Green Apple: 10 Trends to Ponder

What I love about trends is that they are idea-starters. They are fuel for thinking about things in different ways. Here are ten trends that I'm thinking about and watching right now. I was on Cheetah Radio today talking about these trends with Project Management guru, Michelle LaBrosse. I'll post that link once it is up.

1. Economic slim-fast. It’s a focus on frugal living and gardening, as Americans rediscover budgeting and saving.

THINK: What can you do to save your team or your family money? The new super hero is going to have a piggy bank on his or her chest.

2. Whole life living and healing. Armed with information and frustrated with the cost of healthcare, people are exploring new ways of thinking about health and wellness – from what they eat to how they live.

THINK: Taking care of your team and making wellness part of your work environment is good for business. What are small changes you can make that make a difference to the health of those around you?

3. Entertainment as escapism. Just like during the Great Depression, movie ticket sales are on the rise and sales of gaming entertainment is still strong. People are looking for ways to harmlessly escape.

THINK: Business doesn’t have to be boring in the world of YouTube and interactive experiences, what can you do to make your product or service more fun?

4. Back to the basics. A return to the kitchen and looking at food the way our ancestors did, organic is no longer for “granolas,” it’s mainstream.

THINK: How about cooking as team building event? What are your new recipes for success? This is practical, fun and with no scrutiny over tickets to the Caribbean! LOL.

5. Novel perks. Frequent flyer miles are so last century. People want more creative and novel perks such as securing a prime parking spot when you drive a hybrid vehicle. (That’s happening now at the Seattle Airport.)

THINK: How can you reward your team or your customers in an unexpected and novel way?

6. DIY. The hobby and Do it Yourself kit crowds are growing, as people get a pioneering spirit – however small – think scrap booking.

THINK: Do you have a hobby that could be a business or cottage industry?

7. The Full Monty. Transparency and honest have a whole new meaning. Technology brings us a whole new level of honesty whether we like it or not, but underneath the technology is a new human desire for trust and transparency like never before.

THINK: Is your documentation in good shape? Are you leaving a trail that you’re proud of? How can you be more transparent in your business?

8. Generation G. The g is not for Greed. It’s for generosity. Trendwatching.com coined this term, as they saw the growing importance of 'generosity' as a leading societal and business mindset. With growing disgust over greed and its current dire consequences for the economy, people want to see and be part of a more generous world.

THINK: How can you be a part of sharing, giving, engaging, creating and collaborating in your own community or in virtual communities? Give people what they’re craving with some good old-fashioned generosity, just like Grandma and Grandpa did.

9. Redefining Community.  Communities can now transcend geography in the social media world. And back in the real world, people are buying local and using technology to choose where they live and work. This will redefine our traditional ways of thinking about work place and home.

THINK: What is community to you? What is community to your customer? How can communities be part of any solution?

10. ECO-Buzz. The image of the tree hugger is out. Now, being green in whatever way you can is hip and cool. Even governments are focusing on sustainability in a whole new way. This trend is here to stay because our survival depends on it.

THINK: How can you, your business or your team be green? Engage your team and ask for ideas. Have a green storm and watch people’s eyes light up.