Watch the Trends for Product and Service Ideas
You can make this your best year ever if you pay attention to the trends and plan your business accordingly.
- Our new year began under a cloud of unrest and discontent: global terrorism and unrest, global communities recovering from devastating natural disasters, and writers striking for better wage and benefit packages.
These trends call for products and services that give solutions, comfort and reassurance.
- Major food manufacturers and restaurants are continuing efforts to move from “fat” foods to healthy and freshly prepared items. Although there will always be a call for junk food and decadent chocolate, businesses can address this trend by stocking healthy choices or providing accessories and services that lead to healthier lifestyles.
- A green wave is increasing concern for the environment. Some companies have taken the lead in being green by exceeding government standards. One man took his love for the outdoors and turned it into a business.
Any products or services your company can offer to foster a healthy lifestyle and make a greener, safer environment for our children would appeal to the growing population who value Earth. Look at the companies who made Working Mother’s 2007 Best Green Companies list. Perhaps your company can provide products and services that promote greener cleaner living.
- Makeover and self-improvement are popular on many levels. Not just consumers are seeking physical and spiritual improvement, but corporations are reinventing themselves as well. Business-as-usual is out. Companies are recreating their logos, colors and procedures. When they do, you can boost your profits by offering them new products and services that help them with this makeover.
- Pets are no longer seen as second-class home dwellers, but have become full-fledged members of the family–at least in many families. Witness the increase of pet supply stores and sections at the gift shows devoted to pet gift items. According to a research study by Unity Marketing on pet purchases, Americans spend $30 billion on pet-related products and services in 2002.
Since more than half of American households own one or more pet, here is a trend that is a purr-fect source of increase profits. Not only do pet owners spend increasing amounts on pet supplies and veterinary services, but also spend on gifts, travel accessories, luxury travel and pet boutiques, therapy, pet funerals, pet cemeteries and more. Do you have a products or service that can help pet owners lavish love and care on their pets?
How do you find the customers and companies who need your product or service?
- Begin with your metropolitan newspaper, but don’t overlook your local newspaper. It will point out the movers and shakers, important events, business openings and more information that can be relevant to your business. My local newspaper is full of local news and opportunities to participate on their website and blog. They just put out a call for bloggers to contribute news and information about their neighborhoods.
- Comb the Internet for websites, blogs, message boards, forums and newsletters in your niche. Check out www.meetup.com to see what groups in your niche meet in your area.
Planning with these trends in mind will help you plot your path to increased profits. When you can match your enthusiasm for your product or service with the customers who value and will pay for what you offer, you are well on the road to business success.
One Response to “Watch the Trends for Product and Service Ideas”
October 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Well written article.
Leave a Comment