Increasing globalization of business - the companies that will excel in the 21st century will be the ones that build down the global barriers. Spurred by the growing acceptance of the internet, globalization is one of the biggest trends today and will continue to accelerate in the coming years. Consider what that means for opportunities in emerging world markets, particularly in China, the old Soviet Union and Southeast Asia. Mass customization - Huge conglomerates are beginning to offer products that could be customized by potential buyers based on his or her preferences. Dell, for example, has brought this concept to their interactive online systems that allow customers to design a computer system.
Customers can choose from a menu of attributes, prices and delivery options.
Hence, the customers get what they want at prices acceptable to them. Consider what that means for opportunities in businesses providing products or services individually tailored to each customer. As people continue to cast off traditional beliefs and services, others return to them even more vigorously. Consider what that means for opportunities in books, tapes and online services. Consider what that means for opportunities in antiques, older homes, home delivery and pickup businesses, and any business owned by friendly service-minded proprietors.