26 year Young Vs 16 year Old

TheThought

The generation gap, which used to stand at 20+ years has now come down to 10 years. 
A ten year elder person, is similarly confused and surprised with a 16 year youths wants and desire  as a parent used to be with the child.

What the implications of this is and how can you as a marketer/brand manager use this to your advantage?

Period. Agree that there are things, which a 26 year old cannot figure out about the 16 year old today.
If you see the comparison, what will strike most is the way the change has taken place.
During the year 2000, a 16 year old person, wished to be like a 26 year old person, who was considered financially free, and was one among the most respected and desired in the community.
Certain aspects which helped this 26 year old to be a brand used to be, gadgets, like walkman, Sports shoes which were although limited but were able to make a mark and leave impression. So for a 16 year, this freedom was an ultimate form of desires.

Consider now, a 16 year, has much more than what a 26 year old used to have, and that's why you will witness a 26 year old wondering, " how do they behave yaar?".
You will surely have a cousin or nephew/niece, who must be doing certain things in school, which you could have never dream of.
Consider this case, a close friend of mine narrated this about her nephew.
When in school, teacher taught this little kid, to write "A", letter, and then went on to ask to write this
"10 times", he gave a incredible answer.

" Wah! khud ek baar likhe ho, aur mujhsey 10 baar likhney keh rahe ho", as in " You have written it just once, and asking me to write 10 times".

The implications of these changes are plenty and as a marketer you have an advantage if you can understand it. Let me share few:

1. In the coming age idea of fun, can never be satisfied or limited. No longer games, game zone, etc are going to give them a pump. Only something huge, magnificent, something called a purple cow, is going to take their attention. So, if your business is not doing something remarkable, extremely outlandish, your efforts are useless.

2. Innovation is the only aspect which will provide the unfair advantage. If its not innovative, its non existent for me.

3. Wow, so Cool: the term used by a 26 year young,
    Wow, so Hot; is the term used by a 16 year old.
Choose whom you wish to woe.

4. Give them an Option to share it with friends, until you do that, you are never going to be able to reach the critical mass.

5. Involve, but do not forget to Evolve. ( much more on this coming in next post).


Happy getting attention.