This is written so well and talks exactly about these platforms and the issues with them. The part where it talks about mentorship being built on trust, that does strike a chord as I have had mentors in my current workplace and the kind of mentorship I get from them can never be possible through these paid 1:1 calls that are not built on any mutual relationship and trust. A good write up as always 👏🏻
It's interesting how a simple tool that's a solution to scheduling calls and getting paid for your time has to figure out the ethical consequences now. Generally, that signals towards growth of a company. But with the Indian audience, a lot of that assumption falls apart.
I love how you reinforced the idea of what actual mentorship always has been. More than an exchange of money with one-way strangers. The mentor was invested in your growth.
It would be interesting to see if Topmate decides to solve this problem.
I think Topmate started their referrals marketplace with good intentions, but it feels like it's been patched onto their existing product as a quick hack without any relevant guardrails implemented.
For what it's worth, I believe they can solve this issue. Some of the more basic guardrails (curbing payments, etc.) should be straightforward to implement, but it will come down to whether they see this as an ethical conundrum or not.
This is written so well and talks exactly about these platforms and the issues with them. The part where it talks about mentorship being built on trust, that does strike a chord as I have had mentors in my current workplace and the kind of mentorship I get from them can never be possible through these paid 1:1 calls that are not built on any mutual relationship and trust. A good write up as always 👏🏻
Really appreciate you sharing your experience :)
It's interesting how a simple tool that's a solution to scheduling calls and getting paid for your time has to figure out the ethical consequences now. Generally, that signals towards growth of a company. But with the Indian audience, a lot of that assumption falls apart.
I love how you reinforced the idea of what actual mentorship always has been. More than an exchange of money with one-way strangers. The mentor was invested in your growth.
It would be interesting to see if Topmate decides to solve this problem.
I think Topmate started their referrals marketplace with good intentions, but it feels like it's been patched onto their existing product as a quick hack without any relevant guardrails implemented.
For what it's worth, I believe they can solve this issue. Some of the more basic guardrails (curbing payments, etc.) should be straightforward to implement, but it will come down to whether they see this as an ethical conundrum or not.
Isn't this scary? What if it turns into a situation where I have to see a broker to get referrals? 🤷♂️ (broker commission included)
At first glance, it seems like an easy connection between someone in need and someone who can help, but it can turn dark.
That's definitely not a future I'd like to see.