Generational Spotlight: Selling to Millennials

While some may describe them as self-centered, spoiled, or even just plain lazy, millennials are rapidly increasing their influence in the business world.

While some may describe them as self-centered, spoiled, or even just plain lazy, millennials are rapidly increasing their influence in the business world. Estimates suggest that millennials will comprise half of the U.S. workforce by 2020, yet some companies continue to struggle finding ways to evolve to meet the needs of this generation.  Here are a few ways companies can try to expand their customer base and inject some youthfulness into their brand name and marketing strategy.

Tech Savviness

Obviously, the millennial generation values technology more than any other, but it’s important to use technology only when it makes sense and only when it works. Showing presentations on your iPad of tablet can engage the millennial customer.  Nothing is a bigger turn-off for millennial consumers than technology that doesn’t work or using out dated presentations in a 3-ring binder.  In their mind, this shows a lack of preparation and care for their online image, which is highly regarded in the minds of millennials.

Communicate Your Values

More so than ever, millennials care about the philosophy and core values of the companies they’re buying from. Companies who can communicate millennial ideals of acceptance, tolerance, and accessibility are more likely to find success than those who market themselves off of products or business strategies. This explains the rise of companies like Apple, who stand for such ideals, and companies like Toms, whose charity efforts are as well-known and important to the company brand as the actual products in store. By communicating your values effectively, millennials will be able to easily identify with your brand, and you can successfully increase your sales to millennials.