Senin, 06 Juli 2009

Network Marketing and the Baby Boomers by Darwin Farr

Network Marketing and the Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers is a term given to the generation of people that were born between the years 1946 and 1964 - a rise in births immediately following the return of the soldiers from World War II. The needs of that generation have produced some interesting trends starting 63 years ago. Trends that might be of value to someone interested in network marketing.

In 1928 the Gerber Baby Food Company was started. Twenty years later sales had gone from 1 million cans per week to 2 million cans per day. In 1948 the company slogan became "Babies are our business ... our only business."

In the 1950s Schwinn Bicycle sales spiked. Hula Hoop became a household name. Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, Erector Sets, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie all became common names in every household. In the

1960s the baby boomers became of age to drive. You guessed it, the Ford Mustang rolled out on the floor. Fast cars were the craze of the day and "GTO" by Ronny and the Daytonas was a popular car song among the teenagers.

In the 1970s disco dance became popular. Mini skirts and platform shoes were seen everywhere. The baby boomers were making their mark on the world. Drugs and "free love" was a discussion brought on by parents who objected to their use. As the baby boomers began to have children of their own, Pampers, Binky and Hot Wheels started coming off the shelves.

In the 1980s the baby boomers began to become more affluent. They had been in the workforce now for a period of time and incomes were rising. Rise in incomes created a desire for nicer homes and thus we have the housing boom of the 80s. People had money to invest and so the stock market began its rise. The demand for more and more products created a need to go overseas to purchase items and thus we see the introduction of Toyota, Datsun, Panasonic, Sony and others. The market became more global because of that need. Baby boomers were needing more room for their children in the vehicles and so we see the need for the Minivan. Dodge introduced the Dodge Caravan in 1983.

In the 1990s we see the growth of the world wide web. Microsoft got its start and soon provided the operating system for most of the world's computers. Technological advances allowed for worldwide communications and so mobile phones are introduced and by the late 90s the mobile phone was in almost every household. Network marketing reached maturity in the late 90s. Corporate America had started downsizing and job security began to fade. The need for a home based business became a reality and network marketing was here to stay. The IRS now recognizes that network marketers are independent contractors.

The 2000s are upon us and indeed almost over and have created a "need of its own" for the baby boomers. The boomers are aging and beginning to retire. This creates more needs and greater opportunities for business that can be filled in network marketing. What is in the minds of the baby boomers? Number one - they want to feel good. Age has caught up to them and they want something to help with that. We have certainly seen a surge in health and wellness products, Diabetes and other health issues are prevalent and so you see a rise in health and wellness establishments. Walgreens and CVS Pharmacies are on every corner or at least is seems that way. Network marketing has jumped all over that market and has been promoting health and wellness products for over 15 years. Donald Trump is even getting into the health and wellness business. Because of all of these products and an active lifestyle, people are now living longer.

Number two - people want to look good. Once again age has caught up to the boomers and they are seeing wrinkles and crows feet appear and their waste lines increase. If you go into Walgreens or CVS you see that a good portion of the store is set aside for beauty aids and weight loss. Network marketing has jumped all over that market as well.

Number three - people are retiring and want to travel. The boomers have earned their money and want to spend it on things that they like to do. Travel is one of those things. The world today has such easy access. Airlines make it easy to get to any part of the world in a reasonable amount of time. Families are spread out all over the world and so a need for parents to travel to visit them. Beaches and mountain tops and golf courses and amusement parks are very enticing to people who are retired or will soon be retiring. The travel agencies in all the malls are gone now and replaced by the internet. Anyone can book online. Network marketing has not established itself that well in the travel industry. The opportunity is there and a few companies are beginning to jump on board. With the 8 trillion dollar industry out there to capture a part of, the network marketing industry is poised to be one the best opportunity for a home based business.

Number four - people who are at the age of retirement are not financially able to retire. We live in a world of instant gratification and many have spent their resources. The need for these retirees to supplement their social security checks with some income is there. What better way to do that than to have a home based travel business where they can enjoy the benefits of both an income and travel.

It is this writer's opinion that the home based travel business is the best opportunity today in network marketing. All the other network marketing opportunities combined pale in comparison to the 8 trillion dollar travel business that is there to be developed by those with an entrepreneur spirit. The travel business is expected to double in the next 10 years and someone has to be there to fill that need.

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