“The environment is still challenging. We see no reason for optimism and are managing our business accordingly.”
Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc., Aug 22, 2008
This quote offered by a favorite blog today.
Quotes like this belong in a file called SOT, or sign of the times. This is the "so-what?" in terms of why learn to see "social mood". The different ways general ideas about competition are creatively expressed (in large groups of people) in the two opposite periods of the developing social mood is a road map for executives and entrepreneurs. Of course, this one quote does not suggest a trend but, this quote is typical of the developing business climate we see right now and indicative of why the root trend matters. Creativity is needed and expressed at all times in business (from a macro perspective)but, the very changing nature of group expression changes how our enterprises work and compete. Seeing this view of group behavior is potentially very valuable during times of change. Like right now.
Consider my media examples in the last post or the (industrial) (r)evolution of media and you may begin to appreciate how many verticals are seeing profound changes in their competitive environment and how that is caused by changing values in society and their markets particularly. Potential insights and applications are both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The Root Trend is more than a catchy name for general opportunities. It is a new way of seeing supply and demand in your vertical. It can be mined for considerable profit. What you make of it is up to you.
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