“How to Get Paid to Solve Problems on Expert Networks”

Afzaal Blog

 

Let me tell you something funny.

I once got paid $250 for a 45-minute call… just to answer a few questions about my old job.

Yep. I was as shocked as you probably are right now.

No suit. No office. No long email chains. Just me, sitting on my sofa, talking on Zoom. It felt illegal — but it’s actually 100% real and legal. And officially accepted.

How? Through something called expert networks.

And today, I’m going to show you how you can do the same.

No experience? No problem. No fancy degree? Doesn’t matter.

Let’s get started.

So… What Are Expert Networks?

Imagine a big company wants to launch a new product.

Let’s say it’s a tech startup trying to build an app for teachers.

They don’t want to guess what teachers need. So instead of running endless surveys, they go to an expert network and say:

“Hey, can you find us a real teacher we can speak to?”

The expert network says, “Sure!” Then they come find YOU.

You jump on a short call, share your real-life knowledge, and boom — you get paid.

Sometimes $100. Sometimes $500. Sometimes even more.

Who Can Join?

This is the best part.

You don’t need to be Elon Musk or some big-time CEO.

Expert networks want people with practical experience. That includes:

  • Teachers
  • Nurses
  • Engineers
  • Marketing folks
  • Freelancers
  • Store managers
  • Even college students (yes, really)

If you’ve worked in any job, and know the “behind-the-scenes” of how that job works, you’re valuable.

Your everyday experience is gold to someone who wants to understand your world.

How Do You Get Started?

There are lots of expert networks out there. Here are a few well-known ones you can apply to:

  • GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group)
  • Catalant
  • AlphaSights
  • Guidepoint
  • Maven
  • Atheneum

Just Google them, go to their websites, and fill out the sign-up form.

They’ll usually ask:

  • What’s your work experience?
  • What industries have you worked in?
  • What topics can you speak about?

Answer honestly. Be real. You don’t need to sound fancy.

Example:
“I worked as a sales assistant in a clothing store. I know how inventory is managed and how customers behave.”

That’s enough. No buzzwords needed.

What Happens After You Sign Up?

Once you’re in the network, you’ll get emails like this:

“Hey [Your Name], a client is looking to speak to someone who has experience working in a small retail store. Would you be open to a 30-minute call for $200?”

You say yes. You schedule the call. You talk. You get paid.

Simple.

They usually pay you through PayPal or direct deposit within 5–7 business days.

What Do You Say on the Call?

Don’t worry. This isn’t a job interview.

The person on the other side just wants your honest answers. Think of it like helping a friend who’s doing a school project.

They may ask:

  • “How does your day-to-day work look?”
  • “What problems do you face?”
  • “What tools or software do you use?”
  • “How do you decide what to buy?”

You just share your experience. No need to guess. No need to impress. Just be real.

And if you don’t know something, just say, “I’m not sure.”

They respect that.

How Much Can You Earn?

Honestly, it depends on:

  • Your experience
  • The topic
  • The network
  • The client’s budget

But here’s a rough idea:

  • 30-minute call → $100–$300
  • 60-minute call → $200–$600
  • Ongoing projects → $1,000+ per week

You might not get calls every day, but even 1–2 per month can cover your phone bill, rent, or a weekend trip.

Some Quick Tips to Succeed

Let me leave you with a few simple things I learned the hard way:

  1. Be honest about what you know.
    Don’t try to sound smarter. Just be real.
  2. Reply quickly.
    These gigs fill up fast. If you see an invite, respond ASAP.
  3. Check your email daily.
    Sometimes opportunities expire in hours.
  4. Don’t overshare private company info.
    If you signed an NDA at your job, don’t break it. Just speak in general terms.
  5. Enjoy the process.
    It’s fun. You get to talk, learn, and get paid.

Final Thoughts

I never thought I could earn money just by talking. But it’s real.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re a doctor, a janitor, a coder, or a cashier.

If you’ve lived it, you can share it. And if you can share it, someone out there will pay to hear it.

You’re one good conversation away from your first payment.

Now go sign up.

Your voice is worth more than you think.

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