TechCrunch Interviews LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman

Transcript

I'm here with Reed Hoffman founder and CEO of LinkedIn nice to be here thanks for taking some time with me I've been hounding you uh all week and we're at the last day of Davos um what oh actually before we jump into Davos I have I have a couple of questions I've been asking other people I've interviewed so you're staying here at the uh the club Ho... Read More

Summary

This video features an interview with Reed Hoffman, the founder and CEO of LinkedIn. He discusses his experience at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the state of LinkedIn's business, and the potential for a merger with Facebook. The interview also touches on the features and functionality of LinkedIn and how users can make the most of the platform in a tough economy.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many times has Reed Hoffman been to the World Economic Forum?

This is his second time attending the event.

Q: What were Reed Hoffman's favorite conferences besides the World Economic Forum?

He mentioned three conferences he enjoys: the Alum conference, the Cosine conference, and the TED conference.

Q: What was Reed Hoffman's favorite session at the World Economic Forum?

He mentioned a dinner with Niall Ferguson, the author of "The Ascent of Money," hosted by the New York Stock Exchange.

Q: Did Reed Hoffman lead any sessions at the Forum this year?

He did not lead any sessions but was involved in discussions on privacy and social computing.

Q: How is LinkedIn doing in terms of revenue and growth?

LinkedIn had a record Q4 and is profitable. They have 350 employees and over 100 million dollars in the bank.

Q: How many users does LinkedIn have?

There are over 34 million registered users, with 9 million in Europe. They are growing by about a million people every 17 days.

Q: How is the economy affecting LinkedIn's business?

Despite the economic crisis, LinkedIn's recruiting business is doing well as companies are focused on hiring quality candidates rather than quantity.

Q: How many people reach out to Reed Hoffman on LinkedIn each day?

He receives about 10 to 15 messages or requests per day.

Q: What are some tips for using LinkedIn in a tough economy?

Reed suggests being present on the platform by having a complete profile and recommendations. He also recommends being active by searching for opportunities and using the answer service to demonstrate expertise.

Q: Why did Reed Hoffman return to the role of CEO at LinkedIn?

Reed's main goal as CEO is to increase awareness and understanding of LinkedIn's features. He also plans to build on existing functionality and launch new products in the future.

Q: Is a merger with Facebook possible?

While a merger with Facebook may seem logical, Reed believes that the brands and purposes of LinkedIn and Facebook are distinct, and that it is important to keep them separate.

Takeaways

Reed Hoffman discusses his experience at the World Economic Forum, the growth of LinkedIn, and the potential for a merger with Facebook. He highlights the importance of LinkedIn in a tough economy and provides tips for using the platform effectively. Overall, LinkedIn is performing well and looking to expand its user base and functionality in the future.