How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends?

The easiest and (in my opinion) best way to stay updated on industry trends is to be right where you are - on LinkedIn. Find people who speak about your industry and the topics that you are interested in. Follow them, and engage with their content for an even more meaningful experience. While the key influencers with six figure follower counts are always important to follow, I would also recommend following people with far fewer, as you are more likely to be able to have an actual exchange of thoughts and ideas. A mix of both is my advice. There is an amazing amount of thought leadership, news and advice here on LinkedIn. Leverage it!

I agree, I find different perspectives and knowledge sharing so valuable. I live by the mantra that I try to learn one new thing every day. Even if it’s a different industry it can still be applicable to your own - but the learning must never stop.

Yes. But don’t follow blindly. Influencers are not created equal. Ring their bells as a test and consume their content and conversations to ensure they’re on point for your goals, and their network is having conversations of value. Now remember that everyone influences someone so don’t only look to big names, or big accounts. There are incredible voices here with small but mighty communities. Be open minded. As you find the right people for you write them down aligned to your goal so you have a documented strategy. It helps clarify your approach, where your time is going and can tie back to accountability and outcomes.

In FMCG, the shortest distance to stay updated with industry trends is at the Point of Purchase (POP) i.e., not sitting behind a laptop screen and following influencers or reviewing posts of industry experts but rater by spending valuable field time to understand the Shopper/Consumer needs as well as the Trade needs. Media posts are mostly generic and won't share real learning of added value info. It is either a self-marketing post or a distraction of competition!! Real added value learning is at the "moment of truth" as the last contact point between the Brand and a potential Shopper/Consumer purchase. Here surfaces the industry trend(s). Business leaders books is also a precious source of acquiring & learning credible industry trends.

There are great content creators out there. I usually make lists. On LinkedIn when using a FREE account, there is a shortcut to create a list by using your Chrome browser. All you have to do is find a content creator Then go to their All Activity Section (Under Posts) And click on the Star across from the URL Then create a folder and save them inside the folder. There are 3 types of folders: 1- Use 3 Google Chrome bookmark folders and name them: Folder 1: LinkedIn | Folder 2:(Your field of work) | Folder 31:(Your City OR Country) Example: [ LinkedIn | Personal Branding | Jordan ] 2- Save 10 to 20 content creators in each folder Then you can browse their content with one click anytime of the day.

I follow well respected institutions and the research fellows, signing up for webinars where they present their research because it will be cutting edge questions and developments they are addressing

One of the things I've found helpful is to follow people in unrelated industries and look for ways to apply those learnings to your own industry. For example, I love to learn trends in luxury brand client experience and bring those trends to our financial services clients.

I agree ☝️ that following key influencers who are sharing information in areas of interest is a great start. The best of them share resources and other information that may have otherwise been hard to find.

The best way to stay up to date with trends is to follow simple 4 steps that I have been doing for past 2 decades: 1. Scroll and Scout: Even before we get into trends, we should be able to ‘see’ what’s happening around. ‘What’s happening’ comes in 2 capsules a. Signals, b. Drivers. Signals are only ‘happenings’, however the ‘drivers’ are ‘potent signals’ that can crawl up in a trend cycle. Hence, keep scrolling LinkedIn, Insta, podcasts and X. I also keep a set of news apps. 2. Discuss and Deduct: Put it up potential drivers in your LinkedIn page for further discussion and map. 3. Derive and Document: Once you see a good number of positive interactions, derive the plausibility of it. 4. Tap and Map: Tap and map the direction of the trend.

In my experience you earn authority by being (respectfully) contrarian. What is a widely held view in your industry that doesn’t gel with your experience? For example, I’ve noticed that the most successful entrepreneurs are over 40, but most founder press focuses on people <30.

Professional networks are a convenient way to connect with people who have similar expertise and interests. I am a part of the National Speakers Association (NSA), and I’ve met so many speakers and event organizers through this organization. Joining NSA led to forging a strong speaker community, and it also opened up opportunities to speak to the group about the intersection of mental health and storytelling.

Throughout my professional career, I have realized that most influential professional networks that actually get people ahead often resemble exclusive elite clubs, where individuals who look like me are rarely represented. When creating professional networks, it is crucial to prioritize inclusivity. Building networks that embrace diversity, ensures that all individuals have the opportunity to benefit from them. It is hard to derive value from a network that lacks representation & fails to foster a sense of belonging for individuals based on their identity. We are at a pivotal point in reshaping our world. In another 50 years, we want to know that we acted responsibly today & made the necessary change to leave a more equitable world behind.

