Trend Hunter's Editorial Intern alumni Kevin Young returns to TH headquarters to gab about his favorite trend, 'Dance Like Nobody's Watching' mall video, which appropriately embodies his carefree personality. Mr. Young also gives viewers insight about his adaptable personality and constant appetite for change, which he carries through not only as a life mantra but also as advice to the business world.
What is your favorite trend and why?
My favorite trend is called shopping mall flash dances. It's about this girl who entitled it Dance Like Nobody's Watching mall video. She just goes into a mall and puts on headphones so that nobody can listen and she dances freely to Chromeo's Fancy Footwork. Do you see how she's just dancing and everyone thinking that she's coo coo but she's high off of love.
How do you define cool?
I define cool as something that is generating a lot of buzz before it turns viral. It is something that also makes you feel cool.
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
My secret to uncovering trends is following people on Twitter and youTube and constantly searching similar things like that. This is important especially when working for Trend Hunter, which is all about cool and cutting edge.
How do you reset to be creative?
It would have to be a lot of music. I would start slow in the morning like with Sigur Rós and then in the afternoon it would be more hardcore beats. In between that I would be eating snacks.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is applying to teach in Korea, which I am planning to do in about two months.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
When I was little I was influenced by my third grade teacher Ms. Hanslip. She loved Van Gogh and it made me want to be an artist.
What inspires or excites you?
What inspires or excites me is the amount of change I see. Change is good and it always invigorates me. Also traveling the world, it is so humongous and inspires me to get out there.
What is your advice to the business world?
My advice to the business world is to keep up with change. Change is so important and essential these days. Especially concerning the Internet. It is important to keep on top of it and be adaptable.
What is the most remarkable way you see business changing?
The most remarkable way I see business changing is their involvement online. By being digital and networking, getting out there, not keeping up with the old traditional way is some ways that businesses are keeping up with the times.
Any last thoughts about Trend Hunter?
Everyone is buzzing about Trend Hunter reaching 1 billion views but don't be surprised when they hit 2 billion!
Kevin Young, Trend Hunter (INTERVIEW)
Young Discusses the Dance Like Nobody's Watching Mall Video
Trend Themes
1. Shopping Mall Flash Dances - Opportunity to create unique shopping experiences by integrating flash dances and viral videos in malls.
2. Following People on Social Media - Opportunity to utilize social media as a tool for trend research and analysis.
3. The Importance of Adapting to Change - Opportunity to develop a business strategy that prioritizes adaptability and embraces change.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retail industry can integrate flash dances and viral videos as part of their marketing strategy for unique product promotion.
2. Market Research - Market research companies can make use of social media platforms to collect data on trends that can be used in their research analysis.
3. Business Consulting - Business consulting firms can provide services and recommendations to help clients adapt to change and remain competitive in their industry.