Joining an expert network like GLG, AlphaSights, or Third Bridge is a great way to earn money by sharing your professional experience. But getting invited to a project is only half the battle. To actually get paid, you need to be selected by the client. That decision happens fast and is based on how well you present yourself.
We interviewed associates and project managers from several expert networks to understand what makes them choose one expert over another. These are the people who read your screeners, vet your profiles, and pitch you to clients. Their advice is clear, actionable, and often misunderstood by first-time consultants.
If you want more paid calls, follow these steps.
Understand What Clients Want
Clients come to expert networks for specific, up-to-date insights. They are usually consultants, private equity teams, or investors who need fast answers about a narrow topic. They want to speak with someone who has first-hand experience, ideally from the last few years. That is why networks focus heavily on recency and direct experience.
“They’re looking for relevant perspective measured by recency and direct access to the topic area… They generally don’t want academics or people who’ve been far away from the topic for too long.”
Michael Collins, Zintro
For example, if a client is researching a logistics software company, they will prefer someone who recently led procurement or implementation of a similar product over someone who worked in IT a decade ago.
What you should do:
Make sure your expert network profile highlights your most recent roles and projects. Use keywords related to your industry, job function, and any high-profile companies you worked with. Keep your profile focused and current.
Write Better Screener Responses
The screener is your ticket to the interview. Most projects include a few questions that ask if you have experience with certain companies, products, or topics. This is your moment to demonstrate credibility, but many experts either say too little or too much.
Common mistake: Saying “I am familiar with Company X” or “I have worked in this space.” These answers are too vague and do not help the client decide if you are a good fit.
Better approach:
Say something like, “I managed vendor selection for warehouse management systems in 2023 and considered Company X as a finalist. I also led contract negotiations with their competitor, Company Y.”
That is one or two sentences, but it includes specifics, dates, and the type of involvement. It signals to the client that you know the topic well and can speak to it for 45 to 60 minutes.
What you should do:
Treat screener answers like a very short cover letter. Be specific about what you did, when you did it, and which companies were involved. Do not reveal sensitive insights, but make it clear that you have the right background.
Also important: Keep it brief. One or two sentences is enough. Long paragraphs look cluttered and can raise red flags.
Respond as Quickly as Possible
Timing is more important than most experts realize. When a project goes live, the client often starts reviewing expert responses right away. If you respond two days later, your chances of getting selected drop significantly, even if you are a strong match.
One associate said that most decisions happen in the first 24 to 48 hours. That is why networks sometimes call you or text you immediately after a project is sent.
Example:
A consultant working with a top-tier firm submits a project on Monday morning. By Monday afternoon, they already want to schedule calls. If you reply on Tuesday night, the shortlist may already be full.
What you should do:
Set up notifications for emails from your expert networks. Respond to screener questions as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours of receiving the invite. Being fast will not make up for lack of experience, but it often breaks a tie between two qualified experts.
Do Not Exaggerate Your Experience
Some experts stretch their background to get more projects. This is risky. Associates are trained to spot inconsistencies between your LinkedIn, your profile, and your screener answers. Even if you make it onto a call, clients will quickly realize if you are out of your depth.
When that happens, it reflects poorly on the network and they may stop sending you projects altogether. Some firms flag experts who underperform or misrepresent their experience so they are not offered future opportunities.
What you should do:
Stick to what you know best. If your experience is limited to a few years in a specific role, focus on that. Clients value recent, specific insight more than broad claims. You do not need to have managed a company or led a product launch. It is often enough to have been involved in the process and to be able to speak clearly about it.
Example:
If you worked in customer success for a fintech platform from 2021 to 2023, say that. You do not need to pretend you managed product strategy or M and A. Be clear about your actual responsibilities and results.
Participate in Expert Network Surveys
Many networks offer paid surveys in addition to consulting calls. These are usually shorter, easier to qualify for, and still well paid. Some surveys pay 40 to 200 dollars and take only 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
Surveys are not just a side benefit. They help you stay active with the network. Associates often prioritize experts who are responsive, easy to work with, and already familiar with the system.
What you should do:
Take surveys seriously. Fill them out when invited and be thoughtful in your responses. Even if you do not get many calls at first, completing surveys can increase your visibility and credibility with the network team.
Build a Focused, Up to Date Profile
Your expert profile is what associates use to decide whether to contact you in the first place. A strong profile makes it easier for them to match you to projects quickly.
Common mistake: Listing too many industries, job functions, or buzzwords. This makes it look like you are trying to qualify for everything, which can make you seem like a generalist.
What you should do:
Write a clear, focused summary of your most relevant roles. Highlight specific companies, years, and responsibilities. Make it easy for an associate to skim your profile and say, “Yes, this person fits.”
Need help? Read our guide on how to write a great expert network profile.
Final Thoughts: What Actually Gets You Picked
To land more expert network calls, you need to think like the person reviewing your application. They are looking for someone who is:
- Relevant to the topic
- Specific in their experience
- Quick to respond
- Honest about what they know
Most experts who get regular projects are not famous executives or Ivy League grads. They are professionals who respond quickly, communicate clearly, and focus on what they actually know.
What you should do next:
- Update your profile so it highlights your most recent experience
- Set up alerts so you can respond fast
- Write concise, specific screener answers with real examples
- Avoid exaggerating your background
- Say yes to surveys
Watch: Insider’s Advice on Landing More Expert Network Calls
It’s interesting work that’s also probably one of the easiest, most convenient, and most lucrative side hustles you’ll ever find, so I started exploring how I could proactively land more frequent and higher paying assignments. Many of my strategies worked quite well, and I’ve now completed well over 200 expert network consulting calls, dozens of paid surveys and a few small projects. I’ve helped quite a few friends and colleagues get started as well, and along the way have learned quite a bit about the large, lucrative and very opaque expert network industry – which I’ve also shared with publications like Forbes and Spears. (I’m also a moderator of the Expert Networks subreddit – a great place to ask additional questions!)
So I started this site to share what I’ve learned as a little bit of an expert on expert networks, to help others get started or more involved. To help peel the onion, I’ve reached out to some of the associates I’ve worked with at top firms and other in-demand experts to provide a peek behind the curtain and actionable advice.
I hope you find this site useful, and would love to hear your feedback and suggestions!