millennialsThere is an entirely new generation of potential clients for our services and products, called “The Millennials”. They live, function and operate in quite a different way than previous generations. If we want to do business with them, we better learn how to communicate with them.

Here is a Wikipedia definition:

Millennials (also known as Generation Y, Generation Me and Echo Boomers) are the demographic group following Generation X, it is generally considered a person reaching young adulthood around the year 2000.

 From an article by Tim Parker: 6 Ways to Sell to Millennials

Are you marketing to millennials? If not, you’re missing a $2.4 trillion market. Use these tips to understand and sell to millennials and boost your bottom line.

These are only a few of the facts that prove that the millennial generation, those born between 1980-2000, is slowly taking over. The baby boomer population has long been coveted as the generation to cater to if you want your business to thrive but as the boomers enter retirement, and may be more cautious about spending, it’s time to learn and understand the Millennials.

They’re NOT Lazy Millennials have the undeserved reputation of being lazy. They’re waiting for the world to come to them instead of going after their dreams, say their critics but statistics show otherwise.

They ARE Addicted to Technology Millennials and their technology are a love affair that won’t end soon.

They DO Value Happiness Millennials have the reputation of seeking happiness over paying the bills. There’s no doubt that the modern world is looking for balance between work and play.

How does a business owner convince them to buy?

You Better Have a Social Media Presence. In the mind of Millennials, the lack of a social media presence makes your business irrelevant.

Cut the Fluff—Be Real. Millennials, as a whole, aren’t interested in your sales pitch. They don’t want you to ask how they’re doing unless you really want to hear the answer.

Don’t be Loose with your Facts Everything you say will be verified in seconds with a simple Google search.

Hurry Up Already! Keep your pitch under a couple of minutes. Millennials live in a world with only a couple of speeds and they’re all variants of “fast.”

Be Smart with your Advertising Millennials understand how to use a DVR. They’re going to fast-forward through commercials if they’re watching a TV at all.

Be a Mentor You’re not in business to be a counselor, right? If you want to impress the Millennials, you have to change that mindset. Millennials want to first know that they’re being heard. Next, they want acknowledgement of the problem. Last, they want you to offer a solution.

Bottom Line? A skilled salesperson will quickly learn how to reach their customer. The old-school rules apply regardless of the person’s generation. Everybody likes a person who takes a genuine interest in them. Stick with the Golden Rule and you’re sure to impress everybody, regardless of their age.

So if you want to sell to me and my friends, you better pay attention to these rules.

 

Thank you for listening!