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.

Americans who use social media feel better about companies when they can interact with them through social media. At least those are the conclusions of Boston-based Cone’s 2008 Business in Social Media Study.

Cone defines social media as “technology facilitated dialogue among individuals or groups, such as blogs/microblogs, forums, wikis, content sharing, social networking, social bookmarking and social gaming.”

They find that 93% of social media users believe a company should have a presence in social media. A full 85% believe a company should also interact with customers via this media.

Below are select findings:

–30% of Americans use social media sites and tools two or more times a week.

–13% of social media users interact with companies via these sites two or more times a week. 12% interact one a week. 13% interact once a month and 21% interact a few times a year.

–Those surveyed believe the role of companies within social networks is to:

1. Provide virtual customer service (43%)

2. Solicit feedback (41%)

3. Provide new ways to interact with the brand (37%)

–The bottom line is that 56% of respondents feel a stronger connection with companies that offer social media technology, and 57% feel better served.

The survey was fielded by Opinion Research Corporation on September 11-12, 2008 to 1,092 adults.