7 Best Sites & Apps For Professional Networking Apart From LinkedIn

Since 2002, LinkedIn has been the most popular platform for all your professional needs. Along with all the benefits, the app did suffer from certain shortfalls.

To avoid the shortcomings, users can switch to a varied range of other professional apps. Give the article a read to know more about these apps.

 #1. Xing

Xing is said to be a tough competitor to the European company LinkedIn. The site has a user base of around 14 million spread across 200 countries. It is particularly famous in German-speaking countries and caters to a humongous group of professionals who prefer English, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, or Turkish to communicate. The trial version gives an access to the basic features, but the users need to opt for premium membership in case of upgradations.

(Image Courtesy: Xing) 

#2. Doostang

Doostang was founded by Stanford University in 2005. It is an online career networking site catering to finance, consulting, technology, media, and entertainment communities. The app will inform you about the vacant positions. It also has a unique feature of reviews from expert resume writers. The app caters to around one million users right now.

(Image Courtesy: doostang)

#3. Makerbase

Makerbase is no less than a haven for people, who make apps and websites. It is basically a network for the creative minds, who can share their past projects and look out for the new ones. It was launched by the ThinkUp founders.-Gina Trapani, Editor and Entrepreneur Anil Dash. The users can log in via their twitter accounts. All the aspiring designers, coders or the creative minds can look out for potential projects and can get found by the projects too. The website also features the option to edit your profile and add in the experience gained through the time.

(Image Courtesy: makerbase)

#4. Plaxo

Plaxo was launched by Sean Parker, co-founder of Napster back in 2002. The app is an online address book which automatically updates, recovers and syncs your contacts. The app is a cloud-based platform, therefore, does not require regular manual updations. It performs the task of adding your contacts and notifying you of any activities in your contact lists. The app helps you sync contacts which helps in organizing and managing them. It can also sync your calendar and remind you of upcoming birthdays.

(Image Courtesy: gigaom)

#5. Bark.com

Bark.com was launched back in 2014. It helps in matching individuals with local businesses. You don’t need to waste any more time in running around from place to place in search of accountants, lawyers or even plumbers. The app will help you find one near to your house. While the app helps you discover the service provider, you can use it to get hired too. Bark will endorse your business, if you use the upgraded version.

(Image Courtesy: atomcreativehead)

#6. LunchMeet

LunchMeet as the name suggests, helps you build contacts with potential clients or employers and fix impromptu lunch meetings with them. You can sync your LinkedIn contacts to arrange meetings. In addition to this,  you can also form professional connections on this app and pick the available time slots for your lunch meetings. Once you sign in, the app asks you to select the time slots that suits you and suggests nearby restaurants according to your location.

(Image Courtesy: wordpress.com)

#7. Beyond.com

Beyond.com is another proud professional app providing the amateurs-a platform to connect and expand their business. Companies ranging from business, marketing, and technology to healthcare are connected with this app. It has a connection with over 45 million professionals helping them to create their portfolios and find out potential clients.

(Image Courtesy: freesamples.com)

Use the comment section below and share your experiences with any of these apps.