Whether you choose to believe it or not, there is a monumental shift taking place in marketing. Technology and the internet has changed the way people communicate and connect.

Take the case of an average 22 year old – I’ll call him Alex.

Alex doesn’t watch regular TV – he downloads shows or watches them online. He doesn’t read a newspaper, watch the news, or listen to AM/FM radio. He stays connected and in touch in his world via his cell phone, texting, email, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If he listens to music, it’s an iPod, iTunes, or satellite radio. If he watches a movie it’s Netflix, Hulu, or some other downloadable content. If he needs a phone number, he looks it up online or dials GOOG 411 – Alex has never used a Yellow Page book. If he wants to buy a product or see a movie, he checks online to see what others say first.

If he needs a product or service that he hasn’t needed before, such as renter’s insurance, a doctor, or even a plumber, he either asks his small circle of friends first and then checks them out online…or he just searches direct online.

Alex even goes so far as to check gas prices and deals at the local grocer online.  How weird is that to a 50 year old?

My point is that Alex has nearly complete control over what information he receives, who he receives it from, and when he receives it…and virtually none of it is via traditional marketing.

The shift is not isolated to the younger generation either. As technology continues to rapidly advance and become more available, more of the older generation is making the shift. Personally, I never watch the News (too much negativity), I use iGoogle as my blog / news reader, listen to XM or last.fm online, etc. etc.

So What?

Well, if you’re a business you need to determine if your current marketing plan is reaching this ever expanding group of buyers. If you’re not, I can promise you someone else is. Companies that are not in the game are already missing huge opportunities and will find it difficult to play catch up with companies that have been embracing the change for several years.

Doug

Internet Business Consultant @ www.WSIWebworks.com

Contact me at (864) 354-1730 to discuss search engine marketing strategies for your business. ]]> http://www.inbandw.com/2009/08/04/how-do-you-reach-alex/feed/ 0