They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Taking this advice on board is PIF (Pay It Forward), a new app using a Tinder-like model to help professionals hook up for new networking opportunities.

It’s a date

It works like this: users upload a picture and profile of themselves, including their industry.

Other users can then view their profile and swipe to decide whether they want to connect. If two people want to connect, they’re invited to start a conversation.

Pay It Forward

However, PIF offers budding networkers one more olive branch than Tinder.

That’s the ability to initiate a private chat with a user they want to connect with, without the other user agreeing to meet up.

While this might sound a little stalky, it could give ambitious types the leg-up they need to get the all-important first meeting. It’s also where the app gets its name.

Network nirvana

Under the Pay It Forward system, every user is allowed to initiate one unsolicited chat for every one they receive.

While LinkedIn ostensibly owns the market when it comes to networking, PIF might help entrepreneurs and start-ups connect more easily.

If you’d like to start PIF-ing visit letspif.com.