We have mixed feelings regarding the LinkedIn experience. While they are well-established (with 14 million members worldwide, to be exact) they aren't very user-friendly.

We'll put this shortly-to use their profile matching system, you're going to have to have some of their software installed. The problem? We faced alot of issues with compatibility, and Microsoft Office Outlook has to be your default mail client (it's not for many of us). Unless you meet the LinkedIn OS requirements (Windows XP or 2000) you will definitely face some problems when using a Mac or Vista, for example.

• Find old classmates as well as colleagues
• Post a job opening on the LinkedIn website.

Star Reviews did like some of the features on the LinkedIn website. For instance, you can scope out old colleagues by typing in the company name and dates you worked for them. You can also search for members manually through their network if you please. There are plenty of forums and Q&A message boards if you need any help, but when we sent a customer support inquiry via webform, we didn't hear back. We think LinkedIn could definitely improve on their customer support, but their popular business networking site earned them 5.0 Stars!

Calling all ladies...in business that it. If you're looking for an excellent entrepreneurial experience, then WomanOwned is definitely a great choice in business networking sites.

When we first landed on the WomanOwned website, we appreciated how resourceful and appealing it was! Tagged with 'Tools for Business Success,' we were impressed by their level of service right off the bat.

• Biz Tools -All things business, from resources for capital and marketing tools to discount travel and office supplies info.
• Build a network of business contacts, promote your business, create professional interest groups

Star Reviews loves how specialized this business networking site was and applauds WomanOwned for providing a venue for women in business on the Net. Not only is membership completely free, you can even advertise for your business on-site if you feel so inclined. While a paid premium membership is $19.95 per month, we feel it's well worth the added benefits, such as unlimited group messaging, ability to upload nearly 100 photos, and create and edit message boards. If you should need customer support, an online form promises a response within 24 hours-and they deliver. There is also a comprehensive FAQS section to browse through. We give them 5.0 Stars!

We have to admit, our team landed on the XING website and first impressions weren't lasting. However, this turned out to be a pretty good choice in business networking sites!

We really liked that XING kept things simple. In business networking, sometimes the features are overwhelming, but XING really maintained a user-friendly database.

• Manage and expand your network with professional contact tools.
• Open up new sales channels with with XING's business accelerator.

Star Reviews applauds XING for their extensive user forums, which are definitely a great place to branch out and meet new people. Offering about 25,000 member forums, if you need to network, XING's the place to do it. Signing up for a membership is simple and free, but if you choose to register for a premium account, expect to pay $8.21 a month. You'll be able to perform advanced searches by location, company or university and post offerings on the XING marketplace board. Customer support is limited to a web-based email form (which took 3 days to elicit an answer) and a small FAQs section. Good thing there site is easy to figure out. They receive 5.0 Stars!

Looks can be deceiving and at the Ryze business networking site, this is the case in point. Don't expect a polished and highly intuitive user interface here: Ryze keeps things to the bare minimum.

However, Star Reviews has to say, you have a great chance of meeting tons of new contacts here, since they host about half a million members globally through their site!

• 'Try Making New Friends' -Ryze lets you connect with business prospects through this unique feature, as well as an 'Invite a Friend' to the Ryze Network site.
• Post your classified ads in the Ryze.com classified section.

Our team must admit-this business networking site knows what it's doing. Although there aren't as many bells and whistles here, if you're looking for clean, straightforward person-to-person networking, this site will be a good choice for you. Best of all, the service is completely free. Like many of their competitors, there are upgraded account options, such as a Gold Membership for $10 a month, allowing you to create and lead your own Ryze network, access the newest members listing, and perform 25 advanced member searches each month. Customer support via email and FAQs were right on point. We give them 4.5 Stars!

We thought that LTBN or Let's Talk Business Network was a pretty decent site initially. They didn't look like they had alot going on, but we had to dig deeper.

It turns out that LTBN is targeted at high-level executives, industry experts and big-name business owners. Not just anyone can sign up here (membership isn't open and you need to be approved before becoming a member.)

• Co-active coaching and Peer advisory boards
• LTBN Live and LTBN radio

Star Reviews noticed that the Let's Talk Business Network stood out from the competition in that they are a little more selective in their signup process. We must note: many LTBN events are held each year and you can purchase tickets to see big biz names such as Jim McCann speak (1-800-Flowers founder) in New York. Many of these events are held in Manhattan, so consider this if your company is based in California, for example. Membership prices are quoted once you meet the LTBN requirements: $1,495 a year (another reason why this isn't the best site for casual networkers.) Customer support for members is great all around, by email, phone and snail mail. They receive 4.0 Stars!