From home appliances and cars to gadgets and clothes, companies are using bright vibrant hues to excite reluctant consumers.
By Parija B. Kavilanz, CNNMoney.com senior writer

“Even though these non-conventional colors typically cost more, Webb said during bad [economic times], “people will gladly pay less for everyday necessities but are still willing to spend more on something different that makes them feel better.”

Cohen had a similar opinion. “Consumers are still willing to pay more for something that a little extra special and gives them a sense of pride in ownership,” he said.

In 2008, GM is introducing a Chevy Corvette in Jetstream metallic blue and a Pontiac Solstice GXP in yellow in 2009.

“Our customers want these bright colors. They may not be for everyone so we’re also offering them as limited promotional colors,” Webb said.

Gerald Celente, director of trend research with the Trends Research Institute, said this color push by product makers is a “smart and timely move” during an economic downturn.”

Click here to read entire article.

Are job worries tempting you to start your own company? CNNMoney.com canvassed the country to find towns with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal. Check out their 100 top picks and find what makes the perfect place to build a dream.

Click here to see all 100 places.

Experts help small business owners cut through the social-networking thicket.
by Ask FSB

“A lot of small business owners are asking themselves if diving into the social networking phenomenon will work for them and, if so, where to begin.

If Twitter sounds like an obscure bird species and you think Facebook and News Corp (NWS, Fortune 500).’s MySpace are pretty much interchangeable, first take some time to read up on the latest social networking platforms and what they involve.

One great resource is PBS’s Media Shift blog by Mark Glaser. His August 2007 guide to social networking offers a comprehensive overview with plenty of links for more information.

But that doesn’t address your central dilemma: Should your company jump in or run away?”

Click here to read entire article.

This may sound like something off the SciFi channel but today, it’s a reality.

What is the biggest challenge for this highly advanced artificial intelligence?  Table tops.

Click here to watch the CNN clip.

On behalf of everyone at Shasta Consulting & Web Design, have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

A look at 14 of the technology that will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.
By Jon Fortt, Fortune

Highlights:
- Yoggie has a novel take on PC security — rather than deal with anti-virus and parental control software that slows down your computer, just plug in this USB gadget. The Pico might look like flash storage, but it’s actually a tiny Linux computer that polices your system.

- Your jewelry and documents will be OK in the safe if disaster strikes — but what about your digital files? SentrySafe, a 75-year-old New York company, is trying to blend its security brand with digital smarts to answer that question.

- The Logitech diNovo Mini is the gizmo for that small, but growing, number of people who have connected their PC to a big flat panel television or have one of Microsoft’s media center setups. It’s a wireless keyboard that is small enough to sit unobtrusively on a coffee table, and that allows you to kick back on the couch and operate your PC, and what’s on that big screen, remotely.

Click here to view entire article.

A majority of seniors and disabled persons expecting to receive the rebate (Stimulus Package) the government has been promising to help them over this turbulent economic time may not receive it. Why? There are certain steps that must be taken to receive the rebate. The IRS sent out letters informing seniors and disabled persons of the process, however many local seniors have received no such letter and are unaware the deadline is April 15th. The Stimulus Package is not automatic. Does this news have an impact someone you care about?

Here are the highlights:

• There is a form that must be filled out by anyone expecting the Stimulus Package and sent to the IRS. Click here for more information from the IRS.
• The Stimulus package is first come, first served. Do not wait until the deadline to send this in.
• The government is requiring this extra step to protect against various forms of fraud. Already there are several scams related to telephone and email saying they are from the IRS. Click here for the message from the IRS regarding scams.

For more information visit www.IRS.gov . If you have any questions, contact the IRS or a certified tax professional.

Click here for the IRS contact info page.

Small business weathers the credit crunch
By Fortune Small Business staff

“Each recession hits entrepreneurs differently. Seven years ago, companies in travel and technology got slammed hardest, while this time those involved in real estate are worst off.

But today, as in past downturns, some small-business owners - even some in housing and construction - are nimble and savvy enough to thrive. Where others see only calamity, they see cheap credit, bargains on equipment and property, and new opportunities to hire topflight employees.

There are a few common themes to their success: They didn’t wait for Congress to decide on a stimulus package; they moved quickly to adjust their products and business plans to take advantage of more lucrative niches. Some diversified. Others identified new customers. Almost all cut behind-the-scenes costs. ”

Click here to read entire article.

FSB checks in with tax experts for details on what home-businesses owners can deduct.
By Kathleen Ryan O’Connor, Fortune Small Business

“He explains that you can deduct electricity, gas, and other expenses also used to run your business based on the percentage of your home that is used for an office.

“For example, if the office comprises 12% of your home, then you can deduct 12% of the house expenses, including mortgage interest, house cleaning, repairs, home insurance, etc,” Stappas says. “In addition, you could depreciate your office space. Bear in mind that to qualify for such deductions, you must use a specific area of your home exclusively for your trade or business.”"

Click here to read entire article.

Discover Shasta Consulting & Web Design’s excellence as Redding’s web design professionals.

“Luring prospects to your website

Some topics that Thibodeaux says make for a good business blog:

- Product and service details
- How-to videos
- Product tips and tricks
- Customer success stories
- News and announcements
- Articles about complementary products
- Recipes
- Requests for feedback from customers
- Things to look out for when shopping for products or services like your own ”

Tips for a high-traffic business blog
by Konstantin Shishkin

Bad economy? Time to get aggressive.
By Rich Sloan, Fortune Small Business

“Band together.
Talk to customers.
Be flexible.
Build relationships.

Sure, it’s a tough economy. But the worst of times are also the best of times for companies that are willing to work hard and be resourceful.”

Click here to read entire article.

Brig and Jon Sorber started a business in the middle of a recession. They were not conservative but innovative and thrived because of it. Brig shares four ways to expand your small business while everyone else is ducking for financial cover.