Ignoring the Trends?

This is the second entry of our series Mistakes Small Businesses Make Preventing Web Profitability.

As fate would have it, I came across a terrific blog post this morning by Gerd Leonhard of Media Futurist describing the 8 Key Trends he sees regarding the future of new media. As I describe in my upcoming webinar “They ARE Talking About You”, many small businesses are ignoring the rising trends in technology that can help them leverage their brand to new sales channels using social media tools. One of the biggest trends that should not be ignored is the significant functionality and value provided by this technology for free or for unbelievably low fees.

I think Gerd Leonhard does a great job of describing the future of ubiquitous communications and its impact on media. Small business owners would be wise to become educated about the groundswell of changes in technology and revise their business strategy to take advantage of the opportunity these trends provide for them. The winners will be those who acknowledge the trends and ask “how can I add value?” to new and existing customers within these new markets.

What do you think? Is your small business crafting a customer experience across your offline and your online sales channels that profitably leverages the use of pervasive communications and your customers need to participate with your brand?