Trends. Every reporter, editor, blogger, business owner, and consumer wants to know what they are and what they mean for the New Year. When you put your product, service, idea, or cause in the context of a trend gathering speed, you are one step closer to inviting media interest in your story and having the opportunity for your story to carry far and wide through the power and impact of do-it-yourself publicity.
I asked a few of my influential colleagues and friends to join with me in an email brainstorm about upcoming trends, and the result of that effort is here for your reading pleasure. If there are major trends missing that need to be added, post a comment to this blog so your ideas will be heard. And if you have a blog of your own, why not invite your readers to chime into this conversation. It could help us all!
What’s out and what’s in according to Kathie Nelson of Connectworks:
Trial and error – Proven processes and systems
Multi tasking – Strengths and focus
Re-creating the wheel – Duplicating what works
Going it alone – Working with mentors or a mastermind group
Pride/arrogance – Humility
What’s out and what’s in according to Lori Richardson:
Business with a little thought – Business planning
Selling – Solving
Some follow up – Consistent follow up
Good intentions – Accountability partner
Same old business – Creativity in business
Value – Crystal clear value
Computer – iPhone
What’s out and what’s in according to Betsy Talbot:
Being a maverick – working together
Preaching – Teaching
Generalist – Specialist
Plastic bags – Canvas totes
Material gifts – Shared experiences
Spending wildly – Spending wisely
TV entertainment – Online entertainment
Maintaining – Training
Watching your money grow – Watching your money
What’s out and what’s in according to Whitney Keyes:
Advertising – Communication
Customer service – Customer connection
Email – Phone calls
Blogs – Podcasts
High End – Mid Range
Competition – Collaboration
Niche – Integration
Price – Value
And here are a few suggestions of my own:
Bling – Bling without too much ka-ching
Borrow – Boot Strap
Bush – Barack Obama
Conspicuous consumption – Cheap chic
Dining out – Dining in
Extravagance – Essential
Full service – Self service/DIY
Gourmet – Pot luck
Luxury – Affordable luxury
More is better – Less is more
On the town – In the house/cocooning
Vacation – Staycation
Again, post your ideas and comments to this blog, and let’s have some fun putting our own stories in the context of all the trends that are gathering speed in what promises to be a most interesting year for us all.
