VisasQ
VisasQ Review
VisasQ is a Tokyo-based expert network that connects clients with industry experts, consultants, and professionals from around the world. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features and benefits of working as an expert for VisasQ.
Sophie – 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.
Company background
VisasQ, formerly known as Walkntalk Inc., is a leading expert network specialist based in Japan. The company’s mission is to “Connect Insights and Aspirations Across the Globe” by matching individual expertise with the help of its extensive operations and cutting-edge technology. With an extensive knowledge base of experts in Japan and abroad, VisasQ offers solutions to a range of challenges, including research on industry, new business development, human resource development, and global business expansion.
The founders and management team of VisasQ bring together a wealth of experience from investment banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, as well as investment firms like Sumitomo and Unison. VisasQ is a prominent player in the Japanese expert network market, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. Other well-known firms, including GLG, AlphaSights, Atheneum, and Guidepoint, have also established offices in Tokyo, contributing to the growth of the market.
VisasQ’s acquisition of Coleman Research in August 2021 raised some eyebrows, given that Coleman had more than double the revenues of VisasQ at the time of the purchase, for a hefty sum of $102 million. While the combined entity now boasts a robust presence in both Japan and the US, it remains to be seen whether the acquisition will truly be a wise investment for VisasQ. As of January 2023, the combined entity claims to have an impressive database of over 540,000 experts and a workforce of over 500 employees spanning 7 global locations, including Tokyo, New York, California, North Carolina, Singapore, Hong Kong, and London.
“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 are experts identified?
VisasQ identifies experts in various industries around the globe through a multi-step process. First, they utilize their extensive network of contacts to identify potential experts. These contacts may include existing clients, industry insiders, and professionals within the same field.
Next, VisasQ evaluates these potential experts based on their professional experience, educational background, and reputation within their respective industries. They also take into account the expert’s geographic location and language proficiency, as they work with clients from all over the world.
Once an expert has been identified and evaluated, VisasQ adds them to its vast expert database. This database is searchable by clients looking for experts in specific industries or fields of expertise.
VisasQ also uses technology to help match experts with clients based on their specific needs. This includes a proprietary algorithm that analyzes client requests and matches them with the most relevant experts in their database. Overall, VisasQ’s rigorous identification process ensures that their clients have access to the highest-quality experts in their respective industries.
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. After this, VisasQ typically negotiates the consultation rate directly with the expert on a case-by-case basis.
The rate can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the level of expertise required, and the time commitment involved. In general, the more specialized the expertise and the more time required, the higher the consultation rate will be.
VisasQ may also take into account the expert’s experience, track record, and reputation when determining the rate. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a fair balance between the expert’s time and expertise and the client’s budget and needs.
The consultation rate for VisasQ experts typically ranges between $100 and $500 for standard calls, depending on the level of seniority and the type of call. However, top-level executives in Fortune 500 companies could earn more than $500.
Compliance training
While expert network consulting calls with VisasQ may seem efficient and straightforward, it’s important to note the compliance training and policies in place to prevent the sharing of proprietary or confidential information.
The expert is expected to review the compliance policy and undergo brief compliance training before the call. The client may even have a member of their compliance department listen in or review a transcript after the call to ensure no inappropriate information was shared. This level of caution is understandable given the insider trading scandal that nearly destroyed the entire expert network industry over a decade ago.
The pros and cons of joining VisasQ
Expert networks like VisasQ can provide both benefits and challenges for consultants looking to share their expertise. While these networks offer a streamlined process for connecting with clients and sharing industry insights, there are also potential difficulties to consider.
One challenge of working with VisasQ is that many of their clients are based in Japan, which can present cultural and language barriers for consultants who are not familiar with Japanese business customs or fluent in Japanese. This may make it difficult to fully understand client needs and expectations, as well as navigate potentially complex communication channels.
However, VisasQ does provide support to mitigate some of these challenges. They offer language assistance and cultural training to consultants who may need it, as well as access to a database of experts from a variety of industries and regions around the world. This can help consultants better understand the specific needs and expectations of Japanese clients, and provide more tailored insights and recommendations.
Another potential challenge of working with VisasQ is the need to adhere to strict compliance policies and regulations. Consultants must review and agree to compliance policies before each call, and may be monitored by the client’s compliance department during the call or have their responses reviewed afterwards. While this is necessary to protect both the consultant and the client from legal or reputational risks, it can also make the consultation process feel more rigid or uncomfortable for some.
Despite these potential challenges, there are many benefits to working with an expert network like VisasQ. Consultants have the opportunity to share their expertise with clients from a variety of industries and regions and may earn competitive compensation for their time and insights. The streamlined process and efficient communication channels can also make it easier for consultants to fit consulting work into their existing schedules and workloads.
In summary, working with an expert network like VisasQ can offer both opportunities and challenges for consultants. By carefully considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, consultants can determine whether this type of work is a good fit for their skills and preferences.
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