To help you stay ahead in your industry, we’ve gathered insights from 25 professionals, including CEOs, founders, and marketing managers, on their go-to sources and methods for staying informed. From having breakfast with a TED Talk to reviewing historical data for a market trend analysis, discover the diverse range of resources these experts rely on to stay updated on industry trends and insights.

DEEPER DIVE: Here’s the truth about the Arizona water supply

  • Tune into TED Talks Daily
  • Join Facebook Groups 
  • Monitor Related Industries
  • Leverage Industry White Papers
  • Pay Attention to Customer Feedback
  • Follow Industry Experts on Twitter
  • Check Your Hubs
  • Participate in Industry Forums
  • Attend Master Classes and Seminars
  • Travel to Conferences
  • Experience Conventions 
  • Automate News Sourcing 
  • Subscribe to Marketing Sources and Influencers
  • Leverage Professional Associations
  • Utilize Newsletters 
  • Access Research Reports
  • Hop on TikTok
  • Discover Design Trends on Pinterest
  • Follow Industry-Specific Blogs
  • Listen to Podcasts
  • Stay Updated with Google Alerts
  • Watch Webinars and Expert Interviews
  • Connect with Industry Experts on LinkedIn 
  • Network for Industry Insights
  • Review Historical Data for a Market Trend Analysis

Tune into TED Talks Daily

My preferred method of staying informed about trends and insights from my industry is to spend my breakfast time tuning into TED Talks. TED Talks are podcasts by an enormous range of people on every subject you could imagine. Each TED Talk runs for a maximum of 18 minutes, and I find that each morning I can fit in two or three.

Industry leaders use these talks to offer advice and guidance; all you need to do is scroll through the list to find a subject that interests you, and within seconds you have an educational and informative accompaniment to your breakfast coffee.

With the information being offered in such bite-sized pieces, it is relatively easy to absorb what is being presented to you, and as the site is updated each day, you will never run short of valuable presentations that will keep you absorbed and right up to date on the latest industry news.

Jonathan Elster, CEO, EcomHalo

Join Facebook Groups

A great place to stay connected to your industry’s trends and insights is Facebook, and more specifically, Facebook groups. The best way to find the right ones for you is by searching terms relevant to your field. 

You will find both large, well-established groups, which are usually more general, and smaller, niche groups where you will be able to find information on more specific topics. I recommend joining both types, to gain insight into the big events and trends happening in the industry, as well as the more local, niche-specific updates. 

Once you join in, make sure you introduce yourself and engage in conversations with other members. It is a great opportunity to network with fellow professionals in your field, which can help to keep you in the loop even further.

Maja Kowalska, Community Manager, Zety

Monitor Related Industries 

I stay informed about the trends and insights related to couponing by monitoring developments in other industries—such as retail, finance, and technology—that closely connect with coupons. This helps me understand how consumer behavior is evolving and identify new opportunities for my business.

If the retail industry is affected by a particular trend, my customers will also be affected, and I need to adjust my strategy accordingly. For example, when the pandemic struck, I had to adapt my platform to support a spike in digital couponing since consumers shifted their spending habits online. I also pay close attention to emerging technologies, such as machine learning and AI, which can help me improve the user experience on my platform.

Gary Gray, CFO, CouponChief.com

Leverage Industry White Papers

I use industry white papers to stay informed about my industry’s trends and insights. White papers are published by organizations and experts in the field and are used to discuss the latest trends and topics. White papers provide me with valuable information about the current state of the industry, and they often include predictions about upcoming trends. 

Additionally, I can receive information from experts that are often ahead of where the industry currently is, which can help me stay ahead of my competition.

Span Chen, Growth Director, Notta

Pay Attention to Customer Feedback

Listening to our customers’ needs and requests has helped me the most to stay on top of trends. Usually, if there is a trend in the industry, the customers are the ones who are setting the trend. 

Actively listening to our customers’ input has kept me and our team on top of trends and insights that have actual value to the customer. It also means we don’t spend resources on trends that our customers don’t need.

Arsh Sanwarwala, Founder and CEO, ThrillX

Follow Industry Experts on Twitter

Following experts in the field on Twitter is super useful, as they instantly tweet about updates, insights, and trends and discuss topics with other experts in the field, making it an interesting and valuable conversation as well as knowledgeable, easy ways to get a summary of what one needs to consider to succeed in the industry.

Max Wesman, Chief Operating Officer, GoodHire

Check Your Hubs

The Securities and Exchange Commission built the FinHub as a rich resource to help guide professionals and consumers through the evolving world of FinTech. It’s a great way for me to stay updated with industry trends and competition while simultaneously deepening my network with peer-to-peer (P2P) meetups.

Since they’re the SEC’s liaison with regulators and policymakers, FinHub helps us understand our legal obligations and changes as they occur, so we can better understand our compliance requirements while offering our clients the best services possible.

Jeffrey Zhou, Co-founder and CEO, Fig Loans

Participate in Industry Forums

For staying informed about the latest trends and insights in my industry, I rely on the most conventional and highly effective source: participating in industry-related forums and communities. 

