INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
And the advent of the digital era has served to only bolster the importance of business networking, especially in certain sectors.There are
numerous challenges to business networking, starting with finding the most relevant people
time and effort, and all of this can be made easier with some handy software, not to mention your phone.Here are some of the best tools to
help you network more effectively, and develop those contacts that can open up all manner of commercial opportunities.1
LinkedInThe best known networking site for a good reason560 million usersGreat way to find a jobDefault settings are way too email
solution.However, it has taken 15 years and the acquisition of 17 other networking and contact management companies to make it the top dog
And, in 2016 it was itself bought by Microsoft.The model behind LinkedIn is straightforward enough, allowing users to create a profile that
then enables others to find and connect with them for business purposes.Protection against unwarranted invites is inbuilt, and users can
restrict what information is available about them
But what most people like is that they can share their trusted business associates with others, creating a community of connected and
specifically built for business users, but GroupMe was, and you can also use it for personal connections.Available for Android, iOS, Windows
room, where any message can be seen by all those in the group, allowing them to react to information sent to each other
pictures, videos, documents and web hyperlinks in its exchanges.It was bought by Skype in 2011, which in turn was bought by Microsoft
NamerickImpress others by remembering their nameInexpensiveGreat for the forgetfulOnly on iOSThe more senior you become in business, the
greater number of people you will inevitably meet in that context
It achieves this by allowing you to save the name alongside useful details that will help you retrieve the name, and it can even generate a
mnemonic version of their name to help set those pesky neurons up for easy recall.The only downside we can find of this useful tool is that
it is only available on Apple devices, with no Android release on the horizon.4
ShaprTinder for business relationshipsFreeNo unsolicited requestsLimited user communityMaking friends in business can be difficult when the
emphasis is on the value of time and the application of effort.Shapr is a business networking tool that sets out to connect people who work
in the same industry and therefore might share interests and objectives.The application bears an uncanny likeness to those dating apps where
and establish contact with them
iPhone and Android devices, and for those that find it very useful there is a paid Shapr Plus monthly subscription that allows you to swipe
50 profiles a day and promises to boost your profile with other users.5
BizzaboA tool for conference networkingGreat for conferencesFree mobile appNeeds the back-end to work fullyThere are two components to
Bizzabo, one for those that attend conferences and another for the businesses that organise them.Where the mobile app for attendees is free,
the management tools to connect all those people costs money
How much depends on the integration needed with other software, and how much information you want to extract about the attendees.For anyone
can access your profile, and also the LinkedIn profiles of other attendees.6
ContxtsMakes sharing business details easierNeat replacement for business cardsMultiple ways to send detailsWorks on any phoneWhile many
And, you can transfer that either conventionally, or by bumping phones
use (other than SMS message costs) and it works on any mobile phone; even something ancient.If you want multiple account names and card
If the whole company wants this facility, corporate deals are also available.7
notion that people take just an hour for lunch in the city and offers the option of using that time to do some valuable networking.Once
You can have a chat with them, or organise a lunch, or find a venue for a proper meeting.The application is free, and there are no paid for
enhancements as yet.We have a few reservations about CityHour
do use an iPhone and work in the centre of a major city, then it might be pretty useful5hcdX6o87WbZKz6F7qNwyJ.jpg#
