Business Networking websites - ecademy...

Hi

I've come across the ecademy website (ecademy.com) a few times, but not signed up yet. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it is worth it - past or present members?

Most networks these days are free, and it comes to about £100 a year for a reasonable level of access... so is it worth it and what do you get that you can't get for free elsewhere if you sign up?

Cheers

Tim

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Tim

I've used it for a couple of years; it varies from time to time - there will be a period of a few months where you get some good contacts and other fairly barren periods, too.

In terms of being financially worth it I think most people are not completely sold that's the case; in terms of getting access to lots of people and their thoughts it definitely has its virtues.

As to the sustainability of the business model - charging for access - when there are many other networking sites with an equal or larger pool of people that are free - remains to be seen. My advice would be if you sign up for an account then to join the clubs that interest you - these are the most interesting areas, rather than the front page which has lots of fairly anodine blogs etc.,

Hope this helps!

Dan
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Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Tim - as Dan says, ecademy is just one of many subscription network sites, which offers variety in the business sense. Joining clubs definitely gives the better value and if you join one in your area, there is usually the opportunity of off-line networking too - which all adds to building relationships and increasing your network. I've been on ecademy since 2004 and have no regrets, I've met some great, interesting and useful people [a few who are real friends now] and some not-so plausible people.

You could also try Business Scene - it's a fairly new networking site with lots of opportunities on it. If you e-mail me I will send you a link with some more information.

Good luck.
Lynn
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Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Tim

Not been a member myself, however have been put off by feedback from others.

The motto there seems to be that you only get out what you put in, and you need to put an awful lot in to get anything back (financially / business wise).

Contrast that with forums where you can get business or leads from just the odd post here and there - and bear in mind that forums are virtually all free - and I just can't see the benefit of spending that money.

Cheers

Jim

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Ecademy used to be a great business forum, but in the last 2 years it has lost much of its usefullness. The management have a fairly draconian approach to their 'clients' and ban people at will for being outspoken or honest. As a result of their approach they have lost a number of really great contributors and much of their credibility.

Happily I joined early enough to see it at its best, and have made some long lasting and very strong connections and grat clients through being there. But I do not think it worth the money now. It does also have a habit of attracting some very odd people around the world. I even managed to collect a nhutty cyber stalker while I was a member there, and he's still out there! :S

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

I've been a member of ecademy since August. So far I have had only a small amount of business. However, the clubs can be interesting and the main bonus for me is their 'google' friendliness. Google picks up your ecademy profile and most marketplace listings so its a good idea to put a link to your site on any ads there.

Sheena
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Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Thanks for the advice everyone - really useful!

Think I'll give it a miss for now but consider it further down the line...

Cheers

Tim

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Tim

From what I've heard of ecademy, the summary is:

It's great if you want connections and access to a number of small business owners.

It's not good if you are specifically there to get business/money into your company.

Chris

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

I have heard from a friend who is a member that ecademy is in the process of being sold anyhow and is currently going downhill, perhaps partly as a result of that

Carl

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Everyone is leaving there, it's really a dying place - just look at the rubbish that is called a 'homepage' to see what I mean!

Tim

Re : Business Networking websites - ecademy

Just been reading through these... I take it people don't think much of it then

David
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