Remember when virtual reality was all the rage? What about the daily-deal explosion?

We love a good story and a quick cash infusion, but when it comes down to it, we're far bigger fans of businesses built on a solid foundation -- those that can weather the economy's fits and starts; that can embrace what's trendy but don't crash when kids move on to the next big thing; that address the wants and needs of America's increasingly diverse population.

Our list of the trends we've got our eyes on will help anchor your business, present or future, in reality. From cooking up goodies that satisfy America's growing taste for all things spicy -- a sign of our shifting demographics -- to helping workers who are locking the door on traditional office setups, these trends are built to last (at least for a while). Consider this a jumping-off point as you envision new products and services -- and look at it as a heads-up on evolving ways to manage your current business. Now, to your future.

Data

The Rise of Big Data

Cutting-edge entrepreneurs are stepping up to crunch the vast (and ever-growing) stockpile of information too large for companies to store and analyze in-house.

Manufacturing

Domestic Production Makes a Comeback

Factors like more affordable labor, higher shipping costs, a better financial climate and a surge of homegrown innovation mean the U.S. manufacturing startup universe is experiencing a renaissance.

Office Space

The Workspace of the Future

The office is getting a new look -- or being phased out altogether.

Management

Managers Who Understand the Importance of Goofing Off

CEOs get the message about the value of fun in the workplace and its contribution to the bottom line.

Beauty

Beauty Seekers Favor 'Cosmeceuticals'

Consumers take a shine to advanced personal-care products.

Food

Hot Sauce Goes Mainstream

Move over ketchup. Hot sauce is now one of the 10 fastest-growing industries in the U.S.

Beverage

Energy-Drink Market Gets a Boost From Young Consumers

Energy-enhancing products have grown into a multibillion-dollar industry fueled by young consumers.

Health

Healthcare Goes Digital

The digital health-technology market will be worth $5.7 billion by 2015, with chronic care, wellness and medication management leading the charge.

Customer Service

Using Transparency to Build Consumer Trust

Weary consumers have had enough of false promises and conflicting marketing claims and are simply seeking brands they can trust.

Vending

Unique Vending Machines Drive Stagnant Industry Forward

Recent innovations like touchscreen technology, electronic-payment options and unique products could give the vending machines industry a boost.

Lending

Creative Financing Grows in Popularity

Traditional business lending is still faltering, but more people are starting businesses, which means borrowers and lenders are getting creative.

Read more stories about: Customer service, Trends, Lending, Technology, Customer loyalty

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This article was originally published in the December 2012 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: The Biggest Trends in Business for 2013.