Social Networking for Business Owners - ZaaBiz

An Australian-based social networking site for business owners and professionals has just been launched.

"Our aim is empower businesses, employees and self-employed to reach their full potential through a business network which is Australian based", said Michael Brecht, the founder, "whether you are looking for a job, an investment opportunity, a business partner or a new employee."

ZaaBiz is free to sign up, but they also have a membership scheme. TechNation Australia has a summary of features:

- Skype Integration - can show Skype status in your profile

- Shows connections from many degrees away (LinkedIn limits to 3 degrees by default)

- You list your "Haves" and "Wants" in your profile - could a matching engine be added for connecting businesses in a barter-like ecosystem?

- Business Groups (like Facebook / LinkedIn) - where like-minded members can connect and create and post to forums. Michael noted a lot of offline/online activity happening in the Groups.

"The focus on business owners and developing presence where LinkedIn and Xing haven't yet developed strong footprints is great. Could they become one of the "big three" professional social networks? LinkedIn - North America, Xing - Europe, ZaaBiz - Asia? With Xing and LinkedIn battling each other head-to-head, they may just have a shot.

Only time and execution will tell."

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