You may wonder how teenage behavior relates to marketing strategies, but if you’ve ever dealt with a strong-willed teenager, you’ll see the connection quickly.

Here’s the practical takeaway: influence a consumer’s attitude and intention to ultimately shape their behavior—just like with teens! This isn’t just theory; it’s a set of strategies you can use to improve your marketing approach.

While the comparison between teenage behavior and marketing may seem complex, it’s actually quite simple. Let’s break it down:

Open Communication:

In both marketing and parenting, actions speak louder than words. To build trust, show your audience that you care by staying engaged and listening to their needs. In marketing, this can be achieved through newsletters, surveys, social media, and blogs. Just as with teens, staying present and responsive makes a difference.

Follow-Through:

Whether you’re managing a brand or raising a teenager, your word must carry weight. In marketing, this could mean offering a money-back guarantee or fast delivery. Keeping promises builds reliability, and clients, like teens, value consistency. If you say you’re going to do something—like returning home by 9 PM or enforcing a curfew—make sure to follow through. The commitment you show will resonate with both clients and teens.

Active Listening:

Be responsive to phone calls, web inquiries, and reviews. When you don’t engage, your audience knows you’re not listening, and they may lose trust. Similarly, with teenagers, it’s less about what you know and more about showing you care through active listening. At home, this could be as simple as banning phones at the dinner table or asking thoughtful questions. Both teens and clients appreciate when their concerns are heard, and most of the time, they’ll come to their own solutions once they feel understood.

Support Their Interests:

Show up for your clients and support their causes, just like you’d attend your teenager’s soccer game or school play. Giving back to the community, such as donating to a local charity or highlighting a “Client of the Month,” shows that your business cares about more than just profits. The same goes for parenting—your involvement in your teenager’s passions will deepen the connection, creating lasting benefits for everyone involved.

Ultimately, we aim to work closely with our clients at every stage of their journey. This kind of partnership fosters growth and builds strong, positive relationships that benefit everyone involved.

BHTopHat! “AKA” The Hat!