Networked to launch software that creates online biz communities

Networked is about to change from a company that teaches people and businesses about networking to a virtual place where they can make that happen themselves.

"We will have a community platform," says Terry Bean, founder of Networked and Motor City Connect. "We're building infrastructure so businesses can build their own communities. It's similar to Facebook, but more business oriented.

The Bloomfield Township-based company and its staff of five had been teaching business development and networking to people who are good at their craft but need to supplement their interpersonal skills. Now the new software, set to launch later this year, will help companies do four key things – buy, sell, hire and inform – through their own networks.

Bean expects to roll this new business model out with the help of local social media consultants. He expects to have 70 companies signed on for its software or SASS package within it first year.

"We're talking to some pretty cool companies about it," Bean says. "It's an amazing thing."

Source: Terry Bean, owner of Networked
Writer: Jon Zemke
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