Summary of the Core Message
The main takeaway from this news is that trends (such as live streaming for sales, the sharing economy, or AI startups) can provide low-cost opportunities to develop skills. However, to establish a long-term presence in a fluctuating industry, one cannot rely on luck by “betting on trends.” The key is to transform the experience gained from these trends into a set of universal “competence frameworks”—that is, foundational skills that are applicable regardless of how the trends change.
Detailed Explanation
1. Why are trends a shortcut to “low-cost skill development”?
Trends act like sudden surges of “free traffic” or resource benefits. For example, during the live streaming boom in 2020, ordinary people could create accounts and receive traffic from the platform without spending on advertising; small businesses could quickly reach millions of users and learn how to sell products and interact with fans. In a non-trendy period, obtaining such resources might require hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. It’s like wanting to learn how to swim and happening to find a free pool and coach—trends significantly reduce the cost of skill development.
2. Why do those who only “bet on trends” fail?
Many individuals and companies treat trends as opportunities for quick wealth and focus solely on the latest trends without building internal capabilities. For instance, when shared power banks became popular a few years ago, many companies rushed to enter the market but only focused on deploying devices to make quick profits without considering how to improve battery life or reduce maintenance costs. When the trend faded and demand decreased, these companies failed. It’s like chasing a bus: you might catch it once, but if the route changes, you won’t be able to keep up. Betting on trends can only generate short-term profits and cannot help you adapt to changes.
3. What exactly is a “competence framework”?
It’s not a single skill (like live streaming) but a set of tools for solving problems. This includes:
- User mindset: understanding what users want regardless of the product being sold;
- Data analysis: identifying areas for improvement based on data;
- Resource integration: knowing how to find partners and maximize efficiency with limited resources;
- Risk resistance: the ability to quickly adjust strategies when the industry slows down.
These skills are applicable regardless of whether the trend is related to AI or the metaverse—it’s like having a universal key that can open any door.
4. How to make quick profits while building skills during a trend?
The key is to “summarize your experiences as you go.” For example, while selling products through live streaming, don’t just focus on today’s sales numbers; instead, ask yourself:
- Why does this product sell well? Is it the price or the sales approach?
- What do fans care about most in their comments? How can you improve your content next time?
- Where might the supply chain fail? How can you prevent that in advance?
Document these insights in an “operational manual” that can be used in other industries. This way, you not only make money during a trend but also transform temporary skills into long-term competencies.
Final Conclusion
Trends are like a “free gym” for honing skills, but don’t just use them to check in—use the time to build a solid foundation of competencies. This way, you’ll be well-prepared regardless of whether the trend ends or not.