Non-Obvious Book Summary - Non-Obvious Book explained in key points
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Non-Obvious summary

How To Think Different, Curate Ideas & Predict The Future

4.1 (21 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

Non-Obvious by Rohit Bhargava is a guide that teaches you how to forecast trends and think creatively to stay ahead in business and life. It provides insights into how to spot patterns and make predictions through observation and analysis.

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    Non-Obvious
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    You curate trends by keenly observing the non-obvious patterns in today's society.

    Everyone in business wants to stay a step ahead of everyone else. We all want to be the first to figure out the next big thing. We want to predict trends before our rivals do.

    Yet when people attempt to predict the future, their ideas are often uninspired or even a bit lazy. In the 1960s and ‘70s, hundreds of people thought we'd be all driving flying cars in the next few decades. This was the time of growing rocket power, air travel and car ownership. It seemed only natural that the technologies would all come together to produce elevated personal transport.

    But predicting trends based on what seems obvious at the moment is futile. The present is constantly changing: The world isn't nearly as obsessed with space exploration as it was sixty years ago, and we're not nearly as motivated to go to the moon.

    If you want to get a better idea of what people will be doing in the future, look for non-obvious trends.

    Non-obvious trends aren't right there in front of us. They're buried under lots of other information, and if you want to spot them, you need to become a trend curator.

    Think of what a museum curator does. First, they collect things, like works of art or other artifacts. It's important to build this collection, but the collection alone does not a museum make. Curators also have to bring out the meaning in the objects they present.

    A trend curator is similar. They gather lots of information about what people are doing, and what's happening in technology, fashion or whatever other field they're interested in.

    For example, a keen trend curator might notice that social media, increasingly advanced technology and personalized adverts are pushing us towards a future in which people will have a stronger desire to be the center of attention.

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    Key ideas in Non-Obvious

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    What is Non-Obvious about?

    Non-Obvious is all about detecting important trends, an essential part of running a business. You can't accurately predict the future by looking at obvious, surface-level influences – the important ones are hidden underneath. These blinks offer advice on identifying meaningful changes, while outlining some prominent trends we're likely to see in the future.

    Non-Obvious Review

    Non-Obvious (2017) by Rohit Bhargava is a thought-provoking book that uncovers and explores unexpected trends shaping our world today. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:

    • With its innovative insights and unique perspectives, the book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to see the world through a different lens.
    • It provides practical applications of these trends, allowing readers to apply them in their own lives or businesses to gain a competitive edge.
    • Through compelling storytelling and engaging examples, the book manages to deliver its content in an entertaining and memorable way, making it a far cry from a mundane read.

    Best quote from Non-Obvious

    The first thing I realized was that if I was going to develop ideas that others werent thinking of, I couldnt do it using the same information they did.

    —Rohit Bhargava
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    Who should read Non-Obvious?

    • Anyone who wants to learn about spotting trends
    • Movers and shakers searching for an investment with high potential
    • Curious readers who want to know what tomorrow's trends will be

    About the Author

    Rohit Bhargava is an author, marketing and business expert and trend curator. He is also CEO and founder of the Influential Marketing Group, and a two-time TEDx speaker. Non-Obvious is his second bestselling book.

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    Non-Obvious FAQs 

    What is the main message of Non-Obvious?

    The main message of Non-Obvious is to uncover unique insights and trends to make better decisions in business and life.

    How long does it take to read Non-Obvious?

    The reading time for Non-Obvious varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Non-Obvious a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Non-Obvious is a valuable read, offering fresh perspectives and practical strategies to navigate today's complex world.

    Who is the author of Non-Obvious?

    Rohit Bhargava is the author of Non-Obvious.

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