The BiggerPockets Meet/Networking Page: How Can We Improve It?

Question

Hey guys - 
I've been racking my brain for a few days now.  We've been going through different parts of the site in an effort to improve the products and services that we provide you, and I'm completely stuck on our Networking page.

Frankly, I don't see this page as being very useful, but don't have a solution (yet) for improving it.

I was hoping to get feedback from you guys about what you'd like to see on this page OR if you even think such a page is needed at all.

So -- I ask you, our members, for your suggestions....

Thanks!

Melinda Allen · Answer

There are so many incredible articles on this site, I find myself wishing for a way to save my favorites (besides in a folder on my desktop). Is there already a way to do it or is this an embellishment for a later date?

Thanks! Love the Site!

Chris Cliff · Answer

I will go with Charles on being able to see what people are wanting to network for.  That would be nice, along with a last login date.

Account Closed · Answer

It would be nice to have the ability to sort on information available in someone profile.  It would also be helpful if a sort came up with people that are active on BP.  I can't tell you how often I have found general individuals that might suit what I was looking for, but they haven't visited BP in over a year.

It would be nice to have an are where we can share more of what we can do and what we are looking for in partners and/or professionals.  The ability to sort on keywords or phrases here would help.

If I'm specifically looking for someone that does FHA 203K loans in Washington it would be nice to come up with a list that allows various ways of sorting it.  Say sorting on last activity on BP, Number of posts, recommendations, or other criteria.

It would also be nice to have an area where investor could get creative in sharing how networking might, has or could possibly help in their business.  There are lots of ways we can help each other sometimes we just need the spark of an idea.

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

Charles - All good points.  Any specific suggestions or recommendations?

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

Guys - 
The link can be found in the COMMUNITY DROPDOWN in our main navigation menu.  The link is labeled FIND MEMBERS.

If you look at those drop down menus, you'll find many other useful areas of the site as well that I'm guessing you've also never seen before.....

Your responses indicate to me that the menu simply isn't as intuitive as it appears to be.  That means that we didn't do our job.

The good thing about it is that we've been working on an idea to remedy it. We can discuss that elsewhere if needed, but I want to keep the scope of this discussion fairly narrow and focus on this particular page.

That all said, now that you are aware of the page, do you have any suggestions for improving it?

Account Closed · Answer

I've use the networking page, but found it very inefficient and cumbersome.

When I think of networking, I think of a place to get to know people better.  Learn what they do and look at ways that can mutually benefit one another.  Learn about their recommendations, reputation and experience.

Ideally I think of this as a place that I can quickly find a service or profile for a  specific area or sometimes anywhere.  If you aren't able to get specific it doesn't help much.

Cheryl C. · Answer

I am new here and am having problems finding the pages, forums, blogs by subject.  Any guidance available?  What do I click on to post/find a particular subject?

Kenneth Smith · Answer

I'm with Bryan here. Didn't even know it existed. How do you get to the page (besides your link)?

Now that I know there is one, it looks like there is a lot of potential information there. I'd certainly use it. Maybe a lot of people just don't know about it.

Nick J. · Answer

Awareness I think would be the best. I've used it before with great success when I've been the guest on some radio shows. If more people knew about it, I think it would be used more.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

I didn't even know there was a networking page.  That may be the first thing to address.

Something that organizes local events in person would be the best IMO.