We wrap up our series of the five must-know trends for small businesses and entrepreneurs in 2022 with personal branding, a former luxury that’s no longer an option, it’s a requirement.

Regardless of what business you are in, people are more committed to their values than ever before. They want the products they buy – and the people they buy them from – to be aligned with those values. People are voting with their dollars, and you need to earn that vote.

In a phenomenal study conducted by the Brand Builders Group, 72% of Millennials were found to believe that it is important for their doctor to maintain a personal brand. Their doctor! The same goes for their lawyer, or their accountant, or their dentist. Looking at all generations, the study concluded that 67% of all Americans are willing to spend more money on a product that aligns with their values.

In review, the first trend we discussed explained that the online services space is going to get tougher to earn customers. The second was that we’re going to see a major move away from Instagram and Facebook ads. Next up was text marketing, on its way to become a must-have branch of your marketing plan. The fourth trend we shared was the rise in franchising and white-labeled goods.

Remember this, the biggest headwinds we are going to face next year are indecision, divide, and fear. With those headwinds, will come opportunity. The playing field is starting to even out, so grab your spot while you can.