Intro is a groundbreaking start-up, helmed by Alexis Ohanian. It aims to democratize access to professional advice by hosting a platform where novices can connect with and learn from industry leaders—for a fee—increasing the accessibility of critical insights.
With a key emphasis on inclusivity, Intro claims to step in to eliminate the usual barriers faced by those seeking professional insights. A pay-to-access model allows easy procurement of expert advice, affording aspiring professionals the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge base, thereby leveling the competitive professional playing field.
Intro users book short advisory sessions, remotely connecting with industry experts at a cost that can exceed $900 for 15 minutes, though less expensive options are available. Users choose their professional based on expertise level, ratings, and fees, receiving personalized advice in return. This nourishes meaningful connections within the professional community and promotes knowledge sharing.
The platform’s Founder and CEO, Raad Mobrem, believes that expert advice access should not be location-based.
Boosting access to expert advice
Mobrem himself provides 15-minute advisory sessions for $350, reflecting the platform’s principle of pricing based on the shared knowledge’s quality. Intro hosts about 1,200 experts from various fields, including astrologer Suzanne Guillette, whose mini-astrology readings cost $79.
The platform has already held close to 30,000 sessions, with approximately half the users returning post their initial consultation. Despite the potentially steep consultation prices, Mobrem asserts the long-term benefits of such an investment in professional development.
Notwithstanding its success, Intro’s monetization model has faced criticism, with detractors fearing it may undermine the tradition of free idea exchange and inclusivity. However, supporters, such as Dan Mall from the Design System University, argue that the premium cost is justified by the quality of connections and the unique knowledge exchange opportunities it affords.
In the digital age, where face-to-face interactions have become less frequent, platforms such as Intro are offering solutions for effective remote networking. Despite the necessity of financial investment, many users assert the worth of the platform’s services, demonstrating an enduring faith in its potential for driving professional growth.
