If you're an entrepreneur, it's time to get social

Whether you're creating the next Facebook or you have a patent on three-tiered umbrellas, you're an entrepreneur. But finding funding for your idea, getting some advice, or even just talking to people in your same situation can be difficult. Social networks designed specifically for entrepreneurs aim to help you achieve your goals. Check them out.

Go social, entrepreneur

Cofoundr To sign up for Cofoundr, you'll need to input a work or school e-mail address. That's annoying, considering many people have ideas that they've yet to start, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Once you do sign up for the site, you can immediately input all your personal information, including where you're from, what the focus of your business is, and more. Based on those responses, Cofoundr will match you with other entrepreneurs in your area. If you want to share your idea to see if investors will give you some much-needed capital, Cofoundr's Ideas page will help you out. But perhaps Cofoundr's best feature is its member-search option, which allows you to find people based on their expertise. Whether you're looking for a venture capitalist or strategy executive, the site will provide it. It's a nice service.

Cofoundr will help you find venture capitalists.

(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)

Entrepreneur Connect Entrepreneur.com's Entrepreneur Connect is a fine way to connect with other business owners. But unlike many of the apps in this roundup, Entrepreneur's service provides access to a wider array of companies.

When you first get to Entrepreneur Connect, you'll find that you don't need to waste your time registering. Instead, you can jump right in and start networking with other entrepreneurs. The site's "Make Connections" feature is especially useful. You can input certain criteria you're looking for in a connection and it will find people matching those items. The site also has some active groups for every industry represented in the social network. Entrepreneur Connect is a neat service. Try it out.

Entrepreneur Connect has some active groups.

(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)

PerfectBusiness PerfectBusiness aims at helping you achieve your goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur. It does that by connecting you with other people who have a similar passion.

I was impressed with PerfectBusiness' listing of industries. Unlike some other services, you don't need to only have a Web site idea to sign up. Instead, you can connect with people in industries ranging from business-to-business communication to tech start-ups. The site has the option of asking other users questions about operating a start-up or discussing issues you're facing with experts that have done well as entrepreneurs. The site also provides instructional videos and advice articles to help you succeed. PerfectBusiness is a useful site.

Ask an expert some questions with PerfectBusiness.

(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)

StartupNation StartupNation is designed for the entrepreneur who wants to learn from other business owners who have built a successful operation from the ground up.

After you sign up for StartupNation, you'll find a really helpful community of members who want to share their expertise. From topics on funding to strategy, the site's members are there to help you out. StartupNation features a Google Maps integration to help you find other entrepreneurs in your area. The site's most useful feature is the Knowledge Hub. There, you can find help on any topic that comes to your mind. It's a must-see.

StartupNation's Knowledge Hub is a must-see.

(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)

TheFunded TheFunded offers both a free and paid model, which costs about $300 per year, allowing users to find information, like how much venture capital firms typically offer companies, in what industries they provide funds, and more. But to connect with those companies and other folks using the site, you'll need to sign up for TheFunded.

But perhaps the way TheFunded requires you to sign up will surprise you. You'll need to apply to join. Your application will be reviewed. As long as your professional information can be corroborated, the site will allow you to join. It's a unique way to control membership, but it does a fine job--TheFunded has some of the most informative and active members of any site in this roundup. It's an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs. Check it out.

TheFunded is a great place to check out.

(Credit: Screenshot by Don Reisinger/CNET)

My top 3

1. TheFunded: With so much useful information, TheFunded is worthy of your time.

2. Entrepreneur Connect: If you want to connect with the right people, Entrepreneur Connect is worth trying out.

3. StartupNation: StartupNation's KnowledgeHub feature is good enough to give this site the third spot in this roundup.

[skillsfinder]

Hi Don,

Great piece on entrepreneurs using social media to connect and network with like minded people, having already used some social media sites myself to connect with other entrepreneurs, I can't help but agree with you on the benefits of using social networks as they can open up many doors and opportunities.

I'll definately try some your top 3 sites.

--
Ish Jatta
Skills Finder?
http://www.skillsfinder.com/

[jenniferdharma]

Hi Ish! Yeah you should try social media stuff.. not only you'll enjoy, but you'll benefit on that as well.


Best regards,
Jenn
<A HREF="http://www.entrepreneursworldcup.com/">EntrepreneursWorldCup</A>

[jenniferdharma]

Hi Ish! Yeah you should try social media stuff.. not only you'll enjoy, but you'll benefit on that as well.


Best regards,
Jenn
http://www.entrepreneursworldcup.com/
<A HREF="http://www.entrepreneursworldcup.com/">EntrepreneursWorldCup</A>