Corporate America’s Millennial vs. Gen Z Face-off

Utilizing Data in the Modern Age

When it comes to data management and engaging with clients or customers, there are two primary types of data: inbound and outbound.

Inbound data refers to the information you collect from your clients or customers. This type of data is usually governed by privacy laws, and companies are advised to handle it on a need-to-know basis. Only collect the data necessary for your business functions, and always ensure you have your client’s consent. This data can be leveraged to make informed business decisions—like collecting “how did you hear about us” information to refine your marketing strategies. Even small businesses and startups should structure the data they collect effectively, as proper database management will determine how useful that data ultimately becomes.

On the other hand, outbound data is trickier. This encompasses the data you present to your clients or customers—everything from the colors you choose, the style of your font, to the language you use. These elements are avenues to “train” your clients and get them to connect with your product on a deeper level. Clients might not realize it, but every time they interact with a product, they are being subtly trained. Take “Jake from State Farm” as an example. I’ve never used their service, but their branding has taken up rent-free real estate in my mind.

Conversions and direct sales aren’t always the primary goals of outbound data. Sometimes, the objective is simply to keep the brand name alive and maintain product awareness. Clients don’t want to be bombarded with information or put in too much effort researching—they often need to be spoon-fed; and everybody wants to be cool.

A trend I’m noticing that’s gaining popularity is the use of slang. Words like “gaslighting,” “lowkey,” and “goes crazy” are becoming catchphrases that resonate with audiences. These terms are light-hearted, adding a sense of ease that clients find appealing; yet they evidence a type of conciousness that gives them validity. They also signal that the product is current and inclusive, and that the team behind it is attuned to today’s societal trends. For instance in music and cinematography, the number of references to brands like Hennessy, Gucci, and Versace has kept these names alive and cool, sustaining their appeal to the younger generation.

We want to save money, participate in society, and frankly, we’re fed up with the Millennial aesthetic ??. The Millennial aesthetic is all about old money, new money, luxury, and more—but it’s all a facade, longing for the unattainable. Millennials would borrow clothes, rent, buy, and return—anything to look expensive (allegedly). Their intention was to be cool, but to be truly cool, you have to be authentic; and everyone wants to be around the cool guy.

So, this season, you’re probably hearing phrases like “very cute, very demure” and you’re dying to know what it means. You’ve probably done extensive research on the matter because you hate being excluded. Did you see how easily your interest was piqued? In these times, where even the local news can’t get you to turn on your TV and your Netflix subscription goes to waste, the right language can still capture your attention. There’s been a lot of shameless Gen-Z slander in corporate America, and it’s not entirely surprising—the Gen-Z are truly an altruistic generation.

The economy is struggling, partly because the older generation hasn’t accepted that Gen Z is here to stay. The world is embracing Gen Z, and you can’t just fake it till you make it like the Millennials did.

In my next article, I’ll dive deeper into what makes Gen Z so different and why the older generations are shaking in their boots as they continue to lose profit and customer interest. One thing is for sure—Gen Z is the future of consumption????, you're better off getting with the program.