Preparing for the future is easier if you know what's coming. Use these tips from expert trendspotters and futurists to stay ahead of the consumer curve. Whether it's the tried and true or using innovative social media, anyone can take the time to get a grasp on the latest trends impacting your business.

Looking for an outlet for your creativity? Crafting is bucking the economic meltdown. Here are the latest crafting trends you should know about, from scrapbooking to green crafting and more. New businesses highlighting the latest crafting trends are featured.

Tapping the masses for brighter ideas and bigger margins using one or many "crowdsourcing" techniques for anything from new product development to advertising and marketing ideas. Crowdsourcing not only appeals to new and younger audiences, it can also help you save money and generate innovative ideas for your business.

Looking for an edge against the competition? Market research can help you anticipate customer needs, reduce risk when introducing new products and keep an eye on your competition.

Whether you want to buy a franchise or do it yourself, check out 7 hot markets that can make you a millionaire.

Boost revenue by going green and targeting youth, women and CEOs. Recent studies indicate that some of the largest consumer groups are the most concerned with sustainable products and purchases. Learn what motivates these market segments.