Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Wasn't sure where to put this, but.... I have been searching the web for what's hot and what's not for 2010. Since I design gift baskets and party sets and custom gifts, this is something I need to keep up with. I have a friend that says, Twilight is in and Hannah Montana is out. I found an article that said the color blue was in and then turn around and read an article that says pink. Also, are geese in, or apples? You get the idea.  Any suggestions for the new year, as to what's hot and what's not?

-------------------------

kkrafts
"Treat every day as a new adventure"

I recommend you look at larger trends. What I see happening right now is that the "it" color is green. Green as in ecology, global warming, decreased carbon emissions, sustainable fabrics, recycling, and ORGANICS!! I posted a few articles on my blog about green gifts for the holidays, green wines for the table (and I don't even drink), and the next thing I knew, all these eco Big Wigs were following me on Twitter. Now the green thing is part of my routine consideration for posting.

Same thing occured with my discussions about my faith. I am a Christian, and I thought it would be in keeping with my lifestyle to post devotional materials on my blog. I couldn't believe the response! Scores of people reading it before I even finished typing the tags. Now all the faith posts are starting to light up!!

Another accidental trend discovery was, last but not least, hip-hop (a musical genre with which I have had more than a few difficulties since it's inception). I posted an article about rapper T.I.'s release from prison (hey, I live in Hotlanta, and he's from Hotlanta), and accompanied it with the video of "Live Your Life", featuring Rihanna. Again, before I could finish typing in the tags, folk were on it like white on rice, and the hits went through the roof, spilling over to the other posts as well. My email the next morning contained 4 solid pages of new Twitter followers. Hmmm.

So there you have it. Some first hand stats and experience from a colleague who spends a lot of time in cyberspace. My recommendations are: do a "green basket", a "faith basket" (Christianity, Judaism, Islam), and a hip hop (or rock) basket. I will even help you promote any products made based on these ideas, on my blog, and my website.

So there you are. Best wishes for biz success!

Sincerely,

Verneda Lights, CEO e-graphx Omnimedia (www.e-graphx.com, www.cafepress.com/jennylights, www.vlights.posterous.com)

PS: If you haven't done so already, get busy on Twitter, and Linkedin!

-------------------------

Thanks Verneda. These are all great ideas! Let me see what I can put together and get back to you. If there's anything I can do for you, let me know.

Karen

P.S. I am on twitter and linkedin, also on facebook and www.merchantcircle.com , among others. 

-------------------------

kkrafts
"Treat every day as a new adventure"

Apples are in. But not Apples for eating, its Apple the company.

Iphone is in, and now new IPAD. So IMO at the moment Apple is totally in.