As we continue to redevelop our website we’re not focusing too much on the blogs. We hope the new website will be operational early in the new year. In the interim we’re accepting guest blogs. Enjoy this, the first guest blog from over seas: Too many young people are leaving school without a clear idea of what careers are available to them and how to gain the relevant qualifications. A series of damning reports has highlighted failings in the National Careers Services. Critics include education watchdog Ofsted, the director general of the CBI and the president of the Association of… Read More
Categories: Blog, Generation X, Generation Y / MillennialsTarget marketing based on age groupings is nothing new – advertising companies have been doing it for ages. However, this approach by Heineken struck me as particularly interesting from a generational perspective. The Heineken Ideas Brewery is in itself a great concept for the younger generations as it is allows consumers to share thoughts directly with the brewery and plays into the Xer and Millennial desire to be recognized as individuals with individual wants. Apparently the company wasn’t satisfied with its sales to the Boomer generation and decided to ask consumers their ideas for new products that would attract this… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog, Product DesignFor years, economists and generational experts have been talking about the business impact that will come as Baby Boomers retire in droves. Entire industries have emerged to handle the needs of this enormous generation as it ages out of the work world and into some semblance of retirement – be that semi-retired or active senior living or long term care. But Boomers are affecting established industries as well. A recent story on NBC News highlights how restaurateurs are catering to the Boomer clientele. When we think of restaurants and other B2C business, the trends have historically shifted toward the youth. … Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog, WorkA lot of HR time is spent figuring out how to attract the best and brightest young talent – what are the perks and expectations that can bring the next workforce stars to your business? The AARP, however, wanted to know who was doing a good job attracting the bright, experienced talent that is already available in the Baby Boomer generation. In their recent ranking of the Best Employers for Workers over 50, the National Institutes for Health topped the list. The NIH is joined by four more health care companies in the top five. The AARP attributes the dominance… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Generation Y / Millennials, WorkplaceIn a recently issued report, “Life insurers cast the net wider net for growth: Enter Gen X” the Deloitte Center for Financial Services touches on many of the reasons why life insurers should put more resources behind targeting Generation X buyers, a market segment they have typically eschewed. The report is applicable beyond the life insurance industry, however, as it hits on several of the stereotypes that have kept Gen X out of the spotlight for many professional services. Namely, they have a different buying structure and skeptical nature, which makes for a longer, less easily controlled sales process. But… Read More
Categories: Blog, Product DesignIf Gen X put buying power in the hand of the consumer – relying more on independent research and word of mouth referrals from friends than on company-crafted advertising – then Millennials are putting it in the hands of everyone. That is, not just their family and friends, but their Facebook friends, Twitter followers, etc. In fact, according to NBC News, a recent study conducted by eBay indicated that 20% of young motorists would be willing to conduct a car purchase entirely via a mobile device. While that may be a more extreme stance, the survey results underscore the younger… Read More
Categories: Automotive, BlogMerrill Lynch recently released a white paper Millennials and Money that surveyed some of the most affluent members of the youngest generation currently in the workforce and found them to be at odds with many of the stereotypes typically applied to this group. Michael Liersch, director of behavioral science for Merrill Lynch writes: These young people aren’t rebelling against the traditional investment approaches advocated by their parents—not only do most say they would have no objection to using their parents’ financial advisors, they are also most likely to describe their investment philosophy as “buy and hold.” They aren’t turning to… Read More
Categories: Blog, Financial ServicesEven while being diagnosed as the most narcissistic generation ever, Millennials continue to have an altruistic streak which showed up in the results of a study by the National Society of High School Scholars, which published its 6th Annual Career Survey Results last week. Yes, the Millennials heading to college this fall have big dreams for 2017. They want to work for Apple, DreamWorks, Disney and Google. But their number one preferred company to work for: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. True to their generational traits, it is not just about the paycheck – they want to feel good about… Read More
Categories: Generation Y / Millennials, GenerationsYou have to appreciate the irony of a totally younger generation communication tool being used to explain an older generation. Check out this info graphic/comic that attempts to convince advertisers and businesses that their traditional target demographics are not aligned with the actual buying power in the country today. There are so many things I love about this. As I mentioned, an info graphic is such a Gen X and Millennial way of looking at things – content may be king, but only if it is entertaining! And yet the comic styling is classic Boomer. It really is brilliant piece. … Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog, Product DesignWhile tradeshow and event managers pride themselves on creativity, the basic structure and components of special events have been somewhat tried and true. A recent report by Amsterdam RAI demonstrates why savvy companies are smart to look at events and event marketing with a whole new light. Changing demographics = changing demands, and the younger generations have explicit expectations for how they wish to be engaged. According to the report, Millennials crave engagement and Generation X continues to be skeptical. This corroborates the experiences of many professional association clients that have expressed frustration with younger generations not attending their flagship… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog, Education