Why You Should Let a Millennial Handle Your Marketing

It seems like every year the internet lights up with a sea of listicles in favor of and against millennials tackling marketing initiatives for businesses. However, as time progresses, it’s also think-piece material that is quickly becoming outdated. Millennials are officially growing up. A recent Goldman Sachs infographic states that the millennial generation will be the biggest in U.S. history, with an estimated 92 million millennials making up the population.

With massive numbers and a generation that has largely been working in the field for several years and gaining the necessary experience, it’s time to bring on an accomplished millennial to tackle your marketing strategy.

Here’s a look at some of the qualifications they’ll be bringing with them.

They’re tech-savvy everywhere they go.

While this might already sound pretty obvious, it’s interesting to note how technology affects how much we actively see millennials in the workplace. In the PwC study on “Millennials At Work: Reshaping the Workplace,” 41% of millennials are so comfortable with technology that they would rather communicate remotely than in person or even on a phone call. Entrepreneurs looking to bring on a millennial for their marketing may want to consider allowing this team member to work from home or running a trial period where they are present in the office, and their work style can be observed to determine if they’ll be a fit for telecommuting.

They love to learn.

This is more than just knowing which hashtags are trending on Twitter or subscribing to a newsletter that sums up today’s top news stories. Millennials like learning within their field so much that it’s becoming an expectation in the workplace to continue learning. 35% surveyed by PwC want to work for employers that continue training them, allow them to enroll in development programs, and offer the opportunity for upper management to become their mentors. Keep in mind that if you bring a millennial on for marketing, a significant benefit of the job for them (and yourself and business) is encouraging continuous learning. Whether you can provide guidance as a mentor yourself or reimburse them for an online course, create options that allow them to grow and experience more in the position.

They’re ready to collaborate.

Studies have shown that millennials naturally enjoy working and multitasking with teams on projects. In 2012, UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School put together a study on “Maximizing Millennials in the Workplace.” Diane Spiegal, CEO of The End Result, noted that millennials look specifically for coaching, collaboration, measures, and motivation in the workplace. They’re ready to roll up their sleeves and work together under one condition: The goals and purpose must be clear. If you’re planning to bring millennials on your team, outline their duties and deadlines. This will keep everyone on the same page and also encourage them to come to you with their own innovative ideas and creative bursts of inspiration.

They’re not afraid of your feedback.

In fact, they welcome it! Millennials are working to change the conversation surrounding workplace feedback which has long been stereotyped as something to dread and avoid. As Spiegal says, because this generation was raised with a constant stream of feedback on everything from a test performance to soccer practice, they expect to continue receiving constructive feedback.

Check-in with your millennial team members often — not just at their review — and see how they’re doing. Offer your honest take on their performance, answer any questions they might have, and compliment their work or anything that they are doing well. And the more detailed you can be, the better — go all out and get their take on how you’re doing as a boss too!