Jon Trend August 7, 2019

5 Tips For Understanding Millennials As A Brand

Are they entitled? Spending too much time on their phones? Maybe, but millennials are changing the way brands market their products. Might be wise to look at things from their perspective. Here’s our guide to understanding millennials.

The older generations tend to target their criticism toward the younger individuals. With their heads buried in technology and walking around with an aura of entitlement, elders assume they lack appreciation for what came before them and desire respect they might not have “earned” yet.

But, this may just be a lack of understanding. Understanding millennials can be hard to understand when you’re not quite sure what makes them tick. Here are 5 things to remember when trying to get inside the mind of a millennial.

5 Tips For Understanding Millennials

They are a Technological Generation

The first tip for understanding millennials is to recognize that they are a generation that grew up with technology.

The older crowd reminisces over the days without cell phones and computers, just as their predecessors did with television.

Although, many are preaching about how the unlimited access to technology is affecting the youth. What needs to be understood is that a majority of millennials don’t remember a time where the digital world wasn’t at their fingertips.

It seems all the attention is placed on millennials for their frequent phone and “social media addiction”, even though it’s what almost everyone does now.

Instead of thinking of this as strictly a millennial behavior, we need to stop and take notice of the technological world we now live in. One where technology bleeds into everything we do and isn’t restricted to one age group or generational demographic.

Instead of condemning millennials for their use of technology you should be thinking about ways it could benefit your business.

As more and more brick and mortar entities die out, many businesses are switching to developing a strong online presence. Whether you are trying to reach a younger audience or just enter the digital space, bringing on a millennial will be very beneficial to your growth.

They have valuable insight on what’s working and what’s not. And, can help you gain access and speak the language of the younger generations.

Millennials Have a High Level of Confidence

The second tip for understanding millennials is to realize that they have a high level of confidence.

Parenting has a lot to do with this self aware behavior among millennials. Imagine being told every day that you can do anything you set your mind to without anything holding you back.

Because of this, millennials possess a very high level of optimism that can come off as entitlement. Being handed a participation trophy after taking part in anything can cloud your idea of hard work and success. Not only does this shelter younger people from reality, it doesn’t set them up to deal with the failures and hardships that come with being an adult.

On the other hand, millennials are able to be more inclusive than other generations. With the shift in thinking, they are able to be much more supportive and can channel this energy into becoming great team builders within a company. In fact, they are known for being able to foster the talents of others and use their skills to strengthen the brand as a whole.

This Generation is Team Oriented

The third tip for understanding millennials is understand that this generation is all about teamwork.

In the age of constant connection no one does it better than millennials. With social media, email, and various digital platforms, millennials are consistently engaged on these channels. Not to mention, they probably developed it.

In the age of the internet, connection is key. With this mindset, millennials are keen at bringing people together towards a common goal.

Not only is this good for the masses, but it’s good for a brand. They can help develop strong call to action phrases and bring your audience together to support the mission of your brand.

They Have a Different Approach Toward Authority

The fourth tip for understanding millennials is to see that hey have a different approach toward authority.

Millennials don’t really have the mindset in which you have to “earn your stripes”as an employee. Often this gets pegged as narcissistic or egotistical. But, in reality they’re just learning at their own pace.

Millennials have a progressive view of learning and like to take things into their own hands. Because of this they are able to think outside the box. And, try new things that maybe others haven’t thought of before.

Because millennials would rather do things on their own and learn through trial and error, they have a healthy relationship with failure. After making several mistakes trying things their way, they might take a step back and ask a superior for advice.

We All Share the Same Goals

The fifth tip for understanding millennials is to recognize that we all have the same goals.

As different as millennials are from their predecessors, at the end of the day everyone wants the same thing. Everyone just wants to be valued in the workplace and have their work be appreciated. What often might come off as negative traits, can be easily misinterpreted.

Millennials are young, eager and strive to make a difference. With access to endless information at their fingertips, Millennials are on track to be the best-educated generation in history.

Take time to look at things from their perspective. Millennials are in a constant battle with the ideas and traditions set before them. All while trying to think of new and innovative ways to succeed in the professional world.

Understanding millennials isn’t difficult, you just need to take a step back and listen to what they have to say.

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Need more tips for understanding the millennial generation as consumers? Connect with us on social at @h_collective