It's a generation thing

So, I might be changing my mind. If Gen Y is the generation of entitlement, then regardless of it all (the state of the globl economy etc) they want it now. If we are to be creative and brilliant with our promotional thinking, then of course we need to be relevant, timely and empathetic - see previous posts. However, if the target is exclusively Gen Y, then perhaps anything goes still. Champagne, Prada, beach holidays and income for life whilst shaking the bucket a bit for us over 40 years old, will resonate with our unpredictable 28 year old cousins. Once again I can return to that bottom drawer to dig out some of the old ideas that never got up!

Hooray

I have had enough of spreading the news that we are in the midst of a very serious recession. Everyone knows it. Jobs have gone. Colleagues are clearing their desks. Holidays are being canceled. New cars are gathering dust in dealerships across the land. And of course there is pressure on all of us to demonstrate a real positive return on any marketing spend.

I am excited to find businesses having a go. Hyundai out of the US has gone for the security blanket of offering a 'no questions asked and no penalties returns acceptance' to anyone who thinks they may lose their job in the next 12 months. With unemployment still only nudging above the 'natural rate' - the chances of this being taken up are slim and the column inches it has gained has been massive. Nice work.