The 10 Best Social Networks for Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

Michelle Wilson - November 6, 2021

It seems like social media networks were only for college students looking to connect with peers not too long ago. Now, they’re a core area of socialization. Savvy entrepreneurs understand that social media isn’t just about building your following (although that definitely helps). These platforms can help guide business owners, offering tools, resources, and connections they need to start their company and increase their exposure. 

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to connect, consider these ten social networks for entrepreneurs and business owners. 

Upspring

This social media network connects companies with online audiences while helping owners grow their businesses. Members can create a business profile on the site and connect with companies and professionals on the site, building their online brand as they develop connections. Users wanting a streamlined social media account can consolidate their other social media platforms through the site, helping amplify any marketing efforts online.  

PartnerUp

This social media network is perfect for anyone wanting to connect in business opportunities. PartnerUp is a community of over 10,000 members hosted by Google+. Members are encouraged to post questions, comments, or concerns on the platform, with a section dedicated to business opportunities and other similar inquiries. The interface is user-friendly, with various topics listed on the left side of the menu. While registration is open to anyone, this platform gears toward the business and entrepreneur crowd. Business partners, board members, and co-founders will get the most out of this website. 

StartupNation

If you’re looking for a social media network specifically designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs, this is the place to be. Users will have the opportunity to create their own profile, connect with other like-minded individuals, and network. Established in 2002, Startup Nation claims to offer 250,000 pages of content to its viewers. This extensive website provides many sections for small business owners, covering virtually every category to start a successful business. Whether you need help with insurance, compliance, or bookkeeping, you’ll find comprehensive information. On top of that, registered users can also post in the forum section, an interactive community where members are encouraged to ask and respond to anything on their minds.

Founders Grid

This networking site dedicates to keeping its users informed in the world of business. With over 9,000 members currently on the site, it’s a platform that’s gaining traction within the small business industry. Registered users will receive a weekly newsletter tailored to business owners and startup founders. These newsletters include interviews with successful founders (including successful business strategies), resources, and comprehensive guides. It takes interesting, diverse, and relevant content and brings it directly to your inbox. Users will also receive reviews of SaaS platforms, software, and other business materials with registration.

Meetup

If you’re looking for a network that’s dedicated to fostering local businesses, consider joining Meetup. This platform is devoted to promoting local, offline groups, communities, and group members’ lives. Members can connect with over 9,000 groups listed on the site, or they can organize one of their own. These groups cover all aspects of life, including business and career categories (you’ll find them under the New York Entrepreneurs & Startup Network on the homepage). With over 23 million members registered in over 180 countries, Meetup membership can help business owners and entrepreneurs. 

Founders Network

With over 500 active members on the platform, Founders Network is a social media platform for tech company entrepreneurs and founders. This website offers professional and personal connections through the site, encouraging member interaction between users. Registration allows you to create a profile and receive support within your industry. There is a strong focus on peer-to-peer education, with a minimal emphasis on selling products. The Founders Network often hosts in-person events throughout New York City and California.

Vator

Short for Innovator, this platform was launched in 2007, bringing a large community of entrepreneurs and investors to registered users. The platform has an expansive blog, news feed, and interactive network. Vator also caters to business news, with a section titled VatorNews on the site, bringing the latest content for the business community. Registration allows each user to create a company profile and provides interaction with other members on the site. Unlike other platforms, this social media network has a section dedicated to members’ companies and products for review.

LinkedIn

As the world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn boasts 300 million members across 200 countries and territories. It was established in 2003 as a method of networking for business professionals. Users can create personal and company pages through the platform, with free and paid memberships available. Members are able to connect with other individuals, write endorsements for qualified connections, contact people through InMails (the messaging system on LinkedIn), and develop a professional image through the site. Users are also able to share statuses, content, and videos through their profiles. Hashtags on these posts connect individuals to other similar posts within that industry.
Facebook

While this might seem like the most predictable recommendation, Facebook holds over a billion registered accounts worldwide. The platform allows both personal and business use, offering pages, groups, and personal network opportunities for almost every industry. Small business owners can find specialized accounts for individuals wanting to network and connect locally or build their platform on an international level. Users are free to share industry content, upload photos or videos of products, and develop business connections otherwise not available. It’s essential to recognize that your business and personal profiles are not the same things on this platform, so keep them separate if possible. 

Networking for Professionals

Networking for Professionals was created in 2002 by individuals wanting to connect in-person meetings with online networking. This platform offers two membership options for interested individuals. The regular membership allows members to create online business profiles and contact other members with company profiles. The pay-on-demand service offers everything found within the free membership, plus the attachment of a Pod. Pods connect focused groups of supportive and successful professionals, meeting every two weeks. These Pods can be field and industry-specific, or they can be a generalized group. Networking for Professionals hosts in-person networking events throughout the United States.