The Top 7 Business Social Networks Of 2014

Are you still looking for a job? Think about creating your own. There are a lot of business social networks to help you connect with other entrepreneurs and get the business ideas off the ground.

Here are the top 7 business networking sites and apps. Each helps entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the guidance, tools and resources they need to start a business and gain exposure.

1. StartupNation

Most social networks for business neglect the content aspect that makes StartupNation so useful. With articles, forums, blogs, on-demand seminars, and podcasts, entrepreneurs will be better prepared for their ventures and have the resources required to make better business networking decisions.

There are a wide range of topics being discussed on StartupNation right now, including business planning, marketing and web-based business. The site also offers a series of competitions, such as an elevator pitch business networking competition. If youre an entrepreneur or hope to become one, this site is definitely one you cant miss out on.

2. LinkedIn

Its difficult to leave LinkedIn off of any business social network list because its so useful for anyone whos either searching for a job, is trying to network with like-minded individuals, or starting a business. LinkedIn offers many resources for entrepreneurs, such as groups, including the very popular On Startups group that has over 54,000 members.

Entrepreneurs on LinkedIn should brand themselves properly so they can attract the right kind of business opportunities, and perform searches to find service providers or partners. As an entrepreneur, you should also be looking to participate in LinkedIn Answers, events and business networks to spruce up your profile and become a valuable member to your LinkedIn network.

3. Entrepreneur Connect

Entrepreneur Media, the company that produces Entrepreneur Magazine, started a business social network years ago specifically for small business networking. Like all business social networks, you have the opportunity to create your own profile, explore the community and network. Unlike most social business networks, this one frowns upon too much self-promotion and applauds idea sharing.

You can use this business social network to connect to service providers, suppliers, advisers and colleagues. Just like LinkedIn and Facebook, there are business groups that you can join or create. Another cool feature is that youre able to start your own blog and possibly have it appear on the main page of the business social network.

4. Biznik

This isnt another LinkedIn clone. Instead, Biznik brands itself as a business social network that doesnt suck. The Biznik community is composed of freelancers, CEOs, and the self-employed. Like the other business social networks, this is a place for you to share ideas, instead of posting your resume. It is mandatory for all members to use real names and provide real data, and Biznik editors actually review all profiles to ensure compliance with that policy.

5. Cofoundr

The Cofoundr business social network is made up of idea makers, entrepreneurs, programmers, web designers, investors, freelancers and executives. The primary purpose of joining this network is to start a new web venture. Unlike most of the business networking sites already listed here, Cofoundr is a strictly private network, which means that you cant view member profiles before you register for an account.

Membership requires having a valid university or work email address, which means high schools students and younger arent allowed. The first thing you have to do is sign up, then specify your abilities and the people you are trying to business network with and finally, post your idea on the bulletin board or in the forum.

6. Perfect Business

If you want to meet thousands of serious entrepreneurs, experts and investors from a variety of industries, then Perfect Business might be the business networking site for you. The type of people youll find are potential business partners, potential clients and advisers. Additionally, the site has leading business partners like Entrepreneur and Virgin Money.

From business social networking to a video center where you can learn from successful entrepreneurs, a business plan builder and even an investor center, youll have most of the resources you need to start a business.

7. CityHour

Much more than a contact manager, CityHour social networking app easily syncs with your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts to instantly transform a collection of static digital contacts into an actionable network full of new people and opportunities. So whether you are looking to jumpstart new business efforts, explore career opportunities or create new partnerships,

with CityHour youre just a few taps away from a meeting that could change your life.

Oh, did we mention that its absolutely free?