What’s a quick and easy way for busy leaders to stay on top of industry news?
These answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invitation-only organization made up of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue annually and have created tens of thousands of jobs. More information at yec.co.
1. Google News
Google News does a great job of keeping me informed of all the new developments in my industry. I have certain keywords that I search for when I want to know something specific, but I have also benefited greatly from the curated list that Google creates based on my recent browsing history.
– Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
2. Google Trends
Use the Google Trends tool to see what leaders and consumers within your industry are looking for over time. Not only will this provide you with lots of content creation ideas that will generate a lot of traffic, but it will also provide insight into what the hot-button topics are within your niche. Sort by ‘Rising’ to find breakout topics that are just emerging. If you notice anything unusual, Google it to read more about the subject.
– Amine Rahal, IronMonk Solutions
3. Industry publications
I subscribe to various newsletters from the sector and the market. They arrive regularly in my inbox, so I stay informed about what’s happening around me. I make a point of subscribing to products with different delivery schedules, so I don’t always get the same news from all sources. They’re easy to read when I’m on the go, so I can use the dead spaces of work time more effectively.
– Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
4. Podcasts
Nowadays there’s a podcast for everything. You have your hands free and still stay up to date with the latest news by regularly listening to relevant industry podcasts. This way you can listen along on the way to work or during your lunch break, so that you have the latest information before your next meeting.
– Stephanie Wells, Formidable Shapes
5. Thought leaders
Every sector and business area has opinion leaders with original and useful ideas. These people are on top of the latest news and share it via podcasts and social media. Search for thought leaders and subscribe to them to receive the latest and most relevant industry news.
–Blair Williams, MemberPress
6. Twitter lists
Create and follow a list of industry insiders on Twitter. It’s the fastest way to stay on top of the news, even if you only have time for quick headlines. You can bookmark articles to check out when you have more time. It’s best not to be overwhelmed at industry meetings or by clients about current industry trends or news. This Twitter strategy protects against that.
– Matthew Capala, Alphametic
7. Curated newsletters
By choosing one to three curated newsletters, you will receive the most relevant news directly to your inbox, at intervals of your choosing. Some are daily, while others can be weekly or even once a month. The best curators are simply aggregators who can summarize relevant news into a newsletter that can usually be consumed within five minutes. This way you save time and are still informed.
– Jared Polites, LaunchTeam
8. Blogs
Relevant industry blogs can keep you up to date with the news, especially if you enjoy reading. There are many business blogs with real-time updates. They keep you informed of recent market trends, the latest news and other information. But it is imperative that you do not make management or business decisions solely by reading blogs.
– Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
9. Content Collection Tools
Use a content aggregator like Feedly. You can categorize the content you receive by using the filters, or simply scroll through the top events in your industry.
– Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
10. Your professional network
You don’t have to passively obtain industry information from others by waiting for a newsletter or following a blog. You can simply ask your network of colleagues what they think the next big thing will be. Create a poll on social media or ask in a group. Tag people and use the right hashtags, and you’ll get great information that’s live, varied and unexpected.
– Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
11. Team meetings
At our office, we hold 15-minute meetings two to three times a week to discuss current trends, changes and innovations in technologies and market fluctuations in our industry. Meeting with people with different interests, reading habits, passions, etc. can keep you on your toes every day. The key is to talk less and listen to every member of your team.
– Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz
12. Browser notifications
Have credible news and sources notify you in your browser so you can see news and news faster and easier. You don’t really have to read the entire article; the headline and a glimpse of the news are usually what you need to be informed.
– Daisy Jing, Banish
13. Top reporters
If you want to stay on top of what’s happening in a particular industry without investing too much time, identify the best reporters or the best news curators in your industry and consume their content regularly. While I believe in the importance of absorbing a diversity of perspectives, it is imperative to get your hard news from a trusted source when you are short on time.
– Adam Mendler, The Veloz Group
14. Custom Social Media Feeds
Is your social media showing you the most relevant, updated industry information? If not, you may be the last to find out what’s going on and staying on top of trends is bad for business. Instead, tailor your social feeds to your needs and only show you content within your industry. By following relevant accounts and removing others, you only leave room for what is necessary.
– Jared Atchison, WPForms