John Ibbitson's favorite trend, a social media contest headed by model River Viiperi, comes as no surprise considering his high respect for the model. Aside from the several opportunities he gained from working at Trend Hunter, Ibbitson also delves into his passion for directing movies (one of which won an award) and his emphasis on online being the most pertinent and important aspect for businesses to focus on.
What is your favorite trend and why?
My favorite trend would definitely be anything fashion related. One of the articles that I wrote was on this particular model River Viiperi. He was the model for Versace for H&M. He did a contest where he was going to give away pieces from the collection. So what I love about this video is that it was a trend that I wrote about where his agent then contacted me and asked me if I wanted to do an interview with him. So, it was basically a trend that not only had some of the most hits, but it also opened me up to a bunch of new possibilities.
How do you define cool?
As lame and probably cliché as this is, I define cool as a state of being. It is who you are naturally and that's what makes you cool.
What is your favorite thing about working at Trend Hunter?
My favorite thing about working at Trend Hunter was definitely the people I got to work with. But there were lots of things that I really liked about it besides some really good friends I made since working there and who I've stayed in touch with since. Writing this article for example about this model and getting to do an interview. I made connections through this model's agent where now I am writing a bio for him on his website and I also might be setting up an interview at my new job with another client that she represents from the Hunger Games, which is kind of cool.
What is the most remarkable way that you see businesses changing
The most remarkable way that business is changing is there is more of an online component. Not just with social media though social media is a big part of it. Business is changing in the way that it advertises. Just like flash mobs and things like that. Basically they are just selling them advertising. It is the same kind of advertising that you would get on the street when people hand you the Trident sample, but it's like they are making you earn that Trident sample and constantly be hooked into their advertising. Through new methods of advertising, businesses are definitely changing.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
My favorite accomplishment, I don't know if I could pin point one accomplishment. I've directed three short films and one of those recently won an award at a film festival, so that was pretty great. I'm really proud of what I'm doing now and I'm really proud of the fact that I am married now and married to my husband.
Any last thoughts about Trend Hunter?
It was a really great environment to work in. I came up with a new saying: WTF stands for What the Fun. So, what the fun Trend Hunter!
John Ibbitson, Trend Hunter (INTERVIEW)
Ibbitson on Model River Viiperi and Social Media Contests
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Contests - Opportunity for brands to increase engagement and reach by collaborating with popular models or influencers to run social media contests.
2. Online Advertising - Opportunity for businesses to shift advertising tactics towards online methods, such as social media campaigns and flash mobs to increase customer engagement and loyalty.
3. Fashion Trends - Opportunity for fashion brands to increase awareness and drive sales by leveraging popular models or influencers to promote their products through social media campaigns and contests.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Fashion brands can use social media contests and campaigns to increase engagement and drive sales by collaborating with popular models or influencers.
2. Advertising Industry - Online advertising is disrupting traditional advertising methods and providing new opportunities for businesses to increase customer engagement and loyalty.
3. Film Industry - Opportunity for filmmakers to leverage their skills to create engaging visual content for brands to use in their online marketing campaigns.