how pop culture and trends can pay the bills

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Oct 08 9:56 AM posted by Team Ricki

Go ahead, indulge your guilty pleasure of watching E! News or reading Fifty Shades of Grey. it may inspire a product extension for your small business or it may even inspire a new small business. As a biz owner, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse of current events and trends so that you can offer hot products that are “inspired” by what everyone’s talking about.

I’ve been acutely aware of this with my own business over the years and have brought in new products when the buzz got overwhelming on a certain topic. For example, when “metrosexual grooming” became a hot topic, we added a men’s glove to our line. When eco/organic was written up everywhere, we followed once again, adding an organic cotton glove. Today, if you have a way of adding something to your business that has to do with, of course, Fifty Shades of Grey, it may be worth looking into.

A recent LA Times article, titled ‘Fifty Shades of Grey Merchandise Heading for Stores,’ talked about the gazillions of Fifty Shades licensed products that will be flooding the marketplace (between a couple of months back and continuing 'til December) and then even more so with the movie release. EL James, the author of the phenom trilogy has landed a licensing deal;  expect to see everything from rope to ties to Christan Grey boxers and fragrances.

Stuart Weitzman, the high end shoe designer, even named a sexy, high heeled boot for his fall line “Fifty/Fifty.” His line does not infringe, given it's simply inspired by the series (of course he wants a piece of the action). If you can jump on the bandwagon, why not?

What to look for:

Local trends Being aware of what's happening in your 'hood can help you become a trail blazer, creating goods and services that cater to the community's need

Nationwide hot topics It’s Presidential election time too and, while mixing business and politics is not advised, it could generate some heavy cash flow between now and November, if done right.

Pop culture  Once everyone knew about Skinny Girl cocktails, we started seeing things from nail polish colors named after the drinks to ponytails (like the Skinny Girl wears) being back in fashion. From skinny jeans came more blousy styled tops because the truth is… not many of us can wear skinny jeans and a short top. Once a trend is out there, there are usually other things can enhance or compliment the trend.

Opportunity for Innovation Remember the cupcake craze? Well, it may have turned into a gluten free craze but who knows what’s next? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just add a new and interesting spoke!

What are you and your friends talking about these days?!