Professional

Expert Network Consulting

$5K-15K/month selling your industry expertise by the hour to consulting firms and PE funds.

Monthly Revenue
$5K–$20K
realistic range
Startup Cost
$0–$500
to get started
Hourly Rate
$200–$1000
per hour billed
Complexity
2/4
skill required

The Business

Expert networks connect industry experts with consulting firms, private equity funds, and hedge funds who need insider knowledge for due diligence and investment decisions. Experts charge $200-1,000 per hour for phone consultations. If you have 10+ years in any industry (healthcare, construction, SaaS, logistics), there are firms willing to pay for your perspective on market dynamics, competitive landscape, and operational nuances.

How to Start

Sign up with expert networks: GLG, AlphaSights, Guidepoint, Third Bridge, and Tegus. Complete their profiles thoroughly with your industry expertise. They'll match you with consulting projects — typically 30-60 minute phone calls. Build a reputation for quality insights and your call volume will increase. No marketing required — the networks find clients for you.

REAL EXAMPLE

A former construction project manager earns $8K/month from 10-12 expert network calls at $600-800/hour, spending about 8 hours/month total.

Equipment Needed

  • Phone/video conferencing
  • LinkedIn profile
  • Knowledge base
  • Calendar booking tool

Licensing

None

Monthly Search Volume

600
people/month search for this business
READY TO START?

Form your LLC and protect your assets. Start operating legally in days.

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Revenue Calculator

3
$600
5 hrs
$0
Weekly Revenue
$1.8K
Monthly Revenue
$7.7K
Annual Revenue
$92.9K
Monthly Profit
$7.7K
Break-Even
0 months
Hourly Rate
$360
Monthly costs: $50/mo (insurance, fuel, supplies)
CHRIS'S TAKE

Expert network consulting is the closest thing to free money for experienced industry professionals. You already have the knowledge — you're just monetizing conversations you'd have for free. $500-1,000/hour for a phone call about your industry is real.

PRO TIP

Focus on getting into GLG and AlphaSights — they have the highest volume of calls and the best-paying clients (PE firms and hedge funds pay premium rates).

READY TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL?

Form Your LLC Today

You've seen the numbers. Protect your personal assets, get your EIN, and start operating legally. ZenBusiness handles the paperwork so you can focus on the business.

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ACQUISITION ROUTE

Want to buy a Expert Network Consulting instead of starting one?

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TOOLS TO RUN THIS BUSINESS

Tools we'd use if we were starting this business today. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.

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