VQ (VisasQ)
VQ Review
VQ (VisasQ) is a leading expert network specialist in Japan. It was launched in 2012 as Walkntalk Inc. and later rebranded. VQ operates two business areas. With its mission of “Connecting Insights and Aspirations Across the Globe”, VQ uses a knowledge platform that promotes innovation across the globe. By utilizing its knowledge base of over 160,000 experts in Japan and abroad, VQ matches individual expertise through technology and its extensive operations to help solve a range of challenges, such as research on industry or needs in new business development, human resource development, and global business expansion.
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.
Milestones:
- Awarded the “Asia Pacific Technology Fast 500” in 2019 and 2020.
- VQ was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on March 10, 2020.
- Acquired US-based expert network Coleman Research Group in 2021.
“Our vision is to build a better future through a global platform that reduces barriers and enables the direct exchange of mission-critical knowledge. We make insightful connections possible between global leaders and people with expertise.” VQ
How will I get paid?
Compensation will be sent from VQ at the consultation end of the following month. For example, if you complete a consultation in May, the payment will be paid at the end of June. You can choose either Paypal or bank wire transfer. However, the wire transfer fee will be at your expense. Paypal is highly encouraged.
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
How do I set my rate?
On the registration form, there is a field where it asks you to type the hourly rate you would request per hour. Type in the minimum amount you would like to receive. *NOTE: the specific amount will be decided for each consultation depending on the client and theme.
How do clients use VQ?
VQ’s Expert Interview service provides a list of experts and arranges calls within a week from request. In addition, clients can choose from many experts with detailed backgrounds providing consulting services from the most suitable experts meeting their needs. As a result, clients can reach many experts in shorter periods than before, dramatically improving research efficiency and accuracy when considering an investment.
Why do clients use an expert network like VQ?
The value of VQ is that it can lower clients’ costs, including the time it takes to talk to the experts who have the information you need. Experts respond promptly, and it’s easy to ask honest questions since they are vetted in advance, so it is an efficient way to gather real-world information.
The quality and quantity of input clients will improve by doing thorough research beforehand and creating a hypothesis for the interview. In addition to simple information gathering, it is helpful to share ideas about the industry structure and theories of future development in a neutral manner. The value of consultants is to derive suggestions based on various information and past experiences while using interviews with experts as one piece of information.
How will the VQ call take place?
Consulting projects with expert networks like VQ are incredibly concise and compact. You provide your availability, including before or after work or during your lunch hour. Since you’re talking about what you’ve been doing day in and day out for years, you don’t need to do anything to prepare for the call, and once you hang up the phone, your work is done – there is no follow-up and no deliverables.
Friendly conversations
Consulting calls tend to be very conversational about topics you likely know, like the back of your hand. Many calls do deep dives into somewhat boring topics where your explanations can cause wide-eyed excitement for the client, such as purchasing decisions or budget allocation.
Industry knowledge discussions
The client will come to the call with a plan and a crisp set of questions for you. Calls will generally start with brief introductions and a few minutes of small talk to build rapport. Naturally, the client will want rapidly download your industry knowledge to help them confirm or challenge their understanding of a company, industry, or product of interest. Your insights are usually vital in a significant strategic or investment decision.
Compliance training
Before the call, you will be asked to review VQ’s compliance policy and brief compliance training to make sure you understand that no propriety or confidential information can be shared during the call. You’ll often be asked to affirm that you understand the compliance policy at the start of the call, and a member of the client’s compliance department may even listen in to the call or read a transcript after it is completed.
This is for both your protection and the clients. The entire expert network industry was nearly destroyed by a major insider trading scandal over a decade ago, which has fortunately led to the development of robust compliance policies and procedures. Clients are tightly monitored by their firms and don’t want to receive non-public information which could prohibit them from making a planned investment or lead to disciplinary action within their firm. If you are unsure whether the information is ok to share, say so, and the client will move on to the next question.
This is how we review gigs
Disclosure: While HuginX is editorially independent, we may earn commissions on sign-up links.
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