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FuturistU > Business > New Business Models > Module 4 / 4

New Business Models and Instant Entrepreneurship

Instructor: Mary Van Puymbroeck
Customer Experience
Download the Customer Experience Trend Report
With the internet fueling the direct-to-consumer market, it's easier than ever to launch a business. Across the internet, we can see DTC making a significant impact on the global economy. Our final module in New Business Models takes on the three key considerations and impacts of direct sales; Cost & Quality, Community Focus and Social Impact.

This chapter zeros in on our Megatrend Instant Entrepreneurship to better understand the way that niche businesses are fostering brand love by directly responding to consumer need. We will explore the implications of the re-formatting of direct sales for your business.
Related Trend Report: Customer Experience
Workshop Questions:
1. How could you have lower overhead and deeper consumer connection?
2. What are the social, ethical, or environmental advantages your brand could have over competitors?
Jeremy Gutsche Keynote Speaker

Featured Insights

Direct-to-Engaged
DTC engagement ring retailers rise in popularity
Trend - For a long time, one needed to visit a store in-person and consult with an expert to buy an engagement ring. Today, a number of direct-to-consumer jewelers specializing in engagement rings are disrupting this process. These e-retailers appeal to Millennials in particular looking to prioritize value, convenience and in some cases, customization over an expert consultation.
Workshop Question - How much value do in-person interactions to your customer experience? How could this be replicated in a digital experience?
4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
DTC Plant
Direct-to-consumer plant shops speak to Millennial purchasing preferences
Trend - In an effort to help consumers find a natural escape from the stressors of urban life, consumers are turning to direct-to-consumer solutions, even when it comes to plants. This move fulfills the desire many younger consumers have to shop more seamlessly despite how fragile or cumbersome the product or service may be.
Workshop Question - What Millennial need might a direct-to-consumer offering from your industry fulfill?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Authenticity On-Demand
Connection is secured through micro-moment companionship services
Implications - In today's fast-paced and often lonely world, on-demand companionship products that extend beyond a simple transactional relationship work to fill in the gaps of our social experience (for example, helping seniors with their shopping rather than simply driving them to and from the store). While commoditized connection might not necessarily be a new idea, it's the extension of these services to fill everyday micro-moments that delivers the deeper, more authentic link to the world around them that humans so urgently crave.
Workshop Question - How has your brand responded to the increased expectations of authenticity that many consumers have for the brands they interact with?
4.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Accessible E-Commerce
Brands make online shopping easier for elderly demographics
Trend - For senior demographics, modern technology can be more challenging to navigate. To change this, some online retailers are prioritizing senior demographics--both in the products they offer and in how their platforms are designed.
Workshop Question - How could your brand prioritize accessibility in its product design?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
SMS Support
Text-based customer support services prioritize convenience and quick communication
Trend - Traditional forms of customer support like going in-store or calling in and being put on hold are slowly being pushed aside for more modern, convenient options. Now, SMS-based customer support programs offer quicker service that requires less patience from both parties.
Workshop Question - How could your brand reduce friction in the customer service journey?
4.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Inclusive Jewelry
Jewelry brands become more inclusive in their products and representation
Trend - The North American jewelry industry has historically been relatively exclusive, and in the past that's had an impact on its accessibility for some demographics. Now, more brands in this space are prioritizing inclusion--in everything from LGBTQ+ representation to inclusive internal hiring initiatives.
Workshop Question - How is your brand effectively aligning itself with the values of consumers?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Beginner Garden
Tech-enhanced products help beginners establish both small and large gardens
Trend - Brands are helping consumers who are new to gardening with tech-based tools and services that help beginners learn about taking care of plants. These include everything from plant-identifying apps to plant health-tracking sensors.
Workshop Question - How is your brand making its product/service accessible to its customers?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Virtual Changing
Virtual fitting rooms are growing in popularity amidst the pandemic
Trend - Virtual fitting rooms are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to in-person fitting rooms, particularly as the ongoing pandemic has put restrictions on in-person shopping. Now, consumers are able to see how clothing may look on them without having to worry about hygiene or being inconvenienced.
Workshop Question - What long-term pandemic-related changes could your brand better adapt to?
6.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Plant Kits
Contemporary plant kits suit the lifestyles of young consumers
Trend - Brands releasing curated plant kits are prioritizing ease of use and contemporary designs in order to appeal to Millennial and Gen Z demographics. These products help consumers take part in plant-care as a hobby.
Workshop Question - How is your brand curating simple product experiences for customers?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Plant Shop
Plant care workshops and classes help people hone plant-based hobbies
Trend - Plant care is a popular hobby among Millennials and now, older Gen Z, and brands are taking advantage of this trend with workshops and classes that help people hone their skills in this space. These workshops are taking place both in retail spaces and virtually amidst pandemic pivots.
Workshop Question - How is your brand curating distinct experiences for its more loyal customers?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Plant Database
Plant databases give individuals and retailers easily accessible information
Trend - Databases designed to give users information on plants, whether that's retail habits in this space or consumers' wanting information on species, are making the gardening and plant-care space more accessible for individuals and small businesses.
Workshop Question - How is your brand making information accessible to its customers?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends