Expert Networks vs Consulting Firms: Which One’s Right for You?

What is the difference between an expert network and a consulting firm? 

Both expert networks and consulting firms exist to help business leaders make better decisions. But they operate in fundamentally different ways. 

Consulting firms deliver structured, end-to-end solutions. You pay for a person or team to analyze, recommend, and implement a course of action. Their work often includes extensive frameworks, slide decks, and multi-week timelines. 

Expert networks, on the other hand, offer on-demand access to individuals with firsthand experience. Instead of long reports, you get a targeted conversation with someone who has already faced the same challenges you are navigating. 

Not sure what expert networks actually are or how they work? Read our full breakdown here: What Is an Expert Network? And Why More Business Leaders Are Turning to Them. 

Why do you need to know the difference between expert networks and consulting firms 

Imagine this: you are evaluating a new technology vendor. A consulting firm might take two weeks to deliver a market analysis with a risk matrix and scoring model. An expert network can connect you with a former CIO who already used that vendor and can tell you in 30 minutes more than the report ever will. 

Consultants deliver strategy. Experts deliver context. You need both at different times. 

What are the pros and cons of consulting firms? 

Pros: 

• Structured, end-to-end solutions 

• Built-in team support 

• Strong documentation and deliverables 

Cons: 

• Expensive and slow 

• Often built around templates, not custom insight 

• Limited access to operational-level feedback 

Many consultants are polished presenters but have not executed the decisions they recommend. You get surface-level strategy, but not the gritty details that come from doing the work. 

What are the pros and cons of expert networks? 

Pros: 

• Fast, flexible access to experience-based insights 

• Lower cost per engagement 

• Ability to speak directly to people who have lived through your challenges 

Cons: 

• Expert networks offer insights, but not full-service implementation or strategy development. 

• Insights are most valuable when paired with internal follow-through 

• Quality varies if the network is not properly vetted 

When should you use one over the other? 

Use a consulting firm when: 

• You need a full project team to do the work with you 

• You are implementing a large transformation 

• You want detailed deliverables for executive review 

Use an expert network when: 

• You need fast clarity on a decisions 

• You want to test an idea or assumption 

• You need feedback from people with direct, recent experience 

In many cases, the smartest companies use both. Consulting firms help set direction. Expert networks help pressure-test the path forward. 

How does Galson Research bridge the gap? 

You shouldn’t have to choose between speed and substance. 

We connect you with experts who’ve already made the decisions you're facing—and helps you get the most out of those conversations. We help frame the right questions, identify the most relevant voices, and translate insights into action. 

We act as a strategic layer that complements your internal leadership and consulting partnerships. 

Teams work with us when they need: 
• A second opinion before a high-stakes decision 
• Real-world context to challenge a consultant’s recommendation 
• Fast, focused validation without slowing down 

Expertise should accelerate you, not hold you back. 
That’s what we deliver.