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Matchpoint, a new type of local business search service has launched in beta. Instead of simply presenting the user with a bunch of search results, Matchpoint requires you to complete a short (but anonymous) form, and then Matchpoint will present 3-5 businesses based on your specific needs and requirements. User's personal data or phone number is never given out; however, even businesses that aren't online can respond using the voice mail messages which will be delivered to the user's inbox.
Let's suppose you need a plumber. Instead of going through the drudgery of looking over hundreds of Google results, or calling company after company on the phone, Matchpoint will - in theory - give you precise, local and relevant results. On the other end of the equation, if you have a business, Matchpoint will work even if you don't care about having a website, and it will charge you only to have "your offer delivered to qualified prospects that meet their target customer profile."
The question, of course, is whether this process is faster than simply using a traditional search engine, and how relevant Matchpoint's results will be. Since there are many services-based businesses out there which either don't have a website and/or don't even care about having one, Matchpoint just might deliver on both counts. Somewhat similar services, albeit with a stronger social component, include ThemBid and DoMyStuff.