Trends in 2006
by Kendal Summerhawk
One of the things I've always been good at is
noticing trends. This year I decided, why not share? Here are my
predictions and insights for what I think we'll be seeing a lot
of in 2006, followed by two powerful questions you can use to
piggy back your business on to what's up and coming:
• Mass
produced/intense customization
I know, at first that sounds like a conflict. How can anything
mass produced be intensely customized? But that's the point. Any
company that combines these two seemingly conflicting qualities
will be mega successful.
For example: Stamps.com offered US stamps
using any image you sent to them. Think of it! For weddings,
baby showers, product launched, anniversaries, you could have
custom stamps made to use on your envelope or postcard.
Unfortunately, the government had to cancel the service because
pranksters ordered stamps wi ht nefarious people on them.
Bummer. But the idea was brilliant.
•
Branding goes bananas
Despite how confusing it can be, branding isn't going to go
away. I predict the emphasis on creating uniqueness will
intensify. Why? Because the more crowded our culture becomes,
the more we want—and need—to stand out.
Plus, our desire to be noticed, get ahead, and
in some way have our message seen and heard above the din of
everyone else's means branding must become easier to understand,
easier to implement, and add measurable value to our income.
Small business owners: 2006 offers you the
perfect opportunity to create a personal, compelling, signature
brand that puts your business on the map, once and for all
(check out www.BrillianceUnbridled.com for my March retreat plus
90-day program on this very topic).
Branding experts: we better get ready, because
the demand is there if we make branding accessible and fun!
• Passionate
personalization
Being treated like just one of the herd isn't going to cut it
anymore. As consumers, we are demanding we be recognized and
treated as special (which I've believed in all along). My
prediction? That businesses who offer flexible services and
products that are clearly designed with the client in mind will
be perceived and valued as the ones to buy.
Have you noticed a
trend with these trends? Each one in some way touches
on being super, ultra personal. So how do you piggy back your
business on to these ripe and juicy trends? Here are two
powerful questions to use as you plan your goals and strategy
for 2006:
What do you REALLY
know about your client?
What makes their hearts sing, their pulses quicken, and their
ears perk up? If you're not sure, now is the time to find out.
Personalizing your services can only happen when you know your
clients intimately.
How far are you
willing to go to be remembered and remarkable?
If you hold back, fearful of stepping up to the plate, taking a
stand, and BEING a stand, then how will anyone remember you? If
you're going to solve a problem, solve the biggest problem. If
you're going to have an opinion, make it extreme.
The point is, when you get personal, you make
a difference. And isn't that what it's all about?
Love and brilliance,
Kendall
Dubbed the "Horse Whisperer for Business", Kendall is the author of the
book, Brilliance Unbridled, creator of Website Wisdom™, Be
Yourself Marketing®, HorseWise Brilliance Unbridled®, and a Professional
Certified Coach. Kendall is a leading small business expert. Her Website
Wisdom Writing course makes it easy to write your own client capturing
website copy at a tiny fraction of the cost of hiring a copywriter! Her
HorseWise Brilliance Unbridled® retreats uniquely combine the wisdom of
horses with coaching to create a powerful brand and turn your 1-on-1
service into a high profit program. Visit
www.KendallSummerHawk.com for more free articles.
Together we create a
Vision for your Business
and your Life.
Ali@VisionForSuccess.Biz
Phone: (386) 615-6282
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