Newmark's goals in life are much simpler. "Really, the only thing I'm missing in terms of quality of life is a permanent parking space!"

Many have said that Newmark epitomizes the new ‘geek chic'. Newmark, however, declines the title. "Screw it, I'm a nerd," he says. "A recovering nerd." And, with more than 570 Craigslist sites in 50 countries and a total of 20 billion page views per month, how does this recovering nerd rate his Craigslist success so far? "I don't," he says. "There's always more to do."