Advice Network Founders Blog

In my last entry, I gave an overview of the concept and function of Advice Network. Today I’d like to spend a little more time on the feature that I find to be most compelling and, dare I say, even revolutionary. It’s our “Find a Professional” feature. It works no matter what category you are interested in, and for a difficult purchasing decision, it can be life-changing.

Let’s explore the idea with a fictional example. Amanda is getting married (congratulations, Amanda!). Her wedding is in six months (yikes!), and she needs a venue, an officiate, a caterer, a photographer, and a florist. She could ask her friends, but she doesn’t want to copy them. She wants her wedding to be unique. She could pick up the Yellow Pages, or go to the online Yellow Pages, or browse a list on an online wedding directory, but she doesn’t have that kind of time. She would have to try to call or e-mail each one. Who knows if they even have her date available, or if they fit her budget, or if they even return her calls.

That last one kills me. I’m perpetually amazed at service providers who don’t return phone calls, especially if I get their listings from the Yellow Pages, which is not cheap. They can pay $400 a month to be in the Yellow Pages and they don’t even need my business. Wow.

Back to Amanda. She does not have time to call all of these people and ask them, “Do you have my date? Can you work with my budget? Will you call me back?” Amanda has a life, thank you very much. She has a job, and friends, and a fiancée who she is very much in love with, and she has to decorate her new place, and would someone please help her?

Enter “Find a Professional.” Amanda has to fill out one form: Wedding date, wedding city, check here if you are looking for a photographer, florist, etc., budget, and maybe a few notes—“I’m looking for an outdoor venue, chicken dinner, and black and white pictures,” she writes.

She gives her contact information once. She hits submit.

Advice Network sends an e-mail notice to all vendors that serve her area. “A bride is getting married on this date. If you are available, click here for her contact information.”

When a professional clicks, they get an e-mail with Amanda’s name and a PRIVATE and EXPIRING version of her e-mail address and phone number. Then, they contact her. “Amanda, great to speak with you. Flowers For You is available on your date. I’d be happy to make a lily bouquet for your wedding day.”

Easy.