Futures Coaching

Surprising Indonesia

My father-in-law sold white goods in the 1960s in France. He literally opened up his order book and transcribed one 'sale' after another. Queues for the new ipad come close to this today but in most sectors this kind of sales excitement is a long-forgotten dream.

Unless you happen to be trading in a growth market, that is.  For example, take a look at this brief report on Indonesia.

Indonesia is on an accelerating growth path with huge potential for business into the future. And it could go even faster still if only some structural downsides were fixed.

We-Think: The Mega Trend behind Social Media

Would communications technology be so successful if people didn't feel the need to interact? Of course not. However, few recognise that our need to socialise and network is growing with or without social media. 

My lastest Slideshare summary, shines the spotlight on this Mega Trend. I call it We-Think (a term I borrowed from Charles Leadbeater).

Many authorities have lost ground due to this Trend, but a rare few get it - and I give example from the banking, supermarket, charity and FMCG worlds.

Have a read. It will take just 5 minutes to update your understanding. Click

 

 

 

Will Cities be Forever?

Half the world's population lives in cities and urbanisation continues apace. Is this a good thing? And what trends can we expect to see over the next 10 years?

This 5 minute thought piece asks the question: Are Cities forever and what happens when a City dies? On the flip side, what will be the characteristics of successful urban areas going forward?

Kick start your thinking here 

 

 

How will the past change our future?

Trendspotters often focus exclusively on the future to understand change. But the past gives huge insights into how tomorrow's world will look.

Take Chinese medicine. Many of its ancient principles are now bang on trend and will shape the future of healthcare. How about the most revolutionary idea of Bill Gates - giving away his wealth? Sorry Bill but it's been done before. Canadian Indian tribal leaders already knew of the fantastic status to be gained by giving away all that you own.

How else can history help us understand what's coming next? Go back to the future here.

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Sponsorship of outdoor events

Sponsors of London's Olympics have spent £700million to be present at the world's greatest show. But just why do brands sponsor outdoor events?

My latest Slideshow presentation reveals some of the advantages of showing up. For example, brands who place their banners in front of a euphoric crowd can expect a subliminal connection. Next time the consumer sees the brand they will be transported back to that orgasmic emotional state. Talk about getting rooted in positive emotional memory structures!

Take 5 minutes to find out more.

Social Media Success Factors

I spent the earlier part of this week running focus groups on Social Media. From a consumer viewpoint, Social Media is about staying relevant in the here and now. The big fear is of 'missing out'.

But consumers are not dupes and they are able to filter and able to spot dodgy brand activity a mile off. It's about "what's in it for them".

How do Brands get it right in Social Media? My latest 'Growth Story' blog covers 10 success insights. Read it and pass it on if you like it click.

PS I'm well on my way to 500 hits for last weeks Asian Growth Stategies' post - so thanks for reading and sharing!

 

Asian Growth Strategies: How are corporates going East?

What do VW, Yum Brands, Deutsche Bank, University College London and McCann Worldwide have in common? All have aggressive growth strategies for Asia.

Find out what Volkswagen are going to do with €14billion and why we'll see 600 new KFCs and Pizza Huts in China by year end. And discover a major Western brand who has withdrawn from China.

It's all in this 5 minute presentation here.

 

Silent Retailing: How this is about to change

I was asked to look at the future of retailing by real estate services giant, Jones Lang LaSalle. My study took a couple of intensive months to complete and involved over 30 experts. One of the themes treated in the final report was The End of Silent Retailing.

Jones Lang LaSalle have put significant marketing effort behind the 'Retail2020' Report and I'd invite anyone wanting to find out more to visit their website retail2020.com

Meantime, as an appetiser, find out why I think retail has been silent over the years and why this is about to change fundamentally over the next 5 Download The End of Silent Retailing

 

Extreme Buying: one of the Growth Stories of our age

Consumers describe the feeling in many different ways: "a rush of blood to the head"; "a moment of madness"; "letting off steam". Whatever the phrase, the impulse is always the same - to forget about austerity and do something which feels sooooo good. 

In boom times, purchasing became a habit; today it's more a surprise! "I just popped in for stockings and came out with a new outfit and matching handbag". 

What Extreme Buying describes is a trend where a liberated social context meets human weakness. And brands can learn how to profit from these moment of madness.

The trend and its drivers are described here.

 

 

Chinese entrepreneurialism : is there anything more dynamic in business today?

The Chinese growth miracle has been founded upon the entrepreurial energy and vision of an elite class of business people. But who are they? In this 'Asia 5' presentation, I identify 4 different profiles of entrepreneur in today's China.

Look out for my analysis of what drives them, and what's holding them back. 

One thing is sure: the world has only just begun to feel the effects of their dynamic approach to business. 

Read more here.