A few months ago we wrote about HelpHive, a new Seattle Internet startup that's attempting to help home owners find plumbers, landscapers, roofers and other local service providers by relying in part on recommendations that friends make via social networks.

Now, the company is introducing its new Referral Pro Gold plan, a payment mechanism by which service providers pay only when they get a qualified lead or book a real job. "We only get paid when there is intent -- a qualified customer, or engagement -- a booked job with a customer," explains co-founder Karim Meghji.

The new HelpHive service costs service providers $99 per year, with businesses paying an additional five percent commission on each job's revenue or a $5 fee if they obtain a qualified lead that doesn't lead to a job.

As I noted back in May when I first wrote about HelpHive, there's no shortage of companies that are attempting to transform the local directory business. And the market is getting a little more intense, following news that Yext -- which describes itself as the "next Yellow Pages" -- just scored $25 million in venture financing.

Meanwhile, Redbeacon -- which also is trying to revolutionize the way people find local service providers and book services online -- got some serious momentum after winning the TechCrunch 50 competition last month.

Obviously, there are plenty of entrepreneurs trying to solve the problem of helping people find high quality service providers via the Internet.

Karim Meghji

Meghji said HelpHive is trying to stand out by focusing exclusively on service professionals who work on the home. "We believe this vertical focus can translate into the association of the category with the brand and ultimate consumer loyalty and repeat usage," he said.

It is also trying to differentiate itself through a partnership announced today with TurnHere, whereby the online video marketing company will produce a 60-second video ad on behalf of HelpHive customers that claim their profiles on the site.

Meghji -- who previously worked at RealNetworks along with HelpHive co-founder Dave Richards -- added:

"We put consumers in the driver's seat of the experience when selecting businesses to engage and hire," he said. "Our's is not a 'post your need and have people bid or have people call you before you can assess them.' Our's is a 'find quality information from the HelpHive community, and your referral networks of friends/neighbors to evaluate service professionals and contact who you'd like when you're ready.'"

HelpHive is bootstrapped to date with capital investment coming through friends and family.