When we use the term hoarding, our mind typically pictures a room filled with knick knacks, stuffed to the brim. It may be the go-to imagery because of the popular television show bearing its name – Hoarders.
But anything can be hoarded, really; and that includes information.
I’m referring specifically to lists here. And even more specifically, to valuable lists; ones with experts that actually WANT to be shared. Lists that can truly help move the needle in healthcare.
You see, as a physician myself, I have repeatedly been reached out to, by companies whose business models work by essentially “hoarding” us. Housed under the guise of exclusivity, they create lists bearing the names of my colleagues, each of whom is willing to be reached out to, in the name of science.
However, the exclusivity veil that’s cloaked over these lists is, quite honestly, nothing more than smoke and mirrors. It serves to merely create the illusion that only they are privy to these connections; as if we have somehow now swapped our Kmart-connections with ones that are much more Gucci or Chanel (I use these terms as adjectives here), just because the company – the “hoarder” in our analogy – has let us in (I had to throw that in, after a dig by one of my followers stating I use fashion shows to make a point.)
These companies attempt to serve as a connector, for the public to use; whether it be journalists looking for quotes, businesses looking for advisers, or events looking for speakers. By doing this, they ensure that there THEY are needed in any given transaction that results in a successful connect. But here’s my question: are they really needed?
Here’s the crazy thing (which also happens to be the truth): they’re not (usually needed).
No one has to have an intermediary in this day and age. In fact, without it, things become cheaper. More seamless.
No one has to have an intermediary in this day and age. In fact, without it, things become cheaper. More seamless. Click To Tweet
Moreover, Businesses can make their own decisions – their own calculations – on whether to work with someone or not. We don’t necessarily need to pay a hefty price to get that permission. Or for handshake intros to be made.
This, my friends, is one of the premises of my having built out a public and openly accessible Databank of REAL doctors, each of whom is vetted.
They aren’t verified according to what they write about, no. That’s for YOU to decide on and judge on. I trust that the audience is smart enough to do this.
What they’re vetted on is their ability to withstand the rigors of a medical school education and earn that degree (THAT is where value comes in).
No, we don’t need the hoarders. But here’s what we do need: cool ventures that openly showcase what we do. Ways that busy professionals can promote their thought leadership, and expertise, in quick and easy ways.
So bottom line: I’m sorry if it throws off your business model or plan. It makes it easy for doctors who are busy, and don’t otherwise have time to grow valuable connections, or increase their visibility online, to make quicker, more seamless connections. And it makes ventures, articles, events more reliable.
Because degrees matter. And they’re pretty cool to earn.
