My Trend Predictions for 2009

To start off my blog, I'm putting my neck firmly on the block and making some business trend predictions for 2009. In no particular order, here are my thoughts on what the hot business trends will be in 2009:

Change of Colour
Green is the new…well, green. Anything environmentally-friendly has some chance of making the big time in 2009…and this applies to just about any business. So think about the business you are in – can you find a green angle or a green offshoot? Especially hot areas (pun intended) are: organics, clean energy, carbon services, water conservation and recycling.

Frugality
After decades of assuming that everyone is trading up, comes the era of trading down, and don’t assume that this is all forced. There are plenty of people fed up with keeping up with the Joneses, Tans and Kumars, and taking the downturn as permission to migrate to simpler life.

Wellness
Plastic surgery, health supplements, gyms and yoga may be the obvious beneficiaries here, but entrepreneurs should also look at the broader issues of mental well-being and self-image. This could be as sophisticated as psychology or as simple as a good meal with friends.

Networking
This is not exactly new, but expect this to be the year that niche networks really take off – online and in real and second life. These may not be stand-alone networks, as the success of niche networks on, for example, Facebook demonstrate.

Technology
Who knows what technologies will emerge in 2009 to blindside entire industries? Best guesses include seriously improved batteries offering longer life and therefore more useable devices, wholesale switch to LED and other energy-saving technologies with the same consequences, breakthroughs in solar and desalination and the beginnings of semantic search.

Online Everywhere
The ubiquitous web, through mobile devices and wireless Hot Spots, will generate business opportunities in unexpected ways. Will this be the year that location-based services really start to make money?

Niche
Against the above trends, there will be strong niche opportunities, based on shared interests, cultural revival or hedonism. Expect outrageously extravagant gas-guzzling sports cars, experiential travel, extreme everything and packaged counter-culture.

I hope this has given you some thoughts about your own business ideas - current or planned. As a significant number of people will leave employment for the perils and joys of the entrepreneurial life, this is of significance. I will you an exiting and prosperous 2009.