New Online Marketplace Needs Your Feedback

I’ve noticed that some creative professionals have been trying to use the CFC Group on LinkedIn to find collaborators and other freelancers to help with projects, which is great! But LinkedIn isn’t really set up for that.

That’s why I was excited when I was approached recently by Rick Carlile. He’s building a next generation site called Aegora.com which is designed as “the first networked professional marketplace” and will make it easier for you to connect and actually transact business – at least that is the goal.

Here’s what’s better about Aegora: Unlike traditional text-heavy profiles, the profiles on Aegora.com are content-rich, image-driven and allow you to showcase your skills and services in a more positive light. (The options for profile style are limited at the moment but at least you have a choice.) The site also allows you to create your own network so you can rapidly locate the right people to collaborate with and buy from. Once your profile is open to the public, you can use it like a web site and drive prospects there to view it. (Take a look at my profile here: https://www.aegora.com/273/profile/ilise-benun)

The site is in its infancy and they need your feedback. So if you want to be part of its growth, go to http://www.aegora.com and click “sign up” to request your invitation. Once you receive it, you can start creating your content-rich profile. Also, join the Assembly, a discussion forum for early adopters where you can share your feedback. (Join “assembly” in the footer.)

You can also listen to an interview I did with Rick about the site (and the future of work).

Comments

[Jim Plunkett]

I am going to try this out!

[Phil Evans]

Aegora has a lot of promise. I realize the looks/templates are limited right now, but that italic (almost script) font is horrible and needs to go immediately... no one dealing with designers should have that on their profile. Font options should be clean and professional for listing of accolades.

[Rick Carlile]

Thanks very much Jim and Phil for checking us out and adding your feedback - appreciated! Just as a quick note, there are already five or six profile templates available so you have a degree of choice if one or another doesn't appeal, including the "Translucent" template (a recent addition, of which we're quite proud) enabling custom background images - as modeled here by our co-founder Dr. Capanni, illustrating his Tuscan origins: https://www.aegora.com/207/profile/niccolo-capanni

Thanks again and all the best - and thanks to Ilise, of course! :-)