R.E. tech tips: Networking website - Upworld.com

First off, I would like to wish all my reader's a very happy and healthy New Year and continued success in 2008. As we head into tougher times, the market has become a much more challenging environment and the need to gain that competitive edge has become that much more important. Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Friendster have been very successful over the last several years with widespread appeal. They have led to the creation of other networking sites such as LinkedIn and Ryze which add a business twist to it. Both are dedicated to professionals and utilize similar techniques to establish connections and foster business relationships. There is now a trend towards building specialty networking sites that target specific verticals in the business world. Upworld.com is one of those sites and is taking the real estate industry by storm. Created in 2007 by Jennifer Magee and Oisin Clancy, both with architectural and development backgrounds and respected leaders in their field, Upworld already has over 2,000 members worldwide in its short history. The platform was created to connect real estate professionals to one another for new business opportunities, deals and projects. It is the first networking site to connect developers, contractors, investors and other related industries on a well thought out designed and unified platform. Simple and free to use, go to upworld.com and register as a new user. Follow the simple steps and create your profile. The more detailed the better the response will be. Scan the various categories and numerous profiles. If you see someone who you think you might like to do some business with then invite them to join your network, and begin growing your network. It is also acts as a portal to other industry related sites and other happenings. The wave of the future has arrived so hop on board and get connected today. Laurence Ross is a senior executive broker of the Platinum Team and co-founder of PropertyRover.com, New York, N.Y.