Shana Lebowitz
I didn't have a stellar experience on either.
- I recently tried out two new, digital approaches to networking: LinkedIn Career Advice and Bumble Bizz.
- I had a hard time connecting with fellow journalists and starting conversations on both.
- One of the apps proved to facilitate a more enjoyable, seamless experience - although not that effective in actually meeting people.
Once upon a time, networking meant donning an itchy suit, grabbing a stack of business cards, and trying not to feel awkward at a conference where you know no one and everyone seems more interesting and impressive than you.
Today, the process is starting to look a lot less intimidating, thanks to new technology that's redefining the word "schmoozing."
LinkedIn, for example, recently launched a feature called Career Advice that allows users to find potential mentors and mentees and chat online or offline. Around the same time, dating app Bumble launched Bumble Bizz, connecting women and men with similar professional interests. (Bumble Bizz is similar to the dating app in that women have to initiate the conversation.)
I tried out LinkedIn Career Advice and Bumble Bizz over the course of a work week and compared them in terms of how easy they are to use and the kind of people they introduce you to. My experience is illustrated below - as is my verdict on which one takes the cake.