Five Internet Trends to Factor Into Your 2012 Business Plan

In a post at the B2B Marketing Insider blog, Michael Brenner reports on the latest prognostications of analyst Mary Meeker. "Mary has been nailing it each year with her analysis of the latest online trends," Brenner notes. B2B marketers seeking to make the most of their 2012 Internet efforts might want to take heed.  This year, Meeker highlighted 12 Internet trends to focus on in the months ahead. Here are five to get you thinking:

Sound. (Think Siri.) Meeker predicts audio-directed controls, speech-recognition and other audio technologies to be the next big thing.

Online advertising. Meeker says online advertising is a $20 billion opportunity in the U.S. alone. The basis for her enthusiasm? The huge gap between the time users are spending online and on mobile devices and the ad dollars being spent there.

People empowerment through mobile. Here's a stat to chew on: There are now more people worldwide with access to wireless signals than electricity. What might a growing wireless mindset mean for your efforts? More client empowerment? Cause marketing? Worldwide research and networking? Discuss.

Authentic identity. In the age of ubiquitous technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to hide, Brenner notes. Count on it: Every prospect, every client, every member of your team is weighing how much information to share—and what to hold back. Tread lightly, and maintain an authentic voice.

Time of opportunity. The ultimate good news: Despite the ongoing economic uncertainty, Meeker says, we know what we need to fix—and we may be living in the most innovative time in the history of technology.

Conclusion: There's a light at the end of the tunnel—and it's a glowing screen. Technology has surged worldwide despite the economic downturn. How might you factor that momentum in to your 2012 efforts?