A problem that entrepreneurs and freelancers continue to face is a lack of networking. They tend to work against the grain of 9-to-5 normalcy and, as a result, they do not always have the best means of connecting with others.

While social networking tools, especially LinkedIn, have helped to bridge this gap, there is little available in terms of networking specifically for entrepreneurs or freelancers. The new smartphone app, Fount, is looking to change that.

What is Fount?

According to the company, “Fount is a mobile app that connects entrepreneurs based on what they are looking for. Simply type in what skill you need (i.e.- Graphic Designer, Mobile App Developer, UX/UI Designer, Growth Hacker, etc.) and instantly a list will populate with people who can help you. Perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses.

Don’t have time to browse for what you are looking for? No problem! Type a post into our ‘need feed’, sit back, and let people contact you. Follow people you want to stay in touch with, message those you want to work with, and create something special! This is the app for entrepreneurs in 2016 and beyond!”

Their initiative is simple: find people you need from friends you can trust.

Fount works by utilizing four key elements: simplifying your extended network, collecting all of your contacts in one place, sorting by skills, proximity, and mutual friends, and leveraging your network to get the skills you need.

Steps to building the ultimate network

First, you simplify your extended network in a skill-based version of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game. Organize your second degree of connections by their top skill set.

Second, organize all of your contacts in one place by bookmarking users and filtering through them by what they do best.

Third, you can sort connections by skills, proximity, and mutual friends. If you are looking for people with a particular skill set, or people in your area, Fount’s filtering system allows you to find the top connections based on your needs.

Lastly, you have the ability to leverage your network in order to get the skills you need. This works through Fount’s “Need Feed”, which is a feed that includes people offering or searching for specific skills. This gives you the chance to help your contacts by sending their needs to your friends or connections who can assist them.

Fount is currently available for free download in the Apple Store and Android users can sign up on Fount’s waiting list. Despite it’s usage being entirely phone and not desktop based, this simple tool is an advancement on the downfall of the Rolodex.

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