Generation Stereotypes
I have attended many classes in the last few years where as a salesperson, I am directed to use different sales techniques to apply to the different generation stereotypes. While I agree with some fo this generalization, there are many instances whee I feel that we are becoming too analytical and too quick to categorize people into comfortable bins. This makes it easy for big government and business to quickly access what may work for the majority for sales, polls, and whatever this categorizaition could be used for. It also makes it easy for “brain-washing”, influencing, pushing unwanted issues and making people believe that they should do this or that to fit into their category. Actually we are all individuals with different personalities, backgrounds and traits. For example, is a wealthy Gen X from a comfortable suburb the same as a poorer Gen X from the wrong side of town? But enough of that, I’ve put a quick review of the recent stereotypes for those of us who need a refresher course to be politically correct.
TRADITIONALISTS - 1925 to 1945 - Characterized as practical, patient, loyal and hardworking, respectful of authority and definite rule followers.
BABY BOOMERS - 1946 to 1980 - Optimistic, teamwork and cooperation, ambitious, workaholic.
GENERATION X -1961 to 1980 - Skeptical, self-reliant, risk-taking, balances work and personal life.
GENERATION Y - 1981 to 1999 - also known as Millennials, hopeful, meaningful work, diversity and change valued, technology savvy.
For an example, here is a summary of a real-estate related use report for Generation Y for realtors.(The Residential Specialist, July/August issue, 2009)
Half of all the members of Gen Y’s plan to purchase a home in the next 3 years. When it comes to looking for this home, members of Gen Y :
a. Are willing to pay a premium to live closer to their job.
b. Want more space in their next residence.
c. Are interested in living near alternative modes of transportation.
d. Are likely to put down less than 20 percent on their next residential purchase.
e. Plan to leave city life eventually for one in the suburbs.
This seems to apply to a lot of people?? Just thinking too much again…
One thing I do know (as a Baby Boomer myself) is that life is getting faster and faster and we need to slow down a little. It is taking a lot of time and effort to keep up with the new technologies that is almost second nature to the generations who are growing up with technology.
As a final thought, I feel that there are starting to be too many realtor “techies” who are forgetting about actual people. They are wrapped up in numbers, statistics and actually picking and pushing houses not homes. I enjoy the fun and satisfaction of helping people find homes not houses…..
