A Guide on How to Find Clients Through Expert Networks

An expert network is a platform with specialists in their fields who share their knowledge and skills with clients, often firms that might need this information in their jobs. They help by giving insights; from there, the clients will make better decisions. In a nutshell, these networks connect experts with those who need their specific information or advice. 

As a freelancer, you may use these platforms to sell your expertise. Read on to learn how you can make good money as an expert in your field.

Types of Expert Networks

We can group these networks into different types. Note that some expert networks are closed for public registration. To join them, you need to pass several steps and be approved. We connected with one of such services, GLG, and will show you how such platforms work on its example. 

1. Traditional Expert Networks

Big platforms like Third Bridge and AlphaSights have many experts in different fields. From technology to finance. For example, if your company needs some head-on market analysis or business strategy, you can consult these companies, who will give you experts in those roles.

2. Specialized Expert Networks

These ones focus strictly on one industry or sector. For instance, there could be one that focuses on healthcare and only has experts who are medical specialists, an example being BTHT. A financial company can't come looking for experts here. They will only check out for a network that specializes in finances and anything related.

3. Peer-to-Peer Networks

A peer-to-peer expert network connects professionals directly with each other, whether they are in the same industry or different ones. Examples are MentorCruise and GrowthMentor. For instance, a marketing manager can connect with another marketing expert for insights and best practices. With this, they will share some needed knowledge to get issues sorted quickly, for example, and then build collaboration.

4. Internal Expert Networks

Some big companies have their own internal experts. For example, Shell’s connected colleagues is an internal expert network that allows Shell employees to search for and connect with subject matter experts within the company on different topics related to energy. This will help boost collaboration, reduce the cost of spending on getting an external specialist, and improve internal problem-solving.

How an Expert Can Find a Client

One of the main hurdles about expert networks is how experts can find clients. Below are the general steps you should take if you want to start finding clients as a consultant in an expert network platform:

1. Define Your Expertise

Choose a niche with a focus on what you know you excel at. For example, if you’re great at digital marketing, make that your area. With this approach, you will stand out and attract clients that need specific expertise.

2. Build an Online Presence

You can do this by joining expert network platforms. Sign up with networks like GLG, AlphaSights, or Clarity to connect directly with potential clients. It’s free for experts to join these platforms, but they take part of your earnings. For example, GLG takes a percentage of the fees clients pay you. To sign up, you need to contact the company via email, fill out an online form about your bio and expertise, upload your resume, and link your LinkedIn account. You’ll then set your rate, typically around $100 per hour, to stay competitive. 

3. Build a Social Presence

Build your social presence on LinkedIn especially. GLG sometimes contacts their potential experts directly from their LinkedIn, as shown in the screenshot below.

4. Network Actively

You can actively network as an expert through the following steps:

• Take part in the network member tutorial. Keep taking part in the network tutorial to stand a chance of getting selected when a client needs your expertise. The company will get in touch and then tell you about the next steps of movement when a client comes looking for your expertise.
• Attend industry-specific events. Participate in conferences, webinars, and other networking events to meet potential clients. You may have to engage with many people and market yourself to stand a chance, though.
• Be more active on social media. Share your insights and interact with other professionals in the industry on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Some top accounts to follow, especially if you are in the marketing sector, are Ann Handley, Joe Pulizzi, Rand Fishkin, and Larry Kim.

5. Offer Value Upfront

You also have to offer value upfront by sharing your knowledge through articles and blog posts. You can make posts on your social media accounts that direct the readers to your main blogs and website. You must also ensure you do this consistently - and are not focusing on outcomes. Who knows? One of your posts could draw someone’s attention to your page, and then they may decide to reach out. Mitchel Harad, an independent expert and sales managing director at VEM Tools, talks about his experience as an expert:

I am a sales managing director, but in my spare time, I go on expert network platforms to offer my expertise for some extra bugs. Through these platforms, I have acquired new clients quickly and, in turn, enhanced my professional reach. When I started, I thought my profile stood out since I highlighted my achievements and quantifiable results from previous roles.

My first client was a mid-sized manufacturing firm that needed help with sales strategy. I offered them a free initial consultation, which led to a detailed project on optimizing their sales process. Today, I have around ten to fifteen clients per month. Earnings vary based on project scope, but I would say $200 per client on average.

I maintain an active profile to attract new clients since I regularly update my credentials and engage in industry events. I follow up promptly and deliver exceptional results, which is crucial to retaining clients.

Over time, I've grown my client base by consistently demonstrating expertise and adapting to market dynamics. This has helped expand my professional network and positioned me as a trusted advisor, fostering long-term client relationships and continuous growth in the sector.

