Redesign That: Online Personal Finance (Part 3)

By guest authors Charles W. Bush and Kathy Hwang of 3Strand Innovation, a brand, design and business consultancy.

This week we’re reviewing three more money management websites: Finicity/Mvelopes, Quicken and PNC Virtual Wallet.

Finicity/Mvelopes

Overview: This company is okay at everything but not special in any way. It charges you $13.20 per month (which is a shocker, seeing as it is the only service in this field that charges anything). On the whole, Mvelopes, recently rebranded as Finicity, is a great example of taking something that worked well in analogue but is not thought out enough for digital. From an functional point of view, the site works and does what it says it does. But Finicity is neither fun nor enjoyable. It’s complicated to use and needs a serious redesign for better user interface. The rebranded Finicity is a little nicer on the outside, but once you enter financial services interface, it still has a Y2K look and feel. >>>

Towards Smart Grids: eMeter CEO Cree Edwards (Part 3)

SM: Once you had developed the cellular network, did you try to operate it yourself or sell it to utility companies?

CE: We tried to sell it to utilities, but the difficulty in the utility marketplace is that the way utilities are compensated is a percentage of assets in the ground. >>>

Forbes Column 2009: India’s Innovation Gap

Here’s the first of a series of Forbes columns on Entrepreneurship and Innovation in India: India’s Innovation Gap.

In our previous discussion, we tackled Entrepreneurship and Innovation together, but I think they’re two separate issues. This article addresses that. And India needs to address both from a ecosystem/framework point of view.

Let’s continue the discussion. And I will continue synthesizing. The goal is to come up with actionable nuggets.

Towards Smart Grids: eMeter CEO Cree Edwards (Part 2)

SM: How long did you stay with Octel?

CE: After nine months I took the idea I had about a computer inside the meter to Pacific Gas and Electric. I showed them the concept and asked them if they would buy it if I built it, and of course they said yes. >>>

Bootstrapping – Weapon Of Mass Reconstruction

I don’t think I’ve had a chance to share this with you yet. I have decided to name Volume 2 of Entrepreneur Journeys, Bootstrapping: Weapon Of Mass reconstruction.

I am editing it as we speak. Here’s a short excerpt from the prologue: >>>

Deal Radar 2009: Vontoo

Vontoo, the world’s first permission-based, on-demand voice messaging system, was founded in 2005 by Dustin Sapp and Bob Compton. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the company was created because the founders felt there was a lack of personalization in telemarketing. Accessible from any web browser, Vontoo offers a unique service: people who receive calls actually want to receive them. There are no cold calls. This makes for a more receptive audience than if a firm had employed the usual telemarketing or blast-calling methods. >>>

Towards Smart Grids: eMeter CEO Cree Edwards (Part 1)

Cree co-founded eMeter Corporation in 1999 and serves as its CEO. In 1984 he co-founded CellNet Data Systems, which provided advanced electricity metering data and communications to utilities via wireless networks. Cree has revolutionized the utility industry, bringing much-needed efficiency and vision.

SM: Take me back to where your story begins. What is the genesis of your entrepreneurial journey?

CE: I was born a mile from here at the old Stanford Hospital, which I believe is still operational. My parents moved here from Long Beach. >>>

Free Strategy Roundtables For Entrepreneurs

Make sure you register for the Online Strategy Roundtables for entrepreneurs to discuss your business issues with me.

During this 60-minute session, entrepreneurs are invited to pitch me their ideas in a 3-minute presentation. I will review the material in real-time and provide feedback on each pitch, as well as address specific strategy questions from the entrepreneur. Afterward, I will take questions about strategy from other participants. The session is open to 1,000 people, but only the first five to sign up have the opportunity to pitch and discuss their business.

To register, click here: >>>