Staying up-to-date with industry trends is crucial for success as an entrepreneur. There are many ways to stay informed, including attending industry conferences, trade shows, and webinars. Reading publications and blogs in the field, following industry leaders and influencers on social media, and subscribing to newsletters are also effective strategies. Joining professional associations, engaging with online communities, and participating in networking events can facilitate learning and connect entrepreneurs to valuable resources. It is also important to continuously seek feedback from customers and market research to stay informed about changing customer needs and preferences.

Also follow communities and networks of Futurists around Futures Literacy, Futures Thinking and Foresight. With these disciplines, you can learn how to explore the future and detect emerging trends and signals while also thinking about the future you want to create.

As a long-time member of my industry association, the National Speakers Association, I understand the value of learning from and collaborating with my peers. It's a great way to speed up the learning process. However, just like the BNI saying, "Givers Gain," a trade association is not something you join to GET things from; you actually get a lot more when you are willing to participate and give first.

"Networking Always Beats Not Working!" Go Grand, Never Bland, Brand to Land & #KeepRockingLinkedIn! Kevin On a Mission to Eliminate Organizational & Personal Blanding™

In order to stay in the know, involved in the new, and on the forefront of innovation and trend - it is important to find digital communities and networks that provoke thought and discussion. By identifying topics and areas of your top interest, you can discover digital communities lead and fueled by industry experts and thought leaders within the topic. From there, you will have the ability to consume content, participate in discussion, and contribute thoughts around areas that matter most to you. This experience should feel very welcoming, exciting, and opening. Never be scared nor nervous to contribute as the point of the community is to bring people together, never to isolate individuals. Join, consume, share, experience, and grow!

Networking allows you to engage with like-minded professionals, participate in discussions, and share ideas. Attend meetings, webinars, conferences, or workshops organized by these networks. Such events often provide insights into the latest industry trends and developments. By joining professional networks, you're exposed to a wealth of shared knowledge, keeping you informed and relevant in your field.

Not an easy take on staying updated with the most recent topics, but something that be build into practice - 1. Follow top voices through blogs or social media 2. Join relevant groups or a community for regular updates 3. Engage with a post on the topic on a platform of your choice for future reference.

If you don't see a professional network you want or need, don't be afraid to create one! I've been surprised how many of our peers are willing to lean in and build together. Start with a handful of people you know, who are also interested in the same topics and goals. Engage them, get their advice on how to evolve the gathering and drive the agenda forward! It's incredibly rewarding to watch it grow as fills your collective needs along the way!

There are so many webinars, live events and podcasts that you can attend and listen to. There is absolutely nothing holding us back from learning something new every day. Many of these are free or low cost. There are multiple LinkedIn Live and LinkedIn audio events every day. In person events give you the added advantage of time to meet people face to face and make an in person impression, but virtual events and webinars mean that geographic location is no longer a barrier to entry. Sometimes, my biggest challenge is deciding which event or webinar to attend, and what fits my schedule. Podcasts are available at any time, and they are a great way to learn and be inspired on your own schedule. I often listen to them while I am walking.

In today’s digital era, networking through webinars and online events has become invaluable for building meaningful professional relationships. Scouring LinkedIn for event attendees and engaging with their content beforehand can spark richer conversations. A lesser-known LinkedIn feature even allows messaging fellow attendees sans restrictions. Meanwhile, the age-old charm of offline events continues. A modern spin involves using LinkedIn's QR code feature post-conversation to swap contact info swiftly. Following up with a selfie and a shared post not only documents the interaction but amplifies the networking effect, marrying the conventional with the modern in a delightful networking dance.

Once you’ve found prominent voices in specific topics and followed them, be on the lookout for linkedin lives & audio events they host and add your thoughts in real time as those events occur. It’s not uncommon for someone to give you a shout out for adding a ton of value and often times feature your comments on their live stream or call you out in the Audio event. Speaking of audio events, join them and raise your hand to stand out from the rest and get on stage with thoughtful questions and commentary. You’ll establish credibility this way AND gain followers.

There are many professional associations and companies holding virtual events and webinars that are in your industry. This becomes a great way to keep up with new technology, topics, and connect with leaders in your industry on LinkedIn. LinkedIn also allows you to create events both on your personal profile and Company pages that will also let you invite your network to attend and further allow for growth and sharing with those you want to help succeed. Many of these events are recorded, so you can also catch the replay at your convenience.

Yes, events and webinars (attending and hosting) are great. The challenge is diluting our focus because there are almost too many opportunities. I accept way more invites to attend webinars and LinkedIn Lives than I can actually attend.

This is a great way to meet other people and also learn and discuss the trends. When you meet people in these settings - you can always ask them to introduce you to someone else in that space or even start your own group that meets regularly to share insights.

