The modern coolhunter needs to have more than an eye for cool things. Much of successful trend spotting revolves around one's ability to spot cool people - namely trend setters. Though coolhunters are often seen as ‘cool’, they are rarely, themselves, trend setters. They just know where to find them.

Don't know what to look for in a potential trend setter? Here are some common characteristics:

Trend setters...

• Wear clothes and use products in unconventional manners
• Have significant (positive) influence on those around them
• Come into contact with (and influence) a high number of individuals

Trend setters don't necessarily create trends. Quite often they’ll just notice and adopt a style or gadget through one of their low-influence friends. What differentiates trend setters is their ability to make a trend spread.

When you come across trend setters, make friends with them - and keep in touch! They may be tough to find, but they’re an invaluable source of information on the next big thing.

by Simone Smith http://www.harukosama.com/