Get paid for consulting by phone

A couple months ago, I heard about a new web application service called Ether. The way it works, you set up an account, set your rates for consulting by the minute, hour or call, and are assigned a special phone number. You can also place a button on your web site or blog, and when someone clicks it, they enter their credit card info for the amount of time they want to speak to you, and you're connected. You can forward your Ether number to your cell or other number, and say, on the web site, when you're taking calls or not. Your phone only rings when people prepay your rate, and Ether takes a 15% cut for the call. I expect this will go down when there is some competition for it.


I gave some thought to whether this business model would work for me, and although I do spend a fair amount of time on the phone answering people's questions, its usually as part of prospecting for larger work. Or, in other cases, existing clients. I know that many people would be "put out" if I said they had to call a special number to ask me a question, right? But, I think there is definitely a place for a service like this amongst my readers. For example, if you have a very active blog or resource web site, and field a lot of calls each day from people who want to "pick your brain," Ether might be a great solution for monetizing this effort. If you are a consultant or niche specialist, it might make sense to get and publicize an Ether number.

There are some other aspects of Ether to consider, such as a way to also collect payment and deliver info products and podcasts through the system.

I haven't personally tested Ether but my research indicates there are still some bugs to be worked out. Also, there is the problem of the call being interrupted by an automated voice when the money runs out - which comes across as unprofessional, to say the least. The price doesn't seem unreasonable but there are certainly ways you can cobble together your own solution, without paying 15%.

My understanding is that Ether is still in "beta testing" mode but they are accepting accounts for testing, if you can get chosen for that. Otherwise, keep an eye on this solution - and the inevitable competition as a way to further market and sell your knowledge.