Posted by: Luke in Wikinomics, Web2.0, Social Networking on Nov 5, 2008
Last night I was invited to contribute to a new business brain storming session. I was sourced due to my understanding of the new economy and the technology associated with it. The product if it does go to market is intended to revolutionise the medical profession giving power back to the patient by keeping them informed. It's a simple product and I was happy to say it ticked all the right Wikinomics boxes. The group's main dilemma during this initial session was who would pay to have it developed and what would the pricing model be. I was disappointed to see that most initially felt we should go to the big Corporates who stood to gain from future statistical information on stake holders, to ask for funding.
Two things needed to be made clear from the outset to the group in relation to Wikinomics.
Firstly the NetGeneration can see internet exploitation from afar and can qualify an internet scam at lightening speed. Its practically part of there genetic makeup. In the recent Olympic ticked scam what percentage of those caught out do you think were NetGeneration. Practically none!
Secondly if you build it and they like it, they will pay and they will spread the word and more will come and they will pay. Crowd sourcing is the fundamental principal upon which peer consumption is effectively based. The product can pay for itself through collaboration with service providers and a subscription based micro/transaction payment model. Note: initial pricing feedback is critical - test the market quickly and effectively.
Once I had described the above arguments to the group I had their support. If the product fails it's because it's a bad idea, product or concept not because not enough money was thrown at it(wasted) on marketing and development.