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MeettheBoss.com: LinkedIn for the big boys

By Guest blogger
November 7, 2008
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Written by Paul Vereijken

It sure isn’t surprising that social networks like LinkedIn are adding new users by the second thanks to the credit crunch. But read this: social network MeettheBoss.com says it has attracted 25.000 active members within two months. And those users sure aren’t the average LinkedIn member. They are senior and top executives at large financial firms.

MeettheBoss.com: LinkedIn for the big boys According to their website and an article in the International Herald Tribune, it looks like MeettheBoss.com wants to become the number one network and forum for executives at company’s like Barclays, Goldman Sachs and ING.

Not just connecting

Registered MeettheBoss.com users can participate in discussions about the crisis, but also about how web 2.0 technology could be implemented in products and services. These big boys can also use (peer-to-peer) video conferencing, IM, e-mail and sms to interact and – of course – connect with other members. At MeettheBoss.tv members can watch interviews with industry hotshots and thought-leaders.

Exclusive network

The Bristol, England, based network is founded by Spencer Green, chairman of publisher and event organiser GDS International that owns MeettheBoss.com. The network was launched in September ’08 when they invited their first 20.000 members. To keep the network exclusive it intends to close its doors at 50.000 members.

Closed doors

I wish I could check if everything MeettheBoss.com promises is true. But to become a member of the network you have to be a senior or top executive. So if you’re working as a developer, web 2.0 consultant or if you’re an entrepreneur that probably means this network keeps its doors closed for you. And for journalists like me too.

Have a peak

Or wouldn’t they? Of course I tried to get in and I filled in the forms to create an account. Surprisingly I got in.

I couldn’t check out everything the network has to offer. Still I got more than just a peek. I was able to login at MeettheBoss.tv and check out some interviews with experts in the financial market. After a few clicks I was scanning the discussions between members talking mostly about the crisis. But when I tried to connect with other members the network just returned error messages telling me my account wasn’t approved yet. Damn.


  • another soc network ???? what's that buzz all about for an another (in their words) "innovative" "web2.0" "disruptive" network.

    One word : next !
  • this might be the old boys network 2.0 though...
  • yeah, might be... I do believe the "exclusive/elitist" side could bring users (i.e. good adoption) but the issue to keep alive a network is the 'retention' of users.
    anywho, we will see (the deadpool is close though... ;)

    I wonder how much funding did they get.
  • L
    Looks like they need a new communications team ;) That video is simply crap :p
  • I am actually an approved member of the meet the boss site, and i must say find it extremely useful.

    For journalists and press and salesmen, sure the site isn't very useful - because you can't get on there. To be honest that's why I use it, I don't get junk mail from recruiters etc on there.

    Also, it's not a social thing (not how I use it anyway), when I want to comment on my friends' baby pictures, I'll go on Facebook - but during my working day, I'd use meet the boss.

    I do have to agree about that video, though :)
  • Richard Maynard
    When I did get access to the site..I did feel I was part of something more exclusive than linked in..I know it might sound boring but the interviews with the top guys and some of the information that was gathered actually helped me during a particular "brain block" during the course of business..Tried all of the other so called "learning" and management sites..either too light or nor enough content..

    Worth a look...
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