Examining Baby Boomers: Stats, Demographics, Segments, Predictions

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Examining Baby Boomers: Stats, Demographics, Segments, Predictions

Baby Boomers have charged social and cultural revolutions and built vast, far-reaching corporate empires. They have helped weave the social, political and economic fabric of our country today. Their many achievements have made them one of the greatest generations of all time. Their wealth and influence is greater than any other generation today.

Born between 1946 and 1964 (46 – 64 years of age) Baby Boomers are 80 million strong. The Boomer is the largest generation, with a population nearly doubles that of Gen X. Boomers are seated at the very top of the worlds largest, most powerful companies and as established career professionals, they have tremendous buying power. In fact, approximately 70 percent of law firm partners are Baby Boomers. They will cede their positions to to their Gen X children when Boomers retire.

Defining Characteristics

Value Shifters
The 1960s is arguably one of the most defining cultural moments in 20th Century US history. Revolution was in the streets and intellect shaped social change. Value Shifters included civil rights leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X or musical heroes, such as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones. This revolutionary spirit has not faded for Value Shifters. Value Shifters voted for Obama, were outspoken opponents of water-boarding and believe the dual wars in the Middle East are reminiscent of Vietnam.

Worker-Bees
While Gen X might work to live, the Boomer segment, Worker-Bees, live to work. Gordon Gekko, the fictional Wall Street executive, perfectly personifies the Worker-Bee. As technology brings us closer to work and each other, Worker-Bees — just as Gordon Gekko — embrace every new innovation. Think of the typical buzzing Blackberry. As work is life, Worker-Bees also define their social status and personal value with their professional achievements. Moreover, the economic crisis is putting Worker-Bees’ retirement plans on hold — as social security and their 401ks’ have shrunk.

Independent Doers
More doing, less thinking. Independent Doers thrive on action — whether it’s leading a Fortune 100 company or charging political movement or donating to charitable causes. With the you-can-do-it spirit of the 1960s, Independent Doers demonstrate leadership, confidence and courage in the face of defeat. Combined with their larger pocket books and need for action, Independent Doers contribute to many charitable causes — both financially and through volunteerism.

Competitors
With independence comes many challenges. Competitors go beyond Independent Doers and thrive on the race. For instance, Enron’s shamed leader, Jeffery Skilling was a competitor and based his life on winning — always being a step ahead of everyone else. Competitors are winners and as such, they are leaders of muli-national corporations. Competitors are also considered Helicopter Parents — who fight to pave the right path for their children, such as enrolling them in exclusive private schools.

Macro Trends

Safety Net — Boomers have seen their savings…

To read more about baby boomer demographics, segments, stats, predictions, go to Sparxoo, a digital marketing, branding and business development blog.

Examining Generation X: Stats, Demographics, Segments, Predictions

admin    Web Marketing     Demographics, Examining, Generation, Predictions, Segments, Stats

Examining Generation X: Stats, Demographics, Segments, Predictions

Sergey Brin, Quentin Tarantino and Jon Stewart are among many Gen X luminaries pushing the limits, re-shaping corporate culture, re-thinking film and revolutionizing comedy. They are accelerating the speed of life and “keeping America from sucking,” writes Jeff Gordinier, author of X Saves the World: How Generation X Got the Shaft But Can Still Keep Everything From Sucking.

Generation X is an estimated 50 million strong. Most demographers agree that GenXers were born between 1964 and 1984 — putting them between the ages of 26 and 46. This generation is often referred to as “baby busters,” as they are attributed to a rapid decline in birth rates after the Baby Boomers. Moreover, Gen X is a highly educated and sophisticated group — with more than 60% of the population having attended higher education institutions.

Defining Characteristics

Each generation is defined by diverse subsets rather than a single attribute. By defining these diverse characteristics of Gen X, we are not pigeon-holing them as just pragmatic or just forward-thinkers. Instead, we are exploring the diversity of a generation that has helped shape business, culture and technology. As TwentySomething’s David Morrison writes, “my birthgroup would be hard pressed to fit on a single couch due to its sheer magnitude and unprecedented diversity.”

Pragmatics
Pragmatics are considered the byproduct of the Information Age — where data and a practical approach are essential ingredients to achieve results. Because Pragmatics understand the intricacies of media and marketing, they are sometimes considered cynical (however, not without an underlying optimism, notes Morrison).

Thrillers
Thrillers are about speed. They contributed to the rise in thrill-junky sports, such as skateboarding, skateboarding and skydiving. The X-Games, born from the Gen X grass-roots movement, has created a lasting impact on sports — with the Olympic’s adopting snowboarding as a legitimate sport.

Disenfranchised
Jeff Gordinier, 41, a disenfranchised…

To read more about Gen X predictions, stats, demographics, go to Sparxoo, a digital marketing, branding and business development blog.