It’s hard to believe that it’s June already! 2010 is halfway over and the economy seems to be trying to pull itself around the corner after a really tough reccession. Now I’ve heard lots of predictions from the talking heads and read lots of so called “experts” on what might happen in the coming months. Truth is, no one really knows but there are a few signs on what is happening and what marketing trends we might expect over the next 8 to 10 months. We see 10 trends that could make or break some marketing efforts in the coming months. Here’s our first 5.

1) Consumer expect more. Consumers expect a lot from their brands these days. Everyday they are adapting new technology and just can’t get enough(ipads, smart phones, snuggies). The smart brands that identify these unmet expectations and understand them will not only survive but prosper.

2) Buzz isn’t enough. Trust is. In today’s “sharable” world, conversations and commnities are all built on trust. Consumer feedback is crucial in building trust in a community and extending it to the brand. It’s the old “word of mouth” only now it’s gone cyber.

3) Before they talk to you, they’ll talk to each other. Social networking, facebook friends, and twitter followers are changing the way people communicate with brands. Before they call you or buy consumers are exchanging information outside the old platforms with other friends and fans – beyond your control.

4) Be Real. Prime example: Tiger woods. Insincere marketing or positioning just won’t work anymore. People see right through hollow advertising claims or emotional marketing. You have to get real and be authentic.

5) If they don’t need it, they ain’t buying it. Consumer spending will be driven by “reason to buy” mentality. Buying for style or designer name is on it’s way out. Look for consumer spending to be value driven.

Continued next week!

Despite being the newest member of the team, Tom is no stranger to the wonderful world of advertising. As a veteran, he has survived the dot com bust, post September 11th economic downturn as well as the recent recession, but through it all has never lost the passion for great strategic and creative work that generates results for clients.

Originally hailing from the North Shore of Massachusetts, Tom got his first real taste of the agency life upon joining the account team at Mullen. While there, he worked on a number of large national clients including Stanley Works and S&H greenpoints in addition to a number of other accounts. After leaving Mullen, he worked at Lehman Millet, a niche medical device and diagnostics agency in Boston working for clients that included Boston Scientific and Bausch & Lomb Surgical. From there, he had an opportunity to work for the automotive division’s in-house agency of Bose.

Following a great opportunity to leave the frozen tundra of Massachusetts, Tom started his journey down South calling High Point/Greensboro, North Carolina home. While in High Point/Greensboro, he worked at Unisyn Advertising servicing international pharmaceutical clients including Merz Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Animal Health to name a few. However, the warm rays of the sun and ocean breeze called his name and his journey continued south to work for Brandon Advertising and to make Myrtle Beach his home in 2008.

Tom recently comes to Collins + Company from WMBF News where he worked as the Internet Sales Director. Although he moved to the media side of the aisle, he retained the ability to work with a number of local companies to develop strategic web-based advertising and learn some new skills in the areas of mobile, online marketing/advertising and general sales. Tom brings his previous experience and newly sharpened skills back to his familiar agency life.

When he’s not spending time at work, Tom and his wife Edyta (Edy) enjoy spending time with their 4-year old son Connor, enjoying all the great things Myrtle Beach has to offer. And when he’s lucky trying to work on his golf game, which really needs a lot of work.

Drop Tom a line at tomsmig@collinscompanyadv.com