We love using LinkedIn to manage our professional network. But there are many other services that help you connect, network and communicate with other professionals, all designed to help you get into the right places and climb that professional ladder.
If you are a new college graduate, seasoned professional or even a top business veteran, the following five web- and/or mobile-based networking applications can help you connect your way to the top.
After all, it’s who you know that can help you get places.
Bump.
Share contact information and photos by simply bumping two phones together. Feel free to bump contacts at networking events and even in the workplace. Who’s to say that fleeting connections won’t materialize into bigger and better prospects down the line?
Hashable.
Make an intro with a hashtag. This is one of the easiest ways to manage contacts and to facilitate meetings on the fly. Simply download the app, then use the hashtag to communicate messages via Twitter. Specified hashtags can introduce associates to one another—and if they don’t have Twitter, it’s OK: Hashable can send messages internally. Use the #intro hashtag to put two people in touch, or propose a #meeting at a #restaurant with a new acquaintance.
Friendthem.
A revolutionary location-based connectivity app, with fine-grained and easily-configured privacy controls, which is changing the way the world connects in a seamless and fun manner by helping them send Facebook friend requests to people they meet in the real world. A great tool for connecting with people you meet along the way and creating long term relationships.
MeetMe.
An app designed to help people meet in the middle. You input two locations (or use your current location and input your colleague’s address) and it locates suitable venues in the middle. The search can be narrowed down by type of venue, and you can store contacts and venues in your favorites for future use. From there, you can email directions to yourself and your colleague. The only thing left to do is meet up and have a good time.
ScanBizCards.
For those people who are attached to their business cards, this handy app scans your businesses cards and automatically translates the information to a digital contact, letting you edit the information and add more.
