Networking is crucial to your business success. The more connections you have, the greater your opportunities — and networking is a fundamental way to increase those connections.
The problem is that networking can be difficult, particularly when you’re unable to attend as many face-to-face events as you did in the past.
This is where the internet can help: business networking apps can connect you with the right people wherever you are.
1. LinkedIn
The best-known business networking platform is LinkedIn — and for good reason.
If you’re looking to reach out to specific people, you’re likely to find them on LinkedIn, but you can also find a huge number of other professionals who would make great connections. It’s easy to meet people in your industry, especially if you complete your profile with plenty of relevant information and ask people you know for recommendations and endorsements.
As well as sending messages to people you find through search, join groups to introduce yourself and chat.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free for basic membership; premium costs $29.99 per month
2. Shapr
Speed dating came first, then speed networking followed. Similarly, after dating apps became popular, developers started making similar apps for business connections. A top choice is Shapr.
You create a profile where you state your location, detail your experience, and define 10 business interests. The app uses this information to suggest possible contacts for you each day and you also can swipe through profiles.
When you match with someone, you can arrange to meet. It’s a great way to reach out to someone without the need to worry you may be another unwanted request.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
3. Common Connect
Another app to meet people for business purposes is Common Connect.
The great thing about this app is that you can make your searches as broad or narrow as you want, filtering based on criteria like location, industry, and job title. You can then add connections to a friends list and have conversations online.
The app also has a conference mode to help you find people attending the same events as you.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
4. LetsLunch
One of the best times to network is over lunch, which is exactly what the LetsLunch app is for. Although it’s aimed at connecting job seekers with startups, many users utilize the app for other opportunities.
LetsLunch uses AI to find you potential matches based on your goals and calendar availability and then helps you schedule a lunch or coffee. In addition to the U.S., you can use the app in the UK, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Colombia.
Operating Systems: iOS
Price: Free
5. Bumble Bizz
For women in business, networking can be just as much of a minefield as dating. Bumble has used its success in creating a model for a more women-friendly dating app into an app for business connections.
It works just the same as regular Bumble: you create a profile, you swipe to make matches with people in your area, and women always need to message before men.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free for basic, but premium features require paid membership
6. Bizzabo
In theory, conferences are a great way to network; however, you still need a starting point. Bizzabo can help you reach out to just the right people: you check users’ profiles and send messages to those you’d like to connect with to see if they’re available to meet.
The app also shows you who is going to the event beforehand — including attendees’ names, companies, LinkedIn profiles, and mutual contacts — to help you decide if it would be worth attending the conference yourself.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Custom pricing
7. Brella
It may make sense to start networking even before an event — which is exactly what Brella lets you do.
Create a profile before your next virtual, hybrid, or in-person event and the app will provide you with connections you may like to make using its algorithm. You can then book meetings with other people within the app.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free for users; custom pricing for businesses hosting events
8. Meetup
Although it’s not just for business, there are a huge number of groups and events on Meetup for professionals to network globally. You can search for groups within a particular geographic range, view upcoming meetups in your area, or find online events to join.
Many meetups are free, whereas others have a fee to participate. If you don’t find anything that’s exactly what you’re looking for, you can create your own group to hold events.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free to attend meetups; from $9.99 per month for group organizers
9. Eventbrite
A similar option to Meetup is Eventbrite. You can use the app to find all kinds of online and in-person events, like conferences, talks, and workshops.
Many of the events are free; others have a cost. You can also use the platform to host your own events. If you host events, you’ll pay a commission of between 4 and 6 percent of your ticket sales (although this will be nothing if you hold a free event).
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
10. 1 Million Cups
Entrepreneurs can meet other business owners in their area with 1 Million Cups. There are currently more than 160 communities around the country.
With the app, you can see when events are happening near you — all of which are free, one hour long, and follow the same format. You can attend as a listener (you’ll have the chance to asks questions in the Q&A sessions) or you can apply to be a presenter.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
11. invitly
For a more exclusive business community than you find with many apps, there’s invitly. Only paying members are allowed to use this app. Whereas this means connections are more limited, there are also far fewer spammers on the platform.
As well as the chance to connect with other people, you can find opportunities for mentoring and coaching and to attend local events.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Starts at $50 per month
12. Lunchclub
Another more exclusive service is Lunchclub. To use the app, you’ll need an invite — otherwise, you’ll go on the waitlist. Lunchclub originally helped professionals meet face to face, but it pivoted to virtual meetings in March 2020. Simply create your profile, set the times you’re available to network, and the AI will match you with someone for a video chat.
The app will learn about your preferences by presenting you with profiles and asking you which are relevant to you. Previously, Lunchclub was just for desktop, but it launched as an app in March 2021, which has made it more convenient to use.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
13. Clubhouse
With Clubhouse, you wander into rooms where people are having conversations about diverse topics. You can talk or choose just to listen. You can also set up your own rooms to start new conversations.
When Clubhouse launched, you had to receive an invite from a current user to join, but it became available for anyone to sign up when the Android version launched.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
14. Fishbowl
If you’re networking because you want to give or receive advice, Fishbowl is a top choice. The app allows users to ask questions directed to individuals, people at specific companies, and professionals with certain job titles.
You can ask about anything, including salary expectations, dealing with burnout, and how to advance in your career. There are frequent Q&As with top names in business and communities where you can discuss topics.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
15. Blind
Another place where you can receive honest advice and share opinions is Blind. You connect with users (some of whom may even be your coworkers) anonymously. To join the community, users must verify their work email, but the app uses encryption to ensure there is no way to trace users — the downside is that if you forget your password, you’ll need to create a new account.
It’s an ideal tool for things like checking you’re receiving a fair salary, receiving support for dealing with conflict at work, and finding out what insiders say about a company where you’d like to work.
Operating Systems: iOS and Android
Price: Free
To network effectively, you’ll need to free up some time in your schedule, which means reducing your workload. You can delegate all the routine activities you have to a virtual assistant. In fact, an experienced VA can even use some of the above networking apps for you to search for business opportunities. Receive a virtual assistant from MYVA360 with a 10-percent discount when you schedule a consultation.
