Get your to-do list done online

17 Feb 2011

The online Toodu platform, launched as a beta service in January 2011, connects consumers' online to-do lists with local service providers that can fulfil the requirements. To be successful, the service providers have to show that they want the business by providing the customer with all the information they need, thereby making a favourable impression. The idea is the brainchild of South African entrepreneurs, Lee Hartman, Richard Hartley and Nick Goossens, who were convinced that there was a better way to find and interact with day-to-day service providers.

Getting it done

CEO, Hartman realised that many people procrastinate because while they know they need to get something done, they often don't know what the next step is. Ignoring a task adds further anxiety and often turns a small job into a big, expensive job. The platform takes care of the uncertainty around what the next step is by lining up a set of local service providers that can provide the customer with the information and services they need.

Cut through the clutter

Typically the internet is the first port of call for researching how to get something done. However, the extensiveness of the content on the web (some of it accurate and some not) is simply counter-productive and it can take a long time to find what customers are looking for. The platform cuts through this clutter by only delivering the details of suppliers located in the customer's area who have said they can help with the request. In addition, it has rigorous service standards and any supplier that doesn't live up to these doesn't last long on the platform.

Engage

Today, businesses are constantly being told they need to engage in conversations with their community. Sometimes this is easier said than done. With this service, however, customers have put up their hands and said they want to speak to certain businesses. So service providers are delivered relevant and appropriate leads who have given their permission to be contacted, via the service, at that time. It is always up to the customer who they deal with, and to date, the businesses that engage the most actively with customers have had the most success on the platform.

Process

Go to Toodu.co.za (it's free)
Fill in your Toodu items
Take a break
Start receiving the information, quotes, prices or proposals you need. (The system sends an email when you have received a response, so you don't have to keep checking back).
Choose who you want to work with and get in contact with them. The system doesn't share details with the suppliers, eliminating spam.
Tick the item off your to do list

Expansion planned

As a mash-up of an online to-do list, interactive business directory and a local search engine, it is currently in beta and only available in Cape Town and its suburbs, but is coming soon to other South African cities.

For more information, go to www.toodu.co.za