FAQs
Q: What makes Vantage Marketplace unique?
A: Personalized Service: We employ dedicated vertical heads with strong industry experience who offer their expertise and personally assist in matching relevant consultants with each client’s needs. Our vertical managers are able to reach unique, seasoned industry thought leaders through their expansive personal contacts as well as leveraging the world-class Goldman Sachs network.
Quality of the Network: We offer a select pool of experienced and highly qualified consultants who have been vetted and interviewed by our vertical managers.
Compliance: Vantage has built a robust compliance program, which is designed to protect both investors and network consultants. We do not recruit from public companies unless we receive positive affirmation from their chief legal counsel. Each consultant also goes through a comprehensive background check to verify educational, employment and criminal histories. We also provide each consultant with an online compliance training module to educate them on the risks of disclosing material, non-public information.
Q: What verticals are covered by the Network?
A: Currently, we are offering clients access to our energy and retail verticals, with technology to launch in early 2009. We have also recently partnered with JL McGregor, a premier consulting firm based in China, to help build out a China network expected to launch early next year.
Q: Is Vantage Marketplace truly independent?
A: Yes, Vantage is focused on identifying and providing our clients with access to leading subject matter experts across various industries and sectors. Vantage does not offer securities or investment advice, nor do we produce written reports that make financial recommendations.
Q: Are my discussions with consultants monitored?
A: No, all conversations are confidential. However, consultants and clients must comply with the requirements detailed in their agreements with Vantage, which are designed to protect both the consultant and the user. These agreements govern the types of topics and questions that can be discussed, and the nature of the information that the consultant can share.
Q: What are my payment options?
A: Clients can make payments to Vantage via hard or soft dollars.
Q: Who are the members of the network?
A: The network includes thought leaders from various industries and functions. Consultants may have backgrounds in a range of disciplines such as technical, financial, marketing, operations and management.
Q: Is there a membership fee or cost to join?
A: There is no cost to join the network. All expenses related to background verification, compliance, marketing and administration are assumed by Vantage.
Q: What background checks are involved?
A: As part of our due diligence process in selecting consultants for our network, we verify such credentials as educational history, academic degree, and employment history. We also screen for criminal history.
Q: If I join, what is my commitment?
A: When you join, you make yourself available to clients through the Vantage network. However, you are under no obligation to accept any assignment. If you do not have the time, or are uncomfortable with the questions being asked of you, you are free to turn down a request for consultation or even halt a conversation in mid-discussion.
Q: How often will I be contacted for consultation?
A: Frequency of contact will vary depending on client requests for specific areas of expertise, the number of consultants available in each area, client feedback on the quality of prior consultations and other factors.
Q: How are discussions held?
A: Conversations generally take place by phone. Separately, consultants may also be asked if they would like to participate in surveys, focus groups, attend events or provide information in other ways, depending on their availability and desire, as well as client interest.
Q: Are my discussions with clients monitored?
A: No, all conversations are confidential. Both consultants and clients are expected to abide by Vantage contractual agreements that are designed to protect both parties. These agreements govern the types of topics and questions that can be discussed, and the nature of the information that the consultant can share.
Members are required to keep the nature, topics and areas of discussion with clients confidential. Clients benefit from the discreet insight provided by the consultant, which requires that clients’ inquiries are not shared with others outside the one-on-one interaction, including other network consultants.
Q: How do I know what I can and cannot say during conversations?
A: Part of our compliance training and certification process is intended to protect our members’ interests by guiding them through the discussion process. This educational tool includes an overview of appropriate and inappropriate discussion topics — ensuring that our members feel comfortable with their participation.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to join the network?
A: Membership is free of charge and all industry professionals are eligible to participate. Prospective members are screened by the Vantage staff and notified upon acceptance. This process includes verification of application information and acceptance of compliance procedures.
Q: Do I need to inform my current employer of my affiliation with Vantage?
A: Yes, you should speak to the appropriate person at your company to confirm that participation in Vantage is permitted — before you join the network.
Q: How will I be compensated?
A: You will be paid for any time spent sharing insights with clients at a pre-arranged hourly rate. Rates are determined by several factors including level of expertise, demand for services and feedback from clients.
Q: Can I be a member of other networks at the same time?
A: Membership in Vantage Marketplace is non-exclusive. Members are free to join other organizations.
Q: Will I be allowed to contact other network members?
A: While all consultations are separate and involve only one consultant, there will be opportunities to interact and network with other members in a community-like forum. These opportunities will be organized and announced by Vantage.
Become a Client
Benefit from a more personalized and targeted model, whereby industry veterans are recruiting and vetting each consultant in addition to liaising with clients to perform high quality matches. Our industry-leading compliance standards are designed with the intention to protect clients and consultants. Learn More...
Become a Consultant
Consult and share your insights with sophisticated investors. Expand your professional network and enrich your industry expertise by joining our exclusive community of thought leaders. Learn More...