These vibrant online platforms are bustling with professionals who openly share their experiences, challenges, and innovative ideas. In fact, a recent survey by Marketing Sherpa revealed that 78% of marketers found online forums to be their go-to source for industry information.

One remarkable real-life example of the power of forums is the success story of a startup called Check Bulk Action. By actively engaging in relevant forums, they gained valuable insights from peers and experts, leading to the development of a groundbreaking bulk action tool. This unique solution addressed a critical pain point in the industry and catapulted the company’s growth.

Himanshu Sharma, CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing

Attend Master Classes and Seminars

One of the most valuable approaches I use to stay informed about the latest trends is by attending regular master classes, training, and seminars. These events provide me with the opportunity to learn about new techniques, advancements in regenerative medicine, and the latest technologies in aesthetics. 

By staying up to date with these developments, I can continuously enhance my skills and offer my clients the most cutting-edge and effective treatments. It’s essential for me to provide the highest level of care.

Diane Howard, Founder, Esthetic Finesse

Travel to Conferences

Attending industry conferences is a great way for me to remain up-to-date on market developments. These gatherings provide chances to speak with professionals, network with colleagues, and learn about the most recent advancements. I learn a lot from keynote speakers, panel discussions, and seminars, and they help me comprehend the potential and difficulties of the present. 

Additionally, conferences help me network and develop relationships so that I may share thoughts and viewpoints. By going to conferences, I maintain the initiative, change marketing tactics, and help my lease business succeed.

Michael Lees, Chief Marketing Officer, EZLease

Experience Conventions for Growth

I regularly attend conferences like the IDEA World Convention. A standout experience was a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workshop that transformed my approach to routines.

After the conference, I incorporated new HIIT methods, invigorating my clients’ workouts and delivering tangible results.

Attending these events provides insights into the latest trends, research, and networking opportunities, which I find invaluable in my work.

Evander Nelson, NASM-certified Personal Trainer, evandernelson

Automate News Sourcing 

I am currently working on content marketing for ClearVUE.Business, a sustainability consultancy. We need to monitor global industry trends to provide valuable daily insights to our web audiences. I recently set up a Google Alerts + Slack RSS integration, and it works really well for automating the news-sourcing process.

Anton Levytskyi, Communications Consultant

Subscribe to Marketing Sources and Influencers

There are many sources and methods to stay informed about the marketing industry’s trends and insights. 

Subscribe to marketing blogs and newsletters. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and insights from industry experts. Some of the most popular marketing blogs include:

  • HubSpot
  • Content Marketing Institute
  • Search Engine Journal

Follow marketing influencers on social media. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and insights from thought leaders in the industry. Some of the most popular marketing influencers on social media include:

  • Neil Patel
  • Seth Godin
  • Mark Schaefer

Brenton Thomas, CEO, Twibi

Leverage Professional Associations

Over the years, I have relied on several channels to stay up to date with what is happening in my field of business. However, one way that has really worked for me in acquiring knowledge is through professional associations and memberships.

Whether they are on LinkedIn or any other forums, professional associations provide the perfect platform for professionals and players in several fields to share info, discuss the latest trends in the industry, and interact on a personal level.

I have found these associations very interesting as they typically go above and beyond what you get in regular blogs or social media posts. While some associations are not free, the opportunity they offer for networking and information sharing is simply worth every dime.

Young Pham, Founder and Project Manager, Biz Report

Utilize Newsletters

Newsletters are my way of getting the inside scoop on healthcare changes before any of that news hits mainstream media. These exclusive emails are usually written in a semi-journalistic style by writers who’ve been studying these trends for weeks or months in the industry.

The Healthcare Dive Newsletter is one of my favorites for daily updates on positive and negative changes in my niche. This newsletter covers various topics, including business acquisition, policy amendments, and health technology innovations.

The messages are candid and usually unbiased, making them reliable sources of factual information.

Stephan Baldwin, Founder, Assisted Living Center

Access Research Reports for Industry Knowledge

Using this assortment of resources allows me to be updated on the trends and dynamics driving my sector from a variety of angles and with the help of hard facts. Credible sources of information on market trends and industry developments are research reports and market analyses. 

Forrester Research, Gartner, and Nielsen are just a few of the research firms that publish insightful studies on market expansion, consumer trends, and new technology. Having access to this information allows me to keep up with the market dynamics and make educated decisions.

Gerrid Smith, Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros

Hop on TikTok

TikTok is a lot of fun, and despite my distaste for social media in general, it’s the one platform where I can easily keep up with the most recent developments in virtually any industry. 

If I want to know what other people in the silk clothing and accessory industry are up to, what people think of new items, and how popular silk is, I check out the current trends on TikTok to see what’s happening in this industry. Thanks to TikTok, I am up-to-date on everything happening in the silk industry, which has freed my mind to experiment and develop original fusions.

