Networking matters in every aspect of life. In business, especially for new-comers, connections can make a world of difference. Thankfully for all of us, some smart entrepreneurs are aware as to how important this is, and have created a handful of networking apps to make meeting and holding onto connections so much more efficient.
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. – Dale Carnegie
1. Wonderloop – “It’s about who you are, and what you want for the future”
Video profiles are all that is needed with this app. Why be so 2005 and create a bio with an old image, and cliche text, when what really matters, and can’t be hidden is the emotion someone brings to the table? Wonderloop”, available only on ios (invite only) is revolutionizing the way we seek to meet new people by taking social media to the next step.
Why we’ll be using: all it takes is 20 seconds, and you’ve already taken a meaningful step toward creating a larger and more efficient network.
2. Wildcard – “your filter to meet the most interesting people at events”
This is not a new idea, and is very similar to taking Tinder and using it to find business connections instead of finding a romantic relationship. The good thing about Wildcard being similar to Tinder – the simple layout, ease of use, and fun to use. It starts off like other networking apps: share a bit about yourself, and then you are free to skim through other peoples’ Wildcards in hopes of finding your next partner, designer, or just another ear that’ll listen.
Why we’ll be using: If someone can make our at event networking smoother (speaking of events, here are our favorites) and enables us to know who to interact with, we are all for having it on our phones. Currently available on ios, with Android coming soon.
3. Spontivity – “connects you with anyone, anytime, anywhere”
Coming soon to the Apple App store, Spontivity will enable its users to connect with anyone in their area to do the things they love – with other like-minded folks. Networking does not have to happen in a conference room, or at an exhibition. Get out on the tennis courts, the golf course, or go take a jog on the beach at 6 a.m. and see who you stroll across. If you believe that people of similarity are the best matches, then you are sure to find someone to talk business with just by having fun.
Why we’ll be using: Aside from the obvious fun that could be had, finding someone to add to your professional network that you can speak with outside of the workplace is always a plus. Batman and Robin did not meet while on the job.
4. Spotlinks – “Make yourself visible at any moment, prevail and encourage curiosity”
The aforementioned Wonderloop wants to create something more than what already exists in the world of social. Until then Spotlinks is a simple and straight forward app that will enable you to increase the size of your networks for all of your social media profiles. Think of it as sending business cards to colleagues – but your social profiles are your business cards.
Why we’ll be using: Can you think of anything as valuable in business as an engaged and large social network? If Spotlinks makes it easier for me to pass on my details and people follow suit and connect on the social web, then it is a must-have for my smartphone.
Currently our biggest and most successful tools for networking are our current connections, our social media networks, and taking the time to speak with those standing next to us during our daily routines. Why not improve and build upon the base of tools you are currently using?
