dispatches from the new world of work

100 Ways to Succeed #116:

Boomers! Geezers! Now!

Before the week [day?] ends, somehow or other begin a serious conversation about your attitude toward and approach to the Boomer-Geezer market.

(Like race in the world of politics, try to examine your implicit biases—eventually with the help of an outside facilitator.)

If at all applicable, consider Very Radical Alternatives—e.g., re-aligning strategy around Boomers-Geezers.

Big idea/s:

    (1) It is a big idea.
    (2) Stir the pot. Now.
    (3) The opportunities are enormous; the response so far is pitiful.
    (4) Don't be an idiot.

Tom Peters posted this on 05/02/08.

Comments

â€œEven as wisdom often comes from the mouths of babes, so does it often come from the mouths of old people. The golden rule is to test everything in the light of reason and experience, no matter from where it comes.â€ Mahatma Gandhi

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 3, 2008 4:02 AM

Not being a babyboomer, nor a geezer, and fully understanding that all reponses need not be addressed to everyone all the time, the audience here seems narrow. Not addressed in this awesome call to action are women and other ethnicity. When one thinks of boomers or geezers those mentioned are often marginalized.

Addresses and audiences seem to have greater impact now because they are so crucial to the way in which we will evolve out of this extraordinary time which has global impact. I have been doing exactly what is suggested here with some success in our shifting economy and political environment. I fully expect greater things will follow.

Thank you, TP, for such a great kick. Thank you also for your affirmation.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 3, 2008 7:25 AM

Tom Peters is so forever relevant. Reading and re-reading his books is just simply amazing! Even re-reading this post I am reminded that if I just act upon what he writes I will acheive much. There is great stuff all around. WOW!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 4, 2008 10:20 PM

I think the first step for some of us (if the shoe fits) is to accept that we ARE boomer/geezers. I keep trying to pass myself off as an elder variety of Gen X. (Shameless.)

Posted by John O'Leary at May 5, 2008 8:14 PM

John - I would go further and recommend we forget trying to work out which label we fit and instead let's all just grow old ungracefully in good rock and roll fashion. I never want to grow up :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 6, 2008 5:04 AM

John...LOL! LOL! LOL! You are still the man!

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 6, 2008 3:34 PM

As for me, I absolutetly want to grow up and admire again the beauty and bliss of youth. All periods have their beauty and bliss; there is no need to hold on to another. I get along very well with young people because I love their place and adore my very own. There are indeed stages of life and I have been enjoying each and every stage thus far, fully expecting that those to come will also offer beauty and bliss.

Posted by Judith Ellis at May 6, 2008 3:42 PM

It's me: I'm almost 70. Finishing up a Dreamweaver Class. Doing photoshop. Reading blogs.
I also run a small consulting business in land use planning and sometimes I teach yoga.
What marketers should know:

I am Buying:
--tech stuff. like routers and cables and scanners and tv tuners. Yes, I just bought a new iMac.
--home improvement stuff (a little light masonry here)
office supplies and furniture
books
audio books

What I hate are all those ads for drugs and stuff aimed at the boomers and "pre=boomers". Are they the only ones they think are watching prime time?

viagra purchase in sydney Posted by Betty G. at May 8, 2008 5:18 PM