A computer-implemented method of providing expertise based referrals can include receiving, from a first user, a voucher specifying a second user seeking expertise and a third user as a potential subject matter expert. Responsive to execution of the voucher, an instant messaging session between the second user and the third user can be established and an input from the second user indicating whether a posed question from the second user is resolved can be received. When the posed question is resolved, a role of maven can be assigned to the first user and a role of subject matter expert can be assigned to the third user. A transcript of the instant messaging session between the second user and the third user, a reference to the first user with the assigned role, and a reference to the third user with the assigned role can be stored as part of a referral transaction.