Mature networking made in NZ
by Matt Samra
Online social networking is a cluttered and competitive environment. But a New Zealand team believe their website iYomu.com will flourish by targeting adults only.
Benefits of joining iYomu are the same as most social networking sites available. However, it is only available to those over 18 - iYomu is focusing on the more mature 30 to 50-year-old audience.
Unique features of the site include ‘iDNA’ which is basically psychological personality profiling. There is also ‘iLocate’, which promotes meeting similar minded people and business recruiting.
Those lucky enough to trial the site in its beta stage are also put in the draw to win US$5000 (NZ$6200). The choice of currency is no accident. Although it is made in New Zealand, iYomu is an international website.
The proliferation of social networking sites is no surprise. Popular websites such as Facebook and Myspace are valued in billions rather than millions. However, the longevity of these sites is still in question. One of the first successful social networkers, Friendster, has failed to hold on to its members who have left in droves for the hipper and trendier sites.
Teenagers and young adults are the main users of social networking. Young people flock in their millions to blog about their lives, make new friends and share photos. There are over 170 million profiles on Myspace alone.
iYomu has been in development for over a year. Directors of the initiative include several high profile business and PR gurus including Michelle Boag and David Wolf-Rooney.