On this solo episode, we do 2021 predictions and cover the five digital trends to prepare for – the new business models of selling online that impact eCommerce, how businesses are using fun and games to attract new audiences, the building momentum of conversation commerce, and what to do with the Facebook-Apple turf war on paid media. Stephen debates the business adaptability of the Bee Gees vs Dr. Dre and why Lego Batman is the best-caped crusader film of all-time.
 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• The purpose of the 2021 episode: trendspotting emerging trends in order to innovate ahead

• How the music industry thrives on adaptability –what we've learned from binge-watching The Bee Gees HBO documentary and Straight Outta Compton, the story of Dr Dre and Ice Cube's rise to fame.

• eCommerce is exploding outside retail.  How selling online goes beyond stores

• The shift to audience-first eCommerce.  Not the other way around.

• Tips for brands on how to use the creator economy and monetize their expertise

• Shopping online is now about the fun factor and gamification

• Automation is accelerating as brands use AI tools, streamline processes

• What's the best Batman movie of all-time?

• Marketing is a series of experiments and designing towards repeatable common events such as product launches, abandoned cart, one-time buyer nurture.

• The building momentum of conversation marketing - SMS, messaging apps and chatbots.

• 5 common use cases for conversation commerce and the marketing channels to send messages through

• The upcoming turf war between Apple and Facebook.  And what to do with the 10 digital marketing channels that everyone's telling you to try.