Ning Adds Fresh Face to Social Networking

To date, Bianchini says Ning still operates in the red, but the company is generating revenue in the millions and it's increasing every month.

Many economists might see 2009 as a crater, but the roots of Ning are strong and built to run lean, Bianchini says. The company was able to launch its platform in 2007 with only 20 people. Even today, this half-a-billion-dollar company runs with only 125 employees. For other Web entrepreneurs, Bianchini recommends using tools, like Ning, that require the least amount of investment and help their business make the most amount of money. Bianchini also believes that too many businesses put the carriage in front of the horse.

"Build out what you're passionate about in the cheapest way you possibly can, then go out and start talking to people," says Bianchini. "A lot of people still make the mistake of coming up with the PowerPoint presentation and going out and talking with venture capitalists or angel investors and I -- at least not in the last few years -- have not seen that be a very successful path."

The path for Bianchini has changed significantly since the sale of her last company and her connection with Andreessen. Through Ning, other entrepreneurs could make their connection for success -- or at least people to share recipes with.