How Does Generation Over The Hill Market to the Milenials and Generation Z
One of the first things in every marketing campaign is to understand the mindset of the customers and clients that you are targeting if they are big red shiny buses either jump out in front of them or simply jump on board the the M-Z train.
Every generation is troubled understanding the sons and daughters of the next generation it has been going on since time began.
In terms of marketing nothing has really changed since the days of the Roman Empire, folks expectations, desires and needs are similar in nature, the marketing message delivery has changed relative to the level of technology that is present at that current point in time. Simple really.
One of the first things, is to get into the heads of how these folks tick. The millennials have been referred to as " me me me generation " , or whats in it for me. The over the hill generation was very much more stable tending to work consistently and in one industry for long employment periods, with changing global markets, the millennials changed all that it is all about what are you offering me and if there is that mid-week concert don't expect me in the office the following day. I am giving you my services I need time to breathe.
Generation Z is the generation of the multi, multitaskers they can engage on a device or laptop while using a phone simultaneously they are the first generation of total immersion with these folks there is no life before the internet. Short on attention spans but very cleaver none the less.
What are you talking about mobile devices with a data cap like duh,
The key is to work out how to appeal to the multi-generational marketplace, it is a case of developing marketing objectives and a skill set that will enable us to make that connection..
Yikes, the days of having a great product or service. and folks beating a track to your door May be over.
It seems that the key may be to get the right product market fit and definitely it is necessary to get in touch with our core audience.
One of the things to focus on, in all of this is the backwash of technology, flowing the other way to the " over the hill generation " as they adopt technology at a rapid rate. Connectivity is breaking down barriers.
The marketplace it seems then is wide open
But the question is still and always has been right product right audience, the change that is emerging is that we need to look at the distribution of content, it seems that it needs to be far and wide and it appears that it needs to be across all mediums.
Not sure about that I would love to know your thoughts I am just making observations feel free to engage, We are certainly living in some very interesting times.
Connectivity is driving many of the changes, it seems that the baby boomers are still in the game, no offence to any generations intended, just reflecting we are all in this race together sharing tolerance and understanding. Not really the space to delve in depth. As marketers it is something to think a bout.
There is just so much opportunity out there best time ever to be online and selling something..
Alexander
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Indeed some of us who perhaps don't have a smart TV or even an iPhone...what do we know! I listen to a tech radio show every week just to hear the names of the new gadgets so I can look them up.
I may use this post of yours as a reference on my blog!
Hi Dianne, life experiences carry a lot of weight these days so perhaps we can bridge a lot of gaps, It is good to keep up with technology it has the added advantage of leveling the playing field. Share away it is all good. thank you for commenting very much appreciated.
Many thanks, a really interesting, thought-proking post! I am still a relative newbie to this technology, but it seems to me that with such a huge array of marketing opportunities a danger would be to try too much and 'spread my marketing too thinly'? I guess step by step, keep on testing and reviewing would be my way through. Perhaps I'm too conservative, but I do find it fascinating and I'm sure I will gather speed with confidence, Sue :)
Hi, Sue, I think that we all go through that phase, there are just so many opportunities with resources to match the leveler in the equation is the amount of time that we have to devote to our online businesses. I definitely relate to that aspect of spreading ourselves too thinly it can be a constant battle to keep things in check.
I am really leaning toward doing the basics and trying to do them very well it seems to be paying real dividends. Thank you so much for your input very much appreciated, all the best as you weave your way forward.
Yes, times have really changed for many of us. I have been in sales for a very long time and the one fundamental basic that has stood the test of time..........give the customers what they want or don't sell the steak, .......................but sell the sizzle!.
The mode of sale is where the great challenge lies for us Babyboomers - catching up with technology....how I sometimes envy the younger generation who seemingly just take it in their stride.
But hey we live in a very interesting fast moving world and opportunities have never been better.
Thanks for sharing such an interesting subject.
Take care.
Johan.
Hi Johan, I really like that one, the sale is closing the deal, with our ability to create real reach the prelims is all about the show and tell, as long as we don't become a side show so to speak.
I kind of miss the rasam-tass nothing like that one on one, especially if you close the deal. the field is wide open it is all about adapting and meeting the marketplace head on the opportunities are around every corner.
The younger ones do have a head start for sure but like everything, there are not that many doing it, which is so good for us baby boomers.
Thank you for your engaging comment.
Great topic of discussion, I find that sometimes the hardest things to do is get that initial focus. Maybe for the younger generation their core values are self driven, is it better to change your presentation or their focus?
Hi James good to meet you, the interesting thing is that each segment has its own particular set of core values as marketers our rate of success is in our ability to center in on those core values. it is not so much about trying to change their values as it is across the demographic. it is more about offering that knowledge or product that is congruent with their values, in doing so we have the opportunity to change their focus, just a couple of cents in the conversation.
It is kind of like taking the overview I guess, I see that you are involved in creating opportunities and helping folks up. finding solutions which is kind of like modern marketing.
Alexander, Your though is interesting and great describe.
I can't find the core value of my kids in the future.
THank you
Hi, Natawatt, we all get there, in the end, we are living in interesting times, things are changing so rapidly it will be so very interesting. Best wishes, if you can tap into their thinking there will be many opportunities for you.
No matter where anyone is in the age category, if you are dealing with someone who is interested in the types of products you are promoting, you talk to them in that language.
Mickeyb
Hi, Mickey, that is music to my ears, marketing at its best we must have been at school that day and the lesson taught sunk in.Awesome.
Every marketing discussion report and discussion I've been in talks about deep seated customer core values these days Alex!
it is always good to dig deep when it comes to marketing Mike all marketing cartels need to have core values for all the respondents so everyone gets value from the interactions, I hope that your discussions pay real dividends to all involved.
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Yes, interesting times indeed and oh-so changeable.
We live in an age where versatility and adaptability need to concepts and skills that are second nature to us, lest we get left behind or worse, promoting and marketing in a way that no longer works...
Wasted time is never returned to us, we owe it to ourselves to keep up with and constantly review what is happening in a tech driven world and in a marketplace that may do a complete 180 overnight.
Great post : )