If you want to put your business on the fast track for growth and success, you need to look at today's best business networking websites. After all, connections are everything. Not all business networking websites, however, work at the same speed. Hence, the reason we included FastPitch in our business networking reviews. Wondering if FastPitch can really help you stay on top of your game? Read this review and decide for yourself.
What's New?
- Distribute your company's press releases using FastPitch! Press.
- Participate in FastPitch member discussions using FastPitch! Forums.
- Check out FastPitch! Events to network offline at conferences and networking events.
Star Reviews' Favorite Feature:
We really liked the FastPitch! Networking feature of the FastPitch website. This FastPitch member feature allows you to create a business profile and advertise your products and/or services to other FastPitch members. FastPitch claims that millions of introductions have been made using this service.
About FastPitch:
FastPitch is an online business networking service that allows professionals to network and market their businesses to other FastPitch members. The site is dedicated to helping members connect to other like-minded professional who want to build a business network quickly.
The FastPitch Experience:
The first thing you'll want to do when you visit the FastPitch website is create your own business profile. Only then will you be able to begin using the FastPitch website to its fullest. Creating a business profile is free and it took us barely any time at all. We clicked the “Create a Free Business Profile” link and were brought to a simple two-page form to fill out. When you're done, you'll be brought to a page asking you what type of membership you would like. You have three to select from – one of them is free, the other two cost money. Just click the “Start” tab located near the top of the page to remain a basic member. If you do want to upgrade, this is the place to do it.
Once you access the FastPitch member website, you can begin searching for people to network with. A great way to start is by selecting the “My Network” link located on the left-hand side of the page. At this point in the game, you don't have a network yet so it's time to begin building one. That's where the “View members who match your profile” link comes into play. Once you click that, you'll be taken to a page where you can see all of the members who have profiles that match what you're looking for. It's really a useful tool.
If you do find someone you're interested in networking with, click the “get introduced” link to get started. However, if you're a free member, you're going to have to cough up some dough. Free memberships do not include FastPitch introductions. You can either purchase them ($20 for 45 introductions or $50 for 150 introductions) or you'll need to upgrade to a paid subscription. Once the money issue is out of the way, the introduction is made and your network starts to grow. It's one of the easiest networking services we ran across during our business networking reviews.
FastPitch Pricing:
Basic membership is free and includes:
- Your company profile on the FastPitch website.
- Search other FastPitch profiles.
- Upload photos to your profile.
- Receive email alerts when new members join the FastPitch website.
A premium FastPitch membership costs $4.95 per month and includes all of the benefits of a basic membership as well as:
- Preferred profile ranking.
- Up to 50 FastPitch connections each month.
- Make your profile interactive with podcasts, blogs, video and more.
- 1,000 advertisement impressions.
- View your profile statistics.
FastPitch Customer Support:
FastPitch really sets itself apart from the competition when it comes to customer support. Most of the other networking websites we researched offered brief FAQs or one-page webmail contact forms. FastPitch, however, offers support via phone, email and live chat in addition to an online FAQ section. What more can you ask for? We were able to easily connect with the company using all of the contact methods and each time were treated well by a knowledgeable customer service rep who seemed more than happy to attend to our needs. If you're a stickler for good service, FastPitch is probably the way to go.
Upside:
Great customer service, affordable premium membership, incorporate podcasts, blogs and video into your profile.
Downside:
Free members can't get introductions without paying.
Summary:
The FastPitch Networking site really impressed us with its level of quality. The site is dedicated to helping members connect to other like-minded professional who want to build a business network quickly. We really liked the FastPitch! Networking feature of the FastPitch website. Not only can you distribute your company's press release through use of this service, you can advertise your products/services and connect through business forums. There is a basic membership here and a premium membership for $4.95 a month, allowing you to make 50 FastPitch connections monthly, as well as receive preferred profile ranking and 1,000 ad impressions. Customer support was great-and extensive here-offering friendly and efficient live chat, email, phone and FAQs help. Way to go, FastPitch!