So last week saw the launch of this new start up called Knowledge Genie (www.MyKnowledgeGenie.com). Never mind that we are the founders. This is not a pitch, rather contemplation about the implications of alternative ways to leverage and monetize what you know as a knowledge worker (you might even thank us for sharing after you see the site).

Think about the know-how that you have accumulated from your professional life. Or maybe your true genius lies not in what you do 9-5, but in your free time. You've amassed a great amount of knowledge and now you can get paid for it in addition to your day-time job. Note: This is not one of those get rich quick schemes. You really have to know something worth sharing with the world, not just your opinion.

Here's an example, we were talking with a colleague who's had years of experience dealing with the FDA. She's worked for a number of companies over the years and has learned a lot about the way the FDA works. Do you think that's worth something to a biotech or pharmaceutical company? Of course! Here's the problem, she can't exactly be employed full time for more than one company. Writing a book is a time intensive and rarely profitable endeavor. How about quitting her job to become an entrepreneur / consultant? Why? She likes her job and doesn't want to leave.

Well, she could create a Genie, a web app that allows her to quickly provide the insight and experience of her knowledge dealing with the FDA. She can sell her Genie as she wishes. No profit sharing. No commissions. Her knowledge is her money. We think that's pretty cool.

No matter if you are white collar, blue collar, or whatever collar you identify with, we believe that you have valuable knowledge to share. Knowledge and experience are worth something and it's exciting that there's now a way for people to monetize their knowledge outside of the traditional context of a job. Note: Make sure that you rightfully own the knowledge that you want to sell. Monetizing your company's property without permission will get you fired or worse.

So what do we see as the implications for both holding a job and monetizing your knowledge outside of your work? Let's play with this speculation. At a minimum you have captured and packaged what you know. Maybe, you share your know-how with the world. Maybe you actually make a few dollars. Maybe, your Genie finds its way to the right people and you begin to get attention as an expert. Or even (going to a whole new level of speculation), what if your name gets out as an expert and you are recruited somewhere else; or you find yourself so inundated with consulting requests you leave your job to make a lot more money consulting? How about that as your end of work?