We’re all getting ready to close the book on 2008 and many of us are looking optimistically to 2009. At least I hope you’re putting your game face on getting ready to take on the world.

Q2 is looking back affectionately on a terrific 2008. If you had any part to play in helping us achieve this milestone year, our most sincere thank you! We provided web strategy and development, public relations, advertising, tradeshow strategy and support, collateral development, strategic messaging, branding and more to many new and returning clients. We’ve proudly gained a record number of new clients and, even more proudly, continue to serve the needs of many returning software and services businesses. 

Below are some observations and trends from 2008 that we hope will help you get a jumpstart on a successful new year. These range from analyst findings to our feet-on-the street observations.

Federal sector stays strong

Many of Q2’s clients, friends and business associates provide services to the federal government. If these individuals are fearful of a slumping economy or a change in administration, they aren’t letting on. These tend to be a tough and resilient group of people anyway, determined to be successful no matter what.

Still gold in the IT hills

The tech industry will still grow, with the exception of hardware, according to the latest from Forrester.

Good business principles still in style

Companies with business models that were not entirely viable before the economic slowdown are struggling with traction, funding, etc. Many companies with great ideas, service, delivery, savvy and sound principles are well positioned to win. An oversimplification perhaps, but sometimes life is simple.

Many business owners and marketing executives are wisely looking for a flat 2009 versus focusing on growing the business. However, we talk with companies, many selling to the public sector that are hiring and growing. There are healthy organizations out there.

D.C. Tech sector strong

The Washington, D.C. area is still a burgeoning region in the tech sector, just ask the Inc. 500.

SEM and direct marketing are the spending trend winners

Direct marketing spending predictions are hot.

Search marketing is already a proven winner. Chances are it’s usurped some of your marketing budget.  

So what can I do?

Here is some of Q2 Marketing’s uncommon sense wisdom for a down economy. It’s timeless.

Come back frequently for our tech marketing New Year’s resolutions and more practical insight.

At Q2, we live all things tech marketing in the Washington D.C. region and beyond. Our people network with colleagues and peers. We give presentations to the industry. We talk with prospects, clients and partners. We contribute to the Technology Marketing Blog and other tech marketing blogs and print outlets. We’re regularly quoted in industry news outlets.

The point is, we have our finger on the proverbial pulse of what’s happening (and what’s not) in the wonderful world of tech marketing. And one of the things that’s not happening is a relatively straight-forward, fundamental program. That program is award opportunities.

As many of you probably know, awards exist for corporate governance, revenue growth, product innovation, social responsibility and more. Awards also exist for specific industries and solutions. What you probably also know is that many companies don’t take advantage of opportunities for which they are well qualified. You might even know that a little too well.

Executives understand the value of gaining credibility. Almost every one we talk with believes there would be a benefit in developing an ongoing award opportunity program. But still, when it comes to practice, many companies don’t pursue awards.  

The reason for this may be in the amount of lead time and planning required. While the level of effort in an award program isn’t daunting, it requires foresight. The opportunities should be amassed 12-months or more in advance, and continually monitored for changes and additional opportunities. Some are ongoing awards, and some change. An example is the Inc. 500, which has expanded to the Inc. 5000.

The second challenge may be lack of awareness of which organizations (media, industry associations, corporations, etc.) present awards. These can be found by paying close attention to industry news, media editorial calendars, and monitoring your competitors’ news coverage.

For more tips on how to develop an award program that increases your company’s exposure, contact info@q2marketing.com.   

Q2 Marketing will soon be releasing our latest white paper from the Q2 Marketing Educational Series. The working title of the paper is 11 Essentials for Marketing to Government: Challenging Government Marketing Myths & Reaching Buyers.

Stay tuned for more details on this white paper, which is full of tips you can begin using right away to help increase sales in the federal government space. Reserve your copy by contacting info@q2marketing.com.

Congratulations to long-time Q2 client Accelera Solutions, who is ranked #30 on the 2008 Inc. 500 list of companies in the greater Washington, D.C. region. Also a client of Q2, Torres Advanced Enteprise Solutions made #1 in the region and #4 nationwide!

Congatulations to both of these winners!

From the Marketing By Numbers Column in the Washington Business Journal.

Marketing can have a very different meaning for pure-play business-to-government companies than it does for business-to-business companies. Too many senior managers who do business……

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/11/smallb2.html