I discovered MeetingWave after its alpha launch in June 2007, and the concept behind it led me to create my own social networking initiative. Launched almost as immediately as I discovered MeetingWave, Coffee With Ian is my effort to meet the many people who are my “friends” on LinkedIn, Facebook and other social networks, yet have never met with in person. MeetingWave provides the interface that allows such opportunities to happen. Using MeetingWave, I list the times and locations where I schedule my daily “Coffee With Ian” sessions. And people have signed up! Thanks to MeetingWave, Coffee With Ian has quickly developed from a simple idea to network into something bigger!

Regards, Ian Isanberg, CoffeewithIan.com

Ps – MeetingWave tip – You can easily export your own public invites to another site such as your blog or Ning page. Using the simple “widget-builder” on your Profile page, you can customize what it will look like and then copy-and-paste the code into your website or blog.

10. Get offline. Unlike other networking services, MeetingWave is focused on bringing people together offline. Now is the time to go beyond online networking so you can build lasting relationships with others through face to face meetings. Check out our post on The Value of Face to Face Meetings to understand why you need to meet people offline. Regards, John Founder, MeetingWave.com

9. Meet your neighbors. If you are new to your neighborhood, or just looking to meet some new neighbors, MeetingWave allows you to post Invites just within your zip code. Try posting an invite to see who you can meet!

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

8. Find a new job. MeetingWave gives you the tools to expand your network of people, including potential employers in your community. Get connected so you won’t miss out as people look for valuable employees. Remember, it’s usually not what you know, but who you know. Start expanding your real world contacts today.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

7. Discuss topics with like minded people. New issues and topics emerge every day. Whether it’s politics, renewable energy or local issues, MeetingWave can bring together people interested in learning more about current events through discussion groups. By creating a Meeting Alert (available to registered members using Advanced Search) using keywords related to your interests, you’ll be notified about upcoming meetings in your email inbox.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

6. Start a book club, poker night or find a golf foursome. MeetingWave is unique in that the tool helps you connect with people in your area with similar interests. Whether you are looking to start a poker night, a golf foursome or a book club, posting an invite on MeetingWave can help you get together with the right people, where you live or where you work.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

5. Form a carpool. By helping you connect with people in your neighborhood, you can use MeetingWave to form carpools for work or school or elsewhere. This is especially useful if you are moving to a new neighborhood or a new area. Post an invite to see who is looking to carpool where you live.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

3. Make professional contacts and meet new clients. Use MeetingWave to create a valuable social network within your profession or industry. Moreover, by finding people you want to meet with near where you live and where you work, it’s easy to continue to meet with your new acquaintances so you can build valuable relationships. Remember to create a Meeting Alert (available to registered members using Advanced Search) so you stay on top of new meetings of interest that are being posted in your area. In the meantime, try posting a Public Invite at the coffee shop down the street. Describe who you want to network with and only approve acceptances that fit that description.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

2. Find a new lead. Our tools and member profiles enable you to identify leads in your profession, or to promote an idea or service. Since our members always have control over who they meet, and can review a profile before meeting anyone, you won’t waste your time meeting the wrong people. Remember, when searching for Invites using Advanced Search, you can search for keywords found in the Invite description or in the profile of the member who posted the Invite.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com

1. Discover business partners, mentors and investors. Take advantage of our service to find potential partnerships locally. You can also try to find mentors in your community that might be willing to assist you as you pursue your business idea or your career path. As always, you can review any member’s profile before meeting with them, so you can make sure you are meeting with the right people. It’s easy to use and free.

Regards, John

Founder, MeetingWave.com