it is most certainly legitimate. Both professionals and businesses create profiles there with any content they choose ; be it educational background , contact information or links to their website etc. it is good SEO and enables a brand or a professional to get more recognition online.

Good job on the presentation. I feel that being in control of your brand puts you at a distinct advantage when looking for a job or trying to compete for business leads. In both cases people will be Googling your name. Another tool in addition to Linked in and Facebook that you mention in the presentation is LookupPage it is a tool for both business and professionals that enables them to submit content about themselves and improve their online visibility.