In recent years, many professionals have grown frustrated with LinkedIn’s crowded feed of shallow content, endless ads, and one-sided “connections.” If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a better way to build authentic professional relationships, Hiyer might be the answer. Founded by Louis and Arlene Byrd, Hiyer is a new professional connection platform designed to help independent professionals elevate their businesses through curated, meaningful relationships. Unlike other networking sites, Hiyer prioritizes business outcomes, mindset shifts, and real reciprocity.
An Invite-Only Professional Connection Platform
One of the biggest differentiators of Hiyer is its invite-only model. Similar to Clubhouse in its early days, members must be vouched for by an existing user who believes they would add genuine value to the community. This creates a trusted ecosystem of entrepreneurs and professionals who are intentional about connecting. “It’s not about collecting contacts—it’s about curating meaningful connections,” explains Louis Byrd. By combining aspects of LinkedIn’s reach with deeper community vetting, Hiyer is carving out a unique space in the professional networking world.
AI Coaching and a Culture of Reciprocity
Beyond networking, Hiyer integrates AI-powered coaching through “Sage,” a virtual business coach that helps users optimize their profiles and set competitive pricing for their services. Founders Louis and Arlene envision Hiyer as more than just a platform—it’s a professional elevation tool built on values like reciprocity, transparency, and worth. Unlike free platforms that often dilute value, Hiyer charges a membership fee ($100 pre-launch, with additional tiers coming later). As Arlene notes, “When something is free, people don’t take it seriously. We want members to invest in themselves first so they can invest in others.”
Why Hiyer Could Be a Game-Changer for Professionals
For many underrepresented professionals, Hiyer offers a chance to build deeper, more authentic business relationships. As Kevin S. Brokenbrough, a strategist and community member, shared: “Most LinkedIn connections don’t really connect. With Hiyer, if you make just one valuable connection, the membership will have paid for itself.” For professionals seeking genuine community, curated introductions, and a platform that prioritizes people over algorithms, Hiyer may well be the next evolution of professional networking.
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