Preconceived notions exist for just about everything under the big blue sky. Part of being a savvy–and therefore, successful–marketer is knowing that myths exist and that you have to cut through the myths to get to the reality.

Today I’ll begin a series of entries that cuts through the chaff about Baby Boomers and get to what makes this generation’s beat go on.

We have a top ten, and I’ll start with the first: Boomers are all the same.

That’s right–all 77 million of us. But according to Jack Lett, executive director of Focalyst, we are not. “Within this generation are diverse segments that must be recognized and addressed differently.” We do not think, act, behave–nor do we buy–the same way.

Here are the facts:

• More than other segments, we undergo more major life events (these occur more often during ages 50-65 than in any other time in life).
• Every year, the typical Boomer experiences an average of two major life events regarding career, family, finance, or health.
• These events can have a major impact on attitudes, life goals, and consumer behavior.

Source: Focalyst

Christine Babick is a blogger at www.beneaththebrand.com. A marketing strategist and linguist, she specializes in marketing language, website text, “emo copy,” and cause and relationship marketing.

Article Tags: Babick | Boomer | Boomers | Consumers | marketing | Research | Trend
Filed under: Marketing Niche, Research, Strategy