Friday, October 16, 2009

Which Generation Are You?

Last year I served on a National NAR Committee that was charged with looking at ways to communicate with the up and coming Generation X and Ys. NAR has their conference coming up next month in San Diego and one of the topics is Generational Marketing and Negotiating.

They sent along some information regarding the different generations and their characteristics and I thought I would pass that on to you folks. Honestly, I was sort of surprised when I saw the generation I'm supposed to be. Partly, because I didn't realize I was that old, but mainly how spot on it was. So here they are, does it sound like you? And more importantly, how are you going to alter the way you communicate with the clients that fit into those generations?

G.I. Generation: Born Between 1900-1924
  • Moral Standards and Values
  • Make and Follow Rules
  • Civic Duty and Patriotism
  • Hard Work, Self Sacrifice
  • Loyalty
  • Work Together for Common Goals
  • Conform

Silents: 1925-1945

  • Value Authority/Expertise
  • Respects other's opinions
  • Want options/choices
  • Mediate/talk-it-out
  • Need Affirmation
  • Risk Averse/Decision Paralysis
  • Delayed Gratification
  • Now is Their Turn

Boomers: 1946-1964

  • Idealistic and Involved
  • Creative/Entrepreneurial
  • Self-Satisfied
  • Career-Focused Workaholics
  • Success=Personal Achievement
  • Risk Takers
  • Entitled to the Best
  • No Fear of Credit or Leverage
  • What's in it for Me?

Generation X: 1965-1981

  • Why Me?
  • Skeptical/Pragmatic
  • Distrustful/Confrontational
  • Little Brand or Employer Loyalty
  • Self Motivated/Involved
  • High Tech and High Touch
  • Family/Friends Before Job
  • Time vs Space

Millennials: 1982-2000

  • Very High Tech-Speed
  • Inclusive and Interracial
  • Collaborative
  • Can Do/Optimistic
  • Future Investment Planning
  • Financially Oriented
  • Impersonal, Lack of Social Skills
  • Pressured, Stressed
  • Impatient, Want It Now

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