Learn to Tap Into the Cutting-Edge Trends in Your Industry in 4 Easy Steps

1. Pick an RSS Feed Reader to use.

If you don’t have one already and you use Firefox, Wizz RSS is a good add-on that allows you to preview and read RSS feeds within the browser’s side bar. If you are looking for an online-only reader, Google offers one as well (Google Reader ).

What’s RSS?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and when you subscribe to an RSS Feed, you will be able to view all the latest additions, posts or stories added to that specific web site. The RSS Feed Reader allows you to view all your subscribed-to RSS Feeds all in one place.

There are many RSS Feed Readers available, Google it, try a few, and pick one you like.

2. Find the Best Blogs in your Industry

The easiest way to do this is to simply Google “top __________ blogs” or “best ___________ blogs”. Fill in the blank with your industry.

Visit each blog, and look for a link to RSS, ATOM, or a symbol that looks like this: .

This is the link that you will want to send to your Feed Reader. Each reader will have a different “add” method, so if you have problems, check first with the help section of your RSS Reader. (If you can’t find the help section or how to add an RSS feed, it’s probably time to try a different RSS Reader)

3. Find the Best Blogs in Related Industries

Want to be the first to announce ideas and concepts? Read up on what is going on outside of your industry but inside of related industries and you will be able to come up with some powerful and unique material to post on your blog or web site.

If you not looking for material to write about, finding out what is going on within related industries may clue you into what may be heading your industry’s way – allowing you to make better business decisions and plan ahead for future bumps or successes.

4. Stay Informed – Read Up and Get Alerted

Use Google Alerts to get the latest information related to search terms or keywords you define.

Skim through these top blogs, alerts and any other useful blogs or RSS Feeds you come across to pick out what is on the cutting-edge. Many times you can get tips from industry insiders, or stumble across events or activities that are happening before they have time to show up in traditional forms of media.

Although this step takes a little work and dedication, as you get used to your feed reader, you will be able to skim through the latest feeds and posts rather quickly.