FAQs

Companies - What is Collaborative Consulting?

Two or more consultants work on a project at the same time, they each input their expertise, then they combine their efforts, which enhances the result by making certain all input and value (from the multiple people) is synthesised, as well as debated and agreed on to provide the best possible solution. This is greatly different from single source consulting where you rely on one person or one firm.

Companies - What can Collaborative Consulting do for me?

It is ideal for the study stage as well as problem solving stage of your project. We bring together the consultants that have 'been there and done that'; they have direct experience of knowing and solving your issues.  By having them work together, they will provide the combined experiences which will bring out the best recommendation for you.  Please see below on how to go from these stages (of what to do) to implementing the recommendation (how to do).

Companies - How does the fee and pay structure work?

From the total amount for the project (for Professional level only), ConsultingCrowd splits that amount (minus our fee) equally between the consultants that work on that project.  The amount is   pre-paid into an escrow account and once the project is finished and reporting to yourself is made, the funds are transfered into the operating account and paid to the consultants within five working days of the project close date.

 

You also tell us how many consultants you wish to work on your project, and we guarantee that number will work on your project, or your funds will be fully returned.  As well, we warrant a professional level of work, our aim is to make you fully satisfied with the result and more importantly, provide you excellent value for your organization.

Companies - How much do I pay?

As much or as little as you wish.  The consultants are valuable and a high level resource for you, so we recommend that you consider their value and budget accordingly.  We are happy to advise on a level that will both satisfy your budget as well as ensure that you get the consultants you need working on your project.

Companies - How does your business make its money?

We earn 20% of the project fee to pay our expenses, and 80% is paid to the consultants working on your project.  In return for our margin, for the Professional level, we provide project management, we recruit the consultants to collaborate, and provide reporting back to you. We also pay to charities an amount on behalf of the consultants.

 

For the Standard level, we charge a €40/£40/$60 set up fee; we follow the responses back on your project to ensure validity and professionalism but do not do the project managment nor reporting.  As well, consultants are not paid for the Standard level, and we do pay an amount to charity for your project on behalf on the consultants who work on your project to encourage people to provide their expertise

Companies - What is the result of using ConsultingCrowd?

As the consultants working on your project will have direct and relevent experience for your issue, you will get recommendations that have worked elsewhere, and are achievable to add value to your organization.  Practicallity is a strong goal; you are looking for what works, we will provide that. 

Companies - After I get results, how does the implementation stage work?

In defining the project scope, one key element is that the consultants recommend the best implementation that you can do in house.  If you wish to use ConsultingCrowd consultants to work on implementing their recommendations within your organization, we are happy to help you in any way, including contracts, project management, negotiations and pricing.

Companies - You cover a lot of areas, how can you provide good consulting for all these?

As we bring consultants together on an ad hoc basis, and as they are independent contractors, their wide range of industries and functions will provide expertise for almost any topic you need.

Companies - Are the projects only for English speaking countries?

Absolutely not.  We have consultants from around the world.  This is one of our stronger points.  There are people in other countries that have already worked and solved issues that you present to them; we bring this experience to you.

Companies and Consultants - Charities?

We are socially oriented and to encourage people to work on ConsultingCrowd projects, we donate a part of our profits to charities.  When a consultant begins working on a project (either a fee based Professional level or a non-fee based Standard level), they can choose a charity and at the end of that project, we will pay a pro-rata amount to each charity selected.

Consultants - Why should I join ConsultingCrowd?

We have projects coming in daily and one or more of them could require your knowledge and expertise.  We will notify you weekly by email (if you choose) and you can apply to work on one or more projects, after which (for the Professional level projects), you will be paid for working on each project that you are selected for.

Consultants - How much can I earn?

A typical project pays out around €50-€100 per person(£50-£100, $75-$150), and as you can see below, this is typically for an hour or so of your input.  Using your talents on ConsultingCrowd is not a full time job; if you have a few extra hours, it can give you some extra income.  As well, some of our clients take the project results into the implementation stage, so there will be opportunities to work on an extended basis with our clients.

Consultants - When do I get paid?

We pay five working days after each project close date.  Please note that if you use PayPal we will pay the transfer fees; however, if you want wire transfer, cheque, or other payment method, you will be responsible for bank fees. Also, the Terms of Use states that you are fully responsible for your taxes, we do not withhold amounts.

Consultants - What do I need to do on a project?

Typically, each project needs your expertise and recommendations, which should take just a short time (probably ½ hour up to an hour).  After you provide your input, we open the project so that you can see what the other people working on the project have inputed (and they see your input), and then the group can join the discussion part of the process and modify and/or enhance the final result that goes back to the client. 

Consultants - What does collaboration mean for this process?

After you provide your input, and the others do as well, we open the Project Board for that project, and each person can comment on the responses.  Studies have shown that collective wisdom and experience usually work best, so once each person has input their thoughts, the group can work (via the online platform) to get the best result.