"People have trouble going to events where there is networking and getting their names out, but now is not the time to give up on networking, " she says.

CNN: 10 tips to recession-proof your career

By going to the public markets ahead of Facebook, the professional networking site can take advantage of the implied valuation of its larger peer without getting directly sized up by investors.

FORBES: LinkedIn: IPO To Get First Mover Advantage?

"Chatting people up at networking events is of limited value, but obtaining introductions is the key to getting the ear of the people they want to reach, " Konstantin Guericke, co-founder of LinkedIn.com, told CNN.

CNN: Net-working: Can cyberspace help?