Review: LinkedIn

LinkedIn Review

RATING: 5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Large userbase, powerful "reference" utility for jobs and services.

WEAKNESSES: Pricing model not favorable for networking.

LinkedIn is a front-runner in the business networking space. With over 6M users it has become a destination for many professionals looking to post their resume and business accomplishments as a LinkedIn Profile. LinkedIn has focused its value around personal references and creating a very efficient system for someone to build "personal equity" through connections, recommendations and expert advice.

Unlike some of the other services that focus on the business-side of a person's profile and leveraging networking to find new customers and business partners, LinkedIn is has become a destination to find a Job or find someone to do a Job. Whether it is hiring a new Sales Executive, or finding a vendor that offers website design services, LinkedIn has done a great job in creating a powerful system in qualifying people and connecting you to the best candidate or the best company to work for.

The LinkedIn pricing model is based on number of outstanding requests to connect. LinkedIn requires each connection request to be approved (or passed on) by the network. So, if you are 3 degress away from someone, you need 2 people to approve your request. The pricing is expensive if you are trying to network for business, but is reasonable if you are just making one or two connections per month while looking for employment.

LinkedIn offers other services related to Job seekers or Job placement, where they charge a fee to send out a Job listing to your network.

In summary, LinkedIn is a great platform for job seekers or companies looking to hire qualified professionals. It provides a powerful platform for people to build resumes, get recommendations and build their "personal" brand.

http://www.linkedin.com