Dialectica
Dialectica Review
Dialectica is an expert network that connects investors and private equity firms with subject matter experts. The format of the knowledge exchange is usually an ad-hoc consultation call over the phone or video conference lasting one hour. In this review, we are taking a look at how experts are treated from the moment they sign up until the expert call is conducted.
Founded in 2015, Dialectica claims to help businesses and investment professionals make smarter decisions, explore new opportunities, and confidently navigate the future. The company is known for going above and beyond to recruit hard-to-find and differentiated experts, giving its clients a competitive edge in their decision-making.
Sophie Fischer – Our Expert Network Specialist: Sophie is from Hamburg, Germany and is our specialist on Expert Networks. After several years of working as a top executive, Sophie is now an independent consultant and is signed up as a council member of several networks. When she is not helping HuginX write Expert Network reviews, she can often be found enjoying thrilling Nordic noir crime series.
What’s the concept?
Expert networks such as Dialectica may not be familiar to the general public, but investors and consultancies are well aware of their services. Companies like Bain and BCG rely heavily on expert networks to gain valuable insights, but they prefer to keep their use of these networks under wraps. Expert network firms are known for their discretion in sourcing exclusive information for their clients, and they understand the importance of privacy in the business world.
Unlike other industries that promote their services, expert network firms such as Dialectica operate quietly and without fanfare. Many people only learn about expert networks through word of mouth or by receiving invitations through professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
While expert networks used to rely on personal recommendations, they now use the power of online networking to find and contract talent. However, despite their growing popularity among businesses and investors, there are still concerns about the transparency of their operations and the potential for conflicts of interest.
“We are very proud to be included in Europe’s fastest-growing companies and named as the fastest-growing expert network by the Financial Times. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to delivering unparalleled customer service and value to our clients and building a global team of talented and ambitious people,” George Tsarouchas, CEO & Co-founder of Dialectica.
Expert Networks such as Dialectica act as intermediaries between knowledge seekers and experts. These firms scour the market to find suitable clients for experts to consult with and take a significant cut for making that connection. They search for qualified professionals in various industries who are willing to share their insights and opinions for a considerable fee. The experts set their hourly consulting rate, and then the middleman marks it up and pockets the difference. This business model is straightforward and profitable for these companies.
How do Expert Networks operate?
New to expert networks? Here is a quick guide to 10 key steps networks take when matching experts with clients for ad-hoc phone consultations.
Expert Networks explained in 10 steps
1. Client request recived
Expert Network receives specifications from client.
2. Search for candidates
Internal network checked for matching candidates
3. External resources utilized
Additional external candidates are sourced if needed
4. Vetting of candidates
Candidates are vetted over phone or through screener questions
5. Compliance and confirmation
Candidate undergoes compliance training
6. Scheduling of consultation
The phone consultation is scheduled
7. Consultation takes place
Phone consultation is conducted, usually on a single blinded basis.
8. Post-call confirmation
You receive confirmation of compensation amount after the call
9. Request payment
You'll fill in your payment details and request payment
10. Payment received
You receive the payment. Usually through bank-transfer, PayPal or pre-paid credit card.
Read more about how expert networks operate
The types of projects you can expect
Businesses face various daily problems, and they often seek outside help before making decisions. Investors also consult experts before deciding on how to position themselves. Dialectica saves these types of clients time and energy by finding and vetting the right people who can provide helpful information.
Examples of typical subjects on an expert network call:
- Technology trends and emerging technologies
- Regulatory compliance in the financial industry
- Market analysis and forecasting
- Healthcare policies and procedures
- Energy and sustainability practices
- Consumer behaviour and preferences
- Legal matters and intellectual property
- Supply chain management and logistics
- Real estate investment and development
- Mergers and acquisitions in various industries
How are experts treated?
As an expert who has worked with Dialectica, I can attest to how smoothly they facilitate the process of matching projects with expertise. When I joined their network, I was impressed by their thorough vetting process, which ensured that only qualified experts were accepted into their network.
Once I was accepted, I was presented with a variety of projects that aligned with my areas of expertise. I appreciated that Dialectica took the time to understand my strengths and interests, which allowed me to work on projects that I was truly passionate about.
The project selection process was straightforward. Clients presented their project briefs to Dialectica, who then filtered their pool of experts to find suitable candidates. After submitting a brief proposal and answering a few questions, clients would then review the submissions and choose from the candidates presented.
Dialectica made all the arrangements for the call, which included setting an hourly rate that I had previously agreed on. I appreciated that they handled all the logistics, which allowed me to focus solely on delivering value to the client during the call.
After the call was completed, Dialectica released payment and requested feedback, which I found to be a straightforward and efficient process.
Overall, I had a positive experience working with Dialectica. They provided a platform for me to showcase my expertise and connect with clients who needed my insights. The project matching process was smooth and efficient, and I appreciated the support provided by their team throughout the entire process.
