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Business Strategy with Hirav Shah AUGUST 08, 2025 | The Indian Eye 48

Why Copying Trends Can Hurt Your

Business More Than Help It

It’s okay to be inspired by what’s happening around you. But it’s not okay to follow blindly

HIRAV SHAH

ave You Ever Jumped on a
Trend… Only to Regret It
HLater? Maybe you saw others
doing something new in your indus-
try—launching a product, switching
to a modern brand identity, or shifting
to a trendy model.
It looked exciting. The
market was buzzing. You Trends can inspire growth. But if you follow them without checking if they fit your business—you risk going off track (File photo)
didn’t want to be left behind.
So, you followed the crowd—made • “You’ll miss out if you wait.” • Am I acting out of fear, pressure, • I feel pressure to keep up – I’m act-
changes, invested money, moved fast. • “Don’t be left behind!” or clarity? ing because I don’t want to feel left
But soon, the excitement faded… And that’s when many The more honest you are—the out.
and confusion kicked in. business owners forget to ask better decisions you’ll make. • I haven’t asked my customers – I’m
If that sounds fa- the most important question: assuming this is what they want.
miliar, you’re not alone. “Is this even right for me?” Try This Simple Exercise at Home • It distracts from what’s already
This is the hidden cost of chasing If you’re currently feeling tempt- working – I might lose my core
trends without clarity. Real Story: When a Trend Didn’t Fit ed by a trend, or stuck in confusion, identity.
In Delhi, a boutique owner shifted this clarity exercise is for you. • I haven’t thought about the cost –
What Is a Trend in Business? her brand to “eco-conscious” fashion Take a notebook and di- Financially or emotionally.
A trend is a new direction or ap- after seeing many competitors do it. vide a page into two parts: • I’m hoping for fast results – I want
proach that gains sudden popularity She rebranded, re- “Why I Should Consider This Trend” quick success, not long-term value.
in a market. stocked, and raised prices. and “Why I Should Be Careful”
For example: But her loyal customers didn’t relate Here’s how to fill it in: Final Thought—Trends Are Tempo-
• Switching to sustainable packaging to the change. And the new audience rary. Your Business Is Not.
• Launching digital products she hoped to attract… never came. Why I Should Consider This Trend (To- It’s okay to be inspired by what’s
• Using Instagram Reels for market- Her original brand was Do List, with Reasons) happening around you. But it’s not
ing working. But she left it be- • It aligns with my brand values – okay to follow blindly.
• Turning physical services into on- hind—because of a trend. This trend supports what I already Don’t let market noise drown
line subscriptions What she needed was validation, not stand for. your inner clarity.
Trends can inspire growth. But if rebranding. • My audience wants it – I’ve seen
you follow them without checking if real demand or had customers ask When in doubt, pause and validate.
they fit your business—you risk going How Do You Know If a Trend Is Right for it. Ask a strategist. Test on a small
off track. for You? • It complements my current work – scale. Talk to your customers.
Before jumping into something It adds to my core, not replaces it. Because when the trend fades…
Why Do Business Owners Get Pulled new, pause and ask: • I’ve tested it in a small way – You’ll be glad you chose what was
Into Trends? • Does this trend match my audience There’s some proof it could work. right—not what was popular.
Because trends are emotional. and my values? • I’m excited but also prepared – I’m
They create pressure and urgency. • Is there long-term potential or is it not rushing, I’m planning. The writer is a well known Business
They whisper things like: short-term hype? Turnaround Specialist, Astro Strategist,
• “This is what everyone’s doing • Have I tested this in a small way Why I Should Be Careful (Not-To-Do and BestSelling Author.
now!” first? List, with Warnings) [email protected]

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