Paul Etienne talks about 1Branch – an Online Christian Social Network

How did you get to your industry?

I used to play with computers a lot when I was a kid. A lot of people used to ask me advice about software programs, so I started to learn different software programs until one of my friend introduced me to a book to learn basic HTML. Since then I decided to learn more about how things work. I learned a lot of new skills, and I met a lot of great people that pushed me to do more than I thought I could do.

What is 1Branch? Tell us more about it.

1Branch is a new concept of social networking platform that target Christians in general, but you do not have to be a Christian to join this online community. The idea behind 1Branch is to provide an environment where members can to embrace the totality of the religious experience.

What purpose does it serves?

I have been going to church for a long time, but at some point I realized I did not understand the purpose behind a lot of things that were being done at church. I have been going to church for so long I felt a little embarrassed to ask about things that I “think” I should know by now, so this was one of the reasons that inspired 1Branch. We want every single member to have the opportunity to share all that they find positive with their faith a well as a chance to explore difficult questions amongst themselves, and they have the choice to do so anonymously also.

What sets 1Branch apart from other social networking platforms?

1Branch has a lot of features that you do not see when you browse other regular social networking platforms like “top stories” where we share Christian news with users; “broadcast” where we share videos that are relevant to the Christian faith; “Prayer Box” where we connect people who have prayer requests to people who wants to pray for their brothers and sisters. One particular feature that is entirely new is the section called “Branching”. Branching offers two streams, and they are called “dirty laundry and General” which are specific to the chosen denomination, so when a user signs up they will be asked to enter their denomination. Users will have the option to choose “other” in case a user does not want to pick a denomination. “Dirty laundry” allows posters to post freely and anonymously about things they don’t like, understand, or that confuse, and even about secrets a denomination may have. Anyone (within the denomination branch) can comment on the posts to bring answers and clarification.

If you could leave our readers with one last piece of business advice, what would it be?

One last piece of business advice… this is a hard question. Don’t market something just because you like doing it, but market something that you’re good at. You may like to sing, but if you cannot sing I would not tell you to stop singing because this may make you happy, but I would tell you not to start a career as a singer. Your love for something does not make it marketable, but how it appeals to buyers is what makes it marketable.