I notice some interesting developments in the world of online business and advertising. Google just posted record quarterly profits and are confidently saying we are moving back into better times. Google has been one of the least affected companies in the recession and is one of the first to benefit from better times.
It's simple really, in a relatively few short years we have become dependent on the internet for so much.
Need a local plumber? Google it - and you'll find Eddie on thebestof Lichfield (of course).. Want to know who sang "Stuck in the Middle with You"? Google it (Stealer's Wheel, by the way).... Kids homework? Google it (and then do it for them while they play on the Wii.) ...Need to know what's on in Lichfield? Google it - and you'll find thebestof Lichfield events page. Looking for recommendations locally on where to eat, buy your kitchen or find a photographer? - it's all right here on thebestof Lichfield, on the internet, and thousands of people every month are finding it, either directly or through Google. It's how we do it now.
We have reached the stage that we would be lost without the internet. My 13 year old son cannot understand how we ever got by without it and yet Google is younger than he is! Most of us never get the Yellow Pages out of its plastic wrapper these days. I have a friend who uses it as a step up so her little boy can reach the toilet, so it does still have its uses.
Hopefully the Google results tell us as much about the ecomomy in general as they do about the growth in internet use and things really are heading towards a sustainable recovery. Google certainly seem to be optimistic about the broader picture, so I'm happy to go with them on that one.
Must go, I've still got some homework to finish.
