2020 Forecast – The Year of Anticipation & Action
As much as we try to find positivity in the world, when one reflects on the past year and the current state of society, it feels dangerous out there. To be healthy and happy functioning in our culture, people better be paying attention and taking precautions to protect themselves.
It used to be that people feared going to war amongst nations. That if we were in a time of peace, we could lead normal, happy lives. But now, our society is at war every day within our own borders, without a foreign country as an enemy combatant. We’re at threat through social media, the U.S. President’s tweets, on the street with random strangers, in our workplaces amongst co-workers and bosses, in random everyday situations such as shopping at a Walmart, or if a weather-related natural disaster strikes. Is anywhere safe?
It will only get worse as the U.S. presidential election heats up. The election is going to create a tremendous amount of distraction, dominating our news outlets, our conversations, our mindshare. So, we suggest borrowing the World War II call of the British, “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
And while we’ll be distracted, 2020 will also be a year when many people and citizens engage and take action. While we might need to chill and search for bright spots, people will not be withdrawn or detached. Rather, many will be invested in the outcomes of the election. Just like those in Hong Kong, Chile, and France fighting oppression, some groups of U.S. citizens will be active in similar ways. With leaders from the government and corporate entities failing the everyday man and woman, there will be those who want to make their voices heard.
We’ll be waiting in anticipation to see where 2020 is going to lead us as this new decade kicks off.
But as brand and business leaders, in a world that demands action and is operating with speed, you can’t wait to see what transpires. You have to move. It’s prime time to reinvent the world around us. Amidst this backdrop, at a high-level, this is what we expect to see across:
Economy & Industry: it will be a year about finding opportunity.
Consumer & Culture: the year will be about finding strength.
Branding & Marketing: 2020 will demand finding connection.
What does our Forecast mean you should do for your business or brand?
Broaden your view of economic stakeholders for your business
Focus on your own game
Strategically plan to front-load 2020
Contingency plan
Make simple changes for big impact
Take the hit now during good times
Really build your organizational agility and adaptability skills
Keep an eye on what seems to be on the horizon and get into action, because it’s likely actually already taking shape now
Offer consumers a respite and delight
Stand with and be for your customers
Ramp up your aesthetics
Build your brand’s soft power and lead with purpose and values
Offer kindness and positivity
Help bring people together
Be prepared to move quickly
Learn more from our additional posts on:
The Economy – A One-Sided Economy vs. An Ecosystem Economy
Industry – Contingency Plan & Be on Your Game
The Consumer – Distracted & Engaged
Culture – Fracturing & Belonging
Branding – Heritage Soft Power vs. The New Soft Power
Marketing – New Connections & Be for the Consumer
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The Agency Oneto is a disciplined yet agile business and brand strategy agency whose mission is to partner with leaders to make a positive impact on their business and brands and for their consumers and teams, unlocking potential.
We help you build and grow your brand or help you make a positive change to your business. We offer services in Business Strategy, Brand Strategy, Portfolio Strategy, Brand & Product Positioning, Brand Architecture, Marketing Strategy, Content Strategy, Innovation Strategy & Process, Consumer Insights, and Trend Analysis.
We also lead workshops and facilitate strategy and business planning sessions, provide advisory services, and offer Executive Coaching.