Virtual networking comes to state with ProjectSquare

New Canaan -  TheProjectSquare.com, a virtual networking event, matches small companies, mainly in Connecticut, with potential contract workers. 

The idea comes from Susan Serven, of New Canaan, CT, who has spent 15 years in the marketing and promotion industry for both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.  Serven is currently managing director, CMO, of EPM Channel, an information services firm specializing in Enterprise Performance Management, but realized there was a need for smaller companies to be able to efficiently source talent.

Serven wanted to create a centralized resource that was easy to navigate, and which would harness the impact of social media to connect people with companies that needed them. The service is free for six months, through August 31, 2013, through their beta period. 

"ProjectSquare has been described as Match.com for project workers," said Serven. "I'm not sure if that's a perfect analogy, but it's close. We wanted to try to find a way to extend the power of people's networks, and make them more efficient, whether you're a small company looking for temporary help, or an individual with skills to offer."

Individuals apply directly to companies who have posted on TheProjectSquare.com. After that, it's up to the individual and the agency to connect with each other and decide if their mutual needs align, said Serven. 

Current Connecticut firms range from companies such as SEO optimizer LeadRabbit, TheCauseWayAgency, an advertising firm specializing in non-profits, and Cloud2GroundTechnologies, a business intelligence firm.

The interactive online community also serves as a way for small businesses to promote their current work. With a few clicks the posts and photos can be shared on multiple social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.