#BizTrends2020: Diversity is creativity

1. Social currency

No longer does our bank account show our net worth, but our social media presence has become a prominent asset on our personal balance sheet.

Social media has given people a chance to own their story – by aligning with brands that share their values, beliefs and image.

Brands are no longer “things you buy” but “a purpose you buy into”, and although a predictable trend, brands are still battling to spring into action, still telling stories about what they are, and not who they are.

2. Turn it into a tool

A smartphone is a tool in one’s pocket – a tool used in more ways than one. In fact, in thousands of ways. And consumers want more.

From watching one’s calorie intake, to fasting, dinner solutions, exercising, taxi-ing, meditating, gaming, period tracking, pregnancy tracking, budget tracking, you-name-it tracking, people have a desire – if not an expectation – for brands to turn their message into a solution. Their solution into a product. And their product into a utility – one that becomes useful in their audiences’ everyday life.

3. Caring is cool

We are the woke nation. But we’re also a nation that will be heard.

People have gone from being aware of global issues – environmental, political and cultural, to being incredibly outspoken about them, coming up with innovative and novel solutions to make the world a better place. Brands are expected to do the same.

Brands that authentically align with causes are rewarded, but brands that align for the sake of it often reach new lows.

4. Diversity is creativity

Creativity can come from anywhere, and anyone. And it’s never been so clear as it is now.

The best creative solutions come from diverse teams. From race to culture, background, skillset, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and the list goes on, the most innovative and impactful solutions come out of proper collaboration, and open-mindedness.

Brands need to invest in diverse teams and empower them to reach new levels.