Layer 1: The Signal Detection System
Weak Signals (24+ months out): - Academic research papers - Patent filings - VC investment patterns - Startup formations - Conference topic shifts
Growing Signals (12-24 months out): - Tech giant investments - Pilot programs at leading companies - Emerging job titles - New conference tracks - Specialist communities forming
Strong Signals (6-12 months out): - Mainstream media coverage - Consulting firm reports - Executive mandates - Budget allocations - Hiring surges
Jessica's Early AI Detection: - 2019: Noticed marketing AI papers increasing - 2020: Saw startups getting VC funding - 2021: Tech giants launching marketing AI tools - 2022: Positioned as expert before mainstream adoption - 2023: Premium rates as scarce specialist
Layer 2: The Intelligence Gathering Network
Academic Sources: - Google Scholar alerts for key terms - University research lab newsletters - PhD student blogs and papers - Academic conference proceedings
Industry Sources: - Gartner/Forrester reports - Industry association publications - Trade publication deep dives - Specialty podcast interviews
Insider Sources: - VC firm newsletters - Startup job boards - GitHub trending projects - Discord/Slack communities
Executive Sources: - Earnings call transcripts - CEO keynote speeches - Board presentation leaks - Executive LinkedIn posts
Jessica's Intelligence Stack: 1. Daily: Twitter lists of AI researchers 2. Weekly: VC newsletter scan 3. Monthly: Patent search for marketing AI 4. Quarterly: Conference agenda analysis 5. Annually: Trend synthesis report
Layer 3: The Pattern Recognition Engine
The Innovation Adoption Curve: 1. Innovators (2.5%): Researchers and inventors 2. Early Adopters (13.5%): Tech companies and startups 3. Early Majority (34%): Progressive enterprises 4. Late Majority (34%): Conservative companies 5. Laggards (16%): Resistant organizations
Optimal Positioning Window: Enter during Early Adopter phase, establish expertise before Early Majority arrives.
Pattern Recognition Checklist: - [ ] Research papers increasing? - [ ] Startups getting funded? - [ ] Big tech investing? - [ ] Job postings emerging? - [ ] Conferences adding tracks? - [ ] Tools becoming available? - [ ] Success stories appearing? - [ ] Mainstream media covering?