In a world increasingly driven by data and rapid insights, connecting with industry experts has become a high-value strategy for businesses, investors, and consulting firms. GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) is one of the most prominent expert networks in this space, offering a structured platform where professionals can either provide or access critical industry knowledge on-demand. Whether you’re a seasoned executive looking to monetize your experience or a company in search of immediate, expert-driven insights, GLG proposes a powerful resource—but the question remains: is it worth joining as a consultant or client?
What Is GLG?
GLG is a global expert network that connects businesses and professionals with subject matter experts through various formats such as one-on-one consultations, phone interviews, surveys, and even longer-term project work. Founded in 1998, GLG now supports thousands of clients and boasts a network of over 1 million experts in fields ranging from healthcare and technology to finance and legal services.
How GLG Works for Clients
For companies and institutions, GLG offers access to expert insight through a subscription-based or pay-per-engagement model. This is particularly useful for:
- Investment firms looking for due diligence insights or market validation.
- Consulting firms seeking quick input from specialists they don’t have in-house.
- Corporate strategy teams aiming to make informed decisions in new or existing markets.
Clients submit a request outlining the topic of interest. GLG’s internal team then screens and matches the clients with suitable experts who can offer relevant insights. These interactions are often brief—ranging from 30 to 60 minutes—but can deliver highly focused, actionable information that could take weeks to gather through traditional research methods.
Examples of Use Cases
- A hedge fund wants insights into the competitive landscape of a pharmaceutical product—GLG connects them with a former executive from that sector.
- A private equity firm requires expert opinion during an acquisition—GLG facilitates a series of quick interviews with industry veterans.
Becoming a GLG Consultant
On the other side of the network, professionals can join GLG as consultants. This opportunity is appealing to retired professionals, executives in between roles, or even full-time specialists looking for side income. The principal motivation is usually monetization of accumulated expertise without committing to long-term contracts.
What Types of Experts Join?
The platform accommodates a wide range of professionals, such as:
- Medical professionals (e.g., physicians, lab managers)
- Former C-level executives and VPs
- Engineers and product managers in technical fields
- Academics and legal experts
GLG consultants typically participate in one-on-one phone consultations, although some may be involved in longer-term projects, surveys, or even site visits. Consultants are compensated for their time, often on an hourly rate that reflects both their experience and the market demand for their expertise.
Pros of Joining GLG
For Clients
- Speed and efficiency: Access targeted information quickly without enduring a full consulting engagement.
- Wide expert base: GLG’s massive network increases the likelihood of finding the right expert.
- Compliance support: GLG ensures that all interactions adhere to legal and ethical standards.
For Consultants
- Good remuneration: Hourly rates range broadly, often from $100 to over $500 depending on the topic and level of seniority.
- Flexible schedule: You choose which opportunities to accept and when.
- Professional development: Speaking with high-level clients can refine your communication and problem-solving skills.
Cons to Consider
For Clients
- Cost: The service can be expensive, especially for smaller teams or infrequent users.
- Short interaction time: Limited to brief calls; deeper, long-term insight requires multiple engagements or a broader consulting scope.
For Consultants
- Inconsistent work: Opportunities can be irregular and unpredictable, making it unsuitable as a primary income source.
- Screening process: Not everyone is accepted; GLG maintains a thorough vetting mechanism.
- Limited upside: You are compensated for time, not results or impact, so high-value insights may go under-rewarded.
How to Join GLG
Joining GLG, either as a client or consultant, requires going through a formal process. For clients, it involves onboarding and a service agreement that includes pricing, confidentiality clauses, and usage terms. For consultants, here are the basic steps:
- Submit an application or be invited via email.
- Complete an online profile highlighting education, work history, and specializations.
- Undergo compliance training and approval.
- Begin receiving project invitations, which you can accept or decline based on interest and availability.
How Much Can You Earn with GLG?
Pay rates vary, but consultants can expect roughly the following:
- Entry-level professionals: $100–$200/hour
- Mid-level managers: $200–$400/hour
- Top-tier experts (executives, niche specialists): $400–$1,000/hour
Note that payment also factors in how rare or in-demand your expertise is. While the income is typically project-based, some consultants who are highly sought after report earning thousands each month through part-time advising.
GLG and Confidentiality
GLG takes compliance and confidentiality very seriously. All participants are required to adhere to strict guidelines that prohibit the sharing of insider information, proprietary data, or other sensitive material. Both clients and experts go through training, and any potential violation can lead to expulsion from the network and further legal consequences.
Is GLG Worth It?
As a Client
If your company regularly needs expert knowledge to guide decisions in areas such as market research, competitive analysis, or new product planning, then GLG can be a valuable asset. The speed and precision of information you gain can justify the cost, especially when time-to-insight is critical. However, businesses with tighter budgets or smaller operational scopes may find alternative expert networks more affordable.
As a Consultant
For professionals with years of concentrated industry experience, joining GLG offers a lucrative and intellectually engaging way to continue leveraging your knowledge. While it shouldn’t be viewed as a full-time job replacement, it is a worthwhile side opportunity for flexible, low-commitment income. The added benefit of networking with high-caliber clients also makes it a powerful tool for maintaining relevance in your industry.
Conclusion
GLG stands as a premier expert network for a reason—it offers a robust, well-regulated platform that benefits both clients in search of insight and consultants offering their expertise. While there are cost and availability factors to consider, the value proposition is strong when engagements are used strategically. Whether you’re seeking quick validation for a business move or hoping to supplement your income with well-compensated consulting calls, GLG is a serious option worth evaluating.
