Jay LeonardWhat’s one alternative to LinkedIn for professional networking?
The following answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, the YEC recently launched #StartupLab, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses via live video chats, an expert content library and email lessons.
1. AngelList
If LinkedIn disappeared tomorrow, AngelList would be my go-to site for professional networking. In the past month, I’ve met an amazing designer, hired him and been introduced to multiple investors. Compared to LinkedIn, recommendations on AngelList are a breeze! AngelList is simple and efficient for networkers.
– Brian Curliss, DeckPresenter
2. Meetup
A valuable alternative to LinkedIn for professional networking is Meetup. It gives you plenty of opportunities to mingle and chat with like-minded professionals who share the same interests professionally and personally. But the best part is the events: there’s always something new and fun, and it allows you to up meet and network in real life.
3. Opprtunity
An alternative to LinkedIn is Opprtunity. It is the first service to use a scientific approach to matching professionals based on a real opportunity to do business. The matching algorithm looks at a variety of data points including location, industry types, skill sets and other signals from around the Internet.
4. Pinterest
Pinterest is a great alternative to LinkedIn. Although you may not view it as a professional networking resource, you can create a portfolio of your work, along with appropriate images, and segment your areas of expertise by creating individual pages or “boards” to network with like-minded professionals.
– Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
5. Quora
Quora is great for business. Any time you’re unsure of business decisions, such as strategic partnerships or how to train an inside sales team, just post it, and experts in the field will respond. Generally, I get a ton of great ideas and implement most of the feedback I receive.
– Andrew Vest, Preferling
6. BranchOut
BranchOut is similar to LinkedIn, but it’s on Facebook. You can use it to network into any company. Unlike professional-only networks, the product leverages your personal connections to facilitate warm introductions.
– Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches
7. Google+
Like it or not, Google+ is quickly becoming one of the most important social networking tools out there. It is an easy way to create circles, host Google Hangouts and share your conversations.
– Erica Dhawan, Erica Dhawan, LLC
8. Alumni
College alumni associations are built to help you network. Find a directory of alumni in your area and reach out to them for coffee or a beer. Always see if there is something you can do for them. Usually, it’s just reliving their college days. Get to know them and any friends that they recommend. Never miss alumni events in your area.
– Thomas Cullen, LaunchPad Lab
9. Facebook
I’m connected on Facebook with the majority of my business contacts. We can easily share news with each other about business and our personal lives. I’m also able to see mutual friendships, which can further improve networking.
10. Twitter
Twitter is a great alternative to LinkedIn for professional networking. One advantage to Twitter is it’s an open “cocktail party” atmosphere. You can search hashtags and keywords, join any conversation or meet new people in your industry.
– Dave Kerpen, Likeable Local and Likeable Media
This article was written for Business 2 Community by Jay Leonard.
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Great list of alternatives.
Another one to consider is NextIntro (www.nextintro.com). Recently launched in Chicago, its matching algorithm connects two professionals for a one-on-one breakfast, lunch, or coffee. Our members really enjoy the free service. They find meetings in person, one-on-one, less intimidating.
Awesome list. I’ve already established my presence on the social media giants but haven’t tried using Quora and AngelList yet.
Thanks for sharing this.
Michelle
Hey, I noticed that Opprtunity is linking to a different site in the description and in the title the correct spelling does not have the ‘o’ Thanks.