These platforms often host expert speakers who discuss current trends, future predictions, and innovative strategies. They also offer opportunities for networking, which can lead to further insights. Webinars and virtual events make it easy to access these resources from anywhere. Besides attending, actively participate by asking questions and engaging in discussions. Following up on presented topics by doing your own research can also deepen your understanding. Regular attendance and active participation keep you current and knowledgeable.

Leadership lessons, I have learned. If you are the smart one in the room, get out! Leaders know how to get this done by delegating work to those who have leadership potential. A leader's job is to create future leaders. A leader's job is not to withhold information & be red tape but to clear the roadblock. A leader's job is to not surround themselves with yes people. Leaders provide an inclusive place & watch their biases without assumption. Leaders are advocates for DEI & they walk the talk. The leadership role is to make change for people who can't & it is uncomfortable at times to speak up, but you must do it! Leadership is an act, not a title. Leadership is an impact you make. Leadership is not managing people.

Remember when webinars, pagers, and overhead projectors were the future and fun? The future is now, and our companies are sending us to these trainings so they can check a box off their ESG list. The fun has disappeared because we are asked not only to attend, we need to bring back X number of business cards and schedule x number of appointments with potential clients. And if you are lucky enough to be able to attend these remotely, you have to leave your camera on and report back your learnings to a supervisor or manager. I have found that attending seminars and webinars on my own time that I have chosen for myself is far more beneficial. I get to learn what I want to learn and connect with people like myself that I don't need to pitch.

Choose webinars & events that aren't echo chambers of what you know and think. Use any such opportunity to ask questions, create relationships, and connect dots.

As a professional communicator, I love to start my day by reading industry news while I drink my coffee. It’s helpful to see what news organizations are most interested in at the moment. From there, it can guide strategy of prioritization and focus for the rest of my day.

Reading about things seems obvious, but it’s important to ensure you’re getting a balanced viewpoint and viewing things through various lenses. Sometimes it’s easy to find yourself in an echo chamber of bias and that’s not good. My best practice is typically to read 5-10 articles about a specific thing before I make up my mind where I fall on the topic.

Staying current with industry trends involves a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I subscribe to newsletters and email digests, which prove to be useful for receiving regular updates. Among my favorites are Inc42's Daily Brief, offering comprehensive coverage of Indian news, and global insights from sources like Knowledge at Wharton, RedSeer, and Morning Brew. Secondly, I complement my reading with video content. Channels like Think School on YouTube provide valuable case studies and real-world examples, enriching my understanding of current industry developments.

I've discovered a game-changing resource that has been incredibly helpful in keeping me up to date with current trends: Google Alerts. This tool delivers real-time updates on industry trends right to my inbox, allowing me to stay ahead of the curve. It's a great way to maintain a competitive edge by ensuring I'm well-informed about the topics that most interest me.

There is too much of noise and filtering that out to find meaningful information and content has become a huge pain. There's a sure way to find great articles and insights is to visit consulting firms websites esp. MBBs. A lot of time can be saved.

Following the right people on the right platform who’s creating content about a specific topic is the fastest way to keep up with news in whatever area that you are interested in. This could be LinkedIn, Twitter, medium or substack. Go take some time to find the right one’s. The time is worth it.

One of the rules in academia is to read at least one article a day. This practice helps you stay informed about the latest developments in your professional area of interest. I carried this rule with me when I transitioned from academia to the semiconductor industry. All the innovations, new products, and methods originate from research and reflect the ongoing work on products that will be in development next year and hit the market in five years. Peer-reviewed journal publications are not limited to universities; they also come from industry giants, as do patent applications. Therefore, reading an article every day will not only keep you updated on industry trends but also give you a competitive advantage, placing you ahead of the curve.

Every morning, I begin by reviewing articles that Ittybrief has gathered for me according to my specified criteria. This keeps me informed on the latest industry trends, changes, and developments, as well as offers a variety of perspectives to help me form my own opinions.

I am a big fan of "Learning by doing". While reading and attending events are important, it's hands-on experience that truly helps us understand. We need to experiment ourselves in order to get the full picture. This approach shapes our expertise and guides us to the right direction.

This comes from my engineering background but I love to try new things and see how the engagement and results are. Experiment with different ways to communicate and share information and find one that matches your audience engagement.

Experimenting with new stuff has been my favorite way to learn more and explore fitment with latest trends. I sign up for beta versions, try out stuff in my workflow, and share with the network. This has not just helped me stay up to date, but also helped me get early feedback from the community.

I love to beta test and experiment with new tools and features for myself and so I can advise my clients and friends. You do have to not be afraid of mistakes!

Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends also involves active experimentation and learning. This involves testing new tools, techniques, or strategies that are emerging in your field. Engage with new technologies or methods that are shaping your industry. Learn from the outcomes, iterating on successes and learning from failures. This hands-on approach keeps you informed about new trends and provides practical experience and a deeper understanding. Continuous learning and adaptation to new practices will ensure you remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing environment.

Learning happens when, how we learn is in sync with our natural learning style(s). Some of us learn by seeing; some by listening to experts; some others by reading and a few by doing! For those experiential learners, who learn by “going through and doing” designing experiments that push us beyond our comfort zones by itself is a learning. What’s important is, how well we align these “experiments “ with our life and business goals! Making something better excites me; I’m also aware sometimes trying to fix what ain’t broken may lead to chaos too. The way I learnt the ropes of Digital Business Transformation was through series of experiments. Each experiment with a finite outcome expectation and a time limit, and an open mind.

Almost everything new in business is an experiment. Test, learn, see what works, and adjust on the fly. Right now as an entrepreneur, I find that experimenting with generative AI via tools like ChatGPT is important. How can these tools make work easier, simpler, and better? The way to find out is through an experiment, or two or three. For example, today I used ChatGPT to generate the start of a one-month social media content calendar.

As storytellers, we have the exceptional chance to engage audiences and form storylines but to stand out, we must adopt an innovative mindset. Networking and collaborating with other content providers, business leaders, and enthusiasts can open up new perspectives and promote a culture of shared learning. Participating in conversations, joining online discussion forums or social media groups devoted to our niche, and going to local meetups or virtual events all help us develop as creators. By taking advantage of these chances, we can share ideas, get criticism, and even find mentorship.

While you can and should follow the advice from previous paragraphs, you should also simply expose yourself to a wider audience and discussion. Being a content creator with people reacting to your opinions can become a huge source of inspiration and new ideas :)

Innovation and continuous learning are big for me as a digital strategist. I advise to get their hands on new innovations, even if only to see what does and doesn’t work. ChatGPT and generative ai are obvious recent examples. Even if one doesn’t become an expert with these new tools, having a basic understanding is critical for one’s ability yo lead.

Leader or not, life is all about continuous never ending change and improvement (cneci) as we grow, learn, develop and regenerate. Consider: Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other ~ John F. Kennedy Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young ~ Henry Ford The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing ~ Albert Einstein We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn ~ Peter Drucker Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever ~ Mahatma Gandhi

We should plan our learning by scheduling time for learning in our calendar. Every morning, I spend one-hour learning new stuff, trends, etc. What gets scheduled gets done.

Curiousity has been a trusted instinctual driver for me. Cross-industry pollination has always proven valuable for me. I love connecting with people who focus on other "boxes" and always find it fascinating to look for overlapping interests and interconnectedness.

I have always found that the best way to stay up on industry trends is to continue to work with companies in your industry. Do consulting, do training, and then ask questions while you are there to really learn about the latest trends and issues from the people that are in the trenches every day.

[P2 of 2] For businesses: use AI & data science to automate this process. Find tech that offers bespoke tools that combine all the above into 1 centralized platform, along with your brand/business ethos and values. Key considerations when selecting platform models: -how does the platform and services help your business keep up with/respond to trends in real-time, when appropriate? Or, take a cautious long tail approach, when appropriate? -how are you using this data aggregation of industry trends upstream in your strategic process for business and product innovations, and go-to-market strategy?

I am a big believer in constantly learning and sharing. There is always something that we don't know. So keep reading (books / newspapers / industry publications), and keep sharing with your community — so that we can learn from each other. And stay curious.

An essential part of my trend spotting is through podcasts. I have turned my daily walks into podcast time and follow 10-ish podcasts, both in the direct field of what I look for and adjacent podcasts that give perspectives with a lens from the side.

One thing that works for us, is a simple question that we ask of those we respect the opinions of; 'Who, or what, is causing you to think differently right now?' Get in the habit of asking this and your external radar will be strong.

By considering these additional points alongside the previous tips, you can enhance your ability to stay up to date on industry trends, make informed decisions, and stay ahead of the competition in your field. Utilize Technology and Automation: Embrace technology as a tool and leverage automation to track and analyze relevant data, monitor trends, and receive real-time updates. Engage with Customer Feedback and Reviews: Actively monitor and engage with customer feedback, reviews, and social media discussions related to your industry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing with colleagues from different departments within your field.

I like to look outside my industry to see where others are focused. Subscribe to at least one podcast, newsletter or influencer who has nothing to do with your field or profession. This will give you a completely different perspective and ideas that you could apply to your industry where most people have the same or similar perspectives.