Finding a Web site doing something original seems to be a rare occurrence any more. Here are a few that have come across my radar recently. (Yes, I recognize the irony of unoriginally highlighting other people’s ideas at the same time that I criticize the Web’s shortage of unique ideas).
HelpHive is a home services professionals referral network for consumers. They incorporate standard directory-style features like business profiles, ratings, reviews, etc. But the unique feature is that community members can see if people they trust in the community have referred home service pros like plumbers and painters. It’s great know that a roofing contractor has 4.4 stars. It’s even better to know that a co-worker and a cousin recommend him.
Ideas4All says they are building the global brain. Users post ideas and problems and on which community members can vote (good/bad) and collaborate.
PolicyPitch is kind of like the Ideas4All for the world of public policy and grassroots organizations. Local policies and ideas are voted and commented on. Users then use the site to share their idea with their network, raise money and manage volunteers and campaigns.
Yext is a directory of SMB’s. Nothing new there. Their innovation targets the businesses advertising on Yext and its distribution partners. Yext has pay-per-action platform where phone calls from consumers are recorded, transcribed, analyzed and then delivered to the Yext advertiser’s inbox. The advertiser only pays for calls that the platform determines to be relevant. Yext’s Co-Founder and CEO recently presented recently at TechCrunch50.
MeritBuilder is coming out of obscurity at a good time for job seekers. At MeritBuilder users can manage their personal brand by sending and receiving kudos and logging professional accomplishments. The result is portable personal brand that you can share with prospective employers or new bosses. A leg up in this tough job market should be well received.
0 Responses to “5 Sites Doing Something New”