Macro trends

All markets are always changing.

The product or service usually has a lifecycle, which may be renewed by innovation.

Client needs change over time, including with shifting population demographics.

The potential for innovation both from within the industry and from outside may be a critical factor.

What's happening in other markets can be critical long term; innovation in the computer industry, for example, is a threat to the telephone industry.

Increasing or decreasing investment and interest (including the entry of foreign players) can make a big difference.

Gross margins and net returns do vary from industry to industry and may be under long term pressure or set for long term growth. Child care profitability depends on many small, tightly managed transactions, while home building has recently enjoyed major growth in margins.

Government policy intentions may be a factor, for example in building, manufacturing and energy related industries

All of these factors affect the long-term likelihood of success in a given market and suggest different policy settings in the present.

Micro trends

Short term trends affecting an industry include the economic health and actions of major competitors. Are they taking market share or releasing it so it is available to you? Is there any chance of a competitor collapse that you could position yourself to take advantage of?

If you sell to other businesses, are those businesses looking for new services or delivery structures? Are they protective of the way things are or open to change?

Government regulation now being implemented often drives micro trends, as do major developments in other parts of the economy.

At a micro level, local events and developments matter a lot, often more than the big-picture "economy".

Glide is experienced in teasing out this kind of information,, in knowing what to look for and how to interpret it.

This is mostly "desk research" that uses the internet and other published information sources plus off-the-record discussions with people within the industry and applicable government regulators.

Costs are modest; the information can help you better position yourself now for the challenges and opportunities of the future: it can help you immediately identify new market opportunities.