Management Tip of the Day: 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 17, 2011 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends All leaders want to know what trends will shape the future of their industries before they happen. To spot them early, you can't mingle with the usual suspects at industry events. You need to interact with the peripheries of your industry. Here are two ways to do that: Spend time with peripheral customers. Every industry has cutting-edge users that know—or are even setting—the trends. Find these customers (hint: they are often the younger, technology-focused ones) and tap them for their insights. Investigate peripheral companies. Be on the lookout for interesting startups or established companies that could one day edge into your market. Don't be limited by traditional industry demarcations. Investigate companies solving similar problems that you solve for your customers. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Trend Hunting on the Periphery" by Scott Anthony. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators HBR Press Book Some people are just natural innovators, right? With no apparent effort, they discover ideas for new products, services, and entire businesses. It may look like innovators are born, not made. But according to Jeffrey Dyer and Hal Gregersen, and Clay Christensen anyone can become more innovative. How? Master the discovery skills that distinguish innovative entrepreneurs and executives from ordinary managers. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Ways the Social Sector can Innovate 3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Team 3 Tips for Making a High-Stakes Decision Take a Nap at Work Convince Others to Embrace Risk 3 Things Your Company Should Do on Twitter 2 Ways You Shouldn't Pitch an Idea Cope with Your Incompetent Boss Avoid Overinvesting in IT 3 Ways to Help Consumers Express Themselves BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)