Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Section I: Membership and Participation in the CognoLink Network

1- How can I become part of the CognoLink Network and how?

2- How can I apply to become a Specialist?

3- Can I terminate my Specialist affiliation with the CognoLink Network?

4- My employment policy prohibits employees from discussing professional matters outside the organisation. Does this mean I cannot join the CognoLink Network?

5- What is a Specialist’s relationship with CognoLink?

6- Can CognoLink’s Clients hold me liable for decisions they make based on information I give them?

7- Will my membership prevent me from being a member of other similar organisations?

8- In the case of a pre-existing relationship with a Client, can I still work with this Client outside of CognoLink?

9- Will I work exclusively for a Client?

10- How will I know if I am suitable for the proposed consultation?

11- Are the consultations confidential?

12- Are there any subjects I should not advise on?

13- How will I know if a subject is confidential?

Section II: Referral

14- How do referrals work?

Section III: Payment

15- How are Specialists paid?

16- Will I be paid for my preparation time?

17- How long after the consultation will I receive the payment?

Answers to the FAQs

Section I: Membership and Participation in the CognoLink Network

1- Who can become part of the CognoLink Network and how? ⇧
CognoLink welcomes all individuals with a deep understanding of a particular sector or industry across any geographic region.

2- How can I apply to become a Specialist? ⇧
You can apply by registering at our website, www.cognoLink.com. Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to contact@cognolink.com. A member of our research team will contact you to complete the registration process. Membership with the CognoLink Network is free.

3- Can I terminate my Specialist affiliation with the CognoLink Network? ⇧
Yes. You have the right to suspend or terminate your membership by giving written notice at any time.

4- My employment policy prohibits employees from discussing professional matters outside the organisation. Does this mean I cannot join the CognoLink Network? ⇧
You should never participate in the CognoLink Network in breach of any laws, regulations or obligations to third parties. If your employment policy prohibits discussing professional matters externally, your participation in the CognoLink Network will be prohibited.

5- What is a Specialist’s relationship with CognoLink? ⇧
A Specialist participates in consultations as an independent contractor. He or she acts in his or her own capacity at all times and is not an employee, agent, partner, legal representative or joint venturer of CognoLink.

6- Can CognoLink’s Clients hold me liable for decisions they make based on information I give them? ⇧
No. The information you provide to Clients is intended for stimulating thought and general information purposes only. Before beginning the consultation process, CognoLink’s Clients agree that they bear full responsibility for their investment decisions.

7- Will my membership prevent me from being a member of other similar organisations? ⇧
No, unless specifically agreed in writing with CognoLink, you will not be entering into an exclusive relationship with CognoLink.

8- In the case of a pre-existing relationship with a Client, can I still work with this Client outside CognoLink? ⇧
Yes. You are only obliged to go through CognoLink to work with Clients that CognoLink first introduced to you for a period of one year after the last project provided by CognoLink.

9- Will I work for a Client exclusively? ⇧
No, unless otherwise agreed, specialists are referred to Clients on a non-exclusive basis.

10- How will I know if I am suitable for the proposed consultation? ⇧
Before the consultation, we will inform you of the main subject of the meeting as well as the key questions our Client will be asking. The research team will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

11- Are the consultations confidential? ⇧
Yes, each consultation and any discussions leading up to a consultation are confidential. You should not disclose to any third party the names of CognoLink Clients, the content of CognoLink projects, the subject matter of a consultation or any information about our Clients' businesses. Similarly, a Client will not disclose the identity of CognoLink Specialists and any information discussed in consultations without the necessary prior consents.

12- Are there any subjects I should not advise on? ⇧
Specialists should not provide any investment, legal, financial or medical advice. In addition, no confidential information or material, non-public information should be disclosed.

13- How will I know if a subject is confidential? ⇧
We ask our Specialists not to share information about their own company but rather share their perspective on the market. If you think the subject matter of the consultation is confidential, you should refuse to participate. Furthermore, your employment contract may prevent you from discussing certain matters. Therefore, please check with your employer if you have the ability to participate in a consultation.

Section II: Referral

14- How do referrals work? ⇧
CognoLink’s Specialists have the opportunity to recommend new individuals whose expertise is likely to interest our Clients. A referral bonus of €100 in your preferred currency is paid once the first consultation is carried out by the referred Specialist.

Section III: Payment

15- How are Specialists paid? ⇧
Payments are made by bank transfer and you will be asked for your bank details during the registration process. You also have the option to donate your contribution to any UK-recognised charity of your choice. Please note that CognoLink is unable to pay by cheque.

16- Will I be paid for my preparation time? ⇧
Preparation is not required, and, as such, we remunerate you for the time spent on the phone with our Client.

17- How long after the consultation will I receive the payment? ⇧
We aim to pay you as soon as possible within 30 days, provided that we have your correct bank details.