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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

Accessible Grocery
Grocery delivery platforms now accept electronic benefit transfers
Trend - Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT) is becoming a standard payment method as consumers seek convenient and secure ways to pay for grocery deliveries. This payment method aims to help individuals relying on government assistance programs access essential food items with ease and dignity.
Workshop Question - How does your brand demonstrate attentiveness to the financial well-being of its customer base?
3.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Decentralized Affiliate
New ecommerce apps enable everyday consumers to earn commissions
Trend - Tech companies are revolutionizing affiliate marketing by launching new shopping apps that break down traditional barriers. Platforms like Locker are leading the charge by ditching the follower-count and aesthetic requirements that often exclude potential affiliates. This inclusive approach opens the affiliate ecosystem to a wider range of consumers, empowering everyone to become a brand advocate and earn from their genuine endorsements.
Workshop Question - How can your brand empower everyday consumers to share genuine product recommendations?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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?
7.2
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?
7.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Custom Chatbot
Brands are launching services that enable fast creation of personalized chatbots
Trend - Businesses offer tools enabling clients to build fully-functional chatbots quickly. These bots are trained on custom datasets, making them suitable for internal, consumer-facing, or consulting purposes. Businesses across numerous industries can benefit from personalized low-cost chatbots.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage personalized chatbot technology to enhance customer service or streamline workflow?
5.8
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?
6.2
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?
5.9
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?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends