Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Dear Donli,

There's a major conflict of interest in your idea. Think about it.
The professors stand to gain from selling stuff to their students?

Were I the dean of any college I'd be calling a swift halt to strategy like this: professors are there to TEACH, not to sell stuff.

And besides this, "a few" professors might not have as much influence as you think they might.

What you need are qualified BUYERS. And you attract these people through demonstration that your product works and that it sells, and through social proof from users, not necessarily through a few professors.

And how many is "a few"? And in which colleges, subjects, or areas?

To create a product with (possibly) little idea of just who will buy it is a recipe for disaster. It is far better to first identify a deeply felt but unmet need and to then create and offer a solution to that need.

I hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

If it is a true conflict of interest and the prof does stand to lose his job-- then don't put him or yourself in a compromising position. By your own words "it would not be appropriate". Or let them be the ones to bring it up-- and if they are being compensated by others in this way, they will.

But, from a sales standpoint-- finder's fees are paid all the time. There is nothing unethical about it. But it's done in areas with no conflict of interest. I just paid one to an associate in another area who had a project he didn't want to handle and I like that kind of work. He handed me the job and was paid (verbal agreement) after I was.

Having said that-- a prof being paid for a sale in his own institution may cross the line from finders fee to kick back. (big no no) That, my friend would be your call to make.

Why not target former professors (or other employees) of the institution? No conflict there. Also, why not work with the alumni association?

First of all, while you may think this is inappropriate, it actually happens in achidemic circles...

All one need do is check out who the "contributing editors" of text books are - you got it professors.

Or look into "advisory board" again - lots of professors padding their pockets at student expense.

My advice is to actually speak to standing tenured professors about what can be done using a different term than sales agent...