HVACexpert profile picture
HVACexpert profile picture

HVACexpert

sales engineer

Politicker
Catalyst
Valued Contributor
+8

Are these companies real or are they some sort of Scam?

I have received emails or LinkedIn messages multiple times, that go something like this;


"I am getting in touch from XXXXXXXX; one of the fastest-growing expert networks, connecting our clients with hundreds of industry professionals on a daily basis.

We're currently supporting a client conducting a market study, as they're trying to better understand the XXXXXXX market. At this stage of the project, the team is looking to conduct interviews with experienced professionals that can guide them through the competitive landscape and catch up with the best practices and challenges for the production and manufacturing processes. Of course, all the topics of the discussion will be public, non-proprietary information.

Based on your experience I believe that you're an excellent fit for this one. Therefore, It would be great to connect you directly with our client for a first consultation of 30-90 minutes. Please also note that no preparation is needed for this one and the call will be scheduled upon your availability.

Naturally, we'd be more than happy to provide compensation for taking the time to assist us.

I would be more than happy to jump on a quick call in order to give you more information and discuss the project. What would be the best time and number to reach you?"


I get funny vibes from it, but let me know if anyone has actually had a good experience?

what should I do?

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25 comments

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oldcloser
Arsonist
14
💀
These are real. They'll ask your desired rate. They'll put you in their network and email you when they've got something when they think you can add value. If you can add a lot of value, you may get 2-3 rounds on the same project. It's easy money. Only good experiences here.
HVACexpert
Politicker
2
sales engineer
Didn’t expect this but really good to know. I’ll reach out and see what happens
oldcloser
Arsonist
5
💀
Yep. No pain. The good ones will make you take a 10-15 question training course on what you can and can't say. Anti-bribery stuff, insider trading, etc.
Filth
Politicker
9
Live Filthy or Die Clean
The skeptic in me says LOL fake, the opportunist says, fuck it, see if they'll throw money at you.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
6
🦊
I dunno I'm funny about this kind of stuff. I loathe a scam.
jefe
Arsonist
5
🍁
Foxy won't even click a link.

Which I respect.

I got one via email that was offering a GC or something. Couldn't find much on the company and just deleted.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
You right 🦊
SaaSsy
Politicker
5
AE
Also felt this confusion first time I got that request. I’ve done these before with VCs - can be interesting especially if you’re entrenched in a specific industry and like nerding out about that stuff. Caution - be very careful what you say! Some can seem shady and want insider/proprietary info so keep your wits about you.
HVACexpert
Politicker
3
sales engineer
Did they pay you?
SaaSsy
Politicker
2
AE
Yep! I was asked to set my hourly rate (they gave me an average for context) in my profile and that’s how people find you and book time slots. They look at industry, years of experience, how much an hour of Q&A will cost, etc and then communicate to the firm who books with me.
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
I've done a few of these. They're real.
HVACexpert
Politicker
1
sales engineer
Who would have thought. I guess I’m a little more skeptical than most, but I’ll keep an open mind if another one reaches out.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
4
Sales Rep
You never know, might be legit. I wouldnt invest too much time in it until you are proven its real
Justatitle
Big Shot
3
Account Executive
They are real, I do them from time to time, it is a bit annoying though because for each client engagement you have to take surveys to show what knowledge you have and the orgs that manage them just blast out them. made like 400 this year for doing them so it is worth it.
HVACexpert
Politicker
0
sales engineer
Oh hell yeah nice!
3
Head of Growth
Yep, they're real! I've found usually there is a company on the market (M&A activity, pre-IPO, partnership/investment opportunities, etc.) that is either a previous company you worked at or another company in the same space. Investors or interested parties hire these firms to conduct these calls because looking to gain more info that can't be found through the normal due diligence process.

You can negotiate the fee up as well. I've been paid between $400- $1000 for one call.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
2
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Yeah, these are real and note that you can negotiate your rate.
bravadojanitor
Opinionated
2
product
Expert networks were my stomping ground pre-Bravado, where I sent out cold outbounds like the above daily and was forced to get on cold calls up to 200 times a day. So you could say, i'm an expert in expert networks.

What it is:
These expert networks have clients who conduct research (think due diligence) to support their hypothesis. Sometimes they need a handful of senior folk (VP, C-level). Sometimes they need a ton of junior folk (100+ across the space).

Client reach out to all expert networks to fill the above interview spots. Expert networks compete to get you (experts) into the hands of their client. So typically when it rains, it pours. You'll get months of drought and suddenly your phone is ringing off the hook.

So yes, these are legit. But you're competing against other experts and other expert networks. So move fast - be responsive to your rep, give answers to their questions (they write a blurb about what you can/cannot speak to and send it to their client). Their client get a list of available experts (including you) and pick who they want to talk to.

Some pro tips:
- Reps will insist, but you should insist on a one hour mandatory (not pro-rated - they lie, but clients pay for the full hour)
- If you're a lower level folk, $150 for the hour is fair
- If you're a director, $200-$250
- VP and above $300+
- C-level, $500 +

The way to think about rate too is, if it's a topic you have years of experience in and you know the client will gain a lot of value from you > ask for more. If it's a topic you barely know but want to shoot your shot, lower your rate for that project only.
HVACexpert
Politicker
1
sales engineer
Super helpful! Thank you!
barders42
1
Head of Sales
How do they typically pay you? Just direct 1099? I wonder if I should sole proprietor and do this part time throughout the year, but "expert networks" and random requests I'd get by myself
bravadojanitor
Opinionated
1
product
Usually direct deposit.
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
It’s could be real, I have couple of pals in the marketing domain doing this. Though you get good money, sometimes it includes multiple rounds - questionnaire, 1-1 interview, focus group with the stakeholder and blah blah
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
It is real, though I tend to get ones that want to lean on expertise I don't really have - example, far too technical, when yes, I am a rep who sells a tech solution, but am not all up in the details (such as the coding).

A lot of it is "market research" which I've felt a little odd about, considering I might be speaking with a consultant hired by my competitor, so I haven't done any for a while. But yes, they are real.
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
Offering to be paid most probably means it's real,but oh man you must be so good at what you're doing to say all of that about ya:)
HVACexpert
Politicker
0
sales engineer
Probably a stock email

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