Today, we had a fascinanting seminar about the phenomenon of online social networks and the example of one of most growing communities in this segment: XING.com
Lars Hinrinchs, founder and CEO of XING provided us a brilliant view in this area of social network. After a couple of questions related to XING business model, evolution and so on. Lars explained the steps to do an IPO, and the lessons he has learned and the things to avoid. Some people asked Lars about his predictions for the next coming years, and he was very honest saying that he canno't predict them at this stage and what will be disruptive for online social networking.
As from we have seen today, most online social network websites have a subscription model as main source of revenue. Of course that try to targeted middle to top executives because they willing to pay the subscription in a continuous basis. Thus, perhaps in the near future, we will see other models that fit with people with other job positions.
Also Lars mentioned that Xing is an international company that provides local service. Perhaps it is the way to adapt to so many cultures and diversities in a global world.

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