| The world is not going to end in 2012 any more than | | | | more important. If you still see yourself as only |
| our computers imploding at the end of 1999. Stop | | | | "local", you are in the minority and you are missing |
| worrying. | | | | out on amazing internet marketing and sales |
| Welcome to the second decade of the 21st Century! | | | | opportunities. Individuals and businesses are now |
| How did that happen so quickly? We worried in vain | | | | connecting all over the globe. If your website is 20th |
| about our computer systems imploding on the eve of | | | | century brochure style - get moving and get |
| 2000, which proves my point: Worrying about things | | | | interactive. Videos and blogs are not a passing fancy |
| that probably won't happen, is a waste of time. True | | | | and really promote your website presence. What can |
| futurist focus on the possibilities and not on the | | | | you do to update your web presence right now? |
| pitfalls as they seek to prepare rather than scare. | | | | 4. Personal Growth/Personal Health/Slowing Down the |
| The times, while certainly changing and challenging, | | | | Aging Process: |
| are also very exciting indeed. | | | | As baby boomers are seeing their parents reaping |
| Here are 5 major trends/possibilities to watch for and | | | | the rewards of unhealthy living (smoking, obesity, |
| act upon in 2010 and beyond: | | | | lack of exercise) requiring walkers, wheelchairs and |
| 1. Green Technology/Water Conservation | | | | oxygen tanks at the end of their lives, they are |
| The terms Green technology, carbon footprint, | | | | beginning to rethink their own lifestyles so as not to |
| climate change, eco friendly, re usable, recyclable will | | | | suffer the same fate. It is more than just about |
| be the words spoken, written, discussed and planned | | | | looking younger. It's about feeling younger... Health |
| for in huge proportions from now on. This will impact | | | | and Fitness is the wave of the future. Low glycemic |
| large industry as well as small businesses and | | | | index diets, exercise, and a new awareness that |
| households who will be compelled willingly or unwillingly | | | | diabetes 2 is purely lifestyle related and not to be |
| to save the planet. Business travel will more limited as | | | | expected in old age is the new trend. This will affect |
| the "carbon footprint" is more top of mind. It will be | | | | restaurants and food manufacturing and packaging. |
| replaced with online and virtual meetings. This will | | | | Think brown rice and whole grains. Goodbye simple |
| impact airlines, hotels and other travel related | | | | carbs, saturated fats and high fructose corn syrup. |
| industries. However, it will also greatly increase | | | | It's making us sick and we know it. It may be |
| opportunities for online learning, webinars and | | | | convenient up front but very costly at the end and |
| teleseminars. Hopefully, that will mean not only less | | | | we know it. |
| carbon dioxide in the air but more quality time at | | | | As mainstream churches struggle to remain relevant |
| home. Water shortages will replace gas shortages. | | | | in the 21st century, New Age thinking, ala The Secret |
| Growing populations create agricultural and industrial | | | | is on the rise. Meditation, Yoga, Retreats and Health |
| growth. Everybody is going to need more water. | | | | Spas cater not only to individuals but companies |
| Every industry, from agriculture to manufacturing to | | | | looking for innovative ways to conduct business |
| landscaping and pool services will be impacted. How | | | | meetings and team building events. Mix making |
| can you participate in these growing trends? What | | | | money with getting healthier and you have struck |
| service can you provide/create for this growing need | | | | gold. If you are in the health, wellness or hospitality |
| to reduce the carbon footprint? | | | | industry, this is a major trend for you. |
| 2. Elder Care | | | | 5. Re emergence of Entrepreneurship |
| Life expectancy grows to age 100+. This will affect | | | | In 1776 more than 95% of all Americans were |
| every aspect of society - from jobs, housing, health | | | | entrepreneurs. By the middle of the 20th century, |
| care, retirement needs, mortality tables, insurance | | | | that number had dwindled to less than 30%. The |
| costs, elder care/assisted living needs, the definition | | | | industrial revolution enticed people to leave their |
| of a nuclear family and caregiver roles. Growth in a | | | | farms and shut down small businesses to seek |
| senior population will affect laws on inheritance, elder | | | | employment in the cities. The Great Depression |
| abuse, conservancy, real estate, investments, housing | | | | accelerated the process. This resulted in the breakup |
| design and construction, medical care and medical | | | | of families and a dependence on manufactured goods |
| support systems. | | | | and credit. |
| This phenomenon is causing a shift in elder care | | | | In 2010, it is back to basics. Generation X & Y aren't |
| models. What worked for families with ailing seniors in | | | | so willing to give their lives to the corporation. Small |
| the late 20th century may not be possible or practical | | | | business growth will be the saviour of our |
| now. Adult children live more hectic and demanding | | | | downtrodden economy. Are you a small business |
| lives and may not live nearby. By the time senior | | | | owner? Rejoice. While you can buy a house or a car |
| parents need help, their kids are near retirement too! | | | | online, there are many services that must be done in |
| Retirement funds and savings are running out as | | | | person. If you are an electrician, plumber, medical |
| people are living longer than was expected. What is | | | | care provider or other hands on professional, this is |
| to be done as the majority population of the | | | | the decade for you. The key to your success will be |
| western world continues to age? The need here is | | | | customer service and follow up. In this ever |
| huge. What kinds of services can you provide to this | | | | increasing internet centered and impersonal world,it |
| growing population and their concerned families? | | | | will be your personal touch in the service that you |
| 3. Internet: | | | | provide to your clients that will be the "secret sauce" |
| It's growing and getting more important by the | | | | to growing your business. |
| minute. The worldwide web offers everyone who is | | | | There are many other trends in science and industry |
| "connected" to search for information, hire a | | | | that are truly exciting - from smart machines that |
| professional, purchase homes as well as goods and | | | | anticipate our every need to a possible cure for |
| services and even meet the person of their dreams. | | | | cancer and the end of inherited disease. While you |
| LinkedIn, Facebook and a myriad of other social | | | | are enjoying the benefits of these future trends, |
| networks allows people and businesses to connect. | | | | what will you do to contribute to them also? |
| It's not going away. It's only going to get bigger and | | | | |