Trends should be on everyone’s mind (consumers and businesses). Consumers that miss key trends maybe faced with products or services that are inadequate for their needs. Businesses that select to ignore current trends and what lies ahead in the next 10 to 20 years may overlook opportunities that maybe the key to survive in their respective sectors. A prime example: Automobile industry.
This morning, I watched a report that dealt with the effect of gas prices on the sales of SUVs. No doubt that higher prices at the pumps are prompting individuals to dump their gas-guzzling beasts for smaller fuel-efficient cars. During the report, I wondered if any of large manufacturers and or consumers had any clue of what was coming around the corner as prices were skyrocketing. If you adhere to the simple equation, that is, higher gas prices equal less of a demand for SUVs, then it is right to assume that fuel-efficient vehicles will eventually flood the market.
Now, I am not a genius but I could have told you this years ago using simple intuition. Simple intuition matched with some rationale about the future is the best substitute for gaps in existing intelligence.
In order to be prepared to deal with what might arise in the future, consider seeking the insights from a futurist. A futurist is an individual that “engages in long-range planning, systematic trend watching, scenario development, and visioning”. Some of futurist association includes:
I have gone through a couple of sessions with futurists and the most valuable thing that you can gain is how to think forward without any restrictions. This allows you the flexibility to consider all possible scenarios to find a solution to existing problems or future challenges.
To read more about futurists and futurism, be sure to take a look at the following reference:
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