Who's Who in Business Key Terms

Understand several Who's Who in Business terms and gain an edge in networking

By Dianne Borgeson

Merriam Webster defines "Who's Who" as a compilation of short biographical sketches of prominent people within a specific field. In the business world, a Who's Who list is made up of a notable or elite group of executives at the top of their game. There are many uses for a Who's Who business list: it can be a prominent networking tool among executives and other top-level professionals; it's a way to increase your knowledge about specific companies and individuals; and it's a tool for marketing your company and yourself. Consider a few Who's Who in Business terms that include popular registries to help boost your business networking success.

Business networking

Business networking is defined as a way to leverage your business knowledge with personal connections to bring you a regular supply of new business, new contacts and new opportunities. This type of networking is extremely important to boost marketability in the workforce.
Try: BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com provides an interview with Howard Beinstock, entrepreneur and founder of OneDegreeConnected.com, on how important business networking is in the business world.

Business profile

A business profile is a fundamental tool that can set the stage for a company's success, if written right. Business profiles help others within the same field get a feel of what you can offer both as an entrepreneur/business professional, and as a company. It's a great tool market your experience in your given profession and can generate new business leads and contacts as well.
Try: Read "A Formula for Writing the Business Profile Article" by Gerald Grow, PhD for a detailed look at what a business profile should incorporate. Review an article on ArticleBase.com that offers insightful information on writing a unique business profile.

EPEs, VIPs and featured members

Most Who's Who business listings or directories offer several types of listings. Although each registry may coin these terms differently, the definition is basically the same for each when it comes to defining a member within a registry. EPEs (executives, professionals and entrepreneurs) are individuals that are hand picked by a who's who selection committee based on academic achievement, professional accomplishments, leadership and service to their industry. VIP members are considered leaders in their chosen profession because of the high level of accomplishment, contribution and commitment within their field. Featured members demonstrate longevity in their field, show dedication to their industry and have the potential to be a strong leader within their profession.
Try: Get more information on these three terms at Cambridge Who's Who.

Madison

Madison's Who's Who is a B2B and small business online networking directory where member professionals from just about every industry and specialty can network with each other. Executives and professionals alike can utilize this registry to increase exposure for themselves and their businesses.
Try: Visit Madison Who's Who for member benefits, or take their virtual tour for more information.

Marquis

Established in 1899, Marquis Who's Who provides profiles and in-depth accurate information on leaders around the world in many fields, from academics to business. As the publisher of "Who's Who in America," Marquis is a strong online networking resource for any company or executive.
Try: Check out some of the products and services Marquis Who's Who has to offer.

Strathmore

Strathmore Who's Who is a biographical registry, both in print and online, of global professionals within a variety of fields including business, education, engineering, government, healthcare and law to name a few.
Try: Peruse Strathmore's Who's Who website for more information on the benefits of becoming a member of this registry.