Trendspotting: Think Forward, Get Ahead, Cash in on the Future: Think Forward, Get Ahead, and Cash in on the Future

Ok. I was skeptical. But I read it - and found out a lot of really innovative stuff on tech, politics, religion, education, and, well, MY future...I'm a little scared about how my house will work, how we will all communicate, what our entertainment will be like and how much longer this darn planet really has!I like the fact Laermer exposes truths and is not afraid to say some things we are all thinking..but are too politically correct to actually speak. This book definitely got me past all of the hype and straight to what kind of matters. The world is complicated enuf. Thankfully someone has a sense of humor, writes really well, and has loads of things to tell me that I care about. I am recommending it. Definitely. Oh, and it helped me win a few bets.

Richard Laermer's Trendspotting is exactly what the author claims it to be -- Cliff Notes for future business trends "without the guilt." In an easy to read, light style (I read it in a few hours on the plane) Laermer conveys what makes the time we live in so filled with possibility. From SMS messaging and integrative medicine to spirituality and wireless infrastructure, he lets the people who are doing it talk about it; and then throws in some of his own spice for good measure.

This is a must-have book if you're anything like me... overwhelmed by the information onslaught and capable of shutting down rather than trying to figure out what's relevant and what's not. This book broke it down for me, in an easy to digest manner, and it was a bonus to be able to laugh while gaining valuable insights.

Always a skeptic, I seldom buy into the predictions people make about the future. This book changed that. The author does not simply make statements about what is going to happen. He uses clear examples to back it all up. The book is filled with outside insight to the predictions from people working in the respective fields. It is absolutely amazing and sometimes scary hearing what people are working on in the world right now. The book gives great tips on staying ahead of change. I may not be able to alter what's happening in the world but at least now I feel prepared for it.

Where Faith Popcorn spots trends floating around in her own head, Laermer asked the people in the know, The book is littered with futuristic missives from more than 100 people in technology, spirituality, giving a real sense of what's to come and how to decide for yourself.TrendSpotting is a fun and fast read for anyone looking to spot trends for their business or own personal enjoyment.