Small Stuff – The latest manifesto on ChangeThis talks about “microtrends.” Yes, we all know about the growth of niche and the longtail but this interestingly takes it one step further and suggests that there is a lot of power in 1% that is being overlooked: http://www.changethis.com/38.01.JustOne

Social Networking is Coming For You – Businesses who don’t understand why Facebook and online community building will affect the future, will be left in the dust. Remember the days when email was primarily for chain letters and jokes? Now it’s a marketing tool. Younger generations are building social networking beyond trend and into lifestyle and work function. All the young techies are trying to figure out a catchy Facebook app like this: www.lemonade.com. It may not directly affect your business right now but understanding its impact will keep you open to opportunities when presented.

Word of Mouth – I’ve been a BzzAgent for several years now. As an agent, I spread the word on products and services that I like to friends and family and earn points for spending time talking about other people’s stuff. Recently, they launched the Frog Pond where agents spread the word on websites and online promos. WOM is strategically tricky stuff. I think this avenue will do well with agents like me who live off the laptop: http://www.bzzagent.com/frog/FrogPond.do