As opposed to Yellow Pages or any other systems like that, a shared online rolodex is a website built to make things easier for clients. They work like a free directory site which allows users to search for professional services in different areas. All service providers can be recommended by the clients who had used their services before. These websites work like a system of references. Users can post their comments and recommendations.

Also, members who use these websites are allowed to invite their friends to become users and to make recommendations as well. The invited friend would then be able to read comments of their friends and of the friends of their friends. So it is not just a system where service providers paid to get their business advertised, it is more client oriented.