Two trends emerging after the crash
I had the privilege recently of taking an American web developer around the North Island, meeting and greeting WDANZ members and other developers that may want to join WDANZ. A lot of the discussions we had with others in the industry related to the world market conditions (aka recession) and how this is impacting our industry.Two themes came through quite clearly, one negative and the other positive . . .
1. There appears to currently be a resistance to making decisions on bigger web projects and starting new ventures. Our American visitor was considering relocating to New Zealand because his previously lucrative corporate work was not so lucrative any more. One of our members has also relocated back to New Zealand recently because of a general downturn, and increasing difficulty of obtaining work in London. We too have noticed a substantial drop off in enquiries to QuoteMasters in the last thre emonths or so.
2. There is a noticable increased recognition of the need for Internet based marketing. Many are seeing steady workloads as customers recognise that they HAVE to get their business online in order to survive. Many developers are reporting that previous advertising, such as Yellow Pages (print), are being slashed, and the same spend going online. As a result, many developers are still busy, although not everyone is run off their feet.
New Zealand is a great place to live, work and play. My two guests (one from Brazil and the other Denver, Colorado) were stunned with NZ and both fell in love with it.
Web Development (in all its various forms) is also an exciting and enjoyable industry to be in. We look forward to 2009 and continuing to help you all in your business.
Tagwords: recession, trends
Posted by Dennis A. Smith ~ Tuesday 2 December 2008
