How we compare
Where we sit among the firms you might call.
Intelligence firms, strategy consultancies and expert networks each serve a legitimate need. We work at the open end, and often alongside them.
01At a glance
Four kinds of firm, four kinds of question.
| Compare | Humint Solutions | Strategy consultancies | Expert networks | Operational intelligence firms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who they talk to | Overlooked people close to the problem | Management, data and known experts | Recognised specialists on a panel | Sources recruited for their access |
| How | Open, consent-based interviews | Desk research, workshops, interviews | Paid one-to-one calls you run | Often covert: surveillance, undisclosed sources |
| You get | The missing first-hand input, verified | Analysis and recommendations | Access to the call; you do the analysis | Intelligence for disputes and security |
| Best when | The answer was never written down | You need a strategy designed and run | You know which specialist you need | People will not share willingly |
02In detail
One comparison per kind of firm.
Not sure which you need?
Tell us the question. We will say honestly if someone else is a better fit.