Comments on: How Would You Use Private Lists for Business?

By: Korey Bachelder

Korey Bachelder — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:54:58 +0000

Great ideas here…thank you for your input! Definitely, I think we will run with this and see if we can make a business model out of it. I’m thinking on some 37signals level.

@Yura..new design on it’s way shortly!

By: Yura

Yura — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:39:31 +0000

As pointed out, the site could be used to sort out various small issues, such as designs, important questions, etc.

The problem, of course, is that large companies already have their intranet web portals or use one of the (free or paid) web versions of polls.

Thus, I think it’d make sense to target the freelancers, how they work and the small businesses. The design example perfectly illustrates the freelancer route, for instance.

As for me, I don’t see a use for myself: I know web enough to build my own website and handle it privately, where the visitors won’t be distracted.

Maybe it’d make sense to remove links to other parts of your website from private lists? Maybe offer an opportunity for companies to buy a private section, or, if it doesn’t link to other parts, their own version of the site, but hosted and maintained by you?

This is a common model for the social computing software out there: first it gets developed for the masses, then businesses buy it for themselves. You can offer not only a hosted version, but the license to use the code in the intranet.

Something tells me, though, to be sold, it needs more polished design. Not necessarily more flashy, but more smooth looking, such as Tipd.com (except for you use white background). Compare whitespace use, bolding, page structure, etc.

By: Nate

Nate — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:14:06 +0000

I was thinking along the same lines as Kaela. I work in advertising and the possibilities are endless in regards to sending commercials, scripts, logos, ideas, digital stills, designs, etc, around and getting feedback.

I think execs might be hesitant to use a 10to1 type website due to the fact that it would also be encouraging employees to participate in other lists during work hours. This could be a valuable tool but it also has links to lists like, “who is the hottest bond girl”, “Sexiest vic secret models” Would that be offensive to some people? I know some of the comments on some of the lists could be offensive to some. If there was a way for a company to only allow the employees to view the p-lists it would be great but I would have a hard time believing that companies would send lists around to employees that would have links to lists where people leave comments about tossing people’s salads, etc.

Not trying to be a downer but I could see that being a problem.

By: kaela

kaela — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:17:31 +0000

I definitely agree! I think this could be a very new, innovative, and valuable asset within a business. The idea that first came to my mind is the use of this within an advertising agency. One could make a private list consisting of a variety of designs for a product/logo and other designers within the company could vote, and add/post additions to the original design. The recipient company could also be a member of the private list so that they would be able to view versions of the new design and could be involved in the design process.

This is just one idea…the possibilities of this are endless! Phenomenal idea! Run with it Korey…i’m excited to see where this could go!

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:40:54 +0000

I think this is a great idea! Depending on it’s context, it could prove to be a great tool or a too many cooks in the kitchen scenario. At any rate, I think this could be a very valuable tool to have if needed. I’m already thinking of ways I’d use it and quite frankly wish I had something like this in the past. Great idea!