The concept of business networks has become very popular in the past five years. But for many people, business networks remain an enigma. What are they? And how are they used? Using comparisons to social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter Steve Keifer explains the concept of business networks.

1. Comparing Business Networks to
Social Networks
Steve Keifer

2. Businesses Also Have a Need To
Connect to others like you do on
Share updates like you do on
Discover partners like you do on
Follow stuff like you do on
Automatically check in like you on
Give ratings like you do on

3. On
You connect to
Co-Workers
Business
Partners
Former
Classmates

4. On Business Networks
You connect to
Customers
Suppliers
Banks

5. On
You share
Opinions and News
Life Events

6. On Business Networks
You share
New Product
Introductions
New Business
Processes
Pricing
Changes

7. On
You can Follow
People
Groups
Companies

8. On Business Networks
You can Follow
Shipments
Payments
Stock Trades

9. On
People Check Into
Concerts
Restaurants
Museums

10. On Business Networks
Inventory Checks Into
Ports
Warehouses
Stores

11. On
People Seek Matches for
Relationships
Marriages

12. On Business Networks
Businesses Seek Matches for
Vendors and
Service Providers
Customers and
Resellers

13. On
Consumers Rate Their
Restaurants
Auto Repair
Shops
In-Home
Services

14. On Business Networks
Businesses Rate Their
Suppliers
Transportation
Providers
Banks

15. On
You can create Circles for
Friends
Co-Workers
Family

16. On Business Networks
You can create Circles for
Suppliers
Customers
Banks

17. And Create Sub-Circles
Direct Materials
Suppliers
Indirect Materials
Suppliers

18. More Sub-Circles for Suppliers
Warehouse Delivery
Direct Store Delivery
Home Delivery
International Delivery

19. Sub-Circles for Transportation
Ocean Freight
Rail Freight
Ground Freight
Air Freight

20. What are you Using to Communicate
with Your Business Partners?

21. Join a Business Network Today
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