With all the gloom in the global economy, I got to wondering whether there is anything else going on in the world of business. I'm looking for growth because I think that's what will ultimately bring the economy out of the doldrums. Not surprisingly, that growth is coming from technology companies. In Growth Matters, I look at consumer technology companies that point the way to growth trends -- and in the process introduce services and products you may want to explore.

Do you ever struggle to schedule a dinner with friends or a business meeting? If so, Doodle may be the service for you. Doodle -- which is growing 10% per month on a "mouth-to-mouth" or viral basis -- has an interesting history. According to my interview with Tilman Eberle, Doodle's Vice President of Communications, "In late 2003, Michael Naf was trying to organize a dinner for friends. He started sending around emails to work out the details. He thought there should be an easier way but, he could not find a service to do this, so he programmed one himself. His friends used it, and it started to become something he worked on besides his normal job."