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

Question

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Answer

The skeptic in me says LOL fake, the opportunist says, fuck it, see if they'll throw money at you.

Answer

I dunno I'm funny about this kind of stuff. I loathe a scam.

Answer

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.

Answer

I've done a few of these. They're real.

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You never know, might be legit. I wouldnt invest too much time in it until you are proven its real

Answer

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.

Answer

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.

Answer

Yeah, these are real and note that you can negotiate your rate.

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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.

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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

Answer

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).

Answer

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

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

what should I do?

25 comments

HVACexpert

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

what should I do?

25 comments

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