Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

A good example is the iPhone.  I feel like I should want one from all the talk and advertising but when I think about it, all I really just want is a phone.  I don`t want to take a $600 iPod/Computer/U-Tube/Blackberry/Phone with me when workout.  I worry enough about my $199 iPod Nano.  Where do you buy a cell phone that just makes calls and isn`t so expensive that I am afraid to take it with me where ever I go? 

I think this is boomer logic and the marketing needs to fit this thought process.

-------------------------

Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

Jeez, what a soapbox THAT is...the phones that just make a damn phone call, don`t have drop-outs, and forget the pictures!

But I wonder. Do you think this desire for things to do what they`re claimed to do is unique to boomers? Or reverse it: Do you think gen-X and gen-Y kids really don`t care or don`t understand that a phone is supposed to first be a phone, THEN have additional features?

Is it that boomers are unique as a generation in looking at essential versus non-essential characteristics?

I believe Gladwell refers to those who accumulate knowledge as Mavens not Morvens.

To get me to open my wallet these days, it has to be something I really need or want.  I`m sick of "stuff" & am trying to simplify my life by lightening up.  Viral marketing, in my opinion, does work though.  When friends tell me about a product they like that tastes better, is easier to use.... I`m more apt to at least check it out. 

-------------------------

Cookie

thanks very much for the correction - Mavens it is

Must be I`m getting old


-------------------------

Serious about focussing your business on customers?
visit us at http://www.frontofficebox.com

There is some pretty good demographics in this post.  (OK one-sided but lets pretend...) Now Saxmansteve, how you would market to this group?

-------------------------

Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

Thanks Bert

I figure the only that consistently influences boomers is the advice and
guidance they get from family and friends.
So to my mind viral is the only way.

Steve

-------------------------

Serious about focussing your business on customers?
visit us at http://www.frontofficebox.com

I tend to agree.

-------------------------

Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

Thanks Bert

now the question is "how to do it". I guess the answer is we have to let our
experience do the talking for us.

-------------------------

Serious about focussing your business on customers?
visit us at http://www.frontofficebox.com

I agree with all of the above ideas.

Please remember that some of us "boomers" may feel a little bewildered when presented with a widget that is high tech.....If you can present it to me simply, I would be more likely to buy it. KEEP IT SIMPLE!  Even if it`s not!

I know this does not apply to everyone, but believe it or not some of our group feel as though they could not learn to use a computer, complicated cell phones or high tech widgets! It has nothing to do with intelligence, but more to do with a certain fear or intimidation of learning something new! I hope I`m making sense.....if not just humor me!  

Ten years ago someone gave me their old computer. It sat here for five months, I didn`t even try to turn it on, until finally a friend sat down with me and taught me the very basics......well after a lot of trial and error here I am and barely made it through vacation without a computer! No laptop yet. 

Well, that`s my two cents for now! I`m still thinking about it.

Gail

candlelady2

 

candlelady2

thanks very much for the input.

Oh so true yet very hard to do - but I`m working on it

Steve


-------------------------

Serious about focussing your business on customers?
visit us at http://www.frontofficebox.com