Maximize the value of your expert calls with our expert tips. Learn efficient strategies to extract valuable insights and enhance decision-making. Elevate your interactions and make the most out of every expert conversation. Unlock success with expert calls like never before.
Knowledge has to be improved, challenged and increased constantly, or it vanishes. - Peter Drucker
Timely and informed decisions shape the future of any organization, and subject matter experts use their extensive industry experience to provide businesses with valuable insights into evolving market dynamics, the competitive business environment, consumer inclinations, buying habits, and more.
Accurate analysis of this information can help predict future market trends and more. Organizations are increasingly taking advantage of such expert calls to edge out the competition.
Expert network firms assist their clients in leveraging knowledge by connecting them with the industry's leading subject matter experts (SMEs) through one-on-one phone consultations with experts.
While expert network services can facilitate interactions and help forge relationships between organizations and subject matter experts, there are a few dos and don’ts for both parties to keep in mind to ensure a streamlined and highly productive expert consultation.
An expert network call has several distinct phases, including setting the agenda and tone of the call. Let's take a deep dive into a few recommendations and best practices for both clients and subject matter experts when handling an expert call.
How SMEs Can Make the Most Out of Expert Calls
-
- Establish Rapport
While the client engages your services and time, it is important to resist the urge to dive right in. It’s a good idea to take a few minutes at the beginning of the call to get acquainted with the client and what exactly they hope to achieve from the consultation.
Ask questions, engage in a bit of small talk, and walk them through your professional background. This helps to break the ice and puts both parties at ease.
-
- Treat It as It Is – an Expert Call
An expert call isn’t an interview, sales, or executive placement call. You are not attempting to sell a product or tell the client what you can do for them.
The objective is to efficiently share information and insights into the specific field through straightforward answers and honest opinions. Knowledgeable answers and sound advice are preferred to lengthy sales spiels.
-
- Provide Insights into the Competition
Clients are looking for a competitive edge in their respective fields. Providing them with a comprehensive analysis of how the top players in their business sectors do things is a great way to chart the way forward.
It would be impactful to suggest successful business practices, point out trend-setting products and services, and share your past experiences on what works and what doesn’t in the specific industry.
-
- It’s All About the Numbers — Be Quantitative
The perpetual goal for all businesses is to improve the bottom line, either by increasing profits or reducing costs. Clients often contemplate significant investments, either upgrading the business or acquiring stock in another company and want your opinion on whether they’re putting their money in the right place.
Rather than providing too much technical information, run the numbers and use your industry knowledge to give them precise financial projections because that’s exactly what they will base their decisions on.
-
- Provide Honest and Clear Opinions, and Don’t Be Afraid to Disagree
Clients want to know what you think; give them your honest opinion on what you think is a sound investment and what seems like a waste of resources.
If you think their ideas are off the mark or disagree with their projections, don’t sugar-coat why you think they’re heading in the wrong direction. Admitting that you do not have answers to specific questions is also acceptable. Inform them that you will get back to them as soon as possible and that you will provide accurate responses.
At Knowledge Ridge, to begin locating a relevant SME, we request that the client compile a list of the criteria or project requirements that the subject matter expert must meet. We use this information to search for and rigorously vet experts through an in-depth phone interview process to select SMEs who meet the client's specifications.
-
- Ensure That You’re Providing Relevant Information
With your wealth of knowledge on the subject matter, it can be easy to get into a lengthy discourse on the topic, especially when answering complicated questions or attempting to explain how a particular aspect of the industry works.
Knowledge Ridge’s robust compliance framework ensures that experts refrain from sharing confidential or non-public information and do not breach any policy or violate industry guidelines.
It is a good idea to pause occasionally, ensure that the client is on the same page, that you haven’t strayed off course, and are giving them the relevant information. The client is paying for your opinions; don’t hesitate to introduce perspectives and outcomes they may not have considered.
How Clients Can Leverage Expert Calls
-
- Set Expectations Early On
Take the first few minutes of the call to clear your expectations and set the interaction's tone. You can use this time to evaluate the subject matter expert’s knowledge by asking relevant, closed-ended questions as you lay out your agenda, requirements, and goals.
- Be Direct and Transparent
Be clear about precisely what you need and expect from the expert call. If the subject matter expert clearly understands your specific requirements, they can give you the precise knowledge you're looking for. Once the expert has all the relevant details, they can provide you with comprehensive and workable insights.
- Don’t Overuse Industry Jargon
If the expert and client don’t have a similar background, excessive use of industry-specific terminology might confuse and cause a waste of time. Make sure you understand each other and keep the industry jargon to a minimum.
- Steer the Interaction to Your Agenda
With their extensive experience and detailed industry knowledge, there’s a chance that subject matter experts may occasionally lead the conversation away from your specific areas of interest. If this happens, don’t waste time. Nudge them back on track by gently reminding them of your precise goals.
- Ensure You Gain All the Data You Need
Ensure you have all the insights and necessary information before closing the call. Ask for clarifications and ensure that everything on your agenda has been covered. This is also when you schedule your next call with the expert.
- Set Expectations Early On
The Knowledge Ridge Advantage – Benefits of Working with Us
Knowledge Ridge is an expert network firm with a strong presence in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas and access to experts in 80+ countries across 158 sub-industries.
Knowledge Ridge successfully assists businesses in gaining rapid access to expert industry know-how across a wide range of major industries, geographies, and cultures, bridging knowledge gaps with tailored, end-to-end expert solutions to enhance decision-making.
Explore this case study on how Knowledge Ridge delivered tailored and precise insights in the energy sector for a global consulting firm.
Through our global network of industry experts, we provide access to real-time intelligence and industry insights by utilizing filtered valuable insights for specific industry challenges and opportunities.
Reach out to gain insights from seasoned industry professionals who can help you sharpen strategic decisions, drive innovation, and make informed investment choices.
Other interesting reads:
Transform Your Approach with a Reserved Expert Session
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Expert Calls?
Expert calls connect businesses with seasoned experts to provide specific industry insights to help decision-making.
How Much Does an Expert Call Cost?
The cost of an expert call can vary greatly, depending on the expert network firm's fee structure, the expert's seniority, and the existing demand for specific expertise.
How Much Do Expert Networks Pay?
Based on an expert’s experience, knowledge, and expertise, their consultation rates can start from as little as $100 per hour and go up to thousands of dollars per hour for highly sought-after experts and industry professionals.