<\/span>Read (or at least skim) the most popular event planning blogs<\/span><\/h2>\nGo ahead and Google \u201cBest Event Planning Blogs\u201d and add a few from those top 10 lists to your daily repertoire. Sure you don\u2019t have the time to read every single article posted every day (unless that\u2019s your full time job), but skimming their headlines at least once a week will yield a few articles that are worth your time. Make it a habit to at least read a few of these articles every week.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Subscribe to popular event planning newsletters<\/span><\/h2>\nSome manufacturers, vendors and suppliers are more well-known than others, and strive to keep their brands relevant in new industry trends. As such, they\u2019ll often send out weekly or monthly newsletters that talk about the latest and greatest for their brands. Sign up for these email lists and you\u2019ll quickly find the few emails that are worth your time!<\/p>\n
<\/span>Jack of all trades = master of none<\/span><\/h2>\nWhile you should have a general idea of what\u2019s going on in the industry, you can\u2019t be an expert in every topic\u2026 so don\u2019t even try. Instead, pick and choose which trends your brand will be known for, and focus on those. If a client comes to you looking for a trend that isn’t in your wheelhouse, you should be ready to refer them to another professional who can provide that expertise.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Ask your audience<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re doing your business justice, you have a social media presence. Why not poll your audience and find out what trends they\u2019re most excited about for the upcoming season? If you find out what your target market is excited about, you can endeavor to become more of an expert on that particular topic.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Find a gap in the local market<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
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As a savvy business owner, you should know what\u2019s going on locally. Keep tabs on your competition and what trends they\u2019re focusing on. If there\u2019s a particular trend no one else is doing, make sure you gain some knowledge on that subject! This isn’t a golden rule\u2026 and you should always make sure to do what\u2019s best for your brand\u2026 but this tactic can help set you apart from the competition and increase your market share.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Start your own trends<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you truly want to excel in the industry, you should endeavor to become a trendsetter yourself. Don\u2019t be afraid to generate a bit of buzz and excitement over some of the work you\u2019re currently doing. Set up your own social media accounts, blog and YouTube channel to talk about YOUR best practices and trends. This will not only set you apart from your competition, but will also impress your potential clients!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>Just do it!<\/span><\/h2>\nYou might think it\u2019s impossible to spend the better part of an hour each day just doing research, but it\u2019s a good habit to get into\u2026 and it\u2019s NOT a waste of time! Staying informed can mean the difference between getting new clients and being left out in the cold.<\/p>\n