As Gen Z enters the workforce, they stand out from previous generations. A staggering 67% are interested in Entrepreneurship, or running their own business. Scholars speculate that we could be seeing lasting effects from the pandemic, or increased creativity that may be contributing to such high percentages. But what does this mean for sales?
Technology is already aiding buyers who have long suffered from asymmetrical information regarding large purchases. Gen Z is technologically proficient, and they often leverage this in their purchasing. These characteristics make Gen Z a double threat to “traditional” sales measures.
Additionally, marketers are discovering that Gen Z has a much shorter attention span. They often watch TV while scrolling, or multitasking. Gen Z prefers to view ads through sponsorships of influencers, or viral tik toks. Marketers are now searching for unique ways to capture the attention of a generation who is sales-averse, with only seconds to capture their attention.
With this information, marketers and sales are turning a new leaf, focusing on the customer and not the product. Companies are investing in political ideas close to their target market’s ideals. They are asking more customer centered questions and riding the waves of personalization. Capitalizing on Gen Z’s need for immediate gratification, dopamine-based short form videos and fast shipping times are selling points being used to garner favoritism.
Is sales dying? The short answer is no. Traditional Sales are dying out, but the industry is alive, and shifting to accommodate the changing needs and desires of the market. In fact, consumers are actually purchasing slightly more, despite inflation.
BoweryJE22
I really like how you commented on how technology is shaping sales. I feel like the one defining factor of Gen Z is their access to technology from such a young age, which not only shapes their lives, but shapes how they interact with others and the norms they grow up with. This technology has complete reshaped most of life, including sales
Yes, the overall push for more personalization in the modern world is a way of sleeping in the modern world. Like you said, traditional selling is dying out but the overall practice of selling is not. Like ever industry, it must adapt to the changing market
I agree with your insights on the evolving landscape of sales with Gen Z. Their entrepreneurial spirit and tech information knowledge are changing the traditional approaches. To add, adapting to their preference for speedy, personalized interactions is key for sustained success in the sales market.