I know, I know. Everyone uses Google Trends to see what's hot and what's not. And while I use this dandy online tool myself, my most frequent gauge of buzz isn't Google . . . in fact it's not even on the computer.
My secret "pulse taker" is out my front door and down the hill about three miles . . . to my local Barnes and Noble and Borders.
The Offline Version of Google Trends
I stumbled onto this trend-spotting method years ago, before the Internet really hit its stride. At one time, during the early days of AOL, I kept an eye on the Internet section of the bookstore and saw it increase in several months from six books to three shelves dedicated to the Internet.
Bingo! I knew interest was trending online . . . and at a fast pace.
The trend was clear - and growing - so at that time, I submitted a book proposal to the "Dummy" books publisher on how to do genealogy online, and got a rejection letter telling me that there wasn't enough interest in online stuff to do the book. Ha!
Over the years, I've witnessed the ups and downs in popularity of Native American books (credit the Dances With Wolves movie), digital photography, Internet business, online marketing, DIY, gourmet cooking (think: Top Chef), computer magazines, and fantasy books (Lord of the Rings).
Get Into the Trends Routine
My routine is a once-weekly bookstore trip, hitting the sections of the store I'm most interested in. Trust me, it only takes a month or two to recognize a growing trend or a downward spiral. Although that trend may last only three to six months, you'll be the one to recognize the potential and profit from it.
What's my 2009 hot trends predictor, based on my secret bookstore methodology? Latch onto microblogging, FriendFeed, relationship marketing, and time management. (check back with me in 2010 and let's see how I did!)
Nancy Hendrickson, The Web 2.0 Writing Strategist, helps entrepreneurs grow their business to the fullest potential. If you're ready to flip your success switch, visit Nancy at http://www.nancyhendrickson.com
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