Why did Arbolus contact me on LinkedIn?

If someone from Arbolus or a similar platform has messaged you on LinkedIn, it usually means your professional background matches a project one of their clients is currently researching. These messages go out to people with relevant, current or recent experience in a specific company, sector, or role.

Why this happens:

Investment firms and consultants often need a first-hand perspective before making a decision, whether that's evaluating a company, understanding a market, or testing an assumption. Rather than search for that perspective themselves, they go through an expert network, which sources, vets, and manages the relevant experts.

Your LinkedIn profile is the main way these networks identify who might be a good fit, which is why the outreach can feel oddly specific.

How to tell if the message is genuine:

• It references your actual job history or expertise

• It doesn't ask for payment, banking details, or sensitive personal information up front

• It links to a real, verifiable company website

• It's transparent that you'd be paid for your time if selected

What to expect if you respond:

Typically, you'll be asked to complete a short profile, confirm your availability, and go through a quick compliance check (to confirm you're not sharing anything confidential or restricted). From there, you'll either be matched to a project or simply added to the network's pool of experts for future opportunities.

There's no obligation to accept every project you're contacted about, and reputable networks, including Arbolus, will always let you decline without any pressure.