Facebook App Has Business Pros Branching Out

Allison Howen
by Allison Howen 19 Apr, 2012

It's hard to imagine, but could LinkedIn be in trouble? If a newly popular app on Facebook has anything to say about it, the answer is app-solutely.

BranchOut is an app that enables Facebook users to find jobs and network with other business professionals - just like LinkedIn.

The app allows users to create profiles where they can upload their resumes, add specialties, tag skills and receive endorsements - just like LinkedIn.

On the homepage, users can also view network updates, review targeted job opportunities, send messages to connections, as well as search for jobs and people - just like LinkedIn.

Noticing a trend? Yes, BranchOut offers many similar features to the largest professional-oriented network on the Web. However, unlike LinkedIn, BranchOut users can connect with all of their Facebook friends with just a click of the mouse, making it very easy to grow a large network quickly. 

Currently, BranchOut has 25 million registered users, which is a small number compared to LinkedIn's 150 million users. But the app has unlimited potential to raise its user rate, especially since its home is on the largest social network with 850 million users and because it is simple to join and becoming more popular every day.

In fact, within the last week alone, I have received five invitations from Facebook friends in a variety of industries. Look out, LinkedIn ...