As 2008 comes to a close, let's take a look at where we are and where we are going - with the help of eMarketer, Harris Interactive and other reputable market research firms.

GROWTH: The Internet continues to grow with an estimated 63.4% of the US population now using the Web. This figure is expected to grow to 70% in the next 5 years.

DIVERSITY: Although white Americans make up about 70% of US Internet use, more and more African- Americans and Hispanics are going online. In addition, 55% of US adult Internet users are over age 40 - with boomers and seniors asserting their importance.

Younger audiences tend to use the Internet for entertainment and like online bells and whistles. Older users are more practical. They prefer uncluttered Web sites, lots of product information and don't forget the special offers!

WEB ADVERTISING - Still a Solid Choice: While most small business owners are being cautious with their budgets right now, they still need to reach their online audiences. Web based marketing such as Web sites and email campaigns continue to offer a solid, cost-effective choice.

A trend to look for: the use of video on the Internet is expected to grow a whopping 45% in 2009. Most of this will be professional video content, mainly from TV networks. However, we are seeing a less expensive version of this concept in the increased use of YouTube by small businesses to showcase their offerings.

What does it all mean? With the Internet still growing and continuously changing, it is not safe to make assumptions. Instead, the key is to know your target market and plan marketing efforts accordingly.

Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Biscotti are the only cookies I know how to make. I traditionally make a big batch of them at the end of the year. It is a big job, so now I break it up over two days, getting all the ingredients ready the first day, mixing and baking on the second.

I use this time to reflect on the past year and think about the possibilities in the year ahead. I think about my grandmother and wish I had paid more attention when she tried to pass along her baking expertise. I was young and wanted everything in a hurry. I wanted exact measurements and instructions. I didn't have patience when she said things like "mix until it feels just right." (Imagine an Italian grandmother saying "Joost-ta right.")

My recipe is actually a combination of several recipes and has evolved over the years. I toast the almonds and chop them by hand. I use Ghirardelli chocolate and real vanilla and almond extracts, not imitations. I don't mind giving away my secrets because it is more than just quality ingredients, it is an attitude. It is is trying to capture and include that extra ingredient that made all my grandmother's food taste so good.

During this time, I think about my business and how it is also about quality and attitude. My customers don't deserve anything less. The whole process reaffirms that I am on the right track and gets me motivated for the new year. I can feel my Grandmother smiling.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings.

My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let's put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.