Networking Forums and Advertising Opportunities

See Also: Running a Small Business in Israel | Loans and Consultation Services for Entrepreneurs | Back to Employment Home Page

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:

• Interactive Business Circle is a networking forum that currently boasts over 450 members in 20 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/.
• 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. Write to: dei-discuss-subscribe@lerner.co.il.
• 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 Oleh Businesses Directory lists services provided by Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim. If you made Aliyah through Nefesh B'Nefesh, you are invited to advertise your services in this directory. See http://www.nbn.org.il/klita/oleh_business.htm. To post an ad, email employment@nbn.org.il.

Return to Employment Resources