How do I find vertical experts?

I recently got this question:

"How do we find those vertical SMEs that we can work with on a contract basis for the time being?"

He's referring to this post where I talk about saving 15 months by hiring independent vertical subject matter experts (SMEs).

In short, vertical SMEs have connections, experience, and respect in your target vertical.

Hiring them shortcuts your learning curve.

Here's my response to him, and sharing it here in case it's helpful to you:

A good place to find vertical SMEs for hire is LinkedIn. Start by searching for "manufacturing consultant" (if you're target vertical is manufacturing). This search returned about 143,000 results. Refine your search from there.

If you have a follow-up question, hit reply and let me know!

 CQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hire a vertical subject matter expert instead of learning the industry independently?

Because vertical SMEs already have connections, experience, and respect within the target industry. Hiring them shortcuts a learning curve that could otherwise take significantly longer to build from scratch.

How much time can hiring a vertical SME actually save?

Around 15 months, based on the reasoning behind this approach, compared to independently building up the same level of connections, experience, and credibility within a new vertical.

Where's a good place to start looking for vertical SMEs?

LinkedIn. Searching a term like "manufacturing consultant" for a manufacturing-focused vertical returned around 143,000 results, a solid starting point to refine from there.

How should a broad LinkedIn search like this actually get narrowed down?

By refining based on specific experience, connections, or reputation within the exact niche being targeted, rather than relying on the broad initial search results alone.

What's the actual value of bringing on a vertical SME on a contract basis?

Access to existing credibility and knowledge without the long ramp-up time it would take to build that same depth independently, effectively buying back months of learning curve.