10 Best Social Network Sites for Business Professionals

Before the internet, entrepreneurs were left to static means of communicating with their peers. Crucial research was done through books, magazines and many hours spent at the library. Thankfully, those days are over. Business professionals are now able to communicate, share ideas and market their products through online social networking. Here are ten of the best social networking sites for the business professional.

1. LinkedIn: Stay in touch with friends, acquaintances, business partners and classmates with LinkedIn. Here you can share your profile with the world and share business opportunities with your network. You can develop links, gather introductions and take your social networking to a new level.


2. FastPitch: FastPitch is focused on business marketing. You are given the marketing and presentation tools to help your business shine above the rest. Using dynamic communication and social media, that business can grow to stellar proportions.


3. PerfectBusiness: This social networking site gives you the tools to make a perfect business. There is a vast library of articles at your disposal so you can get ideas on all aspects of your business. You can connect with peers and investors, propelling your idea into being a thriving, viable business.


4. Xing: Over 9 million people use Xing, with more signing up for free every day. You can create a public or private profile which enables you to find employees, get hired and network with other people. Xing is international, so you can get a global perspective.


5. Entrepreneur Connect: Establish meaningful business connections, advertise events, and exchange services on Entrepreneur Connect. You can create a comprehensive custom profile where you can embed videos of your products and maps. In the marketplace, you can promote your products and services.


6. Biznik: This networking site encourages its users to participate and join a collaborative community. You can focus on the city that you live in or broaden your scope to include the nationwide network. Biznik is encouraging to its users, making them feel that anything is possible and that they will be with you every step of the way.


7. eFactor: Joining the eFactor family means that you will be part of a community that has over 810,000 members. Network with others through the forums, read the articles and make your business thrive. The eFactor network has a financial request network where you can get funding and events that you can attend to make your business grow.


8. FaceBook: Facebook is a social networking site, but it is also a powerful business networking site. You can search for potential vendors, find your peers, and network with others. With the right profile, you can have others coming to you to find out about your company. The best part about Facebook is that it's free.


9. Ryze: The founders of Ryze created the site so that people who attended seminars could keep in touch with one another. From its modest beginnings, it has grown to a network of over 500,000 people. Here, you can meet quality business contacts, refer people and build up your essential business network.


10. StartupNation: StartUp Nation has a thriving community where you can share ideas, buy and sell your products, and network with your friends and peers. Articles are available to guide you through the trials and tribulations of setting up and owning your own business. It is a site that is created by entrepreneurs FOR entrepreneurs.

Social networking sites are going to become more and more important as we become a more global society. You can connect with your peers and attract the attention of a worldwide audience through the use of social networking. If you take a small amount of time each day on these sites, you will soon become a networking force to be reckoned with.

As an analyst working at Cartridge Save, James reviews products such as the HP 339 and compares their features with other supplies.