"The Org" website (theorg.com) is not a direct alternative to LinkedIn in the sense that it doesn't primarily focus on individual professional networking, job searching, or content sharing in the same way LinkedIn does.
Instead, theorg.com focuses on providing public organizational charts of companies.1 Its main purpose is to offer transparency into how companies are structured, who reports to whom, and the relationships between different teams and individuals within an organization.2
Think of it this way:
LinkedIn is like a professional social network for individuals to connect, build their personal brand, find jobs, and share updates.3
The Org is like a public directory of company structures, helping users understand the internal workings of organizations.4
While there might be some overlap in use cases (e.g., understanding a company before an interview or a sales call), they serve fundamentally different primary purposes.
Regarding the best LinkedIn alternative today:
There isn't one single "best" alternative to LinkedIn because the ideal platform depends on your specific goals. However, here are some platforms that are often considered alternatives or complements to LinkedIn, each with its own strengths:
For job searching:
Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine with a vast database of job postings.5
Glassdoor: Offers job listings along with company reviews, salary information, and a growing community section.
Jobcase: Focuses on community and support for workers, offering job search and career advice.6
AngelList: Primarily for the startup and tech industry, connecting job seekers with startups.7
Hired: A platform that matches tech talent with companies.
For professional networking (often niche-specific):
XING: Popular in German-speaking countries in Europe, similar to LinkedIn.8
Meetup: Focuses on connecting people through in-person and online events based on interests, including professional networking.9
Alignable: Geared towards small businesses for networking and support within their local communities.
The Dots: A platform for creatives to showcase their work and connect with opportunities.10
Behance: Specifically for creatives to display portfolios and find inspiration.
GitHub: Primarily for developers to collaborate on projects but also serves as a networking hub.11
ResearchGate: For academics and researchers to share papers and collaborate.
Slack Communities & Discord: Many professional communities exist on these platforms for networking and discussions within specific fields.
Reddit: Hosts numerous niche professional communities (subreddits) for discussions and networking.12
Twitter (X): Can be used for real-time engagement and building a network within specific industries through hashtags and discussions.13
For specific purposes:
Bark: Connects service providers with potential clients.14
Opportunity: A "professional matchmaking" platform that aims to connect people based on their needs.
Gust: Focuses on connecting startups with investors and other founders.
In summary:
theorg.com is not a direct LinkedIn alternative; it focuses on organizational charts.15
The "best" LinkedIn alternative depends on your specific needs, with various platforms specializing in job searching, niche networking, or specific industries.