Planning for the over-use of a new fad (go back »)

We see them all the time. Fads that initially help the business. This does not mean that all fads do not work. Some of them do. In fact, to some businesses, fads are the business. At one point of time, high protein diets were a new fad. Some diet companies made use of the idea like crazy. They sold books, pills, shakes, and a myriad of products that leech on this fad. Many people bought these items as the idea defied the common logic at the time (the food pyramid logic). However, after some time, this fad became too commonplace. Too many people were selling it. It no longer generated the buzz it once had. There are now counter-arguments for every arguments for the diet. What should businesses do? Does this mean that they should not have gone into this business in the first place?

Hell, no. It means that they need to recognize the fact that their business is based on a fad and planned for the aftermath of when the fad fades. They should understand that new technologies can one day override whatever they are providing and have contingency plans, rather than be taken by shock. For instance, what if a pill was invented that guaranteed weight loss in every individual that had little side effects and was affordable (I know, fat chance, but we can always dream)? What would happen to high protein diet based businesses then? One contigency would be to focus on the other health aspects apart from weight loss. For instance, a reasonable amount of amino acids can help with moods. Or, it could help with muscle recovery after exercise.

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