Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, argues that services can reach millions of people unlike products. The article discusses healthcare services that use technology to monitor patients and alert caregivers to potential health issues. It also mentions other innovative services that lower healthcare costs and improve access through telemedicine or online appointment scheduling. Energy efficiency services that provide upgrades with no upfront costs and financing paid back from savings are highlighted as well.

1. November 2011 News:
Business Development
Partner
Reid Hoffman, Founder of LinkedIn, is a
for Companies With Vision Pretty Smart Guy, “When You Build a
Service, You Can Touch Millions . . .”
November 2011
“When You Build a Service, You Can Touch Millions ” as opposed
to a product that typically reaches only one point over time, so
says Reid Hoffman in the NY Times on Sunday, November 6th.
One type of service that touches millions, or hundreds of millions
directly, predicts problems so that interventions are possible. Here are
service-oriented companies in healthcare that interest me.
After all, we need to cut costs. One warning service, integrating location
way of doing it is with technology that -based trigger data, reinforcing
monitors and alerts when there is a existing asthma care protocols, and
GAIL BUERGER KERR problem. The good news - it does this using family-friendly text messaging
well and cheaper than a clinician. and web-based alerts to avert
Work: 978-425-9243 pediatric asthma events.” (Did you
Cogito Health delivers “analytics that know that asthma is the #1 chronic
Cell: 617-835-1627 help people and organizations hear the disease in children in America?)
biologically-based “honest” signals that
gail@gailbuergerkerr.com underlie normal conversation. These And beyond healthcare?
“honest” signals can be used through
speech behavior analysis to detect Silvertail Systems monitors
depression”, facilitating intervention and behavior and website usage,
referral ahead of a health event. identifying suspicious activity so that
fraud can be stopped before it
Asthma Signals provides “an early occurs.
Another type of service delivers care or support at a lower cost.
We are used to FAQs, but how about delivering a diagnosis, your Rx,
updates of electronic health records and payments via telephone or
webcam conversation? How about services where you used to make a
phone call or go to a meeting, but no longer do?
For example:
OneRecovery provides a safe,
healthy and healing community of
Teladoc and American Well (and
others) deliver care 24/7 for the over 50% individuals in recovery from
of conditions that patients experience that alcoholism, drug abuse and eating
really don’t require a doctor’s visit. They disorders.
deliver huge savings over emergency
rooms or the doctor’s office. And you can ZocDoc allows you to make your
make that call at 2 AM if you need to! doctor’s appointment online, saving
your time and that of the office staff.
www.gailbuergerkerr.com
Office: 978-425-9243 gail@gailbuergerkerr.com Cell: 617-835-1627

2. Page 2 www.gailbuergerkerr.com
In the News: Sustainable Practices, Renewable Energy
Here’s one I like that “breaks the code” Ygrene Energy Fund signs up
for spurring energy efficiency and is municipalities to collect payments,
also a boon for local employment, manages the loan process, identifies a
INNOVATIVE financial services and manufacturing. lead contractor, and engages financial
institutions. The first announcement -
SERVICES - The Carbon War Room (Richard
Branson’s energy think tank) assessed Justin Gillis’ September 19 NY Times
Energy and the the blockages for performing energy article described a Ygrene consortium
retrofits. They conceived of a program with Lockheed Martin, Barclays
Environment for commercial property owners Capital and others that plans to invest
requiring no upfront money and low as much as $650 million over the next
rate financing paid back at less than few years to slash the energy
the monthly savings on their energy consumption of buildings in the Miami
bill. No public financing is involved. and Sacramento areas.
Some Companies are Charging Ahead, Others Need Help
As you know, I work with manufacturer, a strategy for its
“Complexity and technology and information renewable energy business and the
companies that solve major other, a service business engaging
structural business problems. I especially like people to reduce carbon emissions.
companies that provide solutions for
changes yield financial services and healthcare I rely on your support so if I can help
because complexity and structural you or any of your clients who have this
huge changes yield huge opportunities. kind of challenge please contact me:
opportunities” Of interest, two companies addressing 978-425-9243 or
energy and the environment: for a gail@gailbuergerkerr.com
ABOUT GAIL BUERGER KERR
Gail thrives in early stage She often serves in interim management
entrepreneurial businesses and has roles while developing and proving what
been the "intrapreneur" in global leaders works, and coaches the organization to
like IBM, Citibank and Dun and carry success forward.
Bradstreet.
As an executive with Citibank and Dun
Gail's track record demonstrates the and Bradstreet, Gail built sales
importance of emphasizing execution organizations and delivered programs
meshed with strategic insights, intense that generated over $400 million in new
focus on goals and priorities, and business.
nimbleness to adjust when a change in
As a consultant to technology
direction is required.
companies, she has successfully
As a former turn-around consultant, Gail launched products into new markets,
manages fast-start initiatives and constructed alliances, captured marquee
Running a client provides strategic insights, talent and customers, and facilitated investments.
workshop rapid results on a consulting basis.
Office: 978-425-9243 gail@gailbuergerkerr.com Cell: 617-835-1627