Website offers networking for executives only
A new social networking site aimed exclusively at financial executives, launched last month, has already attracted more than 700 executives from SA companies.
The executives from companies such as Absa, Standard Bank, Investec and Citi SA are getting updated information and tips on how to survive the unfolding financial meltdown and the looming global recession, among other business-related topics.
The site, MeettheBoss.com, is similar to the popular social networking platform Facebook, but the main difference is that membership is restricted to senior financial executives and is by invitation or application only.
UK-based Founder Spencer Green said the site was launched on September 17 with an initial membership base of 20000, with the ultimate aim of closing membership when it reaches 50000.
Abroad, executives from Barclays, HBOS, Goldman Sachs, Visa, ABN Amro and JPMorgan have joined.
Green is chairman of multinational media group DGS International and he founded the website after client requests.
Although applications for membership were coming at a rate of about 100 a day since the site was launched, Green said that up to 66% were rejected because he wanted “to ensure the highest quality of user”, hence the reason to cap total global membership at 50000.
He said the interaction local executives were having with their colleagues in other countries was giving the financial world an opportunity to understand how the South African financial system operated and was managing the global crisis.
“The rest of the financial world are looking into SA through this tool and it is an opportunity for South African executives to do the same.”
The media has been excluded to allow members to debate and discuss issues without fear of their comments being published.
“We have (had) applications by media companies and these are the majority of rejections. They are prohibited from the site to allow secure networking.”
In addition to networking, the site offers interviews. Among those who have been interviewed are executives from Wachovia, Commerzbank and Saxo Bank.
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