Business networking sites are alive and well and growing like crazy. What the article termed as "2nd and 3rd level business people" comprise the vast majority of the people doing business, entrepreneurs - and they are the one's that need this service the most. The Business Networking Sites that are particularly successful concentrate more and more on niche markets, for example there is a site for car fanatics called BOOMPA and the on-line film community has SPOUT, to name but two.
Forbes magazine predicted that 97 million people worldwide will start a home business within the next three years. Networking sites can spread the word about your business globally, it is like a search engine for the home marketer & entrepreneur looking to grow his market and contacts. Your little black contact book has gone on-line.
My advice will be to do your homework before you join a site - if you want only to socialize on-line then go for a social network. If you are into business in a niche market, see if there is one, or start one. If you are interested in meeting business people who work from home such as Internet marketers, small business owners, and freelancers / entrepreneurs, then look for the business site that fits your requirements.
Research has shown that people are prepared to pay for membership to a networking site if they find value in it. For the small business person and home marketer / entrepreneur you are going to need cost effective advertising and networking - you can find both in 1 place. You may even find staff, partners or capital as well as a market for your product on the right site.
So what should you look for in a business networking site?
· Is this site growing, not necessarily the biggest now, but growth equals life.
· How is the site managed and is there quality client service.
· What systems are they using, out of date or keeping up with the ever changing times.
· Will you meet the people you WANT to meet for your type of business.
· Is information and training available free of charge.
· What security does the site offer against sexual predators, scamming and protecting your information.
· What tools are available if you should need them:
Inter-community e-mail
Classified ads
Forums and blogs
Rebate shopping on-line
A matching service putting you in contact with like-minded people
Can you publicize business events
Video availability
What is important to one person may not be another's need. I would like a great compensation plan if I refer others as well as having some fun like contests and prizes.
In researching these sites I found one that suited me perfectly, being a work from home marketer.
The Business Networking site that I belong to launched in the USA in 2005. It is a privately owned company, and they have gone international in December of 2006.
Within a day of joining I felt at home, this is a community, and I was overwhelmed by the warmth of people from all over the world. The "double-blind" email system provides great protection and you can block anyone in the community should you wish. There is a 24/7 state of the art watchdog protecting the community from any nasty characters and pornography. I could choose if I wanted a business or social profile and by specifying my business profile I was matched with like-minded business people.
