Lisa’s Generation Relations Blog

Hi All,

Clearly I have been swamped! My blogging time has suffered, but there’s only so many hours in a day…

I came across this article a week ago but just now getting around to telling YOU about it. See? I am behind. I spoke at the big SEMA event in Vegas yesterday, and then head to Philly on Thursday to speak at the Annual SOPHE Conference. Lots happening!! Oh, and my new book, Millennials Into Leadership, is coming out in 2 weeks. I need to clone me right now.

Here’s the scoop: So much time is spent on discussing Millennials (aka Gen Y) as kids and/or young 20-somethings, but the eldest are now in their late-20’s and are “adults”. Even to this day when I conduct seminars about generations at work, Millennials in the workforce, etc. people have a hard time grasping the concept that millions of Millennials are close to 30 years old. “Older” people seem to think the eldest are still only 22, just graduating college or entering their first jobs.

Well, here’s the reality: We’ve got tons of Millennials out there becoming parents, and they are over 25 years old. The “Millennial Mom” movement is in full affect! And, no, I’m not referring to teen pregnancy. I’m referring to adult young woman having kids at around the same age their parents, or yours, probably did.

Back to the article I wanted to share…Brandon Evans, Managing Partner, Chief Strategy Officer for N.Y.-based social marketing agency Mr Youth. wrote an interesting blog post entitled “Millennial Mom 101″, outlining the 4 ways Millennial Moms mirror college students. I’ll give you an excerpt, but be sure to click here to read the whole thing.

And, if you’re interested in receiving a free White Paper with more stats and info about Millennials entering Mommyhood, visit MillennialMoms.com to download it!

Here are 2 of the ways Millennial Moms mirror college students that Brandon discusses…click here to read all 4!

Moms and college students have long been critical targets for brands, moms for their hefty control of household spending and college students for the important transitional life stage they are in, which shapes their brand preferences for years to come.

Most Millennials, born between 1977 and 1996, are well within their baby-rearing years. These new parents have been raised on the Internet, email, SMS and IM and quickly adopted social networking in their teens or early 20s. What may have seemed like two polar opposites a decade ago now bear considerable resemblance as a result of changes in communications spawned by technology.

4 Ways Millennial Moms Mirror College Students

I. They’re Multi-Tech Multi-Taskers

Family Management 2.0: As do college kids, Moms view technology as a way to integrate all areas of their lives. According to BSM Media, moms’ primary objective in using technology is for scheduling and to stay in touch with their busy families. In fact, 65% of moms use five or more separate technologies each day, including video, blogs and wireless devices to multi-task.

Unlikely Tech Trendsetters: In a recent study of over 1,000 people that included 300 moms and 300 college students, conducted through Mr Youth’s RepNation word-of-mouth influencer network, a nearly identical percentage of moms (49%) and college students (48%) agreed with the statement, “I am enthusiastic about learning about the latest products and technologies.”

II. They Build Communities To Ease Transition

It Takes a Virtual Village: As moms seek advice and reassurance, many turn to online support systems to help them raise their children. Millennial Moms use this digital community to reinforce their parenting ideas or seek out new ones that fit instead of looking for “expert” books and advice that promote a singular way of thinking.

Community Leaders: While online communities first targeted the youth market, moms could be the ideal users. A recent study by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association found that moms are 10% more likely to be on Facebook, nearly 10% more likely to be on MySpace and more likely to be on Twitter than the general adult population.

Social Networkers Anonymous: Communicating online has become an integral part of moms’ daily lives. While addiction may be a strong word, the Mr Youth/RepNation study found that half visit social networking sites “many times a day.” Moms’ usage patterns are a major driving force for why women’s online communities are among the fastest-growing Internet categories.

Be sure to read the complete article, and download the free White Paper, here!

Bye for now…

OH! And be sure to follow me on Twitter @GenerationsGuru !

Lisa