Selling to Millennials - the Rise of Y!

Traditional media and the traditional rules of marketing will not work across all four generations. In my last post, I discussed the four generations that are now occupying the buyer's chair. Because they are the newest workers and more and more are becoming your buyers, I'll discuss Gen Y'ers in more detail.

You'll need to focus on keeping their attention. They will be multi-tasking.
Your traditional PowerPoint won't cut it with them. Primitive technology will lose them. Gen Y are digital natives. They grew up with a screen in their hand and jumping quickly from task to task.

They prefer communicating via technology instead of face to face. So you're frustrated that they won't answer or return your phone calls? Get over it. Adapt. You won't change them, so you better change your approach.

They communicate through photos and videos. Their phone has always had a camera on it. They turned YouTube into the second largest search engine. They find that email is too slow. It's an old technology to them.

How ironic! Despite the high tech communication style, relationships are highly valued! Don't rush to judgement. They love people and they love diversity. Including the diversity around age. Don't assign your generation's value system to them. They will value your contributions if you bring them value.

This may surprise you but who do you think they view as a hero? It's not some rock or rap or even sports star. It's their parents! They understand the world around them and they demand a lot.

How do they buy? What do they want?

My generation (Boomer) used to love the old saw: Quality, Price, Service—pick two!
We thought buyers could not get all three. Well, the expectations of the Y Generation is even more demanding! They demand FOUR things—low cost, good quality, fast service AND an experience. Keep in mind what kind of experience you can create that will make your offering stand out.