Business Strategy with Hirav Shah It’s okay to be inspired by what’s happening around you. But it’s not okay to follow blindly
Have You Ever Jumped on a Trend… Only to Regret It Later? Maybe you saw others doing something new in your industry—launching a product, switching to a modern brand identity, or shifting to a trendy model.
It looked exciting. The market was buzzing. You didn’t want to be left behind.
So, you followed the crowd—made changes, invested money, moved fast.
But soon, the excitement faded… and confusion kicked in.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
This is the hidden cost of chasing trends without clarity.
A trend is a new direction or approach that gains sudden popularity in a market.
For example:
- Switching to sustainable packaging
- Launching digital products
- Using Instagram Reels for marketing
- Turning physical services into online subscriptions
Trends can inspire growth. But if you follow them without checking if they fit your business—you risk going off track.
Why Do Business Owners Get Pulled Into Trends?
Because trends are emotional. They create pressure and urgency.
They whisper things like:
- “This is what everyone’s doing now!”
- “You’ll miss out if you wait.”
- “Don’t be left behind!”
And that’s when many business owners forget to ask the most important question:
“Is this even right for me?”
Real Story: When a Trend Didn’t Fit
In Delhi, a boutique owner shifted her brand to “eco-conscious” fashion after seeing many competitors do it.
She rebranded, restocked, and raised prices.
But her loyal customers didn’t relate to the change. And the new audience she hoped to attract… never came.
Her original brand was working. But she left it behind—because of a trend.
What she needed was validation, not rebranding.
How Do You Know If a Trend Is Right for You?
Before jumping into something new, pause and ask:
- Does this trend match my audience and my values?
- Is there long-term potential or is it short-term hype?
- Have I tested this in a small way first?
- Am I acting out of fear, pressure, or clarity?
The more honest you are—the better decisions you’ll make.
Try This Simple Exercise at Home
If you’re currently feeling tempted by a trend, or stuck in confusion, this clarity exercise is for you.
Take a notebook and divide a page into two parts:
“Why I Should Consider This Trend” and “Why I Should Be Careful”
Here’s how to fill it in:
✅ Why I Should Consider This Trend (To-Do List, with Reasons)
- It aligns with my brand values – This trend supports what I already stand for.
- My audience wants it – I’ve seen real demand or had customers ask for it.
- It complements my current work – It adds to my core, not replaces it.
- I’ve tested it in a small way – There’s some proof it could work.
- I’m excited but also prepared – I’m not rushing, I’m planning.
🚫 Why I Should Be Careful (Not-To-Do List, with Warnings)
- I feel pressure to keep up – I’m acting because I don’t want to feel left out.
- I haven’t asked my customers – I’m assuming this is what they want.
- It distracts from what’s already working – I might lose my core identity.
- I haven’t thought about the cost – Financially or emotionally.
- I’m hoping for fast results – I want quick success, not long-term value.
Final Thought—Trends Are Temporary. Your Business Is Not.
It’s okay to be inspired by what’s happening around you. But it’s not okay to follow blindly.
Don’t let market noise drown your inner clarity.
When in doubt, pause and validate.
Ask a strategist. Test on a small scale. Talk to your customers.
Because when the trend fades…
You’ll be glad you chose what was right—not what was popular.
The writer is a well-known Business Turnaround Specialist, Astro-Strategist, and Best-Selling Author
Email: [email protected]
