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Here is a link to a number of video interviews of high-powered economic and business executives offering their views on the current status of the world economic slowdown and outlook for the future:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28892893

Cheers,

Don Jones

VentureDeal

Like many Americans, I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday with enthusiasm and hope.

While I don't share some of his viewpoints, I wish his administration all the success in dealing with the current recession and in advancing the interests of the United States throughout the world.

Cheers,

Don Jones

VentureDeal

Economic recessions are difficult and this one is no different and perhaps even more difficult than others. But what do you do with your company during a downturn?

Other than the usual "hunker down and get through it", an economic downturn can be an opportunity for you to do any or all of the following:

1. Get rid of unnecessary expenses that seemed "necessary" at the time.
2. Reach out to potential partners, with plans to cooperate when the economy turns around.
3. Increase your company's potential leverage by preparing your expansion plans.

You will notice that the last two items are related to looking forward and preparing your company for the inevitable economic upturn. The technology industry is similar to the real estate industry in that the companies that make it through the downturn with the greatest amount of leverage when the economy turns up are in a position to create a tremendous amount of wealth when that happens.

So, slim down and get lean, while looking ahead to the inevitable upturn.

Cheers,

Don Jones

VentureDeal

I don't know if it is just coincidence or evidence of a trend, but visiting a few major technology blogs recently, I noticed that the amount of advertising was down sharply.

One blog had Google ads showing, which is a typical strategy for when their other display ads are not showing. Another major blog simply had only one or two ads showing, one before there were 8 to 10 at any one time.

Advertising in one form or another will always be with us, but the form of advertising commonly used on blogs and other similar sites, where it is not a pay-per-click and is simply a display advertising on a CPM basis, may continue to lose popularity during this downturn.

During economic distress, advertisers turn to those forms of advertising that are most cost-efficient and measurable. The standard marketing concept of "share of mind" that comes with display advertising tends to take a back seat during difficult economic times.

When the economy returns, display advertising may be permanently disadvantaged.

Cheers,

Don Jones

VentureDeal