The key to networking is connecting, not collecting

Introduction summary: E-Factor is an incredible resource for entrepreneurs, from start-ups all the way up to established companies with business of $10 million a year. The first time I saw E-Factor, I was blown away. I wondered how this type of service could be offered, especially in a complimentary fashion like E-Factor does. We have the founder and Chief Technology Officer of E-Factor with us, Marion Freijsen. Welcome to the show, Marion.

One of the pillars upon which E-Factor was built is the belief that a successful business venture is going to be much more likely when it is done with someone that you have a personal relationship with. E-Factor is a community that was built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. While networking sites like LinkedIn are becoming more popular, Freijsen believes that "LinkedIn is for collectors and E-Factor is for connectors."

Freijsen believes that LinkedIn is effective for those who want to make more contacts and check on the status of contacts, but E-Factor is about building trusted relationships that will help a person expand their business, whether it is on a local or global level.

E-Factor is now in 134 countries and has just under 750,000 members. E-Factor helps put entrepreneurs in touch with people who can guide them to prepare their best sales pitch for their company, write an effective business plan and secure financing and funding.

One of the core beliefs that Freijsen has with E-Factor is that people wil invest in a business because they trust and like a person and believe that they will deliver the best results possible. She said that investors don't necessarily simply look for the best business model, but that they want to invest in people.

To get started on E-Factor, all someone has to do is visit www.efactor.com and answer about six profile questions. Freijsen said that there is a free membership level and four others that range from $15 to $99.50 a month. No matter which level of membership a person chooses, Freijsen said that E-Factor is designed to help entrepreneurs cut costs, raise financing and grow their business.