Methodology and transparency
How ratings, ranking, and sponsored firms work
Consultants should understand what actually drives the top list. That is why we keep consultant ratings, organic ranking, and future sponsored placements clearly separated.
How ratings are collected
Signed-in consultants receive one initial rating per firm. After that, new ratings unlock per firm when the consultant reports time in the platform. A consultant can submit at most one rating per firm and day. Firms cannot control, approve, or remove ratings.
Ratings are stored as separate events with one overall score, optional public comment, and the consultant's anonymity choice.
How the ranking is calculated
The top list is based on platform-based ratings from reported time, published sample size, and recent activity. A firm with one perfect score does not automatically outrank firms with broader history.
Ratings count in the top list during an active period that may change to improve the service. Sponsorship does not change the rating value, the default search order, or the firms shown in the top list.
How matched interest leads work
Direct interest leads are sent only to the firm chosen by the consultant. Matched interest leads are not sent to the whole market, but to up to 3 selected firms from a pool of up to 10 matching firms.
Selection uses weighted random sampling without replacement: higher-ranked firms have a higher expected recipient share over many interest leads, while lower-ranked firms in the pool can still be selected. Multiple listings for the same firm count as one firm.
How sponsored firms are handled
If sponsored firms are shown, they appear in a separate, clearly labeled module. Sponsored placement must never be confused with consultant ratings or organic ranking.
This site does not currently use sponsored firms inside the organic top list. If that changes, labeling and methodology must be updated at the same time.