2008 Predictions

by mikekarnj on December 29, 2007

Last post of the year.  Here are my predications for 2008.  Enjoy!

1.  Innovation
All clients are asking for it.  And our industry has slowly been moving towards it in the past couple of years.  Agencies will start offering products and services that revolve around innovative ideas.

2.  social AWARENESS to social ACTION
2007 was the year of raising social awareness of different causes around the world.  From being green to Darfur to global warming, people will start DOING something about changing the world (rather than just talking about it).

3.  Third/Fourth Sector
New brands will pop-up that combine PROFIT + PURPOSE as it’s core brand purpose.  There will be a backlash to Corporate Social Responsibility as people will realize that throwing money at a social problem doesn’t necessarily  solve it.  People will flock to brands that start with missions to change the world.

4.  Record number of start-ups and entrepreneurs within Gen Y
2008 will be the year of start-ups.  Whether it’s web related, product or service; we will see a record number of young people launching start-ups.  With the combined trend of books such as the 4 Hour Work Week and success of companies such as Facebook; Generation Y will create it’s own success rather than adapting to corporate America.

5.  New Orleans
People will stop looking at New Orleans as a corrupt and inefficient city trying to rebuild itself but rather as an emerging creative city that is reinventing itself.  Much like Austin is known for music, Silicon Valley for web development, New Orleans will be known for people that want to do GOOD and change the world.  We’ll see a record number of graduates relocating to New Orleans.

  • http://elgaffney.com El Gaffney

    here’s to number 4! and i’d like to add, we’ll see more entrepreneurial collaborations and cooperative ventures. all this social networking is going to start looking to be monetized not just by companies but by the individuals making connections. however, i think we’ll also see these innovative partnerships happening – brands becoming friends with one another!

    i may post about this later. thanks for the inspiration. happy new year.

  • http://blog.mikekarnj.com Michael

    That’s a great idea Seth. Why don’t brands “marry” more with each other? The best example I can think of is the partnership between Nike and Apple. Imagine if Google and Apple teamed up together. That would be dope!

  • http://blog.mikekarnj.com/ Michael

    That's a great idea Seth. Why don't brands “marry” more with each other? The best example I can think of is the partnership between Nike and Apple. Imagine if Google and Apple teamed up together. That would be dope!