For anyone who is in business or does business, keeping up with trends can be exciting and daunting! Change is underway at lightening speeds. The issues on my watch list this year and into next year include: Technological; Geo-political / Trade / Regulatory; Financial; Shopping, Selling and Advertising,
These issues all come into the picture for those providing products and services and those purchasing them.
Interesting how so many of these topics tend to cross-over between areas; i.e. Technology touches everything. Let’s hit the pause button for just a minute as we near Q4 2018 and consider a few business trends with significant impact now and into the future.
- Technological trends: The ideas behind the acronyms are key to understanding the developments trending. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Digitization and the Internet of Things (IoT) are all the buzz. Services, software, banking models virtual reality, logistics, marketing, data analysis/insight, tracking and revenue enhancement take the lead in trends. Disruption continues upon traditional brick and mortar businesses (travel/transport, banks, biotech, automotive ++). Keeping up to date about how technology can work in concert to add to, rather than detract from consumer confidence, enjoyment and business growth requires focus from your business. Client friendly interactions for all generations is imperative to secure support and adoption in the mainstream.
- Geo-political, Trade and Regulatory trends: How, where, with whom and in what ways we conduct our business in the US is impacted by the inter-connectivity we have beyond our shores. US based industries and businesses watch and wait for the impact of tariffs, global/regional/local partnerships (think Brexit, NAFTA, TPP), personal data and privacy regulations. We watch closely for the impact to our buying power in the US.
- Financial trends: Think of how you handle money today … digital banking and investing has exploded. Use of apps and smartphones is commonplace. Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies have investment dollars pouring in from the financial sector citing a trend that cash is evolving beyond paper money. The growth of cyber attacks is a clear and present danger.
- Shopping, Selling and Advertising: Why do people buy what they buy? Why do they buy from you? Who is buying from you? What do you stand for? Consumers are active online and want to know who they are buying from and what to expect when they buy. Accessibility, connection with the brand, product quality/functionality and company values matter.
When you’re ready to throw your hands up and say “enough already, how do I keep up?” Step back and reflect upon the changes you’ve made along the way during your lifetime so far 🙂 You’ve got this! And when you don’t – give a shout. We’re here to assist you along with life and business preparation, protection and security.
Helping you see the world through the eyes of what’s possible and prudent is what I love to do. When you’re ready, contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner #AreYouReady #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness