2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade [Hardcover]

Richard Laermer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2008

A better time for your business starts in the next decade.

Are you ready?

In this fast and furious time machine of a book, Richard Laermer shows you how to use-and in some cases abuse-the trends of the next decade (or two) that really matter. As an author with a functional crystal ball, a veteran marketing innovator, and media master, Laermer foresees a fabulous future-if you start planning for it today.

Sometimes you see a business evolve and think, “I wish I'd thought of that.” With his trademark razor-sharp style, Laermer reveals the most functional forecasting secrets of professional trendspotters. Divided into nine categories, with more than 72 “short-short” chapters and dozens of outrageous sidebars, this captivating book shows you the ways to:

• Read the signs
• Influence the trends
• Embrace new and reject stodgy
• Anticipate change
• Ask experts the right questions
• Seek out visionaries and snub fakers
• Separate the trends from fads
• Use technology-for everything
• Cash in on being ahead of the competition!

2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade is packed with eye-popping predictions (and realities) on how you'll live, work, play, buy, sell, talk, text, laugh, and more. You'll discover how miniscule attention spans will increase a need for velocity...how to work while you're sleeping...how to wash off mediocrity...and why today's communication devices will become obsolete. With 2011you'll learn how to participate in change instead of trailing it.

Laermer calls trends as he sees 'em-from what's dead to what's sensational to what's novel and what's next. If you're looking for surprising observations, shocking statistics, sublime insights, and wholesome food for thought--read this book.

Because this is your life...in 2011.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

They think he's brilliant…

“Laermer is a trendspotter who actually can show us how to separate the important trends in technology from the passing fads.”-The Today show on TrendSpotting

“The author's creativity and sheer enthusiasm shine through and bring the case studies to life.”-Journal of Communication Management on Full Frontal PR

“Best marketing book I've ever read by far.”-Noggin Blog on Punk Marketing

They think he's absurd…

“The book is exactly what it sounds like and twice as disgusting...it rips punk's heart out and beats it to death with a stick.”-Philadelphia Weekly on Punk Marketing

“It’s clear that Laermer is hot to trot. When he moves on to sweeping generalities, it’s hard to keep from chucking [the book] against a wall.”—Los Angeles Times on Get On With It

But he's one important thing-relevant.

“Oh please. They love me, they hate me. Go through the book! There has to be one thing, at the very least, that you appreciate (giggle, chortle, knee slap) and more important, can use. If not, well, call me.”-Richard Laermer on everyone's a critic

Hungry for more? Log on to Laermer.com.

About the Author

Richard Laermer is the nonstop author of six nonfiction guides to business, including the prophetic TrendSpotting and perennial and award-winning Full Frontal PR. He is the CEO of veteran trendspotting public relations firm, RLM PR; a renowned commentator, host of the nationally syndicated Unspun Radio and cohost of TLC's Taking Care of Business series. His Punk Marketing was one of the top-selling business books of 2007.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (March 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071497277
• ISBN-13: 978-0071497275
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #848,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a well-known authority (read big mouth) on media and the author of the brand new book "2011: Trendspotting" plus coauthor of "Punk Marketing" and author of "Full Frontal PR." I'm pretty regularly quoted in papers, magazines, TV and the online society about the strange goings-on in the so-called fourth estate--and future trends. A former magazine and newspaper journalist, I have lots of other books, too. But...

My day job is as veteran CEO of the independent public relations firm RLM PR (RLMpr.com)

I am also the host of the new radio show Unspun and the co-manager of BadPitchBlog (badrelease.com).

RLM PR is the aggressive and particularly creative group that represents some of the top mid-tech (online/wireless/software), entertainment, healthcare, entrepreneurial, publishing, and 'uniquely positioned' businesses. Founded way back in 1990. Seems like a long time ago.

You can sign up for the RLM trendSpotting Report at www.RLMpr.com. It's monthly and you won't want your 15 minutes back.

Other books: trendSpotting, published in 2002 from Plume, has become the single most fun trend reference guide for the new millennium. And I'm proud to say the series Native's Guide to New York series is in fifth edition from WW Norton.

I have a single goal: to ensure marketing in its old style glory will never be the same and show people how to make money by spotting trends and diving into them.

Have a wealth of experience on many-many-sides of the media, as a well versed media junkie and sometime guru. Worked as a reporter beginning in 1980, and columns, reporting, and reviews have been published in The New York Times, the New York Daily News, Reuters, USA Today, People, Saturday Review, US, Interview, The New York Post, and Rolling Stone, Editor & Publisher, Crains, among others.

Books have been reviewed and featured on CNN, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, MSNBC, National Public Radio, New York One News, and Bloomberg radio/TV, as well as dozens of other local TV, radio, and online venues. I am recognized as the bubbly guy on Public Radio's Marketplace program, also known as The PR Professional, doling out stories depicting how the media works for and with PR every day.

Founded RLM when I recognized companies' increasing need for effective media representation. Saw clearly how publicists were not grasping the intricacies of their clients' businesses. With many years' experience as a journalist, I finally saw how crucial it was to deliver results for clients while respecting the demands placed on overburdened reporters. Over the past decade, RLM PR has gotten results for its clients by capitalizing on current and emerging trends.

In 2003, I shocked a few friends and acquaintances on both coasts by moving to CA to open RLM's office there. I'm not there that much anymore and have become particularly bicoastal. I still spend half my time looking at airline seatbacks, however, where I travel on behalf of clients and am featured at speaking engagements worldwide (which I love).

For more see Laermer.com and PunkMarketing.com.

Please write me. I'd like to know what is up. I'll get back quickly. [BlackBerry junkie.]

[e-mail]

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read-- the insightfullness is scary!, December 16, 2008

By 

R. T. Canal (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade (Hardcover)

After reading Punk Marketing and finding it not only enjoyable, but quite accurate and useful, I was hopeful that '2011 Trendspotting' would be at least equal to Punk Marketing.......well, it's BETTER. The author seems to have an uncanny insight into people's buying motivations, trends, and media choices. Besides what one can "learn" to watch for, there's some very humerous passages about the current and past mind-set & fads of society.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2011 is well-worth the read, December 18, 2008

By 

Kevin Dugan (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade (Hardcover)

Richard Laermer's 12th book* is, to quote Nettie Hartsock, "a decadent read."

Serialization of Content
One of the trends Laermer details in this 300-page, fast read is serialization. Technology like iTunes and TiVo are making content more fluid to keep up with our time-starved attention spans.

Even his book reads more like a blog with 77 chapters and plenty of sidebars. You can dive in and out based in your interests.

One of the reasons I most enjoyed 2011 is that I did not agree with everything Laermer suggests in his book.

That said he does provide insight into how society, religion, media, technology and even language/communication skills are all changing. More than just trends, Laermer gets the reader to think about what it all means. 2011 looks towards a bigger, more important picture. You may see it differently, but this book helps you expand your focus.

Bottom Line?
As my cover shot shows, 2011 is a good summer read. You should check it out...and not just because it's free.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Laermer Can Spot My Trend Anytime, December 16, 2008

By 

M. McGill (SoFL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade (Hardcover)

Yo, check it. Laermer's style is the dopest, phattest, wiggity-wiggiest.
And that is a direct quote from my grandmother!
In all seriousness, there are few people today who can pull together thoughts
like the ones you will find in 2011. Thought-provoking and stimulating and definitely a worthwhile read if you are at all interested in staying ahead of the curve and drilling down to truly original, "real" ways of doing business. Highly recommended.