Meettheboss.com: A Better Social Network For Business

Blaise Zerega admits to liking bangers and mash. When it comes to social networks, don't tell the Brits that LinkedIn has a lock on the business crowd. Meettheboss.com, a start-up from Bristol, U.K. is set to launch September 8. And from the looks of the current web site, it promises to be something more than just a networking tool.

Call it a mash-up between the financial services industry and Web 2.0. From the get-go, Meettheboss aims to offer quick and secure video conferencing, IM, e-mail and SMS between members. What's more, the service will distinguish itself by broadcasting video interviews with top global execs to members every Wednesday, followed by an audio-only Q&A chat.

The promise of Meettheboss is a group of likeminded execs hanging out by a virtual water cooler and learning from one another, with occasional help from an older, wiser mentor. The network will include executives from such companies as AXA, Barclays, Citi, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, Visa, and Wachovia. Austin Adams, former CIO of JPMorgan Chase, is scheduled to be the first interview and Q&A chat.

Even though the site is not up and running yet, visitors can join now and be considered for an elite membership called the "MTB 500." Presumably it's a velvet rope area for the most influential meettheboss'ers.

The site is funded by its parent company, GDS International, a publisher of industrial and business management journals with offices in Bristol, New York, and Cardiff, Wales.