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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?
View Innovation Webinars

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?
3.9
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?
5.6
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?
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Mobile AI
Retailers are using AI to add unique features to their mobile retail apps
Trend - Retailers are launching mobile apps with AI-powered features designed to replace their existing apps. These apps offer recommendations, conversational support, image search, and features unique to certain retailers. These brands aim to improve customer retention while reducing ordering friction.
Workshop Question - How could your brand improve its customer satisfaction rates through AI features?
8.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Stylist
Artificial intelligence is used to provide fashion recommendations to shoppers
Trend - Shopping brands are utilizing artificial intelligence to provide personalized recommendations, answer queries, offer product information, and enhance the shopping experience for customers. These assistants can be integrated into e-commerce websites, mobile apps, or messaging platforms.
Workshop Question - How can your brand enhance the pre and post-purchase process for its customers?
8.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Consumer Marketplace
Brands are launching first-party storefronts to connect consumers to others
Trend - Brands across multiple industries are launching consumer-to-business-to-consumer (C2B2C) storefronts. C2B2C offers consumers discounts on products and enables consumers to sell unwanted products while the business handles transactions and verifies the quality of listed items.
Workshop Question - How might your brand benefit from connecting its consumers via an online marketplace or forum?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Senior Retail
Retailers are making shopping more convenient for elderly demographics
Trend - As accessibility becomes a priority for more brands, some are offering initiatives that assist elderly shoppers in-store. In-store assistance, accessible environments and senior-specific shopping zones are all prioritizing convenience for elderly consumers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better adapt to the needs of consumers who require accessible solutions?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
SMS Commerce
Brands are integrating shopping services into mobile SMS applications
Trend - Retailers are seamlessly integrating text message shopping services into their business models. This allows customers to browse, purchase, and pay for products directly through a text message rather than using a mobile storefront application or website. This reduces online order friction.
Workshop Question - How could your brand benefit from leveraging older, more familiar technology for accessibility?
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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?
5.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Wedding Support
Hybrid wedding-planning platforms offer affordable professional support
Trend - As more people turn to online platforms that help them organize weddings, apps that help users plan their own weddings while still receiving professional support are on the rise. These services are useful for consumers who are looking for affordable but effective wedding planning options.
Workshop Question - How could your brand make its product/service more accessible for customers?
2.3
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?
3.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends