GRAND RAPIDS, MI Futurist James Canton was being more than a proud grandfather when he showed the Economic Club of Grand Rapids a photo of a toddler holding a smartphone to his ear.

This is your new customer, Canton told the gathering at the Imperial Ballroom at the J.W. Marriott Hotel at a luncheon meeting on Monday, March 24. He cant read, but he can talk.

The future is coming faster than ever for most businesses, said Canton, the CEO and chairman of the Institute for Global Futures.

And that trend wont slow down or even catch its breath as the worlds population continues to grow and live longer, technology continues to become cheaper and innovators are rewarded, Canton said.

What the Baby Boomers are going to spend a dollar on, the Millennials are going to spend a dime, Canton said, pointing to the falling costs of long-distance telephone calls.

Whos shaping your future? Are you? Canton asked. If you dont have a future ready plan three or four years out, someone else is shaping your future.

To become future ready, Canton said companies need to be focused on their customers behavior and innovators in other industries. If youre in banking, talk to someone in healthcare. If youre in healthcare, talk to someone in video games.

Canton, a former executive with Apple Computer and an advisor to three White House administrations, also has advised more than 100 companies. The Economist recently recognized him as one of the worlds leading futurists.

He also is a frequent guest commentator on CNN, CNBC, Fox, PBS, ABC and business publications. He was named the Digital Guru by CNN and Dr. Future by Yahoo.

Jim Harger covers business for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.

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The future is coming faster than ever, futurist tells Economic Club of Grand Rapids