Expert networks offer a powerful way to monetize your insights. Therefore, if you’re a professional with deep knowledge of a specific industry, or of dynamic regions like the Middle East and Africa, or the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), these firms might be the best bet in terms of monetizing your valuable insights. 

Yes, the idea of getting paid for your real-world experience is appealing. But to truly succeed as an expert on these platforms, you would first need to understand what clients value and then how to deliver that value.

At Infoquest, we built this guide for you, whether you’re just getting started or are already working with expert networks, and especially if your expertise centers around the MEA or GCC. The goal? Help you stand out, deliver value, and build a reputation that brings repeat demand from expert network clients.

How to Be Found by an Expert Network

Expert networks serve clients like global consulting firms, investment funds, and corporations. These are basically organizations that will gladly pay for sharp, grounded knowledge from people with direct, regional experience.

To get discovered by an expert network, you would first need a profile that clearly spells out your relevance. Here’s how to position yourself:

• Be specific about your regional expertise. Instead of saying “logistics,” say “15 years leading supply chain operations across the GCC.”
• Highlight sector + region combinations: “North Africa renewable energy expert,” “Saudi retail expansion strategist,” or “UAE fintech executive.”

So why does this matter? Because expert networks match clients with experts based on precise needs. A vague profile won’t cut it. The clearer your profile focus, the better your chances of being selected for high-value consultations from expert networks. 

The Consultation Call: How to Deliver Real Value

Let’s say a client books a 1-hour call through an expert network. Here’s what separates the pros from the rest: preparation and precision.

• Prep beforehand: Read any project brief the expert network provides. Understand what the client is trying to solve.
• During the call: Stick to what you know from direct experience. Clients don’t want theories, they want what worked, what failed, and why.
• Keep it real: Share examples, stories, and lessons learned from your work. Just remember: confidentiality is non-negotiable.

If you’re unsure about a topic, say so. Staying honest earns more respect than guessing. Professionalism is one of the pillars that top expert networks look for in their experts.

Compliance: Protect Yourself, the Client, and the Expert Network

This part is critical, especially when dealing with sensitive or fast-changing MEA markets. Every expert network has strict compliance policies for a reason, which are also shared beforehand. 

Follow these rules at all times:

• Never share Material Non-Public Information (MNPI).
• Never disclose anything confidential from your current or former roles.
• If a client starts to ask sensitive questions, politely steer away and explain that you’re bound by confidentiality obligations.

Good expert networks will support you here. They often have compliance teams monitoring and guiding these interactions and can support on the spot if needed.

Building Your Brand: Becoming a Go-To MEA/GCC Expert

Want more calls? More invites? Maybe even get paid to do some report-writing or lead workshops? That’s where your expert brand comes in.

The best way to build it inside an expert network is to:

• Be reliable: Respond quickly when they reach out.
• Be insightful: Deliver clear, candid, region-specific knowledge.
• Be consistent: Follow compliance rules and keep your commentary grounded in real-world experience.

Strong feedback from clients fuels your ranking on expert networks. Over time, expert networks may start suggesting you directly for premium calls, or even broader opportunities like due diligence projects or panel discussions.

Conclusion

Expert networks offer more than just an extra income stream; they offer a way to turn years of local insight into global impact and a chance to meet and connect with a diverse set of clients. 

Approach it with professionalism, prepare with purpose, and lead with regional know-how. Whether you’re helping an investor size up a Saudi IPO or advising a strategy firm on Egypt’s infrastructure pipeline, your perspective matters.

Expert networks thrive on insight, and when you deliver it with clarity, integrity, and focus, you won’t just get paid. You’ll become a trusted voice in the region and the network, shaping how the world understands and engages with the MEA and GCC.

To become an expert on our network, send us your information here.