Table of Content
Table of Content
Business networking platforms are no longer an option but a must for professionals seeking to expand their connections and take their business to the next level!
These platforms facilitate the creation of meaningful relationships among individuals and businesses, allowing users to share ideas and collaborate on projects.
The functionality of business networking apps typically includes user profiles, messaging capabilities, and event organization tools, all of which streamline the process of building professional relationships.
If you are a business owner who is already a member of an existing business networking platform and is planning to launch your own, you’re in the right place!
Let us get started!
Creating a business networking platform can effectively meet the rising demand for professional connections in today’s digital landscape.
A prime example of success in this arena is Business Network International (BNI), which boasts over 300,000 members worldwide and has generated an impressive $21.9 billion in revenue through referrals in the past year alone!
Huge, isn't it?
This highlights the potential for profitability within business networking platforms. BNI operates on a referral marketing model that emphasizes relationship-building among its members.
Each member engages in regular meetings, to share referrals and support one another’s businesses.
This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and drives significant economic growth, as evidenced by the 14.2 million referrals exchanged among members.
Such a model demonstrates how a well-structured networking platform can create multiple revenue streams!
BNI's revenue model is primarily based on membership fees. Members pay an annual fee to join their local chapter, which grants them access to a network of professionals eager to exchange referrals.
It also generates revenue through entry fees for meetings and events, which enhance member engagement and provide valuable networking opportunities.
The success of BNI showcases the lucrative opportunities available in the business networking sector.
By using word-of-mouth marketing and creating strong connections, new entrepreneurs can create platforms that improve professional relationships and also help make good money for both the platform and its users!
Now let us shift our focus towards the development process of a business networking platform.
To develop a successful business networking platform, it's essential to follow a well-planned process that ensures all aspects of the platform are thoughtfully considered.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the Business Networking Platform Development Process,
Start by clearly outlining the goals you want to achieve with your networking platform. Consider what problems your platform will solve and how it will benefit users. By answering these questions you can have a clear objective and make informed decisions throughout the project.
Analyze existing players in the market to identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as gaps in the market that your platform can fill. This research will provide insights into user needs and preferences, allowing you to design your app to stand out from competitors.
Brainstorm innovative features and functionalities that will differentiate your app from others in the market. Try connecting with potential users to gather feedback on your ideas, ensuring they align with user expectations and needs.
Decide whether to create a native app for specific operating systems (iOS or Android) or opt for a cross-platform solution that can run on multiple systems. Each choice has its own advantages and cost variations, so consider factors such as budget, target audience, and desired features when making this decision.
Focus on creating user-friendly interfaces that enhance the overall user experience. This includes designing intuitive navigation, appealing visuals, and clear calls-to-action that guide users through the app seamlessly. An intuitive and easy-to-use design is critical for attracting and retaining users.
This phase involves both front-end and back-end development, ensuring that all functionalities work together smoothly. Collaboration among developers is key to maintaining efficiency during this stage.
The platform undergoes thorough testing to identify and fix bugs or issues before launch. Once done with testing, then it is time to launch your platform on relevant app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store, ensuring all necessary configurations are in place for a smooth release!
After launching, it is essential to provide proper support and updates to keep the platform functional and relevant. And let us not miss out on the importance of continuous maintenance as it is essential for sustaining user engagement and adapting to changing market demands.
Hope you got enough insights into the development process, now take a look at the essential features of a business networking platform.
A successful business networking platform should incorporate several key features to enhance user experience and facilitate effective connections.
Let me list it down,
User registration is the first step for new users to access the platform, and it should be a straightforward process. A smooth registration process is crucial for retaining users, as complicated sign-ups can lead to abandonment.
Pro tip: Try providing options for signing up through social media accounts or email to allow users to quickly create profiles.
Secure messaging options are essential for enabling direct communication between users within the platform. This feature fosters networking by allowing users to share ideas, ask questions, and build relationships in a private setting.
A dynamic news feed keeps users informed about updates from their connections and relevant industry news. This feature helps maintain engagement by showcasing posts, articles, and achievements from other users, thereby encouraging interaction.
The activity feed provides a personalized view of user interactions, showing likes, comments, and shares related to a user's network. This feature allows users to track their engagements and stay updated on their connections' activities.
Groups offer dedicated spaces for users with similar interests or industries to collaborate and share insights. This feature can facilitate discussions, resource sharing, and networking opportunities among members of specific groups.
Business networking platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for generating referrals, sharing knowledge, and expanding one's professional network.
With a well-defined development strategy and features that align with user needs, as demonstrated by successful models like BNI, these platforms can achieve significant impact and profitability!
At Fourchain, we understand the complexities involved in launching a business networking app. As we have recently launched a new business networking platform, designed to revolutionize how professionals connect and collaborate!
Our user-friendly interface, innovative tools, and primitive features like My Table, Ask, Connect, and much more empower users to network effectively, share resources, and explore new opportunities.
If you're ready to turn your vision into reality or seek expert guidance on building a networking platform that stands out in a crowded market, then, let's connect!