An agent came to me last month and said, “Ummm, about that Video you’ve been telling me about. I need a crash course TODAY!” As it turns out, he’d just listed a house for a Grandfather. Someone his family had known for many years. The Grandfather said, at the end of the listing appointment, “You will do a video, right?” The Agent nodded his head, profusely.
“Well,” said the Grandfather, “I’ll do one too. In 30 days we’ll see who has gotten the most hits on their video, and the loser buys dinner!”
The agent is mid 30′s – the Seller is past his mid 60′s. This is not a Fluke. Grandparents, and those from “The Greatest Generation” are being helped with all kinds of programs aimed at getting them more familiar with new techie gadgets. One program, which runs Nationwide from Dec 1 to Dec 30 pairs teenagers and “grandparents” in their communities for one on one teaching. The Grandparents Gone Wired site claims that:
Kids can visit the site to register. They then fill out a checklist with areas of expertise (such as email set up, Facebook, Skype). They are then asked to reach out to a senior citizen that could benefit from those skills and mentor them on how to get connected. Reporting on that progress will make them eligible to win the prizes.
In Many Parts Of the Country – Seniors Have The Money
There are new shows on TV about “My House Your Money” (or something similar) where the kids are buying a house with the parents money. This phenomenon is not likely to change!
If you are potentially working with “Seniors” you need to first remember that they will likely spend as much, if not more time, online learning as much as they can about an area, a house, financing options, closing costs – and yes, YOU as they can prior to ever meeting you! This is also a group of people who likes to print information off – Women out number men on Facebook 2 to 1 – so if you are targeting those over 55+ remember to add some PDF’s to your information that are fairly easy to print off and hand to someone else (in large print).
If you have a fairly easy time connecting with this age group, why not volunteer to teach classes? I’ve suggested that instead of a car wash to raise money, the kids at church could do a series of classes like the Grandparents Gone Wired.
When you are advertising these classes, or creating blog content for them, I would stay away from referring to folks as “Seniors.” No one wants to be reminded how old they are. “Active 55+” is the best reference point you can make.
But because there’s so much more to read, people are picky about what they read. Seniors especially. People will read amazing amounts of material if it’s interesting and personally relevant.
I would not ASSUME that a Grandparent does not text, or watch Videos. There are plenty of Grandparents that have Droids, at a Neighborhood party last night one pulled his out and began showing me pictures of the fish he’d caught! I’d ASK – just like you would any other potential client, “What’s the best way for us to stay in touch an exchange information?”
This niche should be treated just like any other excellent referral group (Teachers Come to Mind). Seniors are looking to be sure that you are who you say you are, and you’ll do what you say you’ll do. Because of that, being able to read Recommendations from REAL PEOPLE is very important.
Think these guys aren’t Hip? Have you looked at the AARP site lately? The current headlines include, SmartPhone Apps for Aging in Place, Your Facebook Wall is About to Change, Is Google+ For You? Just like you would target blog content to Investors, or First Time Home Buyers – targeting the 55+ Niche Market is probably a great addition to your 2012 plan!
Industry Trends, Real Estate