TRENDS

Combine your 'talents' with one or more of the trends listed below to create your own NICHE. Or, use them to brainstorm for new ideas!

[Source for information on this page is Publisher: Ryanna's Hope Printing/Publishing, 9126 State Road, Colden, NY (716) 941-0085. To subscribe to "Surveys and Trends," Send E-mail  to rypublish@sprintmail.com and say 'survey'' in the subject line. Thanks, Larry!]

Security

From security guards through sophisticated alarm systems, businesses related to people's physical security will boom this year.

There will also be government contracts to be won, as the security at airports, transportation routes, and the border is beefed up considerably.

Look also for security-related businesses, such as those that shred paper for businesses, to increase.

Home Care

As governments are less and less able to deal with the sheer numbers of seniors needing care, private enterprise will continue to expand the services available to those who can pay for them.

There will be a larger market for grocery, meal, and medication delivery services, gardening and cleaning services, and "light" medical services delivered to the homes of the elderly than ever before.

Disaster Training

In the wake of September 11, people will no longer shrug off being prepared for all manner of disasters.

Kits for everything from earthquake survival through water purification will fly off the shelves, and basics such as first aid kits and bandages will be big sellers

There will also be an upsurge in all kinds of emergency-related training, such as learning CPR through disaster management.

Comfort Foods

Low-fat foods will lose popularity; in 2002, people will opt more for old-fashioned comfort foods rather than for deprivation.

Donuts, éclairs, milkshakes, real ice cream, and all those decadent, high fat treats will be big (no pun intended) in the fast food and retail food markets.

People will be buying more baked goods and more high-end specialty foods than ever before.

Others

The number of "health nuts" will increase. Companies selling vitamins etc. will prosper.

Consumer related services will need to improve service.

Boomers

Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Largest generation in the history of the United States. The Boomers -- about 77 million of them -- took to the streets and vowed to change the world.

Echo Boomers (1977-1994): A new generation is emerging in America, and it is called the Echo Boomers. There are at least 72 million of them. The overwhelming majority are children of Baby Boomers.

BABY BOOMERS
AND WHAT THEY WANT

According to "Trends," to position your business in the path of baby boomer needs is to accelerate your growth far beyond rates that would result from good products and good management alone.

In the next decade the 50 - 60 age-group will increase by 40%. As the baby boomers turn 50, many of their needs will stabilize for 30 years as successive boomers arrive at their half century, all wanting the same things.

For starters:

• They want to stay looking young, and keep ill-health at bay (and use Viagra if necessary);
• They want the music of their youth (eg. Beatles, Rolling Stones);
• They need to invest for retirement (better late than never);
• They want to cruise, fly, tour, everywhere and anywhere, and will not be deterred by recent setbacks in the airline industry;
• In retirement, they will need to have amassed very large capital from business or investment. If they have merely been "saving" they will likely face large financial shortfalls.

New Boomer Crop of Children...

While the original boomers had fewer children per household than their parents, their children seem to be having more, thus creating a new crop of boomer grandchildren

Consider what that means for opportunities in:

• child care
• toys
• clothing

Reinvention of Religion...

As people continue to cast off traditional beliefs and services, others return to them even more vigorously.

Consider what that means for opportunities in:

• books
• tapes
• online services

Yearning for High-Touch Products and Services...

This includes the nostalgia induced by high-tech solutions to everything.

Consider what that means for opportunities in:

• antiques
• older homes
• home delivery and pickup businesses
• any business owned by friendly, service-minded proprietors

THE AGING TREND

According to America Research, the number of Americans age 85 or older is skyrocketing. The total jumped 51% from 1980 to 1996 and is expected to climb an additional 32% by 2005. This swelling of the "old age" group means more aging parents relying on their families for care.

The 65 and older population is expected to reach 39 million, a 15% increase, by 2010!

• Companies that cater to both senior citizens and caregivers will profit the most.
• House calls from clothing people will not be uncommon.
• As technology becomes less expensive, and more accessible, seniors will want to access the Net for products, entertainment, family contact and more!

In 1997, America Research revealed that 1 in 5 of the labor force was part of the "sandwich generation," that is, taking care of both children and elderly relatives. (The figure was expected to increase over the next 5 years).

• "Caregivers" and members of the "Sandwiched Generation" are extremely hard pressed for time.
• "Caregivers" are demanding.
• Many stores will need to revive "home delivery" to the elderly and the caregivers.
• Shopping from home will be the continued "call" for caregivers and seniors who have little time, poor health, and limited finances (looking for best buys).

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Did any of the above Trends and ideas cause your heart to beat just a bit faster? If you want out of the Rat Race someday, now is the time to use these Trends to create your own Niche.

Need some More Ideas? Check out this Section: Resources

MY EBOOKS

Imagine Saving Money Without Scrimping, Depriving Yourself or Drowning in Coupons!

You probably think you'd have to work two jobs to get ahead. Or scrimp to the point of feeling deprived. But you know what? It's simply not true.