Are you wondering on how to get started with an expert network?

In one of our previous articles we have touched on the numerous benefits of expert network consulting. One of the most important takeaways of this is that it creates opportunities for subject matter professionals across the globe.

It is common to learn about the exorbitant hourly rates charged by key stakeholders and C – level executives as these usually make the headlines in expert networks. However, opportunities that arise within the space are not limited to them and you could have access to project work within your field of expertise.

A considerable proportion of expert calls are offered to both upper and mid-tier managers, as they are the ones responsible for executing the BAU (Business as usual) in any field. The list may be endless from Sales, HR, Strategy, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Manufacturing. There are also projects in specific niches ranging from automotive engineers, global maritime, automatic photography and alloys market to name a few examples.

Lately, the healthcare industry has brought immense volume and demand to phone consultations from clients and management consultants. These projects are specifically available to healthcare workers, pharmacists, back-office administrators, nurses and doctors.

The bottom-line is that “Expert network consulting is for anyone who has expertise in a specific industry or field” not just top level consultants and those from Fortune 500 companies. You should not fear to approaching or getting approached for this kind of high level opportunity. 

We have highlighted three steps to guide you on your journey to getting started with an expert network.

(1)    Stay visible & open for consulting opportunities – Young professionals and recent university graduates are hired by expert networks to spend most of their time filtering through experts on LinkedIn and other professional networks that match the client’s project criteria. To appear within their searches, you have to remain “open” for opportunities in professional networks such as LinkedIn and ensure that your contact information is up to date; including your email address and your telephone number.

(2) Optimize your Keywords on LinkedIn and other Professional Networks  – By adding specific keywords of industries, companies, and products that you know about you can enhance your profile and make yourself attractive to clients (private equity, hedge funds and consulting firms). This ensure that you get selected more quickly. A useful rule of thumb involves checking to see if you can at least talk about a specific keyword topic for 30 mins.

Another way to get noticed within searches is to ensure you incorporate within your profile past employers, suppliers, competitors, products, and software’s that you frequently use. Also, verify that you have detailed description on your specific role, especially if your title is similar or frequent in your organization, such as “VP” or “Program manager”.

(3)    Register with an expert network such a Golden Apple  – Once your LinkedIn information is up to date and complete, you can proactively register by accessing our website and complete the onboarding process via the link sent to you by e-mail. The most crucial step within the onboarding process is your biography. Instead of pasting your LinkedIn biography, ensure that you create a simple and precise description of your expertise. Examples are:

1. I am a vetted Subject-Matter expert on ABC topic
2. I have x years of work experience as a “role” at XYZ Company.
3. Highlight any conflicts of interest and notable players that you may be familiar with. 

Golden Apple is an expert network that takes compliance very seriously. Each expert that is onboarded is required to abide by the Non Disclosure Agreements and sign this on a yearly basis to ensure that they are compliant with specific restrictions that apply to them. Please consult our compliance page for additional information.