By Liz Kudwa
A: You’re right- social networks have grown a great deal in the last couple of years. And they can be a great way for you to connect with fellow entrepreneurs or potential customers. I found a great article on www.mashable.com (a social media website) by Dan Schawbel that lists the Top 10 social networks for entrepreneurs. I’ll just list the Top 5 networks here but for the full list, be sure to visit http://mashable.com/2009/03/12/entrepreneur-networks/. Each network helps entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the guidance, tools and resources they need to setup their company and gain exposure.
1. Entrepreneur Connect
Entrepreneur Media, the company that produces Entrepreneur Magazine, started a social network over a year ago specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners called Entrepreneur Connect (http://econnect.entrepreneur.com). Like all social networks, you have the opportunity to create your own profile, explore the community, share ideas with other entrepreneurs, and network. Unlike most social networks, this one frowns upon too much self-promotion and applauds idea sharing. You can use this network to connect to service providers, suppliers, advisers and colleagues. Just like LinkedIn and Facebook, there are professional groups that you can join or create. Another cool feature is that you’re able to start your own blog and possibly have it appear on the main page. This is similar to what Fast Company has done with their website.
2. PartnerUp
PartnerUp (www.partnerup.com) is a social network for entrepreneurs who are searching for people and resources for business opportunities. Anyone can join, but business partners, co-founders, executives and board members will get the most out of this one. In this network, you can ask or offer advice, find commercial real estate and find service providers like accountants and marketers for your business.
The big differentiator with this social network is the commercial real estate “MoveUpSM” program that serves entrepreneurs who have experienced a hard time trying to find office space for their business. They also have a Resource Directory that allows small and mid-sized businesses to advertise their services.
3. StartupNation
Most social networks neglect the content aspect that makes StartupNation (www.startupnation.com) so useful. With articles, forums, blogs, on-demand seminars, and podcasts, entrepreneurs will be better prepared for their ventures and have the resources required to make better business decisions.
There are a wide range of topics being discussed on StartupNation right now, including business planning, marketing and web-based business. The site also offers a series of competitions, such as a dorm-based 20 contest and an elevator pitch competition. If you’re an entrepreneur or hope to become one, this site is definitely one you can’t miss out on.
4. LinkedIn
It’s difficult to leave LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) off of any social networking list because it’s so useful for anyone who’s searching for a job, trying to network with like-minded individuals, or building a company. LinkedIn offers many resources for entrepreneurs, such as groups like the very popular “On Startups” group that has over 54,000 members. Entrepreneurs on LinkedIn should brand themselves properly so they can attract the right kind of business opportunities, and perform searches to find service providers or partners. As an entrepreneur, you should also be looking to participate in LinkedIn Answers, events and applications to spruce up your profile and become a valuable member to your community.
5. Biznik
This isn’t another LinkedIn clone. Instead, Biznik (www.biznik.com) brands itself as a social network that “doesn’t suck.” The Biznik community is composed of freelancers, CEOs, and the self-employed. Like the other networks, this is a place for you to share ideas instead of posting your resume. It is mandatory for all members to use their real names and provide real data, and Biznik editors actually review all profiles to ensure compliance with that policy. There are three levels of membership, including basic, active ($10 a month for an enhanced profile) and supporting ($24 a month for increased visibility).
If you’re unsure about social networks or other aspects of Web 2.0, I recommend checking out a few books on the topic.
o How to Succeed in Business Using LinkedIn: Making Connections and Capturing Opportunities on the World’s #1 Business Networking Site by Eric Butow
o Web 2.0 and Beyond: Understanding the New Online Business Models, Trends, and Technologies by Tom Funk
o YouTube for Business: Online Video Marketing for Any Business by Michael Miller
Elizabeth Kudwa is the Business Reference Librarian at the Capital Area District Library located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact her at 517-367-6301 or by e-mail at kudwae@cadl.org.
