Expert networks (ENs) are organizations that connect clients with industry experts for the purpose of consulting and market intelligence. They provide clients with unique insights and knowledge not available through public sources, but rather through direct engagement with experts. This first-hand knowledge can support critical decision-making processes. ENs handle the sourcing and scheduling of experts and ensure that the information shared is compliant.

Who Can Benefit from ENs?

ENs are valuable to anyone seeking market insights. Traditionally, ENs have been used by investment firms, management consulting companies, private equity firms, and corporations seeking a competitive advantage. However, with the rise of smaller, more affordable ENs like Infoquest, knowledge sharing has become more democratized.

Types of Expert Network Firms

Network-first Firms

Larger, traditional firms like GLG maintain a large database of experts who have previously conducted consultations. However, these experts may not necessarily be tailored to specific client needs, and the high upfront cost may not be accessible to individuals or smaller corporations, and consulting firms.

Research-first Firms

At Infoquest, we use a research-first approach, powered by technology. Market research analysts are assigned to client projects to custom-recruit and validate experts, providing clients with tailored lists of profiles that fit their project needs. We tap into the same public networks utilized by larger players like GLG and proactively engage with potential experts. We employ a blend of commonly used platforms such as Google and LinkedIn, as well as specialized tools like SignalHire, ZoomInfo, and Nymeria to identify and connect with the right experts for our clients.

Why Use an EN Firm?

Limited Resources: ENs have a large team of research analysts responsible for vetting experts for clients. This support can be valuable for clients with short project timelines and limited resources.
Compliance: ENs have an internal compliance team to ensure that interactions between clients and experts are compliant with regulations and ethical standards. This includes preventing the exchange of confidential or insider information.

Why Choose Infoquest?

Infoquest offers a unique, research-first approach compared to the industry’s standard network-first approach. With three times the resources per project compared to competitors, clients can be assured of getting the right answer. Additionally, Infoquest offers competitive pricing, with a pay-as-you-go model that is approximately 30% lower than the industry standard. The company also provides tailored services such as phone consultations, surveys, long-term engagements, and the ability to staff a former BIG-3 consultant. Send us your request here and we will let you know how we can tailor our services to support you!