From the revenue numbers LinkedIn generates, I gather it prequalifies people who may want to contact you for professional purposes. Kind of a better Inbox. For

From the revenue numbers LinkedIn generates, I gather it prequalifies people who may want to contact you for professional purposes. Kind of a better Inbox. For example, you might try to email someone at a Uni directly, but it'll be competing for his attention in the inbox. With LinkedIn, it is clear to him you are willing to pay to contact him, so it is something you clearly place value on. In addition, it allows him to take a quick look at your professional profile.