LinkedIn consultants spend their days giving advice, building authority, and helping others monetize. But here’s the question most aren’t asking:
Are you getting paid fairly for your expertise?
Beyond retainers and coaching packages, there’s a high-margin revenue stream hiding in plain sight: expert networks—firms that match subject-matter experts with investors, corporates, and research teams who need real-world insight. And they pay well: $250–$500+ per hour for a single 1:1 call.
This guide covers how they work, who pays best, and how to stand out.
What Are Expert Networks?
Think of them as Uber for brainpower. Clients (hedge funds, PE firms, F500 strategists) pay for tactical knowledge they can’t get from Google.
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Format: 30–60 minute calls
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Topics: Market trends, operations, vendor dynamics, customer behavior
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Clients: Investors, strategy teams, diligence firms
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Comp: $150–$500+ per hour (often higher for niche/senior roles)
You don’t pitch or sell—you answer questions, provide context, and get paid.
Why They’re Gold for LinkedIn Consultants
If you:
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Coach founders/executives
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Publish thought leadership
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Have meaningful operating experience (or an exit)
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Field inbound DMs with questions
…you’re already positioned. Expert networks let you monetize that positioning without more delivery work or complex offers.
Top 10 Expert Networks (Ranked & Noted)
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GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) — ~$250/hr; industry leader; high volume; broad sectors.
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AlphaSights — ~$200–$300/hr; strong for B2B/SaaS/marketing; fast matching.
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Guidepoint — ~$200–$400/hr; great for eCom/retail/supply chain; steady flow.
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Third Bridge — ~ $300/hr; investment research focus; solid transcripts; medium volume.
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Coleman Research (VisasQ) — ~$200–$350/hr; corporate ops/logistics/B2B SaaS.
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Tegus — ~$300/hr (experts often see ~$450/hr ranges); public company focus; transparent.
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Atheneum — ~$200–$300/hr; global footprint; life sciences/tech.
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proSapient — ~$200–$300/hr; emerging tech; platform-based scheduling.
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NewtonX — ~$250–$400/hr; AI matching; great for hard-to-reach domains (fintech/cyber).
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Arbolus — ~$250–$300/hr; open to longer advisory beyond calls.
Pro tip: Senior titles (VP/Director/C-suite) and niche operational expertise typically command the highest rates.
How to Get Started (Fast, Not Fussy)
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Apply to 3–5 networks to start (GLG, Guidepoint, AlphaSights, Tegus).
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Craft a 2-line positioning statement with measurable credibility:
“Built a $30M DTC brand in home goods; led Amazon + retail expansion to 1,500 doors.” -
Respond fast. Invites can fill within hours.
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Be clear, not salesy. This isn’t coaching—answer questions, share specifics.
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Log wins. Save notes, anonymized outcomes, and client feedback to strengthen your bio.
Tips to Maximize Earnings
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Stack platforms. Many earn $2K–$5K/month from 3–4 calls across networks.
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Update profiles frequently. New trends = new demand.
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Say yes to short notice. Fast response drives more invites.
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Price to your rarity. If your experience is scarce, quote accordingly.
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Ask for follow-ups. Calls often lead to paid surveys or ongoing advisory.
FAQs
Do I apply for each project?
No. Networks invite you when there’s a strong fit—then you accept or decline.
Do I need to leave my job/clients?
Not at all. Most calls are 30–60 minutes and can be scheduled around your day.
What if I don’t get selected?
Normal. Keep profiles sharp, respond quickly, and widen to 4–6 platforms.
How often will I get calls?
Depends on background and responsiveness. Active experts often see 2–10 invites/month.
Final Thought: Don’t Leave Easy Money on the Table
If you’re already advising on LinkedIn, expert networks are low-effort, high-margin income. No funnel. No long delivery. Just your expertise—paid.
Start with the networks above. Apply once. Then let the inbound invites begin.
Want help positioning yourself for expert networks?
Visit apexceo.co or connect with Luke Peters on LinkedIn.
