Networking as we know it is shifting and turning with the current technology, but how do we know which apps are best for making the right connections? Here are our top 5 networking apps to help you advance in the world of startups and entrepreneurship.
With all in-person networking events postponed due to the pandemic, people are looking for alternative ways to meet new people. We have rounded up a list of 5 networking apps for you to connect and build a strong network with people in different countries.
1. Clubhouse
Clubhouse is perfect for those looking for a faster way to gain clients and build a strong social media platform. First launched in March 2020, Clubhouse is one of the newer social networking apps. Since launching, the app already has 600,000 users, including influencers and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Phan, Laurdiy, and Kanye West participating in various discussion panels. Clubhouse is an audio-based social network where people can join in and out of chat rooms anytime and anywhere to listen to, or participate in, any topic. Whether you are tuning in or speaking on a panel, people will be clicking into profiles to either hit the follow button or check out their linked social media pages.
This app is not just for building friendships, but it is highly beneficial for business networking. Clubhouse is perfect for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and host chat rooms with other entrepreneurs.
Currently, Clubhouse is an invite-only app they plan to open the app to the public in the next coming months. If you want to join, you can find invites through invite trains on Instagram or Facebook.
Available: IOS only
Price: Free
2. Shapr
If you prefer to connect with people one-on-one, Shapr is best for that. With 7.5 million professional matches since 2017, Shapr is an app created in New York by co-founder Ludovic Huraux who combines Tinder with business. Shapr will provide 10-15 business profiles for you to swipe left or right on, based on your interest. Once matched, you can connect and message each other to either meet virtually or in person. Despite the swipe feature, Shapr is only for professional networking purposes.
Available: IOS and Android
Price: Free
3. BumbleBizz
BumbleBizz is suited for women who want to make the first move. Keeping to the Bumble app signature with their women-message-first concept, co-founder Whitney Wolfe Herd created an extension of Bumble called BumbleBizz. With over 17 million matches, the goal of this app is to create opportunities for women to grow in the workforce. Through the app, you can find job openings, mentorships, and a female community in any location. Although this app is specifically for women, it welcomes anyone to join since the Women in Bizz filter feature can be turned off and on in the settings.
Available: IOS and Android
Price: Free for selected features; $9.99 usd/month for premium
4. Facebook groups
For those who don’t want to download another networking app, Facebook is slowly returning into networking platform – but only if you know where to look. Groups like Subtle Asian Networking, Small Business Networking, and Asian Creative Network, allows you to connect and expand your business circle. Besides building a strong social media presence, job postings are also available. Before Covid, Subtle Asian Networking would create networking nights in specific locations in countries like Hong Kong and Australia for people to meet in person and connect. To find the right groups, type in the search tab of the groups you are looking for, read the description of what to expect in the groups, and find the perfect group to join.
Available: IOS and Android
Price: Free
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is not just for job searches, but it’s also all about networking! We’d be remiss to not mention the networking tool to take advantage of. With over 1.5 million different groups available on the platform, you can easily find a group best fitted for your industry, interest and hobbies. All you have to do is enter in the keywords you are looking for in the search tab, join a group and make new connections to grow your business.
Available: IOS and Android
Price: Free for selected features; starts from $24.95 usd/ month for premium
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