New online social network PathConnect, challenges the standard business model of the self-help educational industry.

The worlds first free online community, designed to make goal setting and mentorship a fun and interactive experience has been launched. PathConnect was founded by entrepreneur Ryan J. Blair, 27, after selling SkyPipeline in March, 2004. The company was created primarily targeting the 12 to 36 year-old demographic, although the community is valuable to everyone wanting to set and achieve their goals, collaborate with like-minded individuals and contribute to the success of others.

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) September 23, 2004 -- By giving its services away for free, PathConnect's business model will test the traditional fee-based self-help industry. PathConnect does not charge its users for its software tools. The company's primary source of revenue is generated through advertisers and affiliates. "The technological superiority and business model of PathConnect is pioneering the fusion of technology with the psychology of human achievement. Our technology is more advanced than anything ever produced by the self-help educational industry.

And the tools we've created so far are just the start of our product development pipeline," stated Blair.
    
The company's software enables users to collaborate with each other based on similar goals and interests. Members have the ability to search other member's publicly stated goals to collaborate on mutual interests. "Many of our members are using the software for task management as well," stated Matt Beach, director of software development for the company.
    
Another standard setting aspect of the company is its incentive programs.

PathConnect is currently giving away laptops, computers and other prizes in user-enrollment competitions. The company also has plans to create celebrity-mentor competitions with its next product release in late September, where members can compete both objectively and subjectively for the mentor of their dreams. Members will have access to mentors of all types, including successful entrepreneurs, celebrity athletes, actors, and musicians, as well as community role models such as fireman, educators and police officers. The company is encouraging mentors to sign up. Members have the ability to select a different mentor for every goal that they set.
    
Blair has already started two successful companies prior to PathConnect.

His most recent company SkyPipeline became the fastest-growing Wireless Broadband Communications Company in the USA. Less than three years after founding the Company in March, 2004, SkyPipeline was acquired by Nextweb in a $25,000,000 transaction.

# # #