1. From HQ to CQ
It is not just micro-businesses that are increasingly using
co-working spaces. Mid-sized businesses are also using
them to shift from an HQ ‘Headquarters’ mentality to a
CQ ‘Connected Quarters’ approach in which they seek
talent, ideas, community and customers as well as giving
their workers flexibility. Co-working spaces are perfect to
help talented staff work in an attractive space but avoid
unnecessary commuting, to set up branches in other
cities, and to connect into the communities that will drive
your business forward.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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3. Data-Driven Self-Perfection
A whole new generation of technology is allowing
us to track every aspect of our lives, with many
Australians discovering that they enjoy and get real
value from these deeply personal insights. Business
owners have always been immensely motivated to
be at their very best. Now that they are able to
gather data on their work, exercise, food and
sleep, they are using what they learn to improve
their performance in every aspect of their lives.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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5. Lightning Gratification
Speed is the name of the game. As the world has
accelerated over the last years and decades, people’s
patience has eroded to the point of vanishing. Customers
now expect gratification will be almost simultaneous with
their desires. Service is expected not just during normal
business hours but sometimes to all hours of the day, and
product delivery is anticipated to be close to
instantaneous. Companies need to be good at managing
customers’ expectations, but they also need to learn how
to respond like greased lightning.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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6. Big Data For Small Business
‘Big Data’ – gathering immense amounts of information
to improve performance – is top of the agenda for
massive companies like banks, supermarkets and utilities.
Now small business is able to seize the opportunity, using
similar tools to fine-tune and grow their companies.
Applications range from predicting what customers are
most likely to buy next or micro-tracking the success of
marketing campaigns through to rostering staff when
they are most productive. Using these kinds of tools can
help smaller business sneak ahead of larger, less nimble
competitors.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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8. Your Unique 3D Print
Personalisation is moving to the centre of business, with
customers expecting to get unique, customised
products, and the companies who can offer that leaping
ahead. The rise of 3D printing is a major tool allowing
these new services to emerge. Manufacturers and
designers can create instant prototypes, marketers are
creating startling new approaches, and we are now
seeing growing companies attract attention and revenue
by efficiently creating products that are made uniquely
for a single customer.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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10. Very Personal Digital Assistants
We have long had digital devices to assist us. With
the advent of new interfaces such as augmented
reality glasses and gesture control as well as almostintelligent software that understands us and what
we want, digital assistants have become very
personal indeed. Those who learn how to use these
tools well will effectively be outsourcing part of
their brain to become smarter, more effective and
efficient, with more refined senses and increased
capabilities, simply out-classing their competitors.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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12. Visual Power
Information overload has run amok, swamping us
with far more information than we can deal with.
Long passages of text are rarely read, and people
are being drawn to visual representations that
convey insights quickly and efficiently. In stores
where experience is key, and in every marketing
and communications media, powerful visuals are
increasingly not just necessary to cut through, but
fundamental enablers to being seen at all.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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14. Power to the Worker
The MegaTrend of “power to the individual” is highly
visible today in how customers and citizens are calling the
tune to previously arrogant institutions. As important is
the shift of power to the worker. The companies
succeeding today and tomorrow are those attracting the
most talented to work for them, very simply by giving
them what they want. These elite are looking for
stimulating work, flexibility in when, where and how they
work, and meaning by having a positive impact through
their efforts.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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16. Learn to Earn
As change accelerates, a divide is rapidly emerging.
Those who take the time to study and learn about
new
possibilities
are
seizing
new
opportunities, while those who continue to rely on
what they know of yesterday’s world are being left
behind. As the world of business changes, success is
increasingly going to those who understand they
need to keep on learning in order to grow their
earning power.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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18. Light Up Your Life
In a connected world you are either visible or invisible.
Being active in social and business worlds, both online
and offline, allows you to be seen and to be found. Those
who are interested in others will find that they are
interesting to others, becoming beacons to customers
and opportunities. In the world of business people often
used to hide themselves, adopting false personas, but
with a changing society being fully and completely
ourselves is not just a personal opportunity, but a way to
inspire others, be seen and grow businesses fast.
Ross Dawson Futurist
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