Social networks for startups

Earlier I blogged about some professional social networks for individuals running their business: Professional social networks with a twist. Obviously the requirements of a startup are very different to an established business. This blog entry is dedicated to the startups and their needs. Further online networking can be a little frustrating, often connecting with the same individual on several social networks. Hopefully the below statistics helps you decide which social network to focus on.

Find Business Partners (not competitors)

Biznik is a community for people who are building their own businesses it allows sharing ideas and it’s where conversations about business and entrepreneurship takes place.

Points to remember about Biznik:

1. It’s non-exclusive and non-hierarchical
2. Emphasizes on collaboration, not competition
3. It’s a community with many ways to participate
4. Biznik is pro-technology and pro face-to-face.
5. It’s free, and basic membership will always be free

Usership (based on Alexa):

• United States: 84.8%
• Germany: 3.5%
• United Kingdom: 3.3%
• India: 2.3%
• Australia: 1.2%

Finding Investors

Go Big Network is a social network that connects startup and small business community. It allows startups and new companies to resolve their problems with the help of other members.

Points to remember about Go Big Network:

1. Find funding through investors who are willing to help
2. Find talent who is looking to work for startups
3. Attract customers who are looking for your services
4. Find vendors who are well-rated by others

Usership (based on Alexa):

• United States: 71.3%
• India: 8.9%
• United Kingdom: 4.0%
• Canada: 2.6%
• Germany: 1.6%

Learn about Start ups

Start Up Nation: Inside the community it is possible to find all the easy-to-follow, practical information a startup company could ever need to start and grow its successful business.

Points to remember about Start Up Nation:

• Easy to follow advice
• Its an opportunity to learn whilst networking

Usership (based on Alexa):

• United States. It has members in 12 US states and 6 countries, and is growing rapidly : 74.7%
• Canada: 5.3%
• India: 4.1%
• United Kingdom: 3.4%
• Ireland: 1.3%

 
Hardcore Networking Online/Offline

Ecademy is a business social network that intends to connect people both online on the web site and offline at networking events and meetings. Its mission is build a strong business relationship to help each other.

Points to remember about Ecademy:

1. Openness, Honesty, Transparency, Friendship & Kinship
2. Winning by Sharing
3. Connectedness and being connected - the old Chinese belief known as GuanXi
4. Smaller intimate groups within the larger community.

Usership (based on Alexa):

• United Kingdom: 45.9%
• United States: 16.6%
• India: 8.7%
• Germany: 4.3%Australia: 3.8%

Tags: startups, ecademy, startupnation, gobignetwork, biznik