My mom, the early adopter
How groups and communities can spot even the hottest trends and services
Of all the people you think are ahead of the curve when it comes to apps and software, you would never suspect a Taiwanese woman in her 70s.
But such is the case with my mother, the most surprising early adopter (and even stock picker) of them all.
You see, my mom first told me about Zoom way back in 2016, years before it became a Covid household name.
Little did I know it would become so instrumental for my former content company, which operated fully remotely. I was such a fan I invested as a shareholder (back when the stock price hovered $60.
I would like to be able to say I sold at its peak when it hit 10 times my original purchase price, but I’m no stock sage. Still, not bad for even a short term value stock play.
My mom was also the one who introduced me and our family to Line, the Korean messaging platform.
It has since ballooned into a universe of characters, toys, collectibles, and themed shops across Asia and even in New York’s Time Square.
Some would say I was a little obsessed; I may or may not have visited all the Seoul Line stores:
But my mom’s ability to spot growth trends among messaging and collaborative platforms shouldn't come as a shock.
A reason for why she’s so in the know is her participation in Buddhist study groups, who gather on a daily basis.
They rely on group video and chat platforms like Skype (in the early days), Zoom, and Teams to conduct meetings. Line groups are another key way everyone keeps in touch. And my parents are as up-to-date on current events as if they were living in Taipei, thanks to YouTube.
The referral network is incredibly influential among Asian communities; sometimes their approval or disapproval is enough to convince people to use or adopt certain services or products.
But even back in 2017 when I was in Shanghai to host a panel for a Lendit fintech event, it was evident that Asian messaging platforms were light years ahead of the U.S.
I was so impressed by how WeChat was dominating not just as a messaging app but also as a payment system and media platform for brands to engage with their fans and customers.
Regardless, bankers and money managers should take note: sometimes the hottest trends and optimal value stocks can come from the most unexpected places and people.
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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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