Generational definitions – videos

It’s time to clear up the confusion about what the “C” in Generation C stands for:

Some very learned people from Digital Hive, Saatchi and Saatchi and more have come up with their thoughts on defining the “C”.

This video is 3 mins 30 secs long and deals with:

  • Various views on what the “C” stands for
  • The impact of defining a generation based on what they do rather than what motivates them
  • What I believe the “C” stands for and why

What do you think the “C” stands for?

This week I’m looking at the difference between Generation C and Generation Y, with some big implications for marketing and society at large.

The video is 5 mins 53 seconds long and covers the following:

  • A recap of a definition of Generation C itself
  • Defining Generation Y commenting on two authorities: Peter Sheahan and Howe & Strauss
  • Looking at why these two authorities have radically different views on the characteristics of Generation Y
  • Explaining how Generation Y relates to Generation C
  • The implications for marketing and society in general.

So – what do you think – is Generation Y selfish or selfless?

I look forward to your comments.

This week I’m looking at why generational stereotypes are incorrect.

Generational studies usually focus on a demographic or age based analysis and define each generation by what they do.

For example when thinking about the Boomer generation, they talk about their activities – music, protests, hippy movement etc.

The key is that they are missing the point – to understand a generation the key is to look at the motivation that defines them. After all we are human beings not human doings :)

For Boomers it’s all about freedom or being free and they demonstrate this by the music, hippy movement, political protests that their generation are noted  for.

So Generation C isall about Control and show this by wanting to have the power to choose how to define their environment, be heard and share with other people in the digital world.

The video is 3 mins 48 seconds. Hope you find it useful.

How do you think generations should be defined?

Sarah Newton, Generation Y expert and writer of GenYGuide comments on the differences between Generation Y and Generation C.

In summary Sarah covers:

  • A clear rebuttal of the ‘selfish’ label for Generation Y
  • An exploration of how Generation Y is a product of its upbringing – e.g. embracing a more balanced life where work is less important
  • Generation Y are not ‘all into digital’ media

My thoughts are:

  • I have a different view on the social implications of Generation C
  • Essentially Generation C have become the ‘leaders’ of Generation Y in terms of an online opinion and have a significant social and marketing impact on our world.
  • Technology is a key factor in Generation C’s profile and leadership is a defining characteristic, hence Generation C is the 10% who leave a comment etc

Thanks again to Sarah Newton for taking the time to do this video for us – we really welcome the conversation.

So – what do you think are the key differences between Generation Y and Generation C?

Today we are talking about the motivations of generations and talking about why it’s important to look at what motivates a generation (as human beings) rather than what their behaviour is (as human doings).

This video is 3 minutes 46 seconds long and covers the following:

  • A quick definition of Generation C
  • Why we need to understand the motivations of different Generations – Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y and C in order to be target generations effectively
  • A summary of the motivations of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y and C

What do you think are the motivations of these generations and does it matter?