Every December for the past few years, I have researched design trends and business data that would help determine where the world of business and the profession of design are headed. Scanning the Net and reading what the business experts have to say, collecting points of view and merging the facts with anecdotal dialogue often becomes the foundation for our firm's strategic plan for the year.
As in the past, a collection of possible indicators always quickly bubbles up to the top and when viewed together emerge to shine the light on possible directions.While it is certainly not a perfect science, the endeavor to blend all this information together does help to inform plans and strategies for my firm.
A few key signs are already emerging from the research.
• There appears to be an opportunity for businesses to start investing in their future if only to be in the best possible position to take advantage of who ever wins the presidential election. ( Remember that historically the economy does well during the last half of an election year.) Sources indicate there will be a bit more cash available to loan from banks especially from smaller financial institutions who are looking to increase their returns thru limited and managed risk. Design firms might do well by starting to look down the street at local banks and savings and loans for financing options for sale priced computers and other equipment especially if it leads to increased productivity of st
• There have been several mergers of design firms during this past economic period. The benefit to those businesses is the ability to spread the cost of doing business and enable them to move into other areas of specialties. Look for more consolidations of companies that supply goods and services to designers (AND make sure you know who you are actually doing business with.)
• Real estate will be emerging from hibernation but it will remain a long difficult path with so much inventory left to sell. The wise and cash-flush investors are snapping up residential and commercial properties at amazingly low prices. So design professionals that can help re-engineer and re-purpose properties will be in a great place during the coming months.
• Technology will impact the design professional using resources and information stored in the cloud. Design moves rapidly from just 9 to 5 to 24/7 thru the use of smart phones, tablets resulting in even more collaborating and team execution on behalf of clients.
If you find this reserch of interest and want to learn more, register today for
FutureView: 2012 Trends, Forecasts and Visions For The Design Community,
a webcast on Friday, January 13th @ 1pm MST. It's free ( if you are in the design community ) and you might just discover what the future holds for your organization.
There are some positive signs that this year will be better than 2011 but there's no guarantee when there are so many factors in play. But one thing is for sure: This is not the year to set back. This is a time to create your future.
If you'd like to sign up, just click on this LINK to register for the presentation.
As in the past, a collection of possible indicators always quickly bubbles up to the top and when viewed together emerge to shine the light on possible directions.While it is certainly not a perfect science, the endeavor to blend all this information together does help to inform plans and strategies for my firm.
A few key signs are already emerging from the research.
• There appears to be an opportunity for businesses to start investing in their future if only to be in the best possible position to take advantage of who ever wins the presidential election. ( Remember that historically the economy does well during the last half of an election year.) Sources indicate there will be a bit more cash available to loan from banks especially from smaller financial institutions who are looking to increase their returns thru limited and managed risk. Design firms might do well by starting to look down the street at local banks and savings and loans for financing options for sale priced computers and other equipment especially if it leads to increased productivity of st
• There have been several mergers of design firms during this past economic period. The benefit to those businesses is the ability to spread the cost of doing business and enable them to move into other areas of specialties. Look for more consolidations of companies that supply goods and services to designers (AND make sure you know who you are actually doing business with.)
• Real estate will be emerging from hibernation but it will remain a long difficult path with so much inventory left to sell. The wise and cash-flush investors are snapping up residential and commercial properties at amazingly low prices. So design professionals that can help re-engineer and re-purpose properties will be in a great place during the coming months.
• Technology will impact the design professional using resources and information stored in the cloud. Design moves rapidly from just 9 to 5 to 24/7 thru the use of smart phones, tablets resulting in even more collaborating and team execution on behalf of clients.
If you find this reserch of interest and want to learn more, register today for
FutureView: 2012 Trends, Forecasts and Visions For The Design Community,
a webcast on Friday, January 13th @ 1pm MST. It's free ( if you are in the design community ) and you might just discover what the future holds for your organization.
There are some positive signs that this year will be better than 2011 but there's no guarantee when there are so many factors in play. But one thing is for sure: This is not the year to set back. This is a time to create your future.
If you'd like to sign up, just click on this LINK to register for the presentation.
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