When you think of an expert network, the image that probably comes to mind is a quick one-on-one phone call. And yes, that’s still a core offering. But the best expert networks today offer much more than just calls. They’ve evolved into flexible platforms with a wide range of services designed to fit how businesses actually operate, especially those diving into complex, fast-moving markets like the GCC or broader MEA region.
This guide breaks down the different expert network services available, beyond the usual calls, and shows how you can use them to unlock real, actionable insight in MEA and GCC markets.
1. Expert Network Calls: Fast, Focused Insight on MEA & GCC Topics
Classic, direct, and still incredibly effective. One-on-one calls, via phone or video, are the foundation of most expert networks.
Whether you’re trying to unpack new regulations in Saudi Arabia, assess competition in Egypt’s discount grocery sector, or understand banking consumer behavior in the UAE, a live conversation with a vetted expert can give you clarity in minutes.
The value? Real-time access to someone with firsthand, on-the-ground experience in the specific Middle Eastern market you care about.
2. Expert Network Surveys
Sometimes one opinion isn’t enough. You need a broader perspective, and that’s where surveys come in.
These are structured, fast-turnaround surveys pushed out to dozens (or hundreds) of regional experts and professionals. Want to know how fast digital banking is catching on in the GCC? Curious about the adoption rates of e-commerce in North Africa?
Surveys give you hard data, aggregated opinions, and a quick pulse check, all drawn from the expert network’s pool of regionally relevant voices.
3. Expert-Led Workshops
For more complex challenges, some expert networks now offer curated workshops.
These could be half-day virtual sessions or full in-person roundtables, where multiple experts join forces: logistics specialists, legal advisors, ex-regulators, and more.
You don’t just hear insights, you build strategy together, in real time. It’s ideal when you need both cross-functional thinking and regional specificity.
4. Custom Reports from Expert Networks: Tangible, Transferable Insight
Need something you can print out, present, or pass around internally? Expert networks increasingly offer expert-written reports tailored to your questions.
Think: a 12-page breakdown all written by professionals who’ve been there.
These deliverables can combine analysis, case studies, and market data, packaged and vetted by the expert network for quality and regional relevance.
5. Long-Term Expert Network Engagements: Strategic Advisory Support
Sometimes, a one-off call just isn’t enough. That’s where longer-term support comes in.
Many networks now offer flexible advisory models, connecting you with the same expert across weeks or months for ongoing input.
Whether it’s a Saudi-based energy advisor helping you shape a JV or a North African e-commerce expert guiding a market expansion, these arrangements offer continuity and depth that typical consulting firms may struggle to match at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion
Expert networks have evolved. They’re no longer just matchmakers for quick chats; they’re strategic partners offering a full suite of insight-driven services across MEA and GCC markets. From flash calls to deep-dive workshops, multi-source surveys to custom reports, and even embedded expert advisors, there’s a service to fit your need, your timeline, and your depth of inquiry.
The more familiar you are with what expert networks can offer, the smarter you’ll be in tapping into them, and the stronger your decisions will be in navigating the complexities of the Middle East.
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