What do you know about the virtual world of Second Life? A little? A lot? Anything?
I don’t know all that much about it. What I do know is this:
- It’s a virtual community with almost 6 million members
- Companies and universities are using it for virtual training and education
- IBM is using it in a variety of ways including new employee orientation
- Most popular business magazines have featured Second Life in at least one story
These are triggers for me. They tell me that something important is going on in Second Life. While I haven’t yet spent the time to figure it all out, you can be sure that when I hear or read something about Second Life, I pay attention. And you should too.
This may surprise you, but this article is not about what you know or don’t know about Second Life. It’s to help you understand the importance of becoming a trend watcher.
Quite honestly, too many people rely on the evening news or the local newspaper for information about what’s going on in the world. It’s just not enough. If you didn’t know about Second Life before now, what else could you be missing?
If you plan to be in business (for yourself or within a company) in the next 5 years, you need to know what’s coming. And most importantly of all, you need to consider how it can impact the future of your work and your life. It’s time to broaden your scope.
How do you become a trend watcher?
Make time to read – Set aside a minimum of 2 hours each week to learn about trends, new technology and changes in business.
Mix your media – Subscribe to a mixture of business books, magazines, blogs, online newsletters, and even The Wallstreet Journal.
Digest and dig deeper – After you read an article ask yourself these questions:
- How could this impact my company, my job, or my life in the future?
- What are 3 ways I can use this information?
- What else do I need to know about it?
Take advantage of Web 2.0 – If you’re not yet well acclimated to the power of the internet, the time is now and the cost is mostly free. Right at the end of your fingertips, you have access to the entire world and a wealth of information.
Let me ask you this…
When your company is ready to explore the possibilities of using Second Life or the next big thing, will you be leading the way or will you be following along?
Here are a few of my favorite resources to get you started. If you need more, I’m only a phone call or email away.
Trendwatching.com – This is an excellent online newsletter focused on consumer trends, ideas and insights. It’s a must read.
Fast Company Magazine– Is great for keeping you abreast about what’s going on in the world of business.
Bob Sutton – The Working Life – Bob Sutton’s blog at Harvard Business online. Bob shares his views and experience on management trends in corporate America.
Tom Peters – The day wouldn’t be complete without a rant from Tom on what’s going wrong and right in the world of business.
Seth Godin’s Blog – Surely, you know Seth.
What tools do you use to keep your finger on the pulse of business? Post yours here.
