Maybe There Is Such a Thing as a Free Lunch

I had a great time at SXSW this year, but the conference has gotten so big that I missed a lot.  One session that I shouldn't have missed was titled "The Art of Self Branding."  Most of the session was spent talking about First Round Capital portfolio company Mint.com and how good a job they have done on creating a strong brand.  It was such a flattering picture of the company that some assumed the presenter is a paid Mint.com consultant.  She isn't, but Lea Alcantara, next time you are in San Francisco look me up and I will gladly buy you lunch.

Comments

[Lea]

How can one say no to a free lunch? ;-)

I would like to also reiterate that no, Mint.com and I are not affiliated in any way. In fact, I unfortunately cannot use their service yet because I am in Canada. I definitely made observations on what was obvious to my eyes. If anyone read Aaron's Patzer's interview at WorkHappy.net, it becomes quite apparent that branding was at the forefront when they developed Mint.com. Finger, meet pulse. Mint.com seems to "get it."

That being said, I also don't claim Mint.com's product is perfect and in the end service/quality is what retains users, but if they put as much thought into that as they do their branding, it's a rosier future for sure.