Imagine having the power to instantly connect with industry leaders and like-minded professionals with just a few taps on your phone. For CEOs and founders looking to broaden their network, discovering the best business networking app is crucial. In this article, learn from the experts as they review top networking platforms, starting with LinkedIn and concluding with Lunchclub. With a total of six insights, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to enhance your professional connections in 2024.
- LinkedIn: The Ultimate Networking Platform
- Shapr: Personalised Networking for Professionals
- Bumble Bizz: Ideal for Eco-Conscious Entrepreneurs
- GridClub: Best for B2B Networking
- Grip: Transforming Event Networking
- Lunchclub: Focused One-on-One Networking
LinkedIn: The Ultimate Networking Platform
LinkedIn is hands down the best app for expanding professional connections in 2024. It’s like a massive global conference, where you can meet professionals from every corner of the world without leaving your desk. When I think about how I’ve built my network, LinkedIn has been the go-to spot. It’s not just about having a profile; it’s about showcasing who you are and what you bring to the table. You can share your achievements, get endorsements from colleagues, and even find good leads for your business right there.
But let’s be real, it has its quirks. Sometimes, you might get spammy messages, which can be annoying, and keeping your profile active takes time. Still, the benefits far outweigh these little hiccups. If you’re serious about growing your professional circle and staying ahead in your industry, LinkedIn is where you need to be. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to make meaningful connections and boost their career.
Justin Smith, CEO, Contractor+
Shapr: Personalised Networking for Professionals
In today’s fast-paced business world, building meaningful connections is more important than ever. While LinkedIn remains a valuable tool, Shapr offers a fresh and innovative approach to professional networking. This app leverages a unique algorithm to connect you with relevant professionals in your area and industry, making it ideal for expanding your network and forging valuable partnerships.
Think of Shapr as a personalised networking event that fits in your pocket. Each day, the app suggests a curated selection of profiles based on your interests, goals, and industry. If you’re interested in connecting with someone, simply swipe right. If the interest is mutual, you can start a conversation and explore potential collaborations. This streamlined approach eliminates the awkwardness of cold outreach and allows you to focus on building genuine relationships.
What sets Shapr apart is its emphasis on quality over quantity. The app encourages meaningful interactions by limiting the number of daily suggestions and promoting profiles that align with your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for mentors, collaborators, or potential clients, Shapr provides a platform for building valuable connections that can propel your career forward. It’s like having a personal networking concierge, always working behind the scenes to connect you with the right people at the right time.
Michael Gargiulo, Founder, CEO, VPN.com
Bumble Bizz: Ideal for Eco-Conscious Entrepreneurs
In 2024, Bumble Bizz stands out as the top networking app for expanding professional connections, particularly for entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector. Unlike traditional networking platforms, Bumble Bizz allows users to create profiles that highlight their skills, interests, and values. This builds authentic connections based on shared missions.
I used Bumble Bizz to connect with other eco-conscious entrepreneurs and industry experts. By participating in local meet-ups promoted through the app, I secured partnerships that led to a 25% increase in co-branded product offerings.
Additionally, I gained valuable insights into sustainable practices, enhancing our brand’s credibility. Bumble Bizz’s focus on meaningful connections makes it an ideal tool for professionals looking to expand their network while staying true to their values. This app not only facilitates networking but also encourages collaborations that drive positive environmental impact.
Chaitsi Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Brown Living
GridClub: Best for B2B Networking
From a technical perspective, I recommend GridClub for its robust API integration and seamless tech stack that actually works for B2B networking. The platform’s machine-learning algorithms have gotten surprisingly good at matching me with relevant SaaS founders and developers—much more accurate than traditional networking apps I’ve tried. While the free version is decent, I’ve found the premium features, like advanced filtering and virtual event hosting, to be worth every penny for serious tech entrepreneurs.
Joshua Odmark, CIO and Founder, Local Data Exchange
Grip: Transforming Event Networking
Being in the team-building space, I’ve discovered Grip to be an incredible networking app that’s transformed how I connect with event organisers and corporate clients in 2024. The app’s smart matchmaking algorithm helped me find perfect matches for our Spaciously events, and its virtual networking features let me pre-schedule meaningful conversations with potential partners before actually meeting them at conferences.
Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja, Founder, Spaciously
Lunchclub: Focused One-on-One Networking
After trying several networking apps, I landed on Lunchclub because it removes the awkward cold outreach and focuses on meaningful one-on-one video chats with fellow marketing professionals. Just last week, I connected with a content strategist who shared some brilliant insights about AI content tools that I’m now implementing in my agency. The 30-minute time limit for meetings keeps conversations focused and productive. Plus, the AI matching has been surprisingly good at finding people who align with my digital-marketing interests.
Kevin Pike, President, Rankfuse
