Without using Google (or texting someone), can you define all (or any) of the following?

• crowdsourcing
• hybrid events
• co-working
• crowdfunding
• micro-subscriptions
• virtual referrals
• solopreneur
• QR code

These are just a few of the terms that seem to be mentioned when looking at information on future predictions.

There are multiple sources for looking toward future trends.

Websites such as Entrepreneur.com (my personal favorite) and others routinely come out with predictive lists.  There is even a book, Future, Inc. (by Eric Garland) that gives a methodology for looking at the future of any product line or industry.

The most common and repeated trends . . . . . .

Looking across multiple sources, with the semi-annual list from Entrepreneur.com as a guide, here are the most commonly mentioned business trends for 2011.

• Economic Turmoil - whether out of frustration or a true desire to be entrepreneurial (or solopreneurial) that was encouraged by our rough economy, many job seekers start their own companies during the toughest of times.
• Green Power - regardless of politics, the care of 'mother-earth' is a consistent growth market.
• Seniors - any business associated with seniors is growing.  The reason - we as baby boomers are getting older.  From increased health care needs to home retrofitting to senior dating sites, our needs in this area will be with us for many years to come.
• Education - huge numbers of people, especially when in transition, are going back to school.  The term associated with this trend is "up-skilling."
• Health and Wellness - aging baby boomers are just one of the groups leading this trend.  This area encompasses looking good, feeling great, being healthy and fighting aging and disease.
• Discount Retail - discount shopping is in!  The Dollar Store and Family Dollar are setting new records.  And there is a new term for people that spend more than they need to when they buy an item they could have purchased at a much greater discount - it is "luxury shame."

Let's add one more - it is the last item on the Entrepreneur.com list.

• Pets - while we may skimp on ourselves during hard/lean times, we treat our pets well.  Spending in the U.S. is well over $40 billion.  That is larger than the GDP of all but 64 countries in the world!