Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  January 26, 2016

How B2B Marketers Can Use Mass Market Trends

In the B2B world, it’s tempting to ignore what’s going on in mass consumer markets. Don’t. This 2016 Trends Report from Ford Motor Company has some interesting ideas for us.

My favorites:

• Embracing heroes. While it’s fun to ridicule established leaders and politicians, we are embracing folks on the front lines who are changing their corner of the world. So, who can you celebrate in your industry, your market niche? Would those feel-good stories get the attention (and message) out to your buyers? You betcha.

• Usefulness is back. An increased sense of self-reliance has trickled down to many businesses, too. So, how can you be the Swiss Army knife of your marketplace? Can you create “do-it-yourself” options for your clients? Yep. (Example: I did just that with Strategic Sounding Boards. This service was designed for do-it-yourselfers who needed feedback on their efforts.)

• Misfits rule. We are in an age where, according to the study, “one size fits nobody.” Result: contrarian ideas are making a comeback. As long as you can prove your outcomes, this is your invitation to think outside the box.

As you look ahead, it behooves you to look beyond your industry and see what else is happening. Sometimes the best ideas come from faraway worlds.

Other Resources You Might Like:

• Heads Up: Disruptive Trend For Thought Leaders Ahead
• My Turbocharged Strategy Toolkit: How to Determine Market Feasibility and Direction For All Your Bright Ideas