Bob van Leeuwen

Apart from work, trendwatching is a way of life (if that sounds a bit heavy we'll call it hobby). It provides me with an infinite stream of stimuli that keep me interested and inspired in work, but certainly also in day to day life.

A few years ago it was Hilde Roodhart that inspired me to pursue being a trendwatcher. I learnt that what i had been doing for a long time (a way of thinking) actually was a profession. I even went back to college to learn a bit more about the business of consumer trends.

I approach trends in a holistic way. First look at big data (like economic developments or growth in technology use) and link that to what you see in the streets. New York is a never ending source for inspiration for me here.

I like to describe the Zeitgeist in ten fairly high level consumer trends and publish them online (free to download0. This gives people the chance to spark their own imagination. After a business goal is set i like to concretize the trends into more tangible business options or concepts.

My strength lies in the broader more strategic views. I like to think i do fairly well in translating those trends into viable business opportunities and concepts.
Specialty trends are of interest to me, but there are many specialty trend professionals far better at this aspect of our business than me.

I love to meet other trend fanatics to exchange views on trends and on the business of trend watching.

http://capibaro.wordpress.com/2010/08/