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Usual followers of TLMBA’s blog probably remember our blogpost about the best time management apps for MBA students. That article responded to one of MBA students’ main concerns, namely, that they often feel they cannot make the most of all the opportunities an MBA offers while delivering solid work and memorable presentations. This blogpost addresses another one of students’ anxieties: the need to develop positive networking habits. Our selection of networking apps will help you get in touch with inspiring, like-minded business leaders and entrepreneurs – then it’s up to you to make the most of it!

LinkedIn

LinkedIn remains the most used networking site around the world; out of its 467 million users, 60 million access it via its mobile app. LinkedIn allows you to keep your professional information updated, stay in touch with your connections, approach other users whose profiles you find appealing, and browse through over 3 million job postings. LinkedIn will also inform you of networking events taking place nearby. Just make sure you define your geographical settings and professional interests and follow up with anyone you meet face-to-face.

Shapr

Shapr takes the Tinder approach to networking: after you’ve published your professional profile, including experience and ambitions, its algorithm matches you to 10 to 15 profiles of users in your vicinity whose interests and experiences correspond with yours. All you have to do then is swipe left for “not interested” or right for “interested”. If both users swipe right, they get in touch through the app and set up a time and date to get together.

Weave

Weave is similar to Shapr in its functioning, but your profile is imported from LinkedIn. Weave caters to a niche crowd of entrepreneurs and investors, so what you get in quality you lose in quantity. One of Weave’s most interesting features is its division into five “rooms”: General Networking; Fundraising; Hiring; Looking for Co-Founder; and Looking for Services. You may guess from how it’s set up that Weave’s users will expect you to know exactly what you’re looking for; if you’re still deciding on a professional course, use the other apps on our list to practice your networking skills.

LetsLunch

LetsLunch is what you get when you combine LinkedIn with Zomato: it uses your LinkedIn profile to suggest matches with peers and then suggests restaurants for a lunch meeting. To make the most of it, complete your LetsLunch identity with a list of topics that interest you and always update your location and availability.

CityHour

CityHour also operates on the basis that business students and professionals don’t have a lot of time. Using GPS and personal calendars, it tracks down people who are close to you and free to meet up. Its unique benefit is that it works in real time, allowing you to turn a dull break into a fruitful encounter. Choose your settings to clarify if you’re looking for a career opportunity; to develop your business; or to simply network.

Networking is the key to change jobs in nowadays market. Yet you shouldn’t approach strangers merely to ask them for a job. A productive networking strategy focuses on arranging casual meetings with people who can help you widen your intellectual horizons or gather information about the market; who are willing to share their professional challenges and achievements with you, and listen to yours; etc. So, while you’re exploring these apps, remember: landing a new job is a very good outcome of networking, but you’ll miss out on a lot if that’s your sole aim.

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