RSVP for my next free workshop: From corporate to creator: how to launch your first offer & safely make the leap on Wednesday, January 21.
I’ve been keeping my eyes open this year, and while I definitely can’t predict the future, I’m noticing a few trends that you might want to keep an eye on, too.
As a former product marketer who used to conduct market research and even was focused on the future of work, these were fun to brainstorm.
Enjoy and let me know what you think!
My 7 predictions for 2026
1. AI will be your competitive advantage.
How can I mention a prediction without including AI?
In 2025, many people and organizations (myself included) have been experimenting with AI.
In 2026, the ones who scale faster and accomplish more won’t be the people using AI occasionally—they’ll be the ones embedding it into their daily workflows.
Think less of AI copywriting for you and AI doing a first-pass on your content strategy, then executing it in your voice and tone.
What I’m doing:
I have a database created in Notion that lists out tasks and categorizes them into things I can delegate or automate. This backlog will be the first step in helping me build out an AI workflow that can help do some of the work for me.
What this means for you:
AI becomes less about novelty and more about capacity.
Where can you leverage AI to free up your time?
How can you invest in implementing AI in your daily workflow? This might look like spending more time on YouTube, paying for a Maven course, or hiring someone to help.
2. More people will move to portfolio careers.
Of course this is one of my predictions, but it is backed by data—it’s projected that by 2027, freelancing will make up 50.9% of the total U.S. workforce. As macro uncertainty remains constant, more people will look at how they can diversify their income sources.
This doesn’t mean they’ll quit entirely, but we’ll start to see more people experimenting with side hustles and offering services outside of their job. Once they build the confidence in their offers, they’ll build out the next layer to their portfolio career.
What I’m doing:
I already have a portfolio career, but it doesn’t mean that I’ve stopped working on new “side hustles”. My side hustles are now just new offerings for all of you. In February, I’m launching the 2nd iteration of my cohort, Just Start. I’m also thinking about some other offer related to marketing/brand building this year.
What this means for you:
Now is the time to start experimenting with new income streams.
How can you leverage your skills and experience to help others?
What would be meaningful and fun for you to do in your free time?