So, an attractive profile is a great way to showcase your expertise, and even if earning your first customer is not so easy, it will start working for you with time. 

How Much Can an Expert Earn?

Experts earn money through expert network platforms by sharing their knowledge and experience. They earn between $30 and $1,000 per hour. 

Some experts on ZipRecruiter charge up to $62.5 hourly. They get paid for consultations, phone calls, or meetings with clients and sometimes work with more than one expert network company. 

They could be doing it full or part-time, but this income will supplement their main job (for those doing part-time) and help them achieve financial goals. It's a great way for experts to monetize their skills and expertise. Sometimes, they set their rate to be very high, and according to our expert, Mitchel Harad, many factors affect the rate. Personally, Harad charges $500 an hour for his work. 

A number of factors go into setting your rate, with seniority and scarcity being the most important.  Having a loftier title, more years of experience, and working for or with a prominent organization makes it easier to command a higher rate.  However, expert network recruiters are tasked with finding consultants who meet a pretty specific set of criteria for a project, and the narrower those criteria are the more they are willing to pay you to participate on a call. 

Also, those doing part-time work must upload a signed form from the HR or Legal group stating that they fully permit you to do outside consulting. 

Benefits of Expert Networks for Freelancers

Although it may be challenging to grow as an expert on such platforms, they still have many advantages if you have deep knowledge in some areas.

1. New Clients 

As you join an expert network, you will work with people and companies you would never meet anywhere else. Many businesses seek expertise directly on these platforms, so they are a good opportunity for you to find projects that match what you are good at.

2. Opportunity to Expand Your Professional Network

Experts can connect with other professionals through the network as they are offering their expertise. New collaborations, job offers, or partnerships can come to fruition with these connections. An expert might meet a potential business partner or find a mentor to help them grow in their career. 

3. Good Pay

Expert networks often offer higher rates compared to other platforms. You can exrn more for your specialized skills.

4. Variety of Projects.

You’ll have the chance to work on different types of projects across various industries. Apart from earning money, this will help you grow as an expert and increase your value in the market.

How to Choose the Right Expert Network Platform to Work for

• Check the network’s reputation. Look for networks that have good reviews and are known for treating experts well. Research online and see what other experts say about their experiences.
• Compare the pay rates. Different networks offer different pay rates. Make sure the network you choose pays fairly for your level of expertise. 
• Look at the client base. Choose a network that aligns with your area of expertise and the kind of clients you want to work with. Note that most networks will check your knowledge before letting you in.
• Ease of use. The platform should be easy to navigate and use. Check how easy it is to apply, communicate with clients, and get paid.
• Support and resources. See if the network offers any support or resources for their experts, such as training, webinars, or a helpful support team.
• Flexibility. Make sure the network allows you to choose the projects that suit your schedule and interests. Some networks may have more rigid requirements than others.
• Payment terms. Check how and when the network pays its experts. Some networks pay quickly after each project, while others might have longer payment cycles.

To make it easier for you to choose the right network, I made a comparative table at the end of this text. Feel free to use it. 

How to Choose the Right Rate as an Expert

It is also essential to choose the perfect rate for you. Setting it too low may make it look like you are not an experienced one, and you can not make it too high. According to an annual survey on the Expert Networks forum on Reddit, most experts earn less than $5,000 in 2023. So, it is not always juicy. 

Before you decide on your rate, you should consider your level of expertise, both in your career and as an expert network member. You can not set your rate to be too high when you are just 4 years into your career, for example, or maybe you just joined an expert network. In these cases, you have to set it moderately. 

The company you are working for is also a very deciding factor. Your rates will understandably be higher if you work with a prominent company like Shell or Nestle. But then, it all boils down to what the expert network needs and what is trending at the moment, according to the expert Harad. 

For example, Inex One has over 3.5 million experts in almost all sectors, and it is easier to join. So, a client who wants to speak with users of a popular software platform will have thousands of candidates to choose from. In this case, rates for that project will be lower. 

However, GLG has less than a million experts, and it is more challenging to become an expert because of their long screening process. It is also mainly for investors and startups, so you can add hundreds of dollars to your rate without much pushback.

In general, Harad recommends that people early in their career ask for an hourly rate of $200 - $300, mid-career managers should aim for $300 - $500, and C-level executives request $500 - $700.  

Comparison Table of Expert Network Industries

Expert networks help businesses and professionals alike. They help connect experts with clients so the experts can offer their unique insights and specialized knowledge to help drive informed decisions and strategic growth. Expert networks provide unmatched connections across different industries, from healthcare to finance and law to technology. You have to choose the right network and utilize its resources. With this, be you the client or the expert, you will unlock new opportunities, enhance your capabilities, and achieve your goals. 

‍

‍