Nefesh BNefesh

If you open your own business, you can jumpstart your networking opportunities through professional networking forums, which offer you a chance to meet other business owners in your region and increase your contacts. Here are some of the forums that are locally available:

• Esek L'Esek is a Hebrew-language networking forum run by MATI. For more information see (in Hebrew): http://www.mati.org.il/Index.asp?ArticleID=649&CategoryID=79&Page=1 or contact your local MATI office. Participation is free of charge, but you must register prior to attending a session.
• Interactive Business Circle is a networking forum that currently boasts over 400 members in 26 different locations throughout Israel. Members attend weekly meetings and are involved in providing recommendations and references for the other members of the group. IBC charges an annual subscription fee and an additional fee for each of the weekly meetings, which are usually scheduled early in the morning and include breakfast. For details, see http://www.ibcil.com/ or email ibc@ibcil.com.
• NexusJerusalem is a women's forum. To join the group, email NexusJerusalem@yahoogroups.com. For more information, contact Vera Resnick at vera.homeopath@gmail.com.
• Global Business Networking (GBN) is an English-speaking networking group which meets every Wednesday from 8:00 until 9:30 am at the Prima Royale Hotel, on Mendele Street in Jerusalem. The meetings consist of a 20 minute educational corner, a 30 second info-mercial, a 5 minute GBN-oriented educational section, a short discussion of referrals given and received, and two 8 minute keynote presentations. The meetings close with the exchange of referrals, reports on closed buisness and testimonials. There are currently 14 members in the group, with only one person allowed for each profession. You can come as a guest a couple of times and then apply to join the group as a full member, if you feel the group is good for you. For more information, please see: http://www.yourgbn.com/index_new.php?Constant=1 The group is moderated. For more information, contact Jonathan Marcus at yonatanm@netvision.net.il.
• The Jerusalem Business Networking Forum: The group is for anyone interested in networking with other professionals in business, high tech and investment fields that live in Jerusalem. Each meeting features a speaker on a different topic relating to business.  For more information see http://businessnetwork.meetup.com/501/about/
• Jerusalem Web Professionals (JWP) meets roughly once per month. It is geared towards people who work professionally using the Internet. For details: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=23403144304
• Modiin Networking Group for Women is open to all women in Israel, is conducted primarily in English (although all are welcome) and helps women to connect and learn from one another in the community. The meetings last about 90 minutes and include introductions and short presentations by attendees. In addition, we discuss any issues relevant to our attendees, from marketing to continuing education. For more information or to RSVP please write to kelli@pixelpointpress.com. You can also learn more about our group at http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/modiinwomensnetworking/
• AngloNet: This networking group is targeted towards people who live in Israel and manage or work for a company outside of Israel. For more information, please join the AngloNet group on www.linkedin.com.
• BNI: The mission of BNI is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional "word-of-mouth" program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals. Belonging to BNI is helpful in terms of networking with other business people, giving referrals and gaining exposure. Contact Joel Gering at joel@efratnetworks.com for information about BNI Israel Chapters. 

Online Groups

• Digital Eve is an email list designed to serve the needs of professional businesswomen in Israel. The list is used to exchange ideas and advertise job opportunities. Participants meet occasionally to discuss a variety of business needs and network. Note that while the list caters specifically to businesswomen, men and women are both eligible to subscribe. To subscribe, send an email to digitaleveisrael-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, or go to http://digitaleveisrael.com/join/* and enter your email address in the form on that page.   You can also connect on FaceBook by joining the group "Digital Eve Israel".
• Linked In is a free, online networking tool. Using Linked In, you can connect with other professionals in your field and learn about new job opportunities. You can network with other Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim by editing your Linked In profile as follows: Go to My Profile/Additional Information/Groups & Associations, and write "NBN Business Network". Linked In will let you know what other Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim are already in the database, and you can connect with them directly. See www.linkedin.com.

Advertising Online

In addition to traditional advertising practices, the following online options for local English-language advertising can expose your business to increased numbers of potential clients:

• Community email lists are worthwhile resources for small business owners. For a listing of community email lists, see http://www.jr.co.il. In addition, online advertising opportunities are available such as the Bet Shemesh Business Forum (See http://www.myshemeshventures.com) where local businesses are listed for viewing by both Israeli and international audiences.
• Israel Freelance is a site where global service buyers and Israeli freelancers come together in a centralized environment. If you are providing a service that can be easily shipped overseas, post your services at www.israelfreelance.com.
• NBN Businesses Directory lists products and services provided by Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim. You are invited to advertise your services in the directory. To post an ad, see www.nbnbusiness.co.il.