Millennials on the Cusp of Change

Generation We - the Millennials - has arrived. They have emerged as a powerful political and social force. Their huge numbers and progressive attitudes are already changing America and the world.

Millennials get it.  They are the most marketed to generation yet. They were the first generation to be targeted by advertisers. Commercials were written for Millennial babies less than two years old.

There are 62 million Millennials (Generation We) with $143 billion in buying power.

Below are five things you, brand marketers, need to know to be successful with this generation.

1. They’re Not Brand Loyal

Unless you happen to be Apple, endearing your brand to Gen We for the long term won’t be easy. Remember, they left MySpace for Facebook.

They are concerned with value and function than brand because they were molded by the largest global recession in recent memory. 

You will have to evolve with them, demonstrate value to them, and market yourself in non-traditional ways. 

2. They Expect Brands to Fit Their Mold. Not the Other Way Around.  

When products and brands don’t perform the way they want or expect them to – they will blame the brand and go elsewhere. 

 Tailor your brands and products to them, or allow them to do so. They want it "their way."

3. They Care About the World and What Your Brand is Doing For It

This generation is the first generation to experience “green” in the mainstream.

Consider how your brand treats the world, because Gen We will.  They expect transparency. 

4. They Expect You to Entertain Them

You should entertain this group.  They have always been entertained. They have much shorter attention spans than previous generations, but an uncanny knack for processing massive amounts of information. 

My son can be gaming on his laptop, texting to FaceBook, making and receiving cell calls and texts while watching TV.  Seriously.

5. They Actually Listen to Their Parents and vice versa.

Gen X parents and Gen We kids are watching the same TV channels, wearing the same clothing brands and playing the same video games — often together as a family. 

This group has participated in family decisions,, so they tend to listen and even copycat their parents’ purchasing habits. Do Not ignore Mom and Dad. 

Read more: http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/177373/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-next-generatio.html#ixzz20pF5InXd