I’m Feeling Trendy
So what is a trend? Seems like a simple thing to answer, but let’s look at it anyway. A trend, simply put, is a movement. It is literally defined as, “A general direction in which something is developing or changing.” Great. So what does that mean? Well, our society is always moving and changing, but, as a whole, we’re moving in a general direction.
Learn To Love Trends.
No matter what industry you’re in, whether it’s fashion, entertainment, or marketing, there are movements. Trends are inevitable and often frustrating for those that have to “deal” with them rather than be a part of them. I want you to learn to love trends.
Get Trendy
We tend to think of trends as things that are birthed and die. In a sense you could think of it that way, but that’s not a totally accurate description. Birth and death are such massive and finite terms. It makes it seem bigger than it is. Trends are important but they don’t have to be complicated.
Remember, a trend is a general movement. Think of a timeline of history. There’s a flow to it. Since it is history you can see the exact trends. Well, if you begin to think of trends as what we’re headed toward it becomes easier to predict and to get in on it sooner. Sometimes you can see it coming, and sometimes you notice something as it emerges. It’s the same for the end of it.
Get in on trends that make sense for you as soon as possible. Look for it. See what others are doing that’s new and successful. Don’t copy them, but make it your own. Find out what’s upcoming in the world of technology. Come up with some creative ways to utilize the new and see how you can make it work for you.
Look at what others are doing, then make it your own. #StealLikeAnArtist
Make it a Blockbuster Night
Now, let’s talk about Blockbuster Video. Stay with me here. Maybe you know the story, maybe not, but one thing is for sure; if you’re over the age of 25 you remember making it a Blockbuster night.
Founded in 1985, Blockbuster expanded its empire to over 9,000 locations in just under 20 years. That’s impressive! They were the kings of home video entertainment. They grew because they were great at following the trends.
Somewhere around 1989 they began renting out video games. And, I remember the day I walked into the store and all the VHS had disappeared and been replaced with a sea of DVDs.
Then, out of nowhere, this tiny company came to them with a proposition and a new idea. It was crazy. Something that had never been done before. The company was called Netflix and was offering to sell to Blockbuster. Blockbuster executive looked at the tiny, struggling company and laughed at them. Ok, maybe they didn’t actually laugh at them. I wasn’t there, but they turned them down. Who would possibly want to rent their movies and have them mailed to them in a day or so? Nobody. Or so they thought. Turns out, they were wrong and disastrously so. They didn’t jump on this upcoming trend because they were riding the high of the trend they were in. Eventually Blockbuster tried to start their own mail service but it was too late. They were doomed.
That’s a lesson for us all. When you see something coming that might be the next thing don’t hold on to what you’re doing now just because it worked in the past. Every trend comes to an end. Blockbuster held on to their trend to the bitter end. In 2004 they had 9094 locations all over the world. Today they have only 5 locations. They could have been Netflix.
I can’t tell you what the next trend will be for you but what I will tell you is don’t be afraid to try. If Blockbuster had bought Netflix and it failed for them miserably they would just have lost some money. Because they didn’t try they lost everything.
If you try and fail miserably you’ve lost a little. If you
don’t try, you lose everything.
God Uses Trends
In marketing as a church, it’s highly unlikely you will lose everything because you miss a trend, but you never know where that trend will lead you. It may lead to exponential growth or open up ministry opportunities you never thought possible. God can use trends just like He can use a message from the pulpit to reach people. So step on to the trending rollercoaster and take a ride!
If you need someone to walk along side you and guide you we can help! We would love to partner with you to help you connect your community with God’s story. Schedule a call!