How do you prepare for all the twists and turns the future holds?

This Business Week quote from the dawn of the new century lays out a solid and workable approach to being ready for what's next:

“Forecasters who extrapolate from today inevitably get tomorrow wrong…(but) by pitting multiple scenarios of the future against one another and leaving many different doors open, you can prepare yourself for a future that is inherently unpredictable. Brainstorming pays off. And the more possibilities you can entertain, the less likely you are to be blindsided.” - Peter Coy and Neil Gross, Business Week, August 30, 1999

Great advice.

And here's a suggestion - actively use your experience at the American Marketing Association Market Research Conference to get ready to do a better job of helping your company be ready for what's next. Here are specific ideas:

·      Actively network with people inside and outside your industry - they'll have different perspective you can draw upon.

·      Suggest a topic for the unconference sessions on Tuesday. This is your opportunity to shape & customize the agenda specific to your needs.

·      Dive in to the social media stream at the conference. Use it to ask questions, make connections, and challenge your thinking.

·      Ask questions of presenters to get their perspectives on your challenges.

·      Share your perspectives with others - they'll benefit from better understanding your world view.

·      Work the exhibit hall - visit the companies presenting and ask them a bunch of questions on what they think.

Add your thoughts. What are you doing to anticipate what's next in your business?