ProfessionaLink: Frequently Asked Questions

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

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What is ProfessionaLink?

Why should I use ProfessionaLink's services?

How does your service work?

When can I expect results?

Why would I want to use a boutique firm over a leading industry name?

I'm pleased with my existing relationships. Why would I want to take the risk of trying out a new firm?

Do you negotiate pricing?

Do the consulting firms that you recommend build ProfessionaLink's commission fee into their proposal?

What type of projects do you work on?

What is ProfessionaLink?
ProfessionaLink is a free service that finds Fortune 1000 executives the best consulting firms for their project needs. Founded by a team of ex-consultants, ProfessionaLink has the expertise to identify true niche market players in the consulting world. Our service combines the speed and accessibility of the Internet, with personalized service facilitated by our experts. The end result? Better resources, results, and significant time and cost savings.

Why should I use ProfessionaLink's services?
Our team has over 50 years of senior management experience with well known firms such as BCG, Bain and Company & Mercer. You can access the highest quality, lowest cost consultants tailored to your project for free, and with not obligation. It's all upside!

How does your service work?
Simple. You fill out a one page project request. We submit up to 4 candidates within 5-10 business days. After a 30 minute telephone interview with each candidate you can proceed straight to proposal stage or arrange an in-person meeting with each finalist prior to requesting a proposal.

When can I expect results?
Our average turn around time is 5-10 business days, depending on your project scope. We have turned around projects in as little as two business days for rush cases.

Why would I want to use a boutique firm over a leading industry name?
For any given consulting assignment, there are several specialist boutique firms available who are experts in the topic. They offer substantial advantages over their larger counterparts in that

Their consultants are more seasoned and experienced vs large firms' junior consulting resources, resulting in higher productivity per hour billed
They often have lower overheads, allowing many to charge lower rates
They are willing to accept more narrowly focused projects; their partners do not have $5-10 million sales goals which encourage them to engage in scope creep
A 10-20% advantage in each of these cost drivers can result in overall project costs which are 25-50% lower, overwhelming any volume discounts offered by the larger firms.

I'm pleased with my existing relationships. Why would I want to take the risk of trying out a new firm?
Our bids often come in at a cost savings of 25-50%. More importantly, we match you up with true experts in a given field. In order for a consulting firm to be recommended by ProfessionaLink, they must have our stamp of approval. We do an extensive reference checks (a minimum of 3) to assure that they've worked in relevant industry and functional areas, in addition to delivering excellence across the board. On many occasion we have placed firms who have previously performed identical projects for other companies in your industry.

Do you negotiate pricing?
Yes. Our Premier Service offers contract negotiations. Most clients prefer to do their own negotiating, though we are more than happy to assist. (Note: our Premier service involves a 2% additional fee)

Do the consulting firms that you recommend build ProfessionaLink's commission fee into their proposal?
No. Since we typically recommend 3 firms to you, each consulting firm needs to be competitive with their bids. Since we lower their cost of sales (typically by 20-25% of revenues) we find that consultants pass on some of their savings to clients.

What type of projects do you work on?
A wide range of services spanning over 100 distinct industry segments and over 100 separate functional areas including marketing, strategy, operations, HR, M&A, finance, etc.

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