Now, Social Networking sites are always popular. Niche networking sites even more so. Everyone knows an Orkut or a Facebook. But some niche ones like LinkedIn, Last.fm, Flixster have been getting increasingly popular. And there are more developing. LinkedIn has already made its mark, with websites like Brijj.com attempting to be as popular.
GBN4ME.com is an initiative to bring together the people in the Media, Fashion and Entertainment Industry. As given in the press release, every industry could do with a networking platform, and as per Mr. Srivastava “GBN4ME is a business networking website for the media, fashion & entertainment industry, our sole vision & mission is to integrate professionals & amateurs from the industry on one platform, giving it a touch of what is called integrated globalization. GBN4ME would help people make contacts and nurture their network. One can not only grow their business in terms of making prolific acquaintances but also to build a career, from finding the right people to leading the right people, or if nothing else, just stay connected with the professionals.” GBN stands for Global Business Networking.
I signed up for the site on a whim and found the following noteworthy points :
1) Amateurish design – probably a litte too early to judge since the site is still under development and officially goes online in August.
2) Excellent signup procedure – borrowing a page from Facebook, the site has its sign-up right on it’s front page. An extremely simple procedure allows you to join up
3) It has every feature a good networking site should contain:
- A customisable Profile page
- Inbox
- Events
- Contacts
- Groups
- Companies
- Opportunities
- Resources
4) Another interesting point is the feedback form which lurks on the side and pops up on a mouse-over.
Screenshot of Groups
I have yet to discover what are the opportunities. Resources have a directory listing of companies in India. The plan / intention of the site seems to mirror that of LinkedIn.
I admit that it may be too early to judge the site. As Mr. Srivastava quotes “The site is in its initial stage and we are tying up with different event organizations and information sources for providing the first hand experience to our subscribers.”
Niche social networks have the potential to grow, especially those related to professional networking.
Though a good initiative, I would’ve certainly preferred a better design layout.
Posting about such an amateurishly designed site. No UI sense et all. hundreds of site like this get launched daily. this one looks like a weekend project by a clge kid. Post about something worthwhile.
@Supreet: Hi, I agree with you on the extremely amateurish design. The reason we decided to cover this was because it was a recent social-networking site with a slight variation. As far as my knowledge goes, we’ve tried to keep up with most developments in the social networking scene in India, this is was merely one of them. But point noted. Thanks.
Thanks for your feedback,appreciate your eye pause and time for giving your valuable advice,however site is in “its intial stage” and i am happy to get worthwile approach of you people.
Its good to see the reaction at an early stage,however see the difference in a shortwhile.I would like to receive more eye openers for this website.
Still any queries or comments “most welcome”.