Bridging the Gap Between Generations with Brian Fanzo – GM8

Bridging the Gap: Millennials vs Baby Boomers and Gen X

[0:00] – Introducing this episode of the Grey Matters podcast: Brian Fanzo on understanding how to communicate with Millennials from a marketing perspective.

• Brian Fanzo is a Millennial who has built a business showing brands the how and why of communicating with Millennials.
  
  

[2:04] – Shifts in the generational gap between Baby Boomers/Gen Xers and Millennials.

• At first, very few Millennials were talking about how to relate with Millennials — a knowledge gap that Brian sought to fix.
  
  
• There is a weird understanding of what engagement is versus what sales are, or what people are actually going and taking action.
  
  
• Sometimes, businesses want to reach Baby Boomers, but they don't realize that they can use Millennials – who are very influential with their parents or grandparents – in order to do so. 
  
  
• When the other generation starts telling their story on social media, there's an authenticity level there that is amazing, because there aren’t enough people putting it out there.
  
  

[5:44] – Why so many Baby Boomers and Gen Xers have difficulty sharing online and creating that level of authenticity.

• If you're not your own biggest cheerleader and if you don't understand the importance of telling your story, it becomes very hard to stand out. 
  
  
• Where we're at now, sharing online is not as much bragging, it's more about bringing people on a journey and being transparent. For a time, though, it was all about faking it till you make it.
  
  
• Authenticity is key.
  
  

[11:49] – Coaching older generations who want to get into the online space.

• The word “content” can be overwhelming, especially since not everyone is clear on what it means, especially people working outside the realm of online marketing.
  
  
• In the digital world, your first impression is what people look up. 
  
  
• When it comes to being authentic and sharing your vulnerable self online, start where you're most comfortable. 
  
  
• Don’t worry too much about the platform.
  
  
• If this whole idea of content scares you, collaborate; remember that the younger generation is looking for mentorship. 
  
  
• You have to be social on social media; it has to be you. 
  
  

[19:59] – The challenges in dealing with people who refuse to be “socially savvy.”

• It’s not about being open to change; it’s about being open to having a different perspective.
  
  

[24:23] – Choosing a social media platform: Should you start on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Twitter, or somewhere else?

• Focus on just one or two of them.
  
  
• Don't be overwhelmed by trying to be everywhere, and don't be overwhelmed by trying to do it at the same pace as everyone else.
  
  
• The more authentic you are, the easier this digital world becomes. 
  
  
• If you invest in telling your story, invest in social, and build relationships and add an authentic level, it gives you the opportunity to have more handshakes, and to turn handshakes into hugs. 
  
  
• Take what is great about you offline, and transition it into this digital world. 
  
  

[31:40] – On personal opinions online, and understanding the rules of engagement.

[39:00] – Learning to trust in people and build trust in the online world.

Resources

• Webinar Wednesday
• Patreon
• [email protected]
• iSocialFanz