For Millennial Consumers, Useful is the New Cool
Marketing to Millennials Author Jeff Fromm Talks Hashtags, Job Strategy and Chicken Wings
May 8, 2014 –”Why are chicken wings so popular with millennials?” asked keynote speaker Jeff Fromm of the audience at this morning’s Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit. “Because they’re an affordable flavor adventure!” According to Fromm, more than 69 percent of millennials consider themselves to be adventurous, a theme that’s being capitalized upon by savvy brands in, and outside of, the food industry.
According to Fromm, more than 69 percent of millennials consider themselves to be adventurous, a theme that’s being capitalized upon by savvy brands in, and outside of, the food industry.
Brands highlighted by Fromm include Heineken, who’s innovative participatory marketing scheme includes a “Travel Roulette” game at airports which asks travelers to spin the wheel for a chance to win a brand new vacation. The catch? Participants have to change their plans and leave immediately.
Other brand innovators include Ball Jars, Krispy Kreme Donuts and Dollar Shave Club. Fromm told the audience that it’s no longer about advertising, but instead about ideas.
“You have to ask and answer two questions; first, is this idea in our brand authority; and two, can we afford to make this bet?” said Fromm, encouraging participants to think outside the box about their engagement with millennial consumers. “If the answer is yes then hit the ‘go’ button.”
Fromm also emphasized that traditional marketing is no longer valid for a millennial consumer, noting that millennials are not a “target audience,” but instead a partner.
“We talk a lot about storytelling,” explained Fromm. “We live in a participation-economy and millennial mindset consumers want to co-create the story with you. It’s their story. And when they create the story they share it.”
So how do you co-create something that’s engaging, interesting and “share-able” for millennials? “Useful is the new cool,” Fromm explained, recognizing that taking risks and throwing out the old rule book is challenging and scary.
Fromm’s parting words of wisdom for Summit attendees: “stand for something other than your bottom line,” and, “start a movement.”
To learn more about this session and other sessions taking place today during the Stakeholders Summit, please visit the Alliance website. You can also follow along with the live twitter feed at #AAA14.
About the Alliance:
The Animal Agriculture Alliance is an industry-united, nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation. Find the Alliance on Facebook and Twitter.
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