Have you heard about Biznik?

Last week, when I was trolling a list of blogs on the Business Of Design Online, I discovered Biznik. You gotta check it out if only for their tagline: Business Networking That Doesn't Suck.

Here's their blurb: Biznik is an online community of independent business people with social and educational events hosted by members. It's a great way to build relationships, promote your business and share your experience. It's like LinkedIn for what Biznik co-founder, Dan McComb, calls "indie professionals."

It started in Seattle but is growing beyond it's geographic boundaries. They have about 5000 members so far and the focus is a combination of online and offline networking. There are lots of announcements on the site for in-person networking events that members host and then use the website to promote and coordinate. McComb and his team are constantly adding new features, so take a peek.

Comments

[Dani Nordin]

Thanks for the recommendation - it looks like it would be a good resource for me. I'll have to check it out when I come up for air in a few weeks.

[Karrie Kohlhaas]

Biznik is so good for small businesses. I've been a member for under a year and it's brought wonderful clients and friends into my life.

I understand the comparison to LinkedIn, but biznik is really different in that it is truly about face-to-face events. Yes, you can get a ton of great information for building your small business by visiting the BizTalk posts and you can email folks online and start virtual conversations, but you can also attend or host in-the-flesh events and meet people, build real relationships.

Unlike so many other networking organizations, it's free to join and you are not required to attend anything--only the events that speak to you and what your business needs. It is truly indie-inspired.