Are you marketing to the 18-34 set? If so, you need to know that conventional marketing strategies and tactics will not work. And, with a combined spending power of $306 billion, it pays to get to know them.

They don’t use traditional media, their values are based on a strong orientation, and they are the most brand resistant generation ever. Let’s peek inside their heads.

1. Most educated generation yet
2. Closer to parents than previous generations
3. Strong social orientation supported by social media
4. 85% have MySpace and/or Facebook accounts
5. Only 2% interact with companies only online
6. They only open email if they’ve opted into a list from a brand or store
7. Ignore online and offline ads, including social media, use DVR to scoot past commercials, unless they are creative
8. Effective content includes videos, contests, and short articles that relate to their interests
9. Must be approached on their own terms on the media they use, e.g. Facebook, MySpace
10. Deeper brand relationships cultivated through through opt-in email and events