Sherry Xue, Digital Marketer, VAZASILK

Discover Design Trends on Pinterest

I’m a residential architect, designing high-end custom homes for over 21 years, and I primarily use Pinterest to keep up with design trends in my industry. The power of the algorithm, coupled with the marketing incentive for architects and interior designers to post their images to the platform, maintains an endless collection of the most current design styles, materials, and products. 

Pinterest also makes building personal libraries of favorite photos for any category or project as easy as one click. In the world of architectural design, not only does a picture speak a thousand words, but it can also save a thousand hours of trying to connect with a client’s expectations. Pinterest has become indispensable to my industry and business by easily and freely solving this age-old problem.

Mark Shattuck, Owner/President, Dream Home Studio, Inc.

Follow Industry-Specific Blogs

My role requires me to monitor several industry insights and news at once—from concepts such as learning outcomes and student-related information to eCommerce, education technology, and AI. Covering this mix was strenuous when I only relied on browsing, and the risk of missing out on essential insights was even more disturbing.

I soon realized that to keep a tab on it all, the only thing I needed to do was subscribe to the right mix of industry-specific blogs and keep updating this list to include new ones that keep appearing on the scene. I now have all the insights I need appearing in my feeds and inbox, and all I have to do is click on interesting and insightful links. 

A few minutes of reading is all it takes to know about everything new happening in and around key industry segments. Also, initiating interactions and participating in discussions are only a comment away.

Ariav Cohen, VP of Marketing and Sales, Proprep

Listen to Podcasts

For a decade, podcasts have been my go-to source for industry trends and insights. Why? Because many hosts are successful business leaders who invest hours researching their topics. They bring in-depth analysis and insider perspectives that short-form content often overlooks.

Podcasts offer a quick, flexible way to dive deep into a new market or discipline. For example, you can learn the nuts and bolts of SEO or grasp the pulse of an emerging market without a hefty time commitment. And unlike books, you can consume them while on the go.

Some of my favorite podcasts include “The Game” with Alex Hormozi, “Acquired” by Bel Gilbert and David Rosenthal, “Revenue Vitals” by Refine Labs, “My First Million” by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, “Traction” by Lloyed Lobo, and “Venture Unlocked” by Samir Kaji. Each provides valuable insights into their respective fields.

Rafael Sarim Özdemir, Founder and CEO, Zendog Labs

Stay Updated with Google Alerts

One valuable source I use to stay informed about industry trends and insights is Google Alerts. 

By adding specific terms related to my industry on Google Trends, I receive notifications whenever there are updates on the web regarding those terms. It helps me stay up-to-date and quickly access relevant information.

Ajay Prasad, President and CEO, GMR Web Team

Watch Webinars and Expert Interviews

I enhance my knowledge and awareness of the sector by using these additional resources, ensuring that I remain knowledgeable and well-equipped to negotiate the constantly shifting terrain. 

Podcasts and webinars as a means of continuing education are on the rise. Expert interviews, roundtable debates, and in-depth explorations of certain industries are all common features of these audio and video productions. Webinars hosted by trade groups and podcasts like “The McKinsey Podcast” make it easy to gain access to expert knowledge and insights.

Tiffany Hafler, Marketing Manager, FORTIS Medical Billing 

Connect with Industry Experts on LinkedIn

LinkedIn, a professionally based social media platform, connects executives and other professionals to share expert insights on emerging industry trends. I use my LinkedIn account to connect with other industry experts via exclusive LinkedIn groups to discuss fluid power, automation, motion control, etc. We use the platform also to plan and join webinars, roundtables, and other B2B events.

Using LinkedIn is critical in building a solid network of like-minded people, and sharing their expertise to help the industry thrive and progress. As of now, I have 500+ connections and 970 followers on LinkedIn. I have six groups, including the Canadian Power Association and the International Fluid Power Society, on this professional networking platform.

Campbell Tourgis, VP, Sales and Marketing, Wainbee

Network for Industry Insights

In the fast-paced world of startups and tech companies, staying informed about industry trends and insights is paramount. One invaluable source that I rely on is networking with industry professionals. 

Attending conferences, meetups, and online forums helps me connect with like-minded individuals, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain firsthand knowledge about emerging technologies and market trends. This interactive approach keeps me at the forefront of industry developments and facilitates meaningful collaborations and idea exchange.

Marco Genaro Palma, Co-founder, TechNews180

Review Historical Data for a Market Trend Analysis

To perform an effective market trend analysis, it is crucial to use historical data, and gathering that can be extremely time-consuming.

So I prefer using this tool which can give up to 15 years old data analysis of over 30 industries. It will show you the global search volume of any keyword on a scale of 1 to 100 and with a line diagram.

Visual representation simplifies understanding a keyword’s performance over a specific timeframe. By correlating this data with the circumstances occurring during that period, we can gain insights that aid in predicting future trends.

For instance, let’s say we track the keyword “smartphones” and visualize its performance graph over the past year. By analyzing the peaks and dips in the graph and considering events like product launches, technological advancements, or market trends during those periods, we can make informed predictions about the future demand for smartphones.

Waman Sanap, CEO and Expert in Industrial Automation Engineering, iPAC Automation Pvt. Ltd