Take A Peek Into The Future: 3 Things to Look for When Hiring a Trend Forecaster

The future is coming and it’s coming at a fast and furious pace. How can brands keep up with this ever-accelerating velocity of disruption?

A recent article in Fast Company explores the sometimes-murky world of trend forecasting.  While trend forecasting can help brands stay ahead of the curve, not all futurists are created equal. 

Here are 3 Key Factors to Look For When Working With a Trend Forecaster:

1. A Broad View – Be skeptical of any forecaster who defines themself as industry-specific.  Change is happening everywhere and often the biggest disruptions in an industry are coming from outside that industry.

2. Fast & Slow – Change can happen dramatically and quickly or sneak up slowly on you.  Look for a futurist who has a methodology for monitoring both fast and slow culture trends.

3. Translate from Theory to Practice – Some forecasters get too caught up on what’s new for the sake of what’s new.  The best agencies will help you translate new concepts into practical applications for YOUR business.

sparks & honey is a next generation agency that helps brands synchronize with culture. Follow us on Twitter at @sparksandhoney to stay up to date on the latest high energy trends.