In the traditional definition, a curator is someone with an expertise on a given subject. For example, a gallery or museum curator does the research, selects an object or piece of artwork for display, and shares that work with the public.
We need curators for the Internet.
The web has made an unprecedented amount of information available to anyone with access to a computer and an Internet connection. What's more, there seems no end to the dizzying pace at which new content is being added all the time.
Unfortunately, quantity does not always equal quality, especially when it comes to Internet content. Sure, there's plenty of outstanding content online, but there's also a lot of useless and, in some cases, wrong or misleading content, too. No wonder so many people find themselves feeling fatigued with information overload.
This is where you can be the hero. Everyone's an expert or has at least some expertise in something. Take your business, for example. If you're a plumber, you're pretty knowledgeable about plumbing, right? Or say you're a lawyer. Legal issues might be your thing. If you own your own company, whatever products or services you offer, you know a thing or two about starting and running a business, too, now don't you?
If you care enough about your community (customers, prospects, and peers) and are willing to find, sort, organize, and share quality information relevant to your circle of friends, customers and peers, you should consider becoming a content curator. With this relatively simple act, you will do a huge favor for others that are also looking for information in your area of expertise. The benefits you'll receive from this type of caring and sharing will far outweigh the amount of time you devote to it.
So start thinking about how you could be a content curator, too. Your customers, friends, and peers will thank you.
