At the end of the year, there are always a ton of predictions about what will happen in the new year ahead.

While no one has a crystal ball, there are a few business trends that many industry experts predict will be big in 2011.

According to Mashable.com:

1. Increased spending on websites

2. Mobile devices will continue to evolve and we’ll see more smartphones on the market

3. Social marketing (ie Groupon/WagJag) and e-commerce advancements

4. Increased usage of Social Media

5. Increased usage of Cloud computing (ie web-based and mobile applications)

Is your business moving in the same direction as these predictions? If not, I’d advise you to take a really good look at numbers 1 to 4.

Technology is undoubtedly moving very rapidly. Many customers are consuming their media and comparison shopping using their mobile phones. Is your website compatible for people who log in with their mobile phones?

How is your Social Media strategy coming along? Are you connecting with your customers using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or your blog?

If your target audience is consumers, you’re foolish NOT to have a Facebook account.

If you’re business-to-business, providing customer services using Social Media can be more challenging, but there are many examples of businesses that are thinking outside of the box. (Shameless self-promotion: PUNCH!media has a Facebook presence and provides regular tips to businesses).

I have talked with several business owners who have received great exposure  and increased sales using sites like Groupon and WagJag. But businesses beware, the deeper you discount your prices, the less profit you make. Be sure to have a lot of opportunities to “upsell” once your customers come through the door, so you can make a return on your investment.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Start with one project and experiment. Test and measure metrics. Evolve.

Let’s make a resolution to try new adventures. To live fearlessly. And here’s hoping 2011 will see the economy flourish.

We wish you and your business a very healthy and prosperous 2011.

Cheers!

Photo source: http://thephotographer4you.com/

Posted in Current trends & tips

About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management. Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity. Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts. Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results. Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy. Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.