Early years' practice is so full of detail, so crammed with day-to-day changes of routine and unplanned events, so many "first priorities." There are stacks of stuff to read, some circulated within the organisations and much from all external constituents. Most early years centres run perfectly well like this, so keeping one's head above the parapet feels like an aspiration. The author argues that to look beyond the usual information conduits is a vital organisational differentiator. Staying alert and agile to forecast trends that sometimes, on first read feel remote, can pay dividends in terms of parent and client relations and add meaningful value to the service offered. Using examples, the author demonstrates that if one thinks about the opportunity for one's practice, in terms of professional or service development, rather than spending a lot of time on the tension caused by the issue under the lens, then indeed time spent staying in touch with the world beyond early years, is time well-invested.