There is a new kid in town, just when we got used to the Millennials...

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Generation Z.  I guess it was time to get back to the letter system.  This is a generation most people aren't thinking much about yet, unless you are raising one or have a babysitting business.  But here is what we need to know about this up and coming generation in regards to  marketing.

These individuals were born between 1993-2010, this group grew up swiping and tapping. They have not known life without a smartphone.  This mobile connectivity has already shaped society, imagine the group that only knows a mobile world.  While much of this generation is still learning and shaping their own views, already a portion of this group is in the workforce.

Here is what we are learning about teens and 20-23 year old's of Generation Z:

Altruistic: They have seen world chaos, so they take solace in giving back. They like brands that give and support things they believe in. They also like to volunteer, is this the generation that will save the world?

Diverse: This group will be the most racially and sexually diverse generation. These culture influences will effect all areas of consumerism.  From new menu items at Mc Donald's,  to the new line of barbies, there will be a continuous wave of multicultural influences in the future.

 Entrepreneurial: A generation that has seen successful people working from home, the rise of  "Insta-lebrity" ( I just created that, a person who is famous for being on Instagram and makes money from it) and influences from their older peers, those Millenniums. Generation Z believes in being their own boss.  A study conducted by Northwestern University found that 42% of Gen Z expect to work for themselves.  Currently only 11% of Americans are self employed.

What can you do to get ready for these consumers.

Some thoughts:

Are you stocking a diverse line of goods to attract the Gen Z tastes?

Do you have a charity you support? Let Gen Z know about it and how they can help too.

Automate as much of the experience as possible. Appointments on line, or quick pick up?

Is your website up to date, are  you using current social postings to attract Gen Z to your business?  A mobile generation will find you online first.

I'm looking forward to seeing the influence this new, brave generation has for us.

Welcome lil Z!