TRENDS, FADS,

& INNOVATION
Choosing the prominent from
the obscure

Management

by
Objectives (MBO)
Social
Entrepreneurship
Amazon.com

FAD
Is

a product, service, or an idea that is

extremely popular for a very brief period of
time and then becomes unpopular just as
quickly. (HRSB, n.d.)
Is something that quickly gains in
popularity and may fade just as quickly, but
sometimes not quick enough (Haberman,
2014)
A fad courts publicity, a trend doesnt.
(John Dadds, Marketing Consultant, as
quoted by blogger Neil Perkins, 2012)

TREND
Is a phenomenon, movement, or pattern which
has the potential to become a long-term
influence on the future of a company, industry,
or market; trends have wide industry
acceptance; they are perceived by many as
superior in quality, durable, and long-lasting.
(Wisegeek.org)
Trends are based on consumer needs and
lifestyle changes. They start with seeds of
change and slowly grow into new directions
impacting both products, industries, and even
business governance. (Suttora, n.d.)

INNOVATION
Actions required to create new ideas, processes, or
products which when implemented lead to positive
changes. (Marc Chason of Motorala Laboratories)
Is creating a new value in a new way. (Jonathan
Rowe of Gene Express Inc.)
An idea that has been transformed into practical
reality. (Dr. Makarand Chipalkatti of Osram
Sylvania)
True innovation is not a silver bullet that will
earn your company millions in a shot; it requires
every single employee in the firm to look around
their work and identify small problems which they
are empowered to solve on their own. (Norman
Bodek of PCS, Inc.)

FADS

TRENDS

INNOVATION

FADS
Fads tend to be unpredictable so they are usually
high-risk ventures.
Anything that causes excitement overnight
warrants cautious exploration and research
before it is adopted.
When a fad dies, it dies abruptly and many
businesses have been caught with a large product
inventory that no one wants to buy.
A fad philosophy, movement, or strategy may end
up doing more harm than good as it takes time to
learn and implement, only to realize that it is no
longer useful after a short while.

TRENDS

Trends often emerge as a result of shifts in the global

economy, spending habits, technology adoption, and
social behaviour.
In order to stay ahead of the game, it is important for
business owners and corporate leaders to learn the
skill of distinguishing a fad from a trend.
Ignoring fads and paying attention to trends allow
executives and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the
opportunity to start and/or maintain a business
dealing in that trend.

WHEN YOU SPOT WHAT APPEARS

TO BE A TREND, ASK YOURSELF
What

caused this trend to start?

1973

2000

How long will it probably last?

Workforce Mobility

Connectivity

employment?

Long-term

What effects will it probably have?

What product/service might fill the needs
generated by this trend?

How can I adapt my existing product/service to fit

with this trend?
Easy-fit & Return Service

REFERENCES

Haberman, M. (2014). Future Friday: What is the difference between a fad,

a trend, and a megatrend? Omega HR Solutions Inc. Marietta, GA.
Retrieved from:
http://omegahrsolutions.com/2014/05/future-friday-what-is-the-difference
-between-a-fad-a-trend-and-a-megatrend.html
Halifax Regional School Board (n.d.). Fads and Trends ENT 12.2. Halifax,
Canada. Retrieved from: hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/airving3/Ent/FADS
%20AND%20TRENDS.ppt
Perkins, N. (2012 March). Only Dead Fish Blog [What is the Difference
Between a fad and a trend?]. Retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/neilperkin/what-is-the-difference-between-a-fadand-a-trend
Suttora, L. (n.d.). What do I sell: E-Commerce Marketing Strategies.
Retrieved May 7, 2015, from
http://whatdoisell.com/article_printer_friendly.php?varset=s:72-pm:p-se:6
054-e:17603-a:10734
WiseGEEK: Clear answers for common questions. (n.d.) Retrieved May 7,
2015, from
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-difference-between-a-fad-and-a-trend
.htm