Generation Z, also known as Zoomers, is the demographic cohort succeeding Millennials.
While Gen Z has a lot in common with the prior generation, they are more likely to show restraint, be risk-averse, be well-behaved, and are mainly concerned with their job prospects.
Although Gen Zs are vocal about what they expect from companies, employers, and the older generations as a whole, they're still misunderstood by businesses and the media. It’s for this reason that the majority of Gen Z want to start their own company and be entrepreneurs.
8 Popular Gen Z Businesses Trends in 2022
Since Gen Zs are creative and bold trendsetters, they often create businesses that break the traditional mold. Here are 8 business trends you’ll see from Gen Z entrepreneurs in 2022.
1. Generation Z and Inclusivity
Gen Z is more interested in inclusivity, both for moral and business reasons. Since Gen Z are aware when they’re being sold to, they make sure to research whether a brand is being sincere with their hiring practices. Unfortunately, most brands aren’t as inclusive as they think.
Topics like LGBTQ+ rights, POC rights, and social responsibility matter to Gen Z, so they’ll make companies that try to benefit society. Instead of acting like they care, a Gen Z business will uplift their communities by prioritizing self-expression, body positivity, and inclusivity.
2. Generation Z and Real Estate
More and more Gen Zs are choosing to become real estate agents, and it isn’t hard to see why. Since Gen Zs are notoriously more tech-focused, they’re able to see and capitalize on trends in the real estate market more quickly. Gen Z is aware that investing in real estate is essential.
By getting a real estate license, entrepreneurs will be able to take advantage of crowdfunding, co-owning, and Metaverse properties because they’ll gain investment and negotiation skills. Plus, they will have exclusive access to properties, giving them a competitive edge.
3. Generation Z and Convenience
Gen Zs are digital natives, meaning they never lived in a world without current technology staples like smartphones, the internet, and on-demand media. While every generation values convenience, Gen Z will make sure everyone has the information they need when they need it.
The Gen Zs know that the ability to access information or a service isn’t convenient in itself; you need to go the extra mile to make sure the end goal is achieved as quickly as possible. That’s why grocery delivery, social media eCommerce, and all-in-one online courses exist.
4. Generation Z and Concierge Services
Anyone who used to travel a lot before the true worldwide adoption of the internet is familiar with a concierge. Although a person could plan out their trip using the internet, why would anyone do that when they could leave it to the experts? Gen Z sees the value in saving time over money.
Some Gen Z businesses are creating services that handle research for their customers. All a customer has to do is give the company their budget, timeframe, and destination (if applicable), and the business will do all the work. This serves Gen Z’s goal of maximizing their time.
5. Generation Z and Life Experiences
Most of Gen Z were too young, broke, or busy with school and work to truly enjoy life before the pandemic kicked in. But this generation found a way anyway! Thanks to Gen Z, digital nomad trends, glamping in local parks, and wine tastings at local breweries are incredibly popular.
Entrepreneurs saw these trends emerge and knew right away they were going to be huge, so they developed apps, services, and experiences that dealt with escapism. To Gen Z, living an exciting life doesn’t have to include traveling; it involves taking advantage of what you have.
6. Generation Z and Transparency
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to Gen Z. They’re tired of seeing companies take back their promises and valuing profit over taking a stand against human injustice. Gen Z is leading the charge in brand accountability and influencing other businesses to remain transparent.
A Gen Z-run business is more likely to release reports on its brand’s racial makeup to prove that its values aren’t just external; they’re present internally. Gen Z’s know that inclusivity isn’t about working with diverse creators. It’s about building inclusivity into the fabric of the brand.
7. Generation Z and Personality
If there’s anything that separates the Millenials and Gen Z in terms of marketing is the way they present content. A Millennial prefers aesthetically-driven curated content that seems almost too perfect. On the other hand, Gen Zers want brands that have a strong personality and voice.
While Millennials were trying to kick office politics and uniformity to the curb, Gen Z shot it out of a cannon and sent it to the moon. Tone is definitely subjective to the brand and what you’re selling, but Gen Z businesses will prefer to take a more light-hearted approach from now on.
8. Generation Z and Entertainment
Gen Z has this uncanny ability to filter content, so if you aren’t adept at saying what you need to in 8 seconds or less, you won’t survive. It’s important to note that the short Gen Z attention span is a misconception. Anyone who’s taught their parents to use a new phone knows this.
It’s not that Gen Z gets bored easily; it’s that they have a limited amount of time. Gen Z-run businesses are aware that they need to be entertaining, educational, and valuable to stay competitive, especially in spaces with easily digestible content, like TikTok and Instagram.
