If You are Going to Stalk Anything – Make it Trends

“The bigger the world economy, the more powerful it’s smallest players.”

- a quote from trend analysis John Naisbett from his new book, Global Paradox.

I personally love this quote. I think it embodies today’s market place. The fact is, that twenty years ago entrepreneurs such as ourselves could not have built the empires (or at least attempted to build the empires) had the world economy, technology and big business infrastructures not been what they are today.

It is important therefore, to be ever watchful of trends in your market place.

I tend to be a very ground level trend/market watcher. Entertainment is a people business. Even if you are looking for trends you will most likely find the information by talking to a friend in the industry (who will point you to the relevant text).

New trends, opportunities, jobs and projects are rarely broadcast to those outside the fold. Occasionally I forget how important this sort of one on one contact is. Until of course I toil and toil on my own, on my computer, with no luck only to go out once and land three jobs.

I do of course do research via the internet as it has been such a thriving market place for music and video of late. I try and dedicate an hour to finding new sites, setting up new links ect. It doesn’t always work out to an hour but that’s my goal.

Statistics, trade journals and magazines are all good sources of trend tracking.

What are you your favourite sites, magazines or sources for trade tracking? It doesn’t matter what industry, I’m sure there will be someone out there looking for the same trends as you.

Here are some of mine:

Small Business/Entrepreneurs/Solo Business
www.mindpetals.com (of course)
www.flyingsolo.com.au
www.entrepreneur.com

Music Business
www.sonicbids.com
www.mbsolutions.com

News
www.cnn.com
www.dailytelegraph.com.au

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