Richard Laermer is an oft-quoted source to media and other influential types on topics regarding the future of this crazed world and the author of the brand new book 2011: Trendspotting. Some background: the CEO of RLM PR, one of the only independent PR firms that’s actually fun to work with, Laermer is the best-selling author of Punk Marketing, in addition to the perennial PR handbook Full Frontal PR and 2002’s TrendSpotting (plus others). He is widely sought as a speaker and media trainer, has co-hosted TLC’s cult TV show Taking Care of Business, and has a following as commentator for Public Radio’s Marketplace program. His BadPitchBlog (BadRelease.com), with Kevin Dugan, is the industry’s watchdog and a recipient of PRSA’s Bronze Avil Medal for Best Blog. He is the man behind Unspun Radio, available on iTunes and celestial radio stations, and the blogger behind the brand new trend-a-day site, Laermer.com.

Previously a journalist for many years, Laermer was also director of public affairs for Columbia Business School in the early ’90s, where he used his “bullet-theory” campaign of getting many types of stories into the news at once to help the School reach the $75 million mark in a $100 million capital financing drive within seven months. Within six months’ time the School’s dean had become a major education spokesperson and Laermer’s initiatives were the talk of the national business media (particularly with his seminars featuring Kissinger and more).

As a reporter, Laermer’s work has been featured in the New York Times, New York Daily News, Reuters, USA Today, New York magazine, Saturday Review, US Weekly, Interview, Crain’s NY, New York Post, Chief Executive, Soho Weekly News, Editor & Publisher, and many others (all over the journalism map).

The media guy’s outlandish, though logical, speeches, about trends, media, and marketing have wowed audiences as he hosts seminars and keynotes for corporate and civil organizations, marketing groups, PR and sales forces, and genial gatherings. He resides in New York – and has since birth – and is a part-time resident of La Quinta, Calif. His hobbies include judging a book by its cover, studying the future, and rewriting his bio.

Sign up at nosnoozeletter@Laermer.com to receive Laermer’s ridiculously useful newsletter. You will not want the time back! And see Laermer.com for the once-a-day trend spot that will help you get what you need.

2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade by Richard Laermer; McGraw-Hill; April 11, 2008; Hardcover: $25.95; 304 pages; ISBN-10: 0-07-149727-7; ISBN-13: 978-0-07-149727-5.