There’s a boatload of Benjamins* to be made by looking at societal changes and filling a need:
-
Overweight people need exercise, but standard equipment can’t hold the extra weight. A plus-size woman launched Super-Sized Cycles for those who weigh 300+ pounds. Ka-ching!
-
Hospitals are foreign—to everyone. Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles is wooing Korean patients with a unit featuring Korean decor, Korean cuisine, and staff who speak Korean. Ka-ching!
-
American colleges are turning out 85,000 fewer computer science graduates than needed each year. Neumont University is a new for-profit institution devoted to training computer professionals. Ka-ching!
-
Muslim girls and women had a tough time keeping their head covered while playing sports. Nike designed hijabs in stretchy fabrics that stay put for tennis, volleyball, aerobics, and other active sports. Ka-ching!
-
Consumers are concerned about personal exposure to toxins and allergens, as well as global environmental issues. Greenway Maid cleaning service uses non-toxic, biodegradable products. Ka-ching!
“Ah-ha” moments don’t just happen. Have you found the gaps in the marketplace that your company can fill?
*Slang for American money
Seena Sharp of Sharp Market Intelligence is my long-time colleague who defines your competitive edge by uncovering opportunities, threats and growth segments. SharpInsights are byte-size bits of food for thought on market changes, and one of my favorite sources of stories on the web. Visit Seena at www.sharpmarket.com, and check out her new book, Competitive Intelligence Advantage (Wiley, Oct 2009).
