When I’m driving down a stretch of road with a green light 200 yards away and cars sitting at their read waiting to go across the intersection, I anticipate my light turning yellow any minute. It’s not a prediction. But I don’t know what to call it – a likelihood based on various factors?
Based on what I’ve seen, I anticipate more or less of these things in 2012
Rising in 2012:
Mobile Apps and Sites – Though some businesses will still think of these two things as the same thing, mobile applications and mobile versions of web sites will rise (and crash) and rise some more. If you want to get a head start, learn how to go mobile
Premium Content – Whether premium content delivered in eBook format or behind pay walls, this will start to climb and may be the hottest thing for 2013. Dialing 8 is one example.
Infographics – Yes, these will continue to grow but with better purpose. I think we’ll see the data become also available outside of the graphic (possibly as a footnote). Further, I hope to see sections that can be embedded as a standalone.
Video – Finally, after years and years of everyone predicting video as the next big thing … well, we may wait another year. It’s not the equipment or ease that holds this back anymore. It’s fear.
Snark – Unfortunately, controversy and snarky remarks regained a foothold in 2011. And with such success comes copycats. I fear 2012 will see more finger-pointing, hate-remarking, traffic-driving, high-school-hallways writing. Leave that to the pundits though
Shrinking in 2012:
Google+ – Google Plus will start to be recognized as it should’ve always been seen. As Google. Plus some very cool social aspects. Plus some great new stuff. Plus the other 52-104 things they add to the plate in 2012. It’s Google. Plus a whole lot more.
Soloprenuers – Free Agency will continue to rise, though strategic partnerings will be a key to a fast and steady growth. Notice the plurality of “partnerings” Putting all your eggs in one basket is dangerous.
Television – The Super Bowl being live streamed this year should be a clear indication. This holiday, I played my own Criminal Minds mini-marathon and can stream The Wonder Years (a blog ahead of its time) any time I want.
Relationships – While engagement is and always be very important, we’ll see businesses qualifying their engagement more than previous years. Intended audience (potential customers, current customer, influencers of either) over Attending audience.
Hoping for Great Things in 2012:
Twitter: Looking forward to the “best tweet at top” and how business pages work.
Pittsburgh Pirates: They were in 1st place on my birthday (July26) for the first time since … I don’t remember, 1989?
POTSC: Too many grudges, and life is too short. We all have “reasons” to hold a grudge, none of us are perfect. Here’s to “radical grace” in 2012. Overthrow Judgment, Liberate Love #POTSC
