Tim previously worked in advertising for two years and has also set up a fundraising charity. He talks about the most exciting ideas in branding today - apparently the most powerful brands are "flawsome" - and advises MBAs entering the market research and marketing sectors to start their own blog.
With the likes of Google, Gucci, Cadbury and Saatchi & Saatchi as clients, this growing market research firm is hiring for roles in London, Sao Paulo and Singapore.
Tell us about trendwatching.com in a couple of sentences
trendwatching.com is a world-leading trend firm. We're independent and opinionated, scanning the globe for the most promising consumer trends, insights and related hands-on business innovations. Our trend findings help marketers, CEOs, researchers, and anyone else interested in the future of business and consumerism, to dream up new goods, services and experiences for or - even better - with their customers.
What are some of the most exciting trends you're currently tracking?
I would have to say the most exciting trend we've written about recently is FLAWSOME. It was the subject of our April 2012 free, monthly Trend Briefing, and has received a lot of buzz and attention from the media, business professionals, entrepreneurs and consumers across the world.
Consumers will embrace brands that are FLAWSOME, that is brands that are still brilliant despite having flaws; or even being flawed but are open about it can be awesome. Brands that show some empathy, generosity, humility, flexibility, maturity, humor, and - dare we say it - some character and humanity.
What is your “Spotters Network"?
Our Spotters Network, is called Happy Spotting. In a nutshell, the Happy Spotting network consists of forward-thinking individuals from all over the world who help us spot local examples of consumer trends and business innovation. Accepted contributions get rewarded with points which can be redeemed for gifts, and may appear in one of our publications.
Who are your clients at trendwatching?
We're lucky to have many great clients from a wide variety of countries and industries, ranging from big multinationals to individual entrepreneurs. But to name a few you should recognize: Google, Saatchi & Saatchi, Channel 4, Cadbury, Gucci, Virgin, and Marks & Spencer!
What vacancies are you currently hiring for?
We're currently going through an expansion phase! So we are looking for six positions in our London office: a Senior Trend Analyst, a Seminar Coordinator, a Writer / Researcher, a Web Developer, a Client Services Coordinator and a Formatting Genius, as well as for researchers and writers for our new offices in Brazil and Singapore. Full details are about all the positions can be found here.
Do you ever hire MBAs or business school graduates?
Absolutely! We're always on the lookout for bright young talent. MBAs and business school graduates would be well-suited to some of the above positions.
What advice do you have for MBAs who want to work in consumer research?
Form your own opinions, and my advice: start your own blog. There's a ton of information out there about the future of consumerism, innovation, etc.... in fact, there's too much for any one person to read and digest. So read what you can, but then form your own perspective on what it all means and build your own ideas and theories and publish for all the world to see too!
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