KnowYourPro

This is the number one question we get. There are a lot of 'social networking' websites out there in cyberspace, what makes knowyourpro.org so special?

While I would love to share our exciting plans for the future, and all of the cool tools and features we will have, I want to focus instead on our mission. If you compare us to the larger and most-used websites like Facebook and LinkedIn there will be a few glaring differences. Firstly, there will never be spam advertising. The goal of the largest social networking sites has predominantly been data-mining for advertising dollars. The more email addresses they have, the more personal information they have, the greater number of pages they have- all that adds up to more advertising revenue. The problem is, most of the ads are just plain worthless, and sometimes scam related. What is the point of that? Of course, to make money. There has to be something more worthwhile out there than that!

There is a great deal of Anti-Facebook sentiment brewing out there, and while I contemplate dismantling my account there, I do think most people will remain content with the way things are handled and will remain loyal. But, if anyone ever feels like leaving, here is what I can promise you today:

1) No spam ads.

2) No third-party applications.

3) No sale of personal information unless SPECIFICALLY authorized.

4) A friendly community dedicated not only to online networking, but community involvement as well. Instead of playing Farmville, why not start a community garden?

5) Profile information that can be as public or as private as you want with no surprise violations while you weren't looking.

6) Our income stream will always focus on vetted and approved 'Sponsors'- never garbage advertisers. This means a more relevant and community-conscious revenue stream- a win-win.

7) No fees to join- only to sponsor or become a 'Featured Pro'. Members will never be solicited to help us make money- you will have already done your part by making this community a part of everyday life.


As it happens, I just tried to log in to my Facebook account and was told I dont exist. Well, I guess it's for the best.

Goodbye Facebook and all of your silly time-wasting applications. Hello KnowYourPro and your wonderful community of business owners, professionals and consumers!


Jen Monastero
Master of Her Domain
KnowYourPro 

Hot off the press :)

KnowYourPro wants good karma. We also want to have lots of members- a spectacular community of all sorts of interesting people. We say 'the Yellow Pages, on steroids' because that's what we envision. Who uses the yellow pages these days? I know I don't. If I need to find someone, I look online. The only problem is, most websites out there have an 'agenda', and it's usually simply to make as much money as possible. The consumer's interests take a back seat to $$$.

There are websites to help people find all kinds of professionals- some of which CONSUMERS have to pay for! How crazy is that? On the other hand, you have websites that are nothing more than a gigantic database, and whoever pays the most money gets the best listing- no care to how that person does business. 

In the hopes of keeping this site up and running for many years to come, we have to get creative. In looking for ways to finance our endeavor, we have already taken charging fees to consumers and/or professionals off the table. We were looking for a unique way to make an impact while also making a living, and I think we've found it.

Our idea is simple. We'd like to organize fundraising events for organizations in our communities. I am very passionate about education, so some local schools are on my list. I would invite ALL members (professionals and consumers alike) to let us know who/what/where we should be holding fundraisers in YOUR area. We have members from Massachusetts to California, Florida to Michigan. This is grassroots. This could be AWESOME. 

All we ask in return is a share of the funds raised- 10% to be exact. We will do all the work, and make sure our 'co-fundraiser' exceeds all expectations. Why do all that just for a measly 10% share? Because we are AMAZING people, that's why!

So let's get cracking- I think we should have a nationwide event with a ton of fun local fundraisers sometime over the summer. Let's make it happen!

Thanks so much for reading.


Jen and Paul
 

As KnowYourPro.org grows, we need to remain committed to two things: the consumer and the truth.

We pledge the following to our members and visitors-

You will never be harassed or bothered.
You will  never be charged membership fees.
Communication on the site will be monitored minimally- censor yourselves.
There will be NO irrelevant or 'spam' advertisements.
Members will be removed from the site at our choosing. Play nice.
Libelous statements, or misrepresentations, will be deleted.


We are formulating a 'Code of Conduct' for all members and visitors to adhere to. I will repost this when it becomes available.


Thank you in advance for helping this site grow into what we know it can be- the best online resource for professionals and consumers to meet! We are more than just a database or a listing service. We have a heart, we are a living, breathing, growing community. Cheers to all of us!

Jen Monastero
Master of Her Domain 

I want to repost the great blog article Danny from Positive Real Estate Professionals did with us.

After a few weeks of being 'live', I have some questions/concerns I'd like to address. I'd like to clarify what KnowYourPro is, and what we hope it becomes.

1) We are not and will not ever be a 'lead generation site'. We will leave that business to the LendingTree and Zillow and ServiceMagic types. Paul and I, as well as quite a few of our founding members, recognize that times are changing. Consumers no longer want to be bombarded with phone calls and emails from people they do not know. Professionals no longer want 'leads' that go nowhere. We think we can bring consumers and pros together without compromising anonymity and more importantly the integrity of the site. We will always be consumer-friendly, and in tune with what is important- building business relationships that will last.

2) We will generate revenue primarily from advertising. We will never charge consumers to register for the site. Professionals may have to pay a VERY small monthly fee to join. We chose to utilize advertising dollars as our main source of revenue for many reasons, most importantly it keeps costs to consumers down. Any 'lead generation' site creates revenue by taking money from the professionals that keep those sites running. Those professionals in turn build those lead costs into their pricing. Who wins in this situation? Certainly not the consumer. Other sites charge the consumer, and that is just silly. Why charge for free information? Advertisers will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will be RELEVANT. No Dr. Pepper ads, or garbage/spam ads.

3) Moderation will be sparse. We are building a community here, and a welcoming one at that. We will try to censor as little as possible.

4) We will have a 'Featured Pro' section which will be an area dedicated to paying professionals who want to have a more prominent spot on the website. These professionals will be vetted heavily, only the cream of the crop will be considered for placement.

5) There have been a few concerns raised about privacy. As you can see from the profile options, you can be as public or private as you want. For professionals, it's probably a good idea to use your real name, and link to your personal website. For consumers, use a 'handle' and block your contact information if you choose- it is all up to you.

6) We hope this community becomes a place to discuss issues of the day, in any profession. A place where consumers can come to and ask questions, get answers, and learn something new. Because it is free for consumers, there's no reason to not join. It's simple, fun and easy to use. The site will only grow by word of mouth, we won't be advertising for quite some time. Help us grow by spreading the word.


Thank you for reading, keep the questions and comments coming in. We listen, I promise you that.

 
Jennifer Monastero
Master of Her Domain