If your company’s going to sell your products to people and offer them services, then you need to understand who they are and how they think and make decisions. If you can understand your customers, you can make sure your products, services, message, and vision are appealing to them. And no characteristic delineates a population quite like the years in which they were born. Millennials are generally the population of Americans born between 1980 and 1995, so this year they’ll be between the ages of 25 and 40. Generation Z, on the other hand, were born between 1996 and 2015 and are between 5 and 24 years old. Here are the differences between the two generations that you need to know so you can cater to their needs and demands.
What Are Some General Characteristics of GenZ?
1. Gen Z loves innovation
The world has changed a lot since the first Gen Z-ers were born. Technology is constantly changing and evolving and improving all our other products, so Generation Z expects everyone to keep up. Innovation will make their lives better, and they’re waiting for you to tell them how.
2. Gen Z is skeptical
You need to earn their trust, and they’re protective of their personal information. Millennials, on the other hand, are so enamored with the convenience and omnipotence of the internet, they don’t care quite as much about companies’ social responsibility, how they access your information, and what they do with it.
3. Gen Z is pragmatic
Because Gen Z grew up in a recession, they’re practical and realistic. Meanwhile Millennials are idealistic and optimistic. They’re the trophy generation, so they’re used to happy endings while the younger generation is concerned with achieving long-term value and smart investments.
4. Millennials trust brands
The Millennial generation grew up sporting clothing and shoes and other apparel that featured a brand logo. And whether it’s nostalgia or brand loyalty, they’re still willing to pay a little extra for a cherished brand. But Gen Z is just as happy to don something generic—or at least something that doesn’t have a giant American Eagle across it.
5. Gen Z shops in real stores
But Millennials prefer to shop online. Perhaps it’s because the novelty of online shopping hasn’t worn off yet. They’re still amazed at the speed, convenience, and accessibility of the internet, while Gen Z has never known anything different, so they appreciate the unique experiences of shopping in a real store and want to assess the quality of a product themselves.
6. Gen Z wants to save money
Much of Generation Z witnessed the economic downturn of the late 2000s, so they understand that money doesn’t grow on trees. But Millennials’ childhoods were largely characterized by materialism of the 1980s and 1990s. Therefore, Gen Zers are conservative spenders, so they like freebies, free shipping, and other money-saving deals. Millennials, though, enjoy spending money if it enhances their experience.
Looking to add to your workforce?
For more tips on how to cater to Millennials and Generation Z and the nuances between the two groups, contact Pridestaff Thousand Oaks today.