7 key steps when joining Dialectica’s network of experts:
- Clients present Dialectica with a specific project aimed at answering a question or solving a problem.
- Dialectica sifts through its vast talent pool to find suitable advisors.
- Advisors who are interested in the project must answer some questions and submit a brief proposal.
- The clients review the submissions and select the best candidate.
- Dialectica handles all the logistics for the call.
- The clients have a conversation with their chosen advisors.
- Once the call is completed, Dialectica releases payment and requests feedback. T
What about the risk of sharing confidential information?
Dialectica’s consulting calls offer clients the opportunity to tap into the knowledge and insights of experienced consultants in a variety of industries. However, it’s important to note that these calls are not without potential risks of conflicts of interest and the sharing of confidential information.
Dialectica provides compliance training and screening of experts, however, this may not catch all potential conflicts of interest.
Experts should be careful not to disclose any proprietary or confidential information during their consulting calls. They must also ensure that they don’t reveal any non-public information, as this could potentially lead to insider trading or other legal violations.
In addition to these ethical considerations, experts should also be aware of potential conflicts of interest. For example, if an expert is currently employed by a company that is the subject of a consulting call, they should disclose this information to Dialectica and refrain from discussing their employer during the call. Similarly, if an expert has any financial interest in a company or industry being discussed, they should also disclose this information to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Overall, it is crucial for experts to maintain the highest level of professionalism and ethical standards when consulting for expert networks like Dialectica. By following these guidelines, experts can help ensure that their consulting calls provide value-added information without any ethical or legal concerns.
How do I set my Dialectica hourly consulting rate?
Expert networks have been known to use the professional networking site LinkedIn as a recruitment tool, offering attractive incentives to entice potential talent. However, it’s important to note that some of these companies pay their consultant’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars per hour, which can raise some eyebrows.
While clients foot the bill, expert network Dialectica adds their fees as a markup to the consultant’s rate, meaning that they are not necessarily looking for cheaper options. Instead, they seek out advisors who can command high rates, allowing them to mark up the rate even more. This creates an incentive for consultants to charge more for their services, but they must be careful not to set an inflated rate arbitrarily. The value of their insights can be subjective, and consultants should consider industry standards when setting their hourly rate.
For mid-level professionals, an hourly rate of $100 to $150 might be appropriate, while seasoned professionals in specialized roles or positions of authority can charge $300 to $500 per hour. Executives, who possess greater expertise and experience, can command a rate of over a thousand dollars per hour. Dialectica provides guidance on setting hourly rates based on industry standards and offers a full brief on how to do so.
Additional earning opportunity: B2B surveys
Dialectica also offers business-to-business (B2B) surveys to its clients. These surveys can be a valuable tool for companies that need to gather information about the market, industry trends, and competitors.
Dialectica can leverage its extensive network of experts to create targeted B2B surveys. The experts can provide insights and opinions on a range of topics relevant to the client’s business needs. These surveys can cover a variety of areas, such as product development, market research, and competitive analysis.
One of the advantages of using Dialectica for B2B surveys is the ability to access a large pool of experts quickly. The company can identify and recruit experts with specific knowledge and expertise in a particular industry or market segment. This can provide clients with valuable insights and perspectives that they may not have access to otherwise.
Another benefit of using an expert network for B2B surveys is the ability to maintain anonymity. Dialectica can ensure that the survey is conducted in a confidential and secure manner, protecting the client’s identity and any sensitive information that may be disclosed during the survey process.
Remember the risk of inadvertently revealing confidential information related to current or past employers. Experts must be cautious not to share any sensitive or proprietary information during the survey process, which could result in legal or ethical issues.
What are the pros and cons of signing up with Dialectica?
Joining an expert network like Dialectica can be an attractive proposition for professionals who want to leverage their expertise to earn extra income. However, there are risks involved, especially when it comes to confidentiality.
On the one hand, being part of an expert network can provide access to exciting projects and clients that might not be available otherwise. For experts looking to build their reputation, this can be a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise. Moreover, Dialectica provides compliance training to ensure that all experts understand the legal and ethical guidelines for sharing information.
On the other hand, there are risks associated with participating in these networks. Experts must be careful not to reveal confidential information related to their current or past employers. Doing so could damage their professional reputation and potentially lead to legal action. It’s important to note that while Dialectica screens candidates for conflicts of interest, it is ultimately up to the expert to ensure they do not reveal any confidential or non-public information during their consulting calls.
In conclusion, joining an expert network like Dialectica can be an attractive opportunity for professionals looking to leverage their expertise. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved, particularly when it comes to confidentiality. Experts must take great care to ensure they do not reveal any confidential information during their consulting calls. Additionally, it’s important to understand that there is no guarantee of work or income.
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