THE TRENDS NIGERIAN BUSINESSES MUST EMBRAZE IN 2013

Consumer Trend;

Being a member of an exclusive discount organization club that allows members to have additional savings on service and product purchases from preferred businesses is sure in vogue and will continue to be for another decade or more. The is exactly why QCN is going all out in our drive to expanding our business categories to include services everyone wants and everyone needs and everyone can afford. Virtual interaction with favorite merchants using a technologically backed member applications will defiantly see a rise come 2013. Robust web portals, expedited over the counter purchases, the upcoming i-member e-commerce store integrated with IVR are all strategies aimed at redefining our shoppers buyer experience.  


Economic Trend; Due to the rise unemployment rate in Nigeria, it has become imperative for concerned citizens every where to find strategic short and long term solutions aimed at stimulating her economy. No economy can function where there is anarchy arising from insecurity and lack of will by the people. These and many more are reasons we work round the clock to help pump more gas in the people’s will to survive at all cost. 

As the peoples trust in government world over continues to shift or dwindle in midst of failed economic policies, we strongly urge our members to begin researching plausible survival alternatives includes strict adherence to a proven savings culture. Here is what we know; more and more people will continue to trust less in leadership religious or not. 

This paradigm shift will see the people waking up to the new realities of a new world order, a world where the renegade become the new definition of leader and vise visa. We foresee a new world order leaders become followers of the street smart certified. A world where the book smarts will have to pursue a second degree in street-smart just so they can compete. It is the down of the Renegade Millionaires. (local players who have mastered the acts of survival    policies or not)   

As a member, you have no choice but to tap into this new trend and survival tips as you watch in owe the global economic meltdown.  

Business Trends; Merchants need to advertise, build solid relationships with customers, and form strategic business alliances in a crowded and competitive business marketplace. Costly banners, print ads are becoming a thing of the past. Catalog shopping is now "online" catalog shopping. Real savvy business managers understand the benefits of collaborative business planning and the need to protect core business interest through exclusive member organization.  Being part of a progressive human network and having access to exclusive member organization sure has its rewards. Reasons we continue to develop strategies that help businesses to reap rewards without compromising price for quality. To further provide ongoing support for members, we have put in place brand new member attraction and retention strategies that beat all olds. These strategies are designed to engage both business and consumers at all levels of participation. Read more about the trends that informed our strategic shift in service marketing..

RED CARPET MARKETING
In 2013, department stores, airlines, hotels, restaurants, beauty shops around Nigeria will roll out the red carpet for the new customers, showering new patrons with tailored services and perks, and in general, lavish attention and respect.  The is the new era of marketing. Reverse Marketing and Cross-Collaborative Business Thinking.
DIY SHOPPING
Expect to see consumers take advantage of new technologies and apps to discreetly and continuously track, manage and be alerted to, any changes in product and services pricing.
DEALER –CHIC
In 2013, not only will consumers continue to hunt for deals and discounts, but they will do so with relish if not pride. Deals are now about more than just saving money: it’s the thrill, the pursuit, the control, and the perceived smartness, and thus a source of status too.
UNBUNDLED C.S
Savvy managers will increasingly see the need to cut cost through outsourcing of their customer services departments to consultants and companies with the technical know how. All these in an effort to unload their burden by doing away with redundant employee and management.  More and more business consultant will spring up but the professionals will take the lead.  
CASH-LESS
Will notes completely disappear in 2013? "No". But a cashless future is (finally) upon us, as major players such as MasterCard, Visa and and Google work to build a whole new eco-system of payments, rewards and offers around new mobile technologies.
THE BOTTOM URBAN PYRAMID
The majority of consumers live in cities, yet in much of Nigeria's city life is chaotic, cramped and often none too pleasant. However at the same time, the creativity and vibrancy of these aspiring consumers, means that nationwide opportunities for brands which cater to the hundreds of millions of lower-income CITYSUMERS are unprecedented. We see a future where more and more people will be moving towards a shop easy mindset. More people will be looking at delivery and pick up services for food, groceries and everything consumable.

IDLE SOURCING
Anything that makes it downright simple- if not completely effortless- for consumers to contribute to something will be more popular than ever in 2013. Unlocked by the spread of ever smarter sensors in mobile phones, people will not only be able but increasingly willing, to broadcast information about where and what they are doing, to help improve products and services. We foresee an online consumer protection boom that is privately driven.

FLAWSOME
Why to consumers, brands that behave more humanly, including exposing their flaws, will be awesome.
IMPROVED MIDDLE CLASS SCREEN CULTURE Thanks to the continued explosion of touch screen, Smartphone’s, tablets, and the 'cloud', 2013 will see a SCREEN CULTURE that is not only more pervasive, but more personal, more immerse and more interactive than ever. Building applications for local contents and culture is definitely in the big picture for 2013.

RECOMMENCE
It’s never been easier for savvy consumers to resell or trade in past purchases, and unlock the value in their current possessions. In 2013, ‘trading in’ is the new buying.

EMERGING MATERIALISM
While cultural differences will continue to shape consumer desires, middle-class and/or younger consumers in almost every market will embrace brands that push the boundaries. Expect frank, risqué or non-corporate products, services and campaigns from emerging markets to be on the rise in 2013. Watch out for more china products that cut’s into services for the Nigeria market.

MOBILE SALES AND CONFLICTED POLICIES
Consumers are used to being able to find out just about anything that’s online or text-based, but 2012 will see instant visual information gratification brought into the real and visual world with objects and even people. But, I am also seeing a failed legislation that will try and curb the use of SMS marketing.