One of the wonders of Facebook is the ability to tap into the sheer quantity – and quality – of data that people are happy to share, meaning it’s a gold mine of information for marketers.
US firm Millenial Branding took a look at four million Facebook profiles belonging to Gen-Ys (18 to 29) and found that they use their presence on the network as an “extension of their professional personality”, despite the platform being used for socialising with friends and family.
Whilst two-thirds do not list their employer on their profiles, on average their are 16 co-workers included as so-called “friends”.
Other notable highlights in the study:
- Gen-Ys spend just over two years in their first job.
- “Owner” accounts for the fifth most popular job title, “because they are an entrepreneurial generation”, says MB.
- Travel and hospitality is the biggest sector in terms of employment, primarily because of lower-paid jobs attracting Gen-Ys during study periods.
But while the data and content being shared on Facebook is useful for marketers, this generation needs to be aware of of the pitfalls of sharing so much within social networks, as MB founder Dan Schawbel explains:
“Gen-Y needs to be aware that what they publish online can come back to haunt them in the workplace. Gen-Y managers and co-workers have insight into their social lives, which could create an awkward workplace setting or even result in a termination.”
Here is an infographic with more data points:
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About Kevin May
Wow being in the hospitality industry I never thought they would be leading in this category.
I will keep following your posts
As a former hospitality work, maybe not leading but top 3 there’s no doubt. The main things people need are to eat and sleep, and there are enough people who travel for a living.
This infographic is typical of our staff at Bescover.com as we are in the travel industry.
Very true Pearltrees, I am uber-careful of everything I post on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn or whatever, on my work at bescover.com and most particularly on my private social. Whatever I write is a permanent record. I tell my friends all the time…Don’t tweet from the Bar!!!!