Although we’re often busy working ‘in’ our business, it’s just as important to think about how current trends and developments can help us stay more competitive.  The world is changing so quickly in terms of technology, business models and consumer behaviour that we need to think creatively about how our own businesses might respond to these opportunities (and threats). It’s much better to be ahead of the game and we need to allocate time to think about how we can apply it into new products and services to keep innovating.

But it can be difficult to keep on top of this information, and although it’s vital to keep our eyes and ears open to what’s happening in our industry, and indeed across sectors, there are some experts that are immersed in it every day – whose job it is to seek out innovative ideas and new trends.

Here are some sources that Bracket uses to keep up-to-date on what’s happening at the forefront:

PSFK is ‘the go-to source for new ideas’.  An NYC-based research and innovation company, they work hard to find and communicate products and services that are breaking boundaries.  It’s a great source of inspiration and they condense their top stories into a handy daily newsletter for convenience.

Springwise has been a personal favourite of Bracket for a while.  With a more entrepreneurial take on current trends, Springwise reports on new business ideas and ventures from around the globe.  It covers 20 different industries, ranging from automotive, through to financial services, lifestyle & leisure and transportation.  A great way to stay up-to-date with Springwise is to follow them on Twitter.

Trendwatching, the older sibling of Springwise, publishes regular reports on consumer and brand behaviour.   Bringing together their insights to focus on a particular trend they have observed, they use names like “Nowism” and “Sellsumer” to analyse and describe them broadly.  The free briefings are then packed full to the brim of examples where these developments actually exist.  Trendwatching have also just published their Top 15 tips on how best to track and analyse trends.

These sources are all great ways of gaining inspiration about ways to inject new energy into our businesses, stay competitive and in tune with our customers.

[Bracket works with a wide range of creative freelancers and consultants, all at the forefront of what’s happening in their sectors.  We bring diverse talent together to apply their creative thinking to problems facing businesses, using their latest knowledge of their industries to collaboratively develop innovative solutions for